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
Must-Listen Now! Classic and Hit Western Rock Songs of the 2000s (31–40)
SomedayThe Strokes
In the early 2000s, no band stood more prominently at the forefront of the garage rock revival than The Strokes.
Released from their debut album “Is This It,” this track captivated listeners around the world with its refreshing, youthful guitar riffs and irresistible melodies.
Its lyrics, reflecting nostalgia for the past and the complexities of human relationships, resonated with many.
Released in August 2002, it reached No.
17 on the US Alternative Airplay chart.
The music video drew attention as well, featuring high-profile guests like Slash.
It’s a must-listen for anyone nostalgic for their youth or standing at a crossroads in life.
So ColdBreaking Benjamin
The band that created this memorable classic, marked by a heavy guitar riff that sings of longing and loneliness, is Breaking Benjamin from the United States.
Their distinctive sound, fusing alternative metal and post-grunge, came to full fruition on the June 2004 album We Are Not Alone.
Centered on themes of coldness and betrayal in human relationships and inspired by the film 28 Days Later, the work enjoyed a 62-week run on the Mainstream Rock chart.
It was certified platinum in September 2015, cementing its place as one of the band’s signature songs.
With lyrics that touch the subtleties of the heart and a powerful melody, it’s sure to resonate with anyone standing at a crossroads in life.
Jerk it outCaesars
The song released in 2002 by the Swedish four-piece band Caesars can be seen as a work that skillfully blends elements of early-2000s pop and rock, emblematic of the music scene of its time.
Characterized by its catchy guitar riff and energetic drum beat, the track achieved international success after being re-released in January 2005.
In the UK in particular, it recorded certified sales of over 600,000 and received a Platinum certification.
Featured in various advertisements—including commercials for the iPod Shuffle and Coca-Cola—the song continues to appear on many people’s playlists today as a track that conveys the importance of stress relief and self-expression.
ClocksColdplay
In the rock scene of the 2000s, the first name that comes to mind as the most successful band is Coldplay from the UK.
Ever since releasing their debut—and now classic—album Parachutes in 2000, their trajectory, for better or worse, can be seen as emblematic of one facet of British rock in the 2000s.
From the outset they received high acclaim and achieved commercial success, and it was Clocks, included on their 2003 second album A Rush of Blood to the Head, that propelled them into a stadium-level, world-class band.
With its memorable, looping piano phrase, the song is a masterpiece that fully showcases their characteristic lyricism.
Beyond the overwhelmingly beautiful melody and delicate ensemble, the tightly pulsing drums provide a crisp accent that sets it apart from tracks that simply lean on atmosphere and tunefulness.
Another key point is the indie-rock-like naivety and modest mood that lingers—qualities not found in their third album and beyond, where they ventured into a more grandiose sonic world.
The Hand That FeedsNine Inch Nails
Known as one of the defining socially conscious rock anthems of the 2000s, Nine Inch Nails’ “The Hand That Feeds” pairs lyrics charged with criticism of politics and power with a forceful, melodic sound.
Released in May 2005, it generated major buzz, holding the top spot on the U.
S.
alternative chart for an extended period.
The track appears on the album With Teeth and was also used in the trailer for the 2005 film Mystery Men.
It’s a highly recommended song for those who want to engage with social issues or who love energetic music.
Now’s the time to listen! Classic and hit Western rock tracks from the 2000s (41–50)
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.
It’s My LifeBon Jovi
This song is a masterpiece that breathed new life into the rock scene of the 2000s, achieving hits in multiple countries and proving the band’s enduring popularity.
The opening riff uses a talk box, and the lyrics feature the return of Tommy and Gina from “Livin’ On A Prayer,” which is why it’s often called the 2000s version of “Livin’ On A Prayer.” It’s an undeniable classic packed with vintage Bon Jovi essence, yet its overall tight and heavy production reflects a band that evolved even further after the tumultuous 1990s.