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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- A roundup of debut songs by Western bands that lit up the 2000s
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- Ballad songs from Western music that were hits in the 2000s
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- [Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
- Debut songs by male Western artists from the 2000s
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
Masterpieces and hit songs by recommended Western bands from the 2000s (1–10)
NumbLinkin Park
An eighth single by Linkin Park, who have reportedly sold over 100 million records worldwide and are said to be the best-selling band of the 21st century.
It was the third single from their second album, Meteora, and became a massive hit that underscored the band’s popularity, including spending 12 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Chester Bennington’s vocals—switching between gentle singing and intense shouts—modern rap that tightens the track, and an arrangement that’s simple yet weighty all contribute to a level of polish that explains why so many bands aimed for a similar sound.
It’s one of Linkin Park’s signature songs that introduced a new approach to rock.
American IdiotGreen Day
A song by Green Day that achieved a historic feat as the first punk band ever to win the Grammy Award’s top honor, Record of the Year.
Created around an anti-war theme, it’s the title track and single from their 7th album, American Idiot, and many in Japan may recognize it as the theme song used for the 2011 Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The straightforward yet solid three-piece sound and catchy melodies brim with punk’s distinctive, anarchic vibe and pop appeal.
It’s a track that lets you grasp the coolness of rock in just one listen—a defining number of the post-2000 rock scene.
It’s My LifeBon Jovi
The signature song of the American rock band Bon Jovi powerfully appeals to the importance of living true to yourself.
Its universal message—“My life is my own”—resonates across generations.
Featured on the album Crush, released in June 2000, the track has remained a long-running hit since its release.
In July 2021, the official music video surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube.
It’s recommended listening when you need courage to face difficulties or want to fire yourself up.
Viva La VidaColdplay
A song by the alternative rock band Coldplay, formed in the UK in 1996 and with total worldwide sales exceeding 100 million.
Completed collaboratively by all members for their second album, “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends,” the track features a dreamy arrangement that evokes the Japanese title “Beautiful Life” and feels wonderfully soothing.
The string phrases that create a sense of grandeur and the heartbeat-like, forward-driving beat convey a palpable sense of power.
It’s no surprise it topped both the UK and US overall single charts—a number that shines light on dark times.
Dani CaliforniaRed Hot Chili Peppers
A song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers—inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and known in Japan by the nickname “Recchiri.” Released as a single from their ninth album, Stadium Arcadium, it was presented as the conclusion to the story that began on their seventh album, Californication, and continued on their eighth, By the Way.
In Japan, it’s also well known as the theme song for the film Death Note.
Driven by a dry guitar tone and a loose beat, the arrangement surges in the chorus, which will likely rekindle excitement for anyone who saw the movie.
It’s a cool number that made the Recchiri name widely known among Japanese listeners.
This LoveMaroon 5
A song by the rock band Maroon 5, known as one of the best-selling artist groups in the world and celebrated globally with three Grammy Awards.
Included on their debut album, Songs About Jane, the track gained recognition for featuring in the film White Chicks and the game show Beat Shazam, and is often cited as the song that put Maroon 5 on the map.
With its crisp, upbeat guitar chops, memorable piano phrases, and vocals imbued with a languid, moody vibe, it has an addictive quality that makes you want to keep listening.
Blending the feel of classic rock with modern production, it’s a standout number that colored the new rock scene of the 2000s.
StarlightMuse
A track by the UK rock band Muse, known for selling over 15 million records worldwide and winning the Grammy Awards twice.
Featured on their 4th album, Black Holes and Revelations, this song was also used as the theme for the film The Tourist.
The arrangement brilliantly showcases Muse’s post-2000 musical style, with its uniquely effected bass sound, synths that color the track to great effect, and a guitar phrase with strong presence.
You also won’t want to miss the melancholic melody that shines through the dynamic contrasts and catchy arrangement—an essential number that rock fans should definitely check out.