Hey everyone. Welcome back to Listen Up! In this edition, I doubled up this week’s selection of music, which will focus specifically on the music from the 2000s to the present. Check out this week’s special edition picks, and which songs from 2000-2022 I believe to have the most impact on music.

10. “Feel Good Inc” by Gorillaz (2005)

Gorillaz, the animated pop-punk/techno-rock group has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide, making them the “most successful virtual band” (Guinness World Records). “Feel Good Inc” is amongst the best-selling Gorillaz songs, aside hits such as “Clint Eastwood” and “DARE.” While their music continues to remain popular today, the impact that Gorillaz had on the 2000s pop scene was unparalleled. They helped pave the way for the electronic and alternative music of the 2000s-on with hip-hop beats, electronic dance vibes, yet dark lyrics and aspects of preceding ‘90s alternative rock.

9. “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (2018)

“Shallow” was the shining star of the 2018 soundtrack for the film A Star is Born. At this time, Lady Gaga was already a global icon following the success of her earlier 2000s songs like “Poker Face,” “Just Dance,” and “Paparazzi.” In A Star is Born, she teams up with Bradley Cooper to make a calmer, more emotional song than her previous electronic-dance hits. This change was clearly loved by the public, as “Shallow” has been viewed over 1 billion times on Youtube, and has become Lady Gaga’s most-streamed song on Spotify (1,724,031,414 streams). 

8. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes (2003) 

A personal favorite 2000s song of mine, “Seven Nation Army” is The White Stripes’ most iconic and well-known classic. Jack and Meg White managed to create a track with the most iconic guitar riff of the decade, while incorporating elements of blues and alternative rock into the powerful anthem we all know and love today. In addition to “Seven Nation Army,” check out some of my other favorite White Stripes tunes, such as “Fell in Love With a Girl” and “Icky Thump.” 

7. “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye (feat. Kimbra) (2011)

Continuing our list is the 2011 classic, “Somebody That I Used To Know.” This song combines a haunting essence with Australian, almost reggae-like beats. The correspondence between male and female vocals perfectly harmonizes with the background instruments in the track. Musically speaking, this song is excellent, and people clearly continue to think so; the song has been viewed more than 1.8 billion times.

6. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa feat. DaBaby (2020)

I’ve said it before, I am not the biggest fan of today’s pop music. However, I cannot dismiss the success and impact that the 2020 release “Levitating” has had on pop culture. A collaboration between two of today’s biggest celebrities, “Levitating” has put a smile on just about everybody’s face, while incorporating some really well-written music and lyrics (finally!). This positivity anthem never seems to grow old, despite how many times it is played on pop-radio stations. This song is a bright spot in some not-so-great times for music (in my opinion), and has still continued to shine two years after its release, especially in a time when songs do not remain popular for long.

5. “Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC (2000) 

Oh boy. We’ve hit the boy bands. If you know me, you can probably guess how I feel about early-2000s boy band music. At the top of this list would be *NSYNC, who I can’t help but respect, even if I do not care for their music. Not only were they pioneers for the majority of modern-day pop songs, but the sheer numbers of their success are absurd. By far their biggest hit, “Bye Bye Bye” has been listened to more than 287 million times on YouTube. In addition, the song helped up-and-coming celebrity Justin Timberlake enter the pop scene; he is now worth 57 million dollars. Wow. I guess I should learn some synchronized dancing.

4. “Numb” by Linkin Park (2003) 

Fast forward three years from the release of “Bye Bye Bye” and you have a completely different hit in the form of “Numb.” This powerful, alternative rock classic infuses elements of hip hop and techno into a song that will never be forgotten. The musicianship of the band is phenomenal, and the mixing of the track is perfect; combining Chester Bennington’s raw, unbelievable vocals with the power-techno track. Linkin Park’s success only grew after “Numb” was released, securing their spot among the top of the most influential 2000s bands.

3. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele (2010)   

“Rolling in the Deep” has been featured in the article before, but I feel it cannot be snubbed from this week’s list. To be blunt, this song is great. Adele’s vocals are unbelievable, just pouring out emotion. Her music has always been unique, combining elements of classical music with her incredible voice. “Rolling in the Deep” has always been my personal favorite, mainly because of its upbeat time signature and iconic chorus. What else is there to say about this song? It’s a phenomenal tune. 

2. “Hey Ya!” by Outkast (2003)

Coming in at number two in this special edition is the iconic Outkast song, “Hey Ya!” It is incredibly difficult to classify this song into one genre, because of its musical diversity. The song features the keyboard, acoustic guitars, rap verses, layered background vocals, and so many more different elements, all of which contribute to the uniqueness and lasting fame of this classic. The song also places emphasis on a message not touched upon by many 2000s rap tracks; the meaning of real love and how Outkast has observed its changes over the years. This song is incredibly unique, and one that will forever be loved and sung along to.  

1. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem (2002)

We’ve hit number one. The biggest and most influential song  (in my opinion), from 2000-2022, “Lose Yourself” is perhaps the most iconic rap song ever, and for good reason. I have always liked the song, mainly because of its message. When gang violence, sex, and drugs were all the rage in early 2000s rap hits, “Lose Yourself” shows Eminem’s desire to break away from these dangers, and to continue his passion for songwriting. The song explains that chances are limited in life, and that when you get one that can make your life better, you better take it.