It might be hard to believe that 2000s nostalgia is a thing. As in, people are yearning for some brightly colored, faux-leather flared pants. People miss shopping at Hot Topic. And most of all, people miss the music.
That last one is pretty valid, because the music created during the 2000s is actually very good. Maybe not Beatles good. But definitely good enough that if you were to listen to the songs again now, you wouldn't be able to stop yourself from singing along.
You might even start reminiscing. You may ask yourself, "God, was I in middle school or high school when this song came out? Did we dance to this at prom?" And you may end by thinking, This was everything back then.
Ahead, we've put together a list of songs that were your everything in the 2000s. Yes, that means some Nelly and Avril and maybe even some Amy Winehouse, too. Click ahead, and prepare to be transported.
"Gold Digger"
Kanye West ft. Jamie Foxx
What a simpler time in music. Jamie Foxx was still pretending to be Ray Charles. And everyone loved Kanye as much as Kanye loved Kanye.
"Skater Boi"
Avril Lavigne
The classic story of a boy who was too punk for the school's princess. And then one day he ends up a star, and she has so many regrets. The only thing better than the song is all of Lavigne's charcoal-black eyeliner and her Hot Topic wardrobe.
"Toxic"
Britney Spears
Is there a person on this Earth strong enough to resist dancing or singing along to Britney Spears' "Toxic"? No, there is no such soul.
"Take Me Out"
Franz Ferdinand
This is one of those songs you might have forgotten about, but any time you hear it, you have to start dancing.
"The Real Slim Shady"
Eminem
Just in case it wasn't clear before, Eminem let the world know that he doesn't give any fucks about anyone.
"Ms. Jackson"
OutKast
Admit it: If "Ms. Jackson" started playing right now, you would NOT be able to stop yourself from singing and rapping along. It's just further proof of why OutKast owned the 2000s.
"Hero"
Enrique Iglesias
With lyrics like, "Would you tremble if I touched your lips?" and "You can take my breath away," Enrique Iglesias solidified his status as bae in the 2000s thanks to this track. He also makes love to Jennifer Love Hewitt (in hoop earrings) on a pile of money. So.
"This Love"
Maroon 5
If you were a teen in the 2000s, you definitely rocked out to Maroon 5's Songs About Jane. You could probably name your favorite song on the album. Maybe it was "This Love." Or maybe it was "She Will Be Loved."
"Umbrella"
Rihanna
Long before Rihanna confessed her love for S & M, shined bright like a diamond, or found love in a hopeless place, she offered us her umbrella. Warning: This song is still catchy AF.
"Girlfriend"
*NSYNC
Remember when *NSYNC started doing R & B? And it was GREAT! They were even on 106 & Park! They even did a remix of this song with Nelly! (Really.) Never forget.
"Bring Me To Life"
Evanescence
You guys, we really got carried away with the emo music scene in the early-2000s, didn't we? But it was great. Evanescence is proof of that.
"Hot In Herre"
Nelly
What is a list of songs from the 2000s without Nelly's "Hot in Herre"? If your answer is "incomplete," you are correct.
"U Remind Me"
Usher
Usher had so many songs that defined the early-2000s —"Let It Burn," "U Got It Bad," "Yeah." The list goes on and on. But let's all enjoy this one for the Chilli cameo at the end.
"Crazy In Love"
Beyoncé ft. Jay Z
This song deserves praise simply for launching the solo career of the Queen Bey herself.
"Stacy's Mom"
Fountains Of Wayne
Fountains of Wayne created the MILF anthem long before Fergie did. "Stacy's Mom" gave a voice to every kid who had a crush on someone's hot mom.
"Ignition (Remix)"
R. Kelly
So you may have very strong feelings these days about R. Kelly the person. But R. Kelly the musician has made some great music. Is there anything better than that "toot toot" or that "beep beep"? No, no there isn't.
"I'm Real (Remix)"
Jennifer Lopez ft. Ja Rule
Ja Rule and Nelly made entire careers out of sing-rapping. And nowhere was that talent more notable than in this remix for Jennifer Lopez's "I'm Real."
"No More (Baby I'ma Do Right)"
3LW
Maybe you forgot all about 3LW. Maybe you don't remember all the lyrics. But you totally remember the hook, right? Of course you do.
"Cry Me A River"
Justin Timberlake
Remember when Justin Timberlake got his feelings hurt? And proceeded to make a song and video about Britney Spears? And even used a Britney twin in the video? It was all worth it for the sick Timbaland beat, though.
"Rehab"
Amy Winehouse
Before there was Adele, there was Amy. Her powerhouse vocals shined when she sang from the heart — about breakups, addiction, and anything in between.
"Hips Don't Lie"
Shakira ft. Wyclef
Who would have thought that Shakira and Wyclef would be the perfect match?
"Milkshake"
Kelis
How good was "Milkshake" when it came out? So good that it was featured in Mean Girls. So good that people are appalled that Kelis now admits she's never even made a milkshake.
"Work It"
Missy Elliott
Everything about "Work It" is perfect: the lyrics, the gibberish, the video with that cute little girl dancer. Take a moment to express your Missy Elliott appreciation.
"A Thousand Miles"
Vanessa Carlton
This song was inescapable in the 2000s. Because it was so damn catchy, and the video featuring Vanessa Carlton with her piano is amazing.
"Drop It Like It's Hot"
Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell
If you weren't trying to do the Crip Walk to this song, were really even listening?
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