It's always fun taking a walk down memory lane, and today, we're specifically looking at music. We're taking all the Gen Zs back to their childhood; that's right, we're revisiting early 2000s songs that defined the generation. From hits by Rihanna and Coldplay to Linkin Park, these artists created more than just songs - they created memories that will stay with us forever.

1. "Toxic" - Britney Spears

Kickstarting the pop scene, we all owe so much to Britney Spears for being such an icon. With so many hit songs under her belt, how do we choose which ones to highlight? Well, if there's one song of hers from the 2000s that everyone knows, it's got to be "Toxic." Released back in 2003, this jam is beloved for its unique but catchy beat and addictive lyrics. It'll always get everyone dancing and singing along.

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2. "Since U Been Gone" - Kelly Clarkson

Although this hit was released way back in 2004, it continues to be one of the most iconic break-up songs ever. Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" is one of the greatest songs to belt out at karaoke. With its fun, upbeat sound and relatable lyrics, this is definitely one song everyone knows by heart.

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3. "Bad Romance" - Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga has always been known for making a big statement, and back in 2009 when she released "Bad Romance," she was definitely in her prime. This catchy pop tune played on every radio and was constantly stuck in peoples' head. It's arguably the song that solidified her status as a pop icon in this next generation.

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4. "Halo" - Beyoncé

Not all pop songs need to be fast, upbeat, and danceable for it to become a success. And there's no artist out there that proves that better than Beyoncé. With her popular hit, "Halo," this soul-wrenching, emotional, and heartfelt song touched everyone who listened to it. 

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5. "Sugar, We're Goin Down" - Fall Out Boy

For all the pop rock lovers, how could you possibly ever forget about "Sugar, We're Goin Down" by Fall Out Boy? It was an early 2000s anthem! Although the chorus might seem a bit repetitive, it's so addictive and will get stuck in your head easily. 

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6. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" - Beyoncé

Of course we had to put Queen B on this list multiple times - she ruled the early 2000s after all! If we're talking about iconic songs that will continue to be popular, "Single Ladies" definitely has to make the list. Thanks to its amazing music video and choreography, this song quickly became a hit, making its way onto every radio station. 

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7. "Complicated" - Avril Lavigne

Feeling a bit angsty? If you're struggling to find a way to express all those feelings, singing your heart out to Avril Lavigne's "Complicated" will certainly do the trick. Not only do the lyrics resonate with every teen going through the struggle of finding their own identity, it's got a catchy tune that makes you want to listen to it on repeat.

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8. "Mr. Brightside" - The Killers

Sometimes, you just feel like belting your heart out to a song about unrequited love. Got to get all that stress and hurt out one way or another, right? So the next time you're in that kind of mood, make sure you've got "Mr. Brightside" queued on your playlist; this nostalgic song is the perfect one to sing-along to as you let your emotions run free.

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9. "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" - Panic! At The Disco

Putting them on the music scene, "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" by Panic! At The Disco is a standout song from the early 2000s. Fans fell in love with it (and continue to love it) thanks to its dramatic lyrics and iconic opening tune. It aged incredibly well too - it's still an addicting song you can put on repeat.

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10. "Fireflies" - Owl City

Coming from out of nowhere, Owl City took the world by storm with their hit song, "Fireflies." With its whimsical and fun beat, it quickly became a song that played on every radio station all the time. Even today, all you need to hear is three seconds of the song to know what it is. It's that iconic.

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11. "Poker Face" - Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga's back on the list with another nostalgic pop favourite that changed the music scene. "Poker Face" came out back in 2008, but its unique electronic pop sound captivated listeners everywhere. She definitely had a knack for being a bold artist that wasn't afraid to try new things and give her fans something different.

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12. "Viva La Vida" - Coldplay

Coldplay continues to be loved thanks to their moving songs and touching lyrics. They've been around for a long time and had hits since the start of their career. If you need proof, just think about the impact "Viva La Vida" had. Released in 2008, the song continues to be a staple on every pop playlist and every karaoke gathering. 

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13. "Umbrella" - Rihanna ft. Jay-Z

If we're talking about iconic songs that shaped a generation, there's no way we could leave out Rihanna's hit tune "Umbrella." It's arguably the song that catapulted her into international stardom. With Jay-Z's opening rap sequence carrying into Rihanna's unforgettable chorus, this is what we would call peak 2000s music.

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14. "Crazy In Love" - Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z

Turns out having Jay-Z feature on your song will likely make it a guaranteed hit. We know Beyoncé has shown up a couple of times already, but we swear this is the last one! "Crazy In Love" gives off fun vibes thanks to its energetic sound and strong vocals, making it a defining song of the early 2000s. Beyoncé certainly made a statement with this one (it was her debut as a solo artist too!).

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15. "Rolling in the Deep" - Adele

While Adele already had some music out before this iconic hit, "Rolling in the Deep" was truly the one to bring her to the limelight. Not only were people seriously impressed by her powerful vocals, the song's signature beat made it unforgettable. Throw this on at any karaoke party and you'll have people running to sing it.

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16. "Hot N Cold" - Katy Perry

Katy Perry is a certified pop queen, and we have to thank her for giving us numerous pop hits including "Hot N Cold." This song is funky, poppy, and so fun to dance to at any party. The lyrics are just as fun to sing along to, making this one memorable tune we'll never forget.

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17. "Sk8er Boi" - Avril Lavigne

Don't you miss songs that tell full-on stories? Ever hear about the one with a skater boy? With its upbeat, punk rock edge, "Sk8er Boi" by Avril Lavigne solidified itself as a pop culture staple. It's truly a defining track of the early 2000s, one that will bring back so many memories the moment you hit play.

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18. "Don't Stop the Music" - Rihanna

Electronic dance tunes were incredibly popular back in the 2000s, and Rihanna used that to her advantage to create "Don't Stop the Music." The title accurately describes how everyone feels about this song - keep the music going! Quickly becoming a club and dance party favourite, this hit got people up and out of their chairs to hit the dance floor.

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19. "In the End" - Linkin Park

There's no song from the early 2000s that best captured teenage angst and frustration than "In the End" by Linkin Park. It's the perfect song to jam out to as you try to vent your feelings. It's loud, powerful, and has surprisingly deep lyrics that resonates with a lot of people, even to this day.

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20. "Yellow" - Coldplay

Sometimes, simple is best. You don't always need energetic, loud music to grab people's attention. Songs that are slow, emotional, and powerful can be just as effective, something Coldplay knew early on. That's why "Yellow" is arguably one of their most beloved songs, even if it came out so many years ago. People fell in love with its beautiful lyrics and melody, and it continues to resonate with people decades later.

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