Debut songs by Western rock bands from the 2000s
The 2000s Western rock scene was a tumultuous era that gave rise to new musical movements, including the revival of indie rock and garage rock and the rise of emo and post-hardcore.
Centered in the UK and the US, bands with distinctive sounds and styles emerged one after another, bringing a fresh breeze to the music landscape.
So, with what debut tracks did the rock bands active in the 2000s make their entrance onto the scene? Here, we introduce a selection of their foundational songs—tracks that remain as vivid today as ever.
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Debut songs by Western rock bands from the 2000s (11–20)
UnoMuse
Despite being a simple three-piece, Muse won popularity with an epic, singular sound that paid no mind to passing trends.
Released in June 1999, this track was their momentous debut single, heralding the beginning of their legend.
The dynamic shift from a softly plucked, Spanish-tinged guitar riff to an explosion of fierce band energy showcases the budding originality that is quintessentially Muse.
Its defiant theme—pressing forward on one’s own path without yielding to outside pressure—shakes the listener to the core.
It reached a peak of No.
73 on the UK Singles Chart and was also included on their acclaimed debut album, Showbiz.
If you’re looking to resist a powerful force or stay true to your convictions, this song will undoubtedly give you a strong push forward.
I Bet You Look Good On The DancefloorArctic Monkeys
When it comes to the biggest event in the UK rock scene since the mid-2000s, the debut of Arctic Monkeys undoubtedly tops the list.
As teenagers, they built a following through grassroots activities that leveraged the internet, and when they finally released their debut single “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” in 2005, it shot straight to No.
1 in the UK.
They drove the danceable post-punk revival, and countless bands rushed to emulate their style—a testament to their greatness.
Listening again, you realize how genius it is: a simple construction with overwhelmingly catchy melodies and riffs packed with hooks that are just as memorable.
It’s truly a rock anthem that defines the 2000s!
What A WasterThe Libertines
A single released in 2002.
A four-piece rock band from London formed in 1997, they are one of the leading acts of the garage rock revival movement.
This is their debut single.
The cool melody combines a slightly retro, resonant guitar tone with a powerful rock sound.
Darts Of PleasureFranz Ferdinand
Included on the 2004 album “Franz Ferdinand.” A five-piece rock band from Scotland formed in 2002.
Their sound, brimming with art-school sensibilities and pop-savvy editing, has been described as “breaking down the barriers between dance and pop.” This is their debut single.
You can really sense the flair in the slightly unconventional melodic flow.
One Step CloserLinkin Park
Among genres that fused rap and metal—like rap metal and nu metal—Linkin Park were the ones who defined an era with a hybrid sound that emphasized melody, anchored by the late Chester Bennington’s overwhelming vocals.
With over 100 million records sold worldwide, they were the most successful rock band of the 2000s, and their debut single was “One Step Closer,” which also appears as the second track on the masterpiece Hybrid Theory.
In the music video, they’re unmistakably young and dressed in the quintessential nu-metal fashion of the time—an endearing touch—but the excitement that “this is where a new era begins” still hasn’t faded even now!
Vampires Will Never Hurt YouMy Chemical Romance
While often cited as emblematic of the 2000s emo boom, My Chemical Romance—aka My Chem—revived the brilliance of classic, conceptual rock and became a globally popular band.
This track is essentially their debut single from their indie days, and it’s also included on their 2002 first album, “I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love.” At that time, they were positioned as protégés of Thursday, who were leading the scene then, and their sound fused goth with screamo.
It’s been a fan favorite for years, so be sure to check it out.
Debut songs by Western rock bands from the 2000s (21–30)
Mr. BrightsideThe Killers
Included on the 2004 album Hot Fuss.
A four-piece rock band from Las Vegas formed in 2001.
Their signature is a catchy new wave sound featuring extensive use of keyboards and synthesizers.
They became popular in the UK before their home country, the United States.
Listening to the style, it certainly does have a British feel.