In the early 2000s, popular music was dominated by Pop and R&B songs. While there were also some rock songs that managed to break into the mainstream, most of the popular songs were ballads or mid-tempo tracks.
Songs like “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani, and “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day were just some of the songs that topped the charts in 2004.
If you want to take a trip down memory lane, or if you’re just curious about what was popular in 2004, check out this list of the 20 greatest songs from that year.
Contents
- 1. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day
- 2. “Mosh” by Eminem
- 3. “Yeah!” by Usher featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris
- 4. “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson
- 5. “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand
- 6. “The Reason” by Hoobastank
- 7. “I Don’t Wanna Know” by Mario Winans featuring Enya & P. Diddy
- 8. “Somebody Told Me” by The Killers
- 9. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
- 10. “Let Me Love You” by Mario
- 11. “Float On” by Modest Mouse
- 12. “My Prerogative” by Britney Spears
- 13. “Lean Back” by Fat Joe
- 14. “Burn” by Usher
- 15. “Move Ya Body” by Nina Sky
- 16. “Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg (feat. Pharrell)
- 17. “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child
- 18. “Slow Motion” by Juvenile ft. Soulja Slim
- 19. “All Falls Down” by Ye
- 20. “Vertigo” by U2
- Final Thoughts
1. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day
Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is one of the most iconic songs of the 2000s. The song was released in 2004 as part of the album “American Idiot.”
The song is about feelings of isolation and loneliness, and it resonated with many people who were going through similar experiences.
2. “Mosh” by Eminem
A protest song against George W. Bush, “Mosh” was released in the fall of 2004, just a few weeks before the presidential election. The song was incredibly popular, and it helped to increase Eminem’s already large fanbase.
3. “Yeah!” by Usher featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris
Next on the list is “Yeah!” by Usher. This song was one of the biggest hits of 2004, and it featured two other popular rappers at the time, Lil Jon and Ludacris. “Yeah!” is a party anthem, and it’s perfect for getting people out on the dance floor.
4. “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson
A song of hope and resilience, “Breakaway” finds strength in being different and not following the herd. Clarkson’s anthemic pop song is one of her signature hits, and with good reason.
The lyrics are relatable and the melody is catchy as heck. “Breakaway” is a feel-good song that never gets old.
5. “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand is a Scottish rock band that rose to fame in the early 2000s with their signature brand of dance-rock. “Take Me Out” is one of the group’s best-known songs, and for good reason. It’s an infectious party anthem with a killer guitar riff and clever lyrics.
6. “The Reason” by Hoobastank
“The Reason” is a classic emo ballad full of angst-ridden lyrics and heartfelt emotion. Hoobastank manages to make the song sound both raw and real, without coming off as too whiny or melodramatic. It’s an emotional song that still resonates with millions today.
7. “I Don’t Wanna Know” by Mario Winans featuring Enya & P. Diddy
“I Don’t Wanna Know” is a heartbreak song with a memorable hook courtesy of Enya. The song became a huge hit in 2004, thanks in part to its relatable lyrics and catchy melody. You can find it on the Hurt No More album which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.
8. “Somebody Told Me” by The Killers
Next on the list is “Somebody Told Me” by The Killers. The song is a synth-rock anthem with dark lyrics. The song became a signature hit for the band and helped propel them to international stardom. You can still stream this track on all music platforms out there.
9. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
Who could possibly forget Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone?” The song is a pop-rock anthem about moving on from a toxic relationship.
It’s one of Clarkson’s most iconic songs, and with good reason. The lyrics are relatable and the melody is catchy as heck. It has been featured in the hit movie Pitch Perfect.
10. “Let Me Love You” by Mario
A song about loving someone until she learns to love herself, “Let Me Love You” spent weeks at the top of the Billboard charts and became one of the biggest hits of 2004. It remains one of Mario’s most iconic songs that is still widely streamed today.
11. “Float On” by Modest Mouse
From the album Good News for People Who Love Bad News, “Float On” was an instant classic and one of the defining songs of the early 2000s indie rock scene. It remains one of Modest Mouse’s most popular tracks and is still played regularly on alternative radio.
12. “My Prerogative” by Britney Spears
Britney Spears is a pop icon and one of the best-selling artists of all time. “My Prerogative” is a song from her 2004 Greatest Hits album.
This track is an uptempo dance-pop and R&B song with elements of hip hop. The song is about Spears’ right to do whatever she wants, despite what others may say or think.
13. “Lean Back” by Fat Joe
An uptempo hip hop song built for the club environment, “Lean Back” features a simple, yet catchy hook and production.
The song was released as the lead single from Fat Joe’s second studio album, True Story. With over 130 million view on Youtube, it is one of the most popular songs from 2004.
14. “Burn” by Usher
“Burn” was a global chart-topper, including eight nonconsecutive weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot 100. The song is an R&B ballad written about a scorned lover.
Critics praised the song and it was nominated for several awards. This now has almost 300 million views on Youtube, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
15. “Move Ya Body” by Nina Sky
Nina Sky’s breakout hit, “Move Ya Body” is a reggaeton and dancehall track with a signature dance move to go along with it.
The song became a club staple and was featured in many films and television shows. The song marked the duo’s only single to reach top 40 on Billboard Hot 100.
16. “Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg (feat. Pharrell)
We know you remember this one. Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot” was a huge success, peaking at number one on Billboard Hot 100. The song features production from The Neptunes and is a west coast G-funk track with elements of hip hop and R&B.
17. “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child was one of the most successful girl groups of all time and “Lose My Breath” is one of their most iconic tracks.
The song is an uptempo R&B and dance-pop track with elements of new jack swing. “Lose My Breath” was nominated for several awards, including a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.
18. “Slow Motion” by Juvenile ft. Soulja Slim
This next track is a collaboration between two southern rap legends. Juvenile and Soulja Slim teamed up for this classic banger which became one of the most popular songs from 2004.
The song is an uptempo Southern hip-hop track with elements of crunk and bounce music. It’s a must listen if you’re into old-school rap music.
19. “All Falls Down” by Ye
“All Falls Down” is a song from Kanye West’s debut album, The College Dropout. The song features vocals from Syleena Johnson and is produced by West himself.
The track is a conscious hip hop song that addresses the issues of materialism and celebrity culture. You can definitely hear the beginnings of West’s signature sound on this track.
20. “Vertigo” by U2
Wrapping up our list is “Vertigo” by U2. The song is the lead single from their eleventh studio album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
“Vertigo” is a rock song with elements of punk and new wave. The song was a commercial success and won several awards, including a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of the great songs that came out in 2004. It was definitely a great year for music. If you’re looking for some throwbacks, be sure to check out these tracks, they’re sure to get you grooving.
Burn Music Video Screenshot Featured Image (Bottom) by: VEVO, Fair use, Link