Masterpiece and hit songs by recommended Western bands from the 2000s
Bands have always energized the global music scene.
Among them, the bands of the 2000s were special, with many genres emerging that hadn’t existed before.
New styles from that era—like rap rock, which adds hip-hop elements to rock, and pop punk, which blends punk with pop—remain popular today as major genres.
In this article, we’ve picked out some of the key bands from the 2000s.
Please enjoy reading to the end at your leisure!
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Masterpiece and hit songs by recommended Western bands from the 2000s (61–70)
Second ChanceShinedown
A quintessential ballad from Shinedown, one of the defining American rock bands of the 2000s.
Its hopeful melody and the protagonist’s resolve to say goodbye to family in order to chase his dreams are deeply moving.
Released in September 2008 and peaking at No.
7 on the Billboard Hot 100, this song has remained one of the band’s signature tracks beloved around the world.
It was also featured on WWE’s popular program “Tribute to the Troops” and in promotional material for the TV drama Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, earning widespread support.
It’s a song that gently encourages those who feel hesitant about taking the first step toward their dreams or who have decided to embark on a new challenge.
In The EndLinkin Park
This masterpiece, which fuses weighty melodies and rap with emotional vocals, was released in October 2001 by the American rock band Linkin Park.
Featured on their debut album Hybrid Theory, the track captured the hearts of nu metal fans worldwide and reached No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Its striking intro begins with a piano riff, and the call-and-response between Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington powerfully conveys the frustration of efforts that go unrewarded.
The surreal music video, featuring a massive statue standing in a desert, won Best Rock Video at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards.
It’s a gem that deeply resonates with anyone who feels loneliness or defeat.
PsychosocialSlipknot
This is the tenth single by Slipknot, a metal band that has asserted its presence in the rock scene since the 2000s with a metal sound distilled from diverse musical backgrounds and a distinctive look in which all members wear masks.
The song was used in the film Punisher: War Zone, and its structure—moving between melodic passages and growls—suggests a new standard for rock.
With riffing powered by a heavy guitar sound and a tight, commanding beat, it retains metal’s cool edge while delivering a modern, evolved finish.
It’s a metal tune that’s also recommended for listeners who are just starting to get into the genre.
LifelinePapa Roach
A track from Papa Roach, a driving force in the American rock scene, that carries a passionate, message-filled punch.
Centered on themes of youth, growth, and self-discovery, its powerful vocals resonate with the feelings of people facing economic crisis.
Released in 2009 and included on the album Metamorphosis, this song gives you the courage to hold onto hope even in hard times.
The beautiful harmony woven by the guitar riffs and catchy melodies signals a new frontier for Papa Roach.
Featured in the Rock Band series and Band Hero, it gained broad support from a wide audience.
It’s a track that stands by your side when you want to keep moving forward, or when you need the courage to take a new step.
Time FliesPorcupine Tree
A track by Porcupine Tree that continues to evolve with a unique musicality, rooted in a psychedelic approach and blending post-prog sounds like trance and ambient.
Taken as a single from their 10th album, The Incident, it’s a catchy number featuring ear-grabbing guitar backing and airy, floating vocals.
The song’s structure builds layer by layer and unfolds dramatically, fully showcasing the compelling appeal of progressive rock.
It’s also a standout rock tune that represents the 2000s prog scene, with melodies that are tricky yet never leave the listener behind, and a striking beauty throughout.
Punk Rock Princesssomething corporate
Here’s a classic piano rock track that took the 2000s by storm.
With a poignant melody that stirs listeners’ hearts and lyrics that capture the restlessness of youth, this song leaves a strong impression.
It was included on Something Corporate’s album “Leaving Through the Window” and released in May 2002.
Earning high acclaim, it reached No.
1 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart.
The piano lines blend seamlessly into the high-energy band sound, showcasing both emotional depth and pop appeal.
It’s a gem best enjoyed while feeling the piano’s ebb and flow of emotion.
JennyThe Click Five
A song by The Click Five, an American power pop band whose members at the time of formation were mostly students at Berklee College of Music.
It was the first single from their second album, Modern Minds and Pastimes, and is known for achieving major success in Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
With catchy melodies and rock-like arrangements that evolve the power pop genre—said to have originated in the 1970s—into a modern sound, it offers a high-quality listening experience that resonates even with listeners who don’t often listen to rock.
It’s a classic that feels timeless, even within the increasingly diverse rock scene from the 2000s onward.