Must-Listen Now! Classic and Hit Western Rock Songs from the 2000s
In today’s music scene beyond the 2020s, hit songs and classics from the 2000s are already remembered as classic numbers.
While there may not have been a massive movement that defined the era like grunge or alternative rock in the 1990s, the rapid spread of the internet gave rise to many remarkable songs and artists unique to a time when our very way of engaging with music was transforming.
So this time, we’re highlighting hit songs and timeless tracks from Western rock in the 2000s.
Centered around the keyword “rock,” we’ll deliver a diverse and exciting lineup!
- Masterpiece and hit songs by recommended Western bands from the 2000s
- [Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
- Commercial songs from Western music that were hits in the 2000s. Popular commercial jingles.
- Debut songs by Western rock bands from the 2000s
- Dance music from Western artists that was a hit in the 2000s. World-famous classics and popular songs.
- Ballad songs from Western music that were hits in the 2000s
- Recommended Western rock bands; popular overseas bands.
- Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Foreign Rock Bands, Popular Bands
- Moving Western songs that were hits in the 2000s
- [Y2K] A roundup of debut songs by Western girl bands that emerged in the 2000s
- Hit Western songs from the 2010s. Recommended classics.
- [Western Music] Both Speed and Bittersweetness! Recommended Melodic Hardcore (Melodic Punk) Bands [2025]
- 2000s Western pop hits you still hear in commercials, movies, and on the streets
Now’s the time to listen! Classic and hit Western rock songs from the 2000s (21–30)
DualitySlipknot
When it comes to signature songs by Slipknot, the nine-piece heavy metal band from Iowa, this track stands out.
Featured on their 2004 album Vol.
3: (The Subliminal Verses), it became a global hit, reaching No.
1 on the UK Rock & Metal chart.
The music video was filmed in the band’s hometown and depicts fans destroying an actual house.
The lyrics, exploring the light and darkness of the human psyche, lay bare inner conflict and anguish.
It’s a must-listen not only for fans of heavy music, but also for anyone who resonates with the complexities of human emotion.
Float OnModest Mouse
It’s fair to say that one of the defining traits of the 2000s music scene was a shift in indie rock’s values—from a fundamentally anti-commercial, often insular ethos to something more open—good or bad.
The commercial success of a band like Modest Mouse is truly emblematic of that change.
Active since the 1990s and already well-known among dedicated US indie fans, Modest Mouse broke into national recognition with “Float On,” the lead track from their fourth album, Good News for People Who Love Bad News, released in 2004.
It’s both a signature song that distills the band’s singular appeal and a standout anthem of the 2000s.
While the track is rooted in the quirky sensibilities typical of US indie and stands apart from straightforward pop, it remains irresistibly poppy and catchy, with a strangely affecting melodicism that hits you right in the chest.
If you like this song, pick up the album and get hooked on the deeper charms of Modest Mouse!
No One KnowsQueens of the Stone Age
Originating from the underground genres known as stoner rock and desert rock, yet boasting a unique sensibility unlike anything else, Queens of the Stone Age command immense popularity not only in their native America but also across Europe.
Balancing a cultish musicality with commercial success, their early classic No One Knows—an emblematic club hit of the early 2000s—shows us the primal rush of simple rock ’n’ roll and the cool brilliance of guitar riffs.
It’s the lead track from their 2002 hit album Songs for the Deaf, on which none other than Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl participated fully as the drummer.
The song is packed with an indescribable, enigmatic allure.
While its structure is fairly simple, as noted, its individuality makes it hard to find anything quite like it—yet it’s incredibly catchy, with a wonderfully odd pop sensibility.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to hear rock with a twist!
Seven Nation ArmyThe White Stripes
As a rock band consisting of only guitar and drums—the smallest possible lineup—they helped spearhead the 2000s garage rock revival.
The White Stripes conquered the world with raw guitar riffs and tight yet supple drumming.
Their cool, stylish aesthetic built around red, white, and black set them apart from mere rock ’n’ roll revivalism.
While they were highly regarded among certain music fans from their debut, the song that truly made their name globally was 2003’s “Seven Nation Army.” Its famously catchy main riff may sound like a bass at first, but it’s actually a guitar run through a Whammy pedal, dropped an octave.
It’s an impeccably simple yet unforgettable rock track, and its impossibly cool music video is a perfect match—if you haven’t seen it, make sure to check it out!
Second ChanceShinedown
Since their formation in 2001, the American rock band Shinedown has garnered wide popularity with a diverse sound ranging from hard rock to alternative metal.
They gained attention with their debut album, Leave a Whisper, and have continued to release hit songs.
Notably, every single they’ve released has reached the Top 5 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, and in June 2021 they were named the greatest artist in the chart’s history.
The band’s appeal lies in their profound lyrics, versatile musicality, and engaging live performances.
They’re recommended not only for rock fans but also for anyone who connects with moving, emotionally resonant lyrics.
One Step CloserLinkin Park
A signature song by Linkin Park that conveys intense yet deeply felt emotions.
Featured on their 2000 debut album Hybrid Theory, this track lays bare frustration and inner turmoil.
It portrays the feeling of being crushed by pressure and carries a powerful message that leaves a deep mark on listeners.
The music video, filmed in a subway tunnel, features the band’s electrifying performance.
It’s a recommended track for those feeling stressed or wanting to confront their own emotions.
Consolation PrizesPhoenix
An ambitious work by France’s Phoenix that fuses guitar sounds evoking the roots of garage rock with a refined pop sensibility.
Released in 2006 from the album “It’s Never Been Like That,” this track establishes its own style while incorporating elements of ’60s garage rock and ’80s post-punk.
The music video, filmed over three nights in Paris, beautifully harmonizes performance scenes by the band with the city’s landscapes.
Its melodious progression and dynamic arrangement are exquisite, making it a song you’ll want to play in active situations like drives or parties.
As one of their signature tracks that brought a fresh breeze to the music scene, it continues to shine to this day.