Top 50 2000s One-Hit Wonders That Still Bang

#50: “Heaven” (2001)

DJ Sammy & Yanou feat. Do

Bryan Adams may have introduced the soft rock anthem to listeners in the early 1980s, but the 2001 remix introduced it to a new audience. From beginning to end, DJ Sammy and Yanou’s version of “Heaven” is pure EDM perfection. Do’s take on the lyrics elevated it even further, and both modernized aspects helped the song easily hit the top ten in the United States and chart worldwide. Over two decades later, the track is still beloved on and off the dance floor. The stylized production creates a feeling of joy that’s impossible to ignore, all while maintaining the endearing message of Adams’ original. Listening to it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, no matter who you are.

#49: “Replay” (2009)

Iyaz

As soon as you hear that producer tag, you know you’re in for a good time. Much like the subject of Iyaz’s single “Replay,” the song has a melody that’s impossible to get out of your head. It took a few months to gain widespread recognition, but by early 2010 it became a global success. As if the production alone wasn’t enough to explain its longstanding popularity, its wholesome message about developing a crush on your dream partner has made it accessible to listeners of all ages. Although it’s a millennial anthem through-and-through, the piece has seen a resurgence thanks to Gen Z turning it into a hilarious meme. Once this comes on, it’s a given that you’ll hit replay over and over again.

#48: “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” (2003)

The Darkness

The band may have intended to write a silly love song, but they inadvertently created one of the most memorable singles of the early 2000s instead. With its instantly recognizable chorus and impressive falsetto vocals, it’s no wonder why “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” became a standout within the glam metal subgenre. Despite being barred from charting at first, it gained enough prominence in the United Kingdom for it to become a hit around the world. Several publications consider it to be one of the best rock tunes of the 21st century, and it's clear why. Its timeless appeal and infectiously positive vibe are so apparent that it’s practically impossible to not sing or groove along as soon as it starts to play.

#47: “I Wanna Be Bad” (2001)

Willa Ford feat. Royce da 5’9”

She may not have reached the same heights of popularity as her contemporaries, but this ensured that people would remember her for years to come. Willa Ford’s “I Wanna Be Bad” is the very definition of early 2000s dance-pop, with the smooth vocals and unforgettable production to prove it. Ford was determined to create a boundary-pushing track, which ended up being the key to its success. The single earned her comparisons to other divas like Britney Spears, and a peak at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its unapologetically defiant message and impeccable sound design has helped it stand the test of time. Its legacy continues on today, with some communities even claiming it as an anthem.

#46: “Do It to It” (2006)

Cherish feat. Sean Paul of the YoungBloodZ

Thanks to the power of remixes, this bop from 2006 has now become a multi-generational hit. Cherish’s initial take on “Do It To It” with rapper Sean Paul was a perfect fusion between hip-hop and R&B, and its accompanying choreography helped its popularity spread. It eventually reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 – but its legacy wouldn’t end there. Fifteen years after its release, Florida-based DJ Acraze reworked it into a tech house masterpiece. It garnered millions of streams and went to #3 on the electronic songs chart. The reworked version won over the hearts of the band and the general public, and both it and the original are guaranteed to put a smile on your face while listening.

#45: “Laffy Taffy” (2005)

D4L

You know a song is born for greatness when it knocks a well-established icon like Mariah Carey from the #1 spot. That was the case for “Laffy Taffy,” an instantly recognizable jam track from 2005. It was one of the first to reap the benefits of online sales, and even set a world record in 2007 for being the most downloaded single. It ushered in an era of digital prominence, and its impact hasn’t waned. Both its catchy beat and eye-catching choreography have aged well, which helped it catch on amongst younger generations. It's difficult to resist the urge to break out into dance as soon as it starts playing, making it the perfect addition to any modern party playlist.

#44: “Scotty Doesn’t Know” (2004)

Lustra

It may have been written for “EuroTrip,” but its popularity has long since outpaced that of the movie’s. “Scotty Doesn’t Know” manages to turn a song about cheating into a comedic masterpiece. Both its iconic guitar riff and hilarious, biting lyrics helped it quickly gain popularity, and eventually led to Lustra becoming one of the first unsigned bands to chart. Its success is more than deserved, with its classic pop-punk sound fitting in perfectly within the genre. Despite that, it still sounds as fresh as it did the day it premiered in 2004. The track still goes hard to this day, thanks to its rousing and infectious chorus that inspires listeners of all musical tastes to sing along.

#43: “Gotta Get Thru This” (2001)

Daniel Bedingfield

Sometimes, the songs that stand the test of time are the simplest. With its repetitive yet undeniably catchy chorus, “Gotta Get Thru This” might not seem like the most memorable track. Its chart presence proved that it could stand on its own against its competitors, even reaching the top ten in the United States. The futuristic, punchy production and tasteful use of autotune have both aged like a fine wine. It sounds as though it could’ve been released in the last few years, despite being over twenty years old. Thanks to its timelessness, it has been able to appeal to those who heard it upon its debut as well as those who are just discovering it for the first time today.

#42: “Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love)” (2000)

Spiller with Sophie Ellis-Bextor

What do you get when you combine a masterful blend of disco samples with Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s impeccable voice? A modern classic that still stands the test of time today. “Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love)” shows the power of collaborative work amongst musicians, with both components fusing together to create a still-iconic bop. It achieved global success early on after its release, and while it may not get played on the radio anymore, it has remained relevant amongst music lovers everywhere. Its versatility has made it perfect for retro playlists and current club line-ups alike. The resurgence of disco-inspired production in the 2020s has helped the song maintain its fresh sound, and has ensured that its legacy will live on for years to come.

#41: “Get Over Yourself” (2001)

Eden’s Crush

You may know her from the Pussycat Dolls, but that isn’t where Nicole Scherzinger got her start. Her original girl group, Eden’s Crush, gained nationwide prominence thanks to their single charting tune in 2001. “Get Over Yourself” reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to its liberating message encouraging young women to prioritize their well-being over that of a man's. Although they weren’t able to score another hit, their debut still goes as hard today as it did back then. It perfectly encapsulates the Y2K pop sound without coming across as dated. Beyond that, the empowering lyrics were so well written that they can still serve as inspiration for younger audiences.

#40: “He Loves U Not” (2000)

Dream

Their initial run may have only lasted five years, but in that time they released a hit that ensured they would be remembered forever. With sassy lyrics and an infectious beat, “He Loves U Not” by Dream is pure pop perfection. The 2000 release helped usher in the 21st century on a fantastic note, and people at the time clearly agreed. It charted around the globe, and became a favorite amongst fans. The chorus is an earworm in the best way possible, and after just one listen, the melody is bound to be stuck in your head for hours afterward. It still makes for a fun listen today, and serves as a perfect example of a turn of the century jam.

#39: "According To You” (2009)

Orianthi

It should come as no surprise that a musician endorsed by the King of Pop would make a song that still holds up today. Orianthi effortlessly shook up the pop-rock scene in 2009 with her debut single “According To You,” which made an immediate impact amongst audiences and critics alike. The catchy chorus alone makes it clear why it was so successful. However, what was even more impressive were her impressive guitar skills, which she flexed throughout the track. All the components combined created a hit that was the very embodiment of girl power. That quality has contributed to its overall legacy, making it just as fun to sing along to today as it was back then.

#38: “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)” (2008)

O.A.R.

A song doesn’t have to be high energy to leave a lasting impact. O.A.R.’s “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)” is the perfect example. Although it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other tracks on this list, its straightforward melody serves as the perfect vehicle for the heart wrenching lyrics. The heartfelt piece clearly resonated among fans and casual listeners alike. It reached the top 40 on the pop chart and even achieved #1 on the US Adult Alternative Airplay. Its message and sound are both timeless— so whether you’re listening to it to cope with a bad day or simply to get a dose of nostalgia, it will hit just as hard as it did in 2008.

#37: “You’re a Jerk” (2009)

New Boyz

Certain choreography has a way of unifying people across lifestyles, ages, and genres. That was certainly the case for “You’re a Jerk” by New Boyz, whose 2009 smash hit quickly led to an even larger dance craze. The carefree rap track was supplemented with braggadocious bars and a constant driving beat that made listeners of all ages want to get up and groove. The inclusion of various groups showing off their best jerkin’ moves only added to its popularity, with non-dancers attempting to learn as well. They had other songs that charted, but “You’re a Jerk” has easily become their most recognizable tune. Despite it being over fifteen years old, it is just as much of a banger now as it was back then.

#36: “Girlfight” (2005)

Brooke Valentine feat. Big Boi & Lil Jon

Even if you’ve never been in a brawl, this is bound to pump you up for one. “Girlfight” by Brooke Valentine doesn’t have the most heartfelt message, but that hasn’t made it any less iconic. The track details a cat fight on the horizon, with the singer warning her opponents and their friends what will happen if they cross paths. From her gorgeous voice to the infectious refrain, everything about the tune is polished. The moment the first note starts, you’re treated to a near-perfect song. It easily became a hit in 2005, and its impact hasn’t lessened since then. Playing it at a party today is sure to get everyone on the guest list up out of their seats and grooving to the beat.

#35: “Calabria 2007” (2007)

Enur feat. Natasja

You’ve likely heard this song plenty of times before, even if it wasn’t on the radio. From advertisements to video game soundtracks, “Calabria 2007” has been embedded into modern day pop culture. The combination of the horns, beat, and Natasja’s rendition of the simple yet effective lyrics is the very definition of an earworm. It’s easy to see why it soared to the very top of the dance charts in multiple countries and snagged a spot in the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100. Whether you hear this out in the wild or in your favorite game, it’s bound to have as much of an impact now as it did in 2007.

#34: “I Like That” (2004)

Houston feat. Chingy, Nate Dogg & I-20

The legacy of some songs is apparent as soon as you press play. Houston’s debut single “I Like That” falls perfectly into that category. There’s truly something for everybody, from Houston’s smooth vocals to a beat that’s impossible to not bob your head along to. The features only add to the experience, turning up the listener’s excitement even more throughout the track. After its release in 2004, it quickly gained prominence with people around the nation. It peaked at 11– which was no small feat for a new artist. Its continued ability to get people up and moving is proof of how impactful it was at the time, and how powerful it continues to be.

#33: “On the Way Down” (2004)

Ryan Cabrera

With just his voice and his guitar, he effortlessly created 2004’s song of the summer. “On the Way Down” was a massive success for Ryan Cabrera, but not without hard work. After weeks of performing the tune at every venue possible, it peaked at #15 on the Hot 100 and appeared on other charts around the world. The debut single introduced him and his unquestionable gifts to the world, and set him apart from his contemporaries in the scene at the time. Although his guitar skills are impressive, the heart of the piece lies in his heartbreaking, poignant lyricism. Although Cabrera’s other releases weren’t as successful, “On the Way Down” is all people need to see just how talented he is.

#32: “Let It Rock” (2008)

Kevin Rudolf feat. Lil Wayne

When rap and rock come together, the results can be life changing. “Let It Rock” by Kevin Rudolf is proof, with him and Lil Wayne joining forces to create one of the best songs of 2008. Rudolf wrote from a place of anger, and it’s hard not to channel that intense energy as you sing along to it. Despite its fierce delivery, Lil Wayne masterfully counteracts the emotion with a carefree verse of his own. It's easy to see why it resonated with so many people, and why it helped the singer secure his only top five hit. It’s just as much of a banger today, with the first few notes alone being enough to get anyone into the zone and ready to sing along.

#31: “Whine Up” (2007)

Kat DeLuna feat. Elephant Man

Releasing a flawless debut single is no easy feat. Yet that’s exactly what Kat DeLuna did when she teamed up with Elephant Man to drop “Whine Up.” The Latin-inspired dance track is a banger from start to finish, with the singer’s impressive voice perfectly complementing the energetic instrumental. It ended up being the best way to introduce her to the public, as it soon shot up from the Bubbling Under board to #29 on the main pop chart. DeLuna also found success in several international countries and communities, which had been her original goal when creating the bilingual tune. It’s still just as explosive and dynamic as it was back in 2007, and will get the party started no matter where you are.

#30: “Just the Girl” (2005)

The Click Five

When this song came out and it was an instant success, everyone thought the band would have a bright future ahead. “Just the Girl” bagged the eleventh spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and even topped the Digital Song Sales chart. The music video was hugely popular, and the Click Five went on “Late Night with Conan O'Brien” to perform the track. Unfortunately, the group’s future endeavors did not live up to the high standards they set. After their disbandment, we didn’t hear much from them until 2025, when members Kyle Patrick, Joe Guese, and Ethan Mentzer reunited. Joining the Jonas Brothers for their Jonas20: Greetings from Your Hometown Tour, they performed “Just the Girl” again, and it felt fresh as new.

#29: “Let Me Love You” (2004)

Mario

The R&B scene in the 2000s was on a whole different level, and this song was one of its crown jewels. Mario was singing for the lovers and the yearners, here. No wonder it resonated far and wide, earning him a Grammy nod. From that point on, Mario had a steady career, releasing music and participating in reality TV shows like “Dancing With the Stars” and “The Masked Singer.” However, he couldn’t replicate the success of “Let Me Love You.” Label issues and stylistic detours slowed him down, but “Let Me Love You” remained a timeless hit. In the era of situationships and red flags, it hits even harder.

#28: “Party Like a Rockstar” (2007)

Shop Boyz

This high-energy hip-hop track about living it up with reckless abandon has managed to captivate music lovers across generations. The repetitive chorus is as catchy as it gets, and you can’t help but headbang, especially with that sick guitar riff in the background. It topped Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs and Rhythmic charts in the U.S. and was nominated for a Grammy, too. Although Shop Boyz eventually disappeared from the spotlight, “Party Like a Rockstar” remained an eternal banger. The song has found its place in other media as well, such as the video games “Fortnite Festival” and “NBA Live 08.”

#27: “Butterfly” (2000)

Crazy Town

Before releasing this rap-rock gem, the band suspected it might end up defining them. That’s exactly what happened. “Butterfly,” which sampled Red Hot Chili Peppers' “Pretty Little Ditty,” was a smash hit. It climbed to the top of several charts across the world, most notably the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. Their debut album, which the song was a part of, sold over a million copies. Fans were eager for their comeback, and the band’s label, Columbia, was expecting another “Butterfly.” Sadly, their second studio album, “Darkhorse,” did not deliver. Columbia let them go, and soon after, the band was no more. Despite their reformation and rebranding, Crazy Town could not outdo “Butterfly,” which still lives rent-free in our heads.

#26: “The Middle” (2001)

Jimmy Eat World

You couldn’t go to a party in the 2000s without this song blaring through the speakers. “The Middle” gave a second wind to Jimmy Eat World’s career. After Capitol Records ended their contract, the band went back to basics and whipped up a power pop anthem with mass appeal, funding it out of their own pockets. Needless to say, it paid off, bringing the band major commercial success. In the U.S., it was number one on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay. Across the pond, it ranked second on OCC’s Rock & Metal chart. The band continued to be successful afterwards, but there’s no denying that “The Middle” is where they peaked. Unsurprisingly, they’re still riding that high because we’re never getting tired of this song.

#25: “American Boy” (2008)

Estelle feat. Kanye West

This collaborative track is one of the first songs that come to mind when thinking of the old Ye’s glory days. The rapper’s effortless flow alongside Estelle’s effervescent vocals make for a delightful listening experience. The song topped charts around the globe, such as in the U.K., Europe, and Belgium. Critics couldn’t stop gushing over it either, and the duo ultimately took home a Grammy for it. Since then, “American Boy” has been remixed and covered by famous artists like Busta Rhymes, Pitbull, and Fall Out Boy. More recently, it has frequently gone viral on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. “American Boy” is just that iconic.

#24: “Me & U” (2006)

Cassie

This pop girlie had an enviable debut. Her first-ever single, “Me & U,” was tailor-made for mainstream success. It had the addictive beat of electro, combined with the sweet seduction of R&B. The music video, though simple, captivated viewers with Cassie’s impressive dance moves. Before we knew it, it was the song of the summer, even in the German clubs! In the States, “Me & U” hit number one on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and topped the 2006 year-end Rhythmic chart. Cassie had fans and critics under her spell, and all eyes were on her next career step. Unfortunately, a string of mediocre live performances left fans disappointed. Despite releasing more music, Cassie couldn’t return to her former fame.

#23: “Collide” (2004)

Howie Day

From sleeper hit to everyone’s favorite 2000s throwback – this soft-rock bop has had quite the life. Howie Day sings of an ordinary relationship here, which is what makes it so perfectly relatable yet magical. Still, it was nowhere near successful when it was first released. In fact, it took a year for it to have any considerable presence on music charts. The tide finally turned in Day’s favor by the end of 2005, and “Collide” soared to the sixth spot on the US Adult Top 40 chart. A lot of this success was owed to the use of the song in popular media, such as 2005’s “Pride & Prejudice,” “One Tree Hill,” and “Grey's Anatomy.” However, Day’s personal controversies held him back from sustaining his fame.

#22: “Bulletproof” (2009)

La Roux

One-hit wonders almost always leave a bitter aftertaste on artists’ tongues. La Roux was no exception. “Bulletproof” peaked at number one on the U.K. Singles chart and topped Billboard’s U.S. Dance Club Songs list, too. However, Elly Jackson, who wrote and produced it with former La Roux member Ben Langmaid, admitted to having panic attacks due to its massive popularity. In a 2014 interview, she opened up about feeling represented by the track, but not respected creatively. The English singer wished to erase the music video of “Bulletproof” and seemed averse to recreating its success. A few years after this interview, she released a rework of the song, called “Discoproof.” Unfortunately, it was not too memorable. The OG still gets us hyped, though.

#21: “Bad Day” (2005)

Daniel Powter

This song wasn’t just a flash in the pan. It was a pop culture phenomenon. Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day” gave him some of the best years of his career. It was first released in Europe and dominated the airwaves there. The American release of “Bad Day” was equally legendary, as it topped multiple Billboard charts. Over time, it became a top-five hit in several countries across the world, and global digital sales were through the roof. Naturally, the song found its way to TV next. It was famously used on “American Idol” and parodied on “Saturday Night Live.” In the years that followed, Powter kept his music career going, but the triumph of “Bad Day” has proven unbeatable so far.

#20: “Don't Think I'm Not” (2000)

Kandi

You may know her from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” or “The Chi.” However, for nineties kids, Kandi Burruss is a certified hitmaker with Xscape fame. After winning a Grammy for co-writing TLC’s iconic song “No Scrubs,” she had the world looking forward to her future. So when she went solo with “Don't Think I'm Not,” fans were obsessed. It was on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for months and dominated party playlists. The Miami bass beats and Kandi’s smooth vocals were just hitting different. The song is still the perfect anthem for carefree queens who can’t be played with. However, Kandi’s solo singing career did not live up to the hype it built. She didn’t make another album until 2010, and that’s her latest.

#19: “Who Let the Dogs Out” (2000)

Baha Men

Critics may have dubbed this one of the worst pop songs ever, but fans beg to differ. This chaotic hit went platinum in the United Kingdom and peaked at number 18 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Airplay chart. It was viral before going viral was even a thing. However, the song wasn’t able to build a solid identity for Baha Men in the international music scene. Most people only knew the catchy chorus and didn’t actively seek out more music from the group. Sure, it was a Grammy-winning release, but it wasn’t taken seriously, and the rest of the group’s discography didn’t have the same impact. Nevertheless, to this day, it is constantly referenced in pop culture and is a mainstay at sports events.

#18: “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” (2000)

Nine Days

This power pop love song soundtracked the story of many a teen’s first crush. It was a hard-earned success for Nine Days, who had been in the music business for years without breaking into the mainstream. With “Absolutely (Story of a Girl),” they not only entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart but also made it to the top 10. MTV and VH1 were generous with their promotion of the song, too. However, due to issues with their label, 550 Music, the band lost its momentum and could not deliver a strong follow-up. Years later, when different versions of “Absolutely” were created for and featured in “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” Nine Days came under the spotlight again. Needless to say, each version was a masterpiece.

#17: “This Is Why I'm Hot” (2006)

Mims

The New York rapper popped off with this signature record, paying homage to hip-hop greats like Mobb Deep, Snoop Dogg, and Ye. The beat switches up according to the area he’s paying tribute to, but his rhythm and flow remain immaculate. What helped the track blow up even more was the lyrics, simple and easy to follow. No wonder it topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and was one of the most popular ringtones back then. All these years later, it is still impossible not to sing along to the chorus, even if ironically. However, Mims couldn’t replicate his magic and eventually stopped releasing music entirely.

#16: “Pop, Lock & Drop It” (2006)

Huey

You couldn’t walk into a party in the late 2000s without this banger blasting through the speakers. DJs never failed to include it in their set lists, and club goers had the titular dance moves down pat. The song was a total earworm and impossible to forget, so famous MCs like Bow Wow and T-Pain jumped on remixes. By 2007, it had peaked on the U.S. Hot Rap Songs chart at number two and on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at number six. Unfortunately, this success was short-lived, and Huey retired from music to start a fashion company before passing away from a fatal shooting. Still, his legacy remains indelible because “Pop, Lock & Drop It” never stopped being cool.

#15: “All the Things She Said” (2002)

t.A.T.u.

A lot of things about this record were questionable. The music video was criticized for depicting a WLW relationship for shock factor and the artists were accused of queerbaiting. However, one thing everyone acknowledged was that the song itself was hypnotizing. The mix of Eurodance and emo lyrics brought the pop fanatics and the scene kids together. t.A.T.u. broke records, climbing up to the twentieth spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, and topped the U.K. Singles Chart, becoming the first Russian artist to do so. However, t.A.T.u. never managed to outdo themselves. The track may have become a meme today because of its exaggerated angst, but there’s no denying that we still headbang to it.

#14: “Tipsy” (2004)

J-Kwon

The only problem with this song getting too big too fast was that everything else the artist released afterwards paled in comparison. “Tipsy” was a seventeen-year-old J-Kwon’s magnum opus. The lyrics channeled the carefree and rebellious energy of youth, and the beat was groovy enough to dominate club playlists. Being a crowd-pleaser, it landed high on the charts, taking second place on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 list and topping the U.S. Hot Rap Songs ranking. It was not only ingrained into the pop landscape of the 2000s, but its impact is still felt, even though J-Kwon’s fame has faded. In fact, it’s so timeless that when Shaboozey interpolated it for his song “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” it instantly became a chart-topping hit.

#13: “Lip Gloss” (2007)

Lil Mama

This song was much more than an ode to a makeup staple. Lil Mama gave teens all over the world the perfect dose of motivation to strut their stuff down intimidating school hallways. When that hook hit, it was like a shot of pure confidence, and you couldn’t help stomping your feet to the beat. This was schoolyard rap at its simplest and best, and it was popping, to say the least. Although the highest rank it reached on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart was tenth, it went platinum in teen bedrooms and school talent shows. Even now, if we heard that intro, we’d get to clapping. Meanwhile, Lil Mama is focusing on her film and reality TV career.

#12: “My Neck, My Back (Lick It)” (2002)

Khia

The enduring life of this song needs to be studied. Intellectuals have praised it for its empowering exploration of female pleasure. What really made it viral, however, was its unapologetically explicit lyrics set to a laid-back beat ideal for sweaty nights at the club. One listen and you’d be hooked, repeating the chorus in your head until you got sick of it. Radio stations opted for a clean version, and all that airplay earned the track a place in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. On social media, the name ‘Khia’ might now be synonymous with someone who’s past their peak, but the icon deserves respect for giving us this addictive hit. People still haven’t forgotten the lyrics, and we doubt they ever will.

#11: “A Thousand Miles” (2002)

Vanessa Carlton

This song has been inextricably linked to Terry Crews after his “White Chicks” character Latrell jammed out to it in the film. However, the original music video by Vanessa Carlton is just as legendary. The singer is seen making her way downtown while playing a piano. It was simple but struck gold. The lyrics resonated with listeners, especially young people who found it relatable. It topped Billboard’s Pop Airplay and Adult Contemporary charts in the U.S. However, Vanessa could not build on its popularity with her later releases and even admitted that its unique charm could never be recreated. Nevertheless, “A Thousand Miles” will live on because every time we hear that piano riff, we’ll be back in our teen heartbreak era again.

#10: “About Us” (2006)

Brooke Hogan featuring Paul Wall

Move over, Britney. Step away, Beyoncé. It’s time to make way for the first daughter of wrestling: none other than Hulk Hogan’s eldest child, Brooke. In all seriousness, as the first single off of Hogan’s debut album, “About Us” holds up as an irresistibly catchy time capsule. That’s probably at least partially due to its head-bopping beat, produced by hip hop mainstay Scott Storch (Hogan was signed to his record label, Storch Music Company). Rapper Paul Wall’s effortlessly cool feature only adds to the song’s authenticity, and Hogan shows genuine pop star chops, making it a genuine shame that her music career never took off.

#9: “Crazy” (2006)

Gnarls Barkley

Where were you when you found out that “Gnarls Barkley” wasn’t the name of a person, but a band? Okay, maybe that’s just us, but the duo of Cee Lo Green and producer Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton came out of nowhere to blow us all away in 2006. Based on a Spaghetti Western sample and driven by Green’s powerhouse vocals, “Crazy” sounded like nothing else on the radio, and it could be argued that nothing has sounded like it since. While Burton and Green would separately go on to have fruitful solo careers, they never again produced a hit as unique — or as ever-present — as this mid-2000s banger.

#8: “Move Ya Body” (2004)

Nina Sky featuring Jabba

Yet another case of a duo with a confusing name that made them sound like a single person, maybe that has something to do with why this Puerto Rican musical outfit never produced another major hit. Consisting of identical twins Nicole and Natalie Albino, Nina Sky’s 2004 hit “Move Ya Body” was designated by Pitchfork as one of the best songs of that year. And it’s easy to see why — the song’s hypnotic groove makes it nearly impossible to not move one’s body. Riding high on the dancehall wave of the 2000s that also introduced Sean Paul and Rihanna to the general public, “Move Ya Body” still gets audiences’ hips shaking over 20 years after its initial release.

#7: “Wherever You Will Go” (2001)

The Calling

Woof… pull out the tissues for this one. A yearning post-grunge ballad, “Wherever You Will Go” tugs at the heartstrings from its opening guitar plucks. It isn’t exactly hard to tell what the song is about; over an all-too-familiar chord progression, the Calling’s Alex Band devotes his life without abandon to the subject of “Wherever You Will Go.” According to Band, the song was written after a funeral, in which “I just started thinking of what it would be like to [...] have your whole life change so dramatically and not for the best in a matter of moments.” Landing at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Wherever You Will Go” takes the remnants of grunge and cleans them up for radio.

#6: “Shake It” (2007)

Metro Station

Look, let’s get it out of the way first thing: yes, Metro Station is a Disney adjacent band, consisting of Mason Musso, older brother of Mitchel, and Trace Cyrus, half-brother to… well, you know who. But putting the Disney connection aside, “Shake It” is more than a nostalgia-fest: it’s a rousing emo-pop tune that’ll instantly perk any millennials’ ears up, before calling them straight to the dancefloor. The perfect kind of pop song that doesn’t take itself even the slightest bit seriously, the earworm chorus of “Shake It” is undeniably a hook for the ages.

#5: “Flavor of the Weak” (2000)

American Hi-Fi

With a clear, indelible ear for crafting unshakable hooks and finely tuned pop songs, American Hi-Fi’s lack of enduring success is an unfortunate curiosity. Maybe it owes to radio programmers’ insistence on grouping them in with pop-punk acts like Blink-182, Sum 41, and Good Charlotte, when they were really closer to vintage acts like Cheap Trick and the Cars. Whatever the case may be, “Flavor of the Weak” tells a classic suburban semi-love story of wanting, but not having. Featuring a sugary-sweet chorus and nimble guitar licks that deserve to be blasted from your parents’ six-disc CD changer, it may be a shame that the band never took off the way they should have, but at least they can be your best-kept secret.

#4: “Stacy’s Mom” (2003)

Fountains of Wayne

Speaking of power-pop bands, Fountains of Wayne members Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger specifically engineered this song to be reminiscent of the Cars. “Stacy’s Mom” contains one of the catchiest choruses in pop music, which almost makes up for its… ah… well, let’s say “questionable” lyrics. As if the actual story of the song wasn’t bad enough, its actual inspiration was a childhood friend of Schlesinger’s who bore a crush on the Fountains of Wayne bassist’s grandmother. Said Schlesinger of the awkward situation, “‘Hey, you're stepping over the line,' but at that point in life, I wouldn't put it past anyone”. Must be nice to have a friend as forgiving as Adam!

#3: “Teenage Dirtbag” (2000)

Wheatus

If you haven’t guessed from our last few entries, the Y2K era may have been the golden age of pop-punk. Case in point: this all-time sad-boy banger, which many have mistakenly attributed to Weezer. Even the “Buddy Holly” boys never produced a song so in tune with the mainstream sensibilities of the time. “Teenage Dirtbag” immediately strikes a chord… or should we say, a power chord, with its belt-out-loud hook and eternally relatable lyrics. So Y2K is this Wheatus jam that its music video is a spin-off of the 2000 film “Loser,” starring “American Pie” alums Jason Biggs and Mena Suvari. It doesn’t really get more Y2K than that.

#2: “Pieces of Me” (2004)

Ashlee Simpson

Poor Ashlee Simpson. When you listen to “Pieces of Me,” you can hear a new Avril Lavigne in the making, an emo-pop queen for the 2000s. Unfortunately, the only thing anyone can associate “Pieces of Me” with at this point is Simpson’s now infamous “Saturday Night Live” performance, in which the singer was caught lip-syncing redhanded. Which is too bad, considering she was on doctor’s orders not to sing! It also takes away from the genuine, headbanging, lay-it-all-out greatness of “Pieces of Me,” which had the potential to launch Simpson into pop superstardom. Although that didn’t end up happening, at least she can take solace in the fact “Pieces of Me” still goes hard. That chorus! Chills!

#1: “Stars Are Blind” (2006)

Paris Hilton

We can’t say that we expected Paris Hilton of all people to come up with the hottest reggae slapper of 2006. To be clear, we’re not complaining — “Stars Are Blind” is a legitimately great, somehow even moving pop hit. The lead single from Hilton’s self-titled debut album, the idea of the socialite recording a musical project was derided by critics and audiences at the time as a mere vanity record. “Stars Are Blind” forced the world to sit up and take notice of the possibility of a hot new musical talent on the horizon. While that, of course, wasn’t the case in the end, we can still relish in the moment when it looked like Paris might become the next Britney or Christina.

Which Y2K-era one hit wonder do you think is the most iconic? Let us know in the comments below!