Top Ten Pop Songs from the 2000s
As Eurodance and britpop died out, the 2000s took on a more scattered approach to mainstream music.
Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for the top ten pop songs from the 2000s.
For this list, we're looking at the best pop songs released between 2000 and 2009, basing our picks on personal preference, commercial performance, and the song's cultural impact.
#10: “Get the Party Started” (2001) Pink
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While Pink’s debut album focused heavily on R&B, “Get the Party Started” served as a fitting introduction to her new pop-oriented sound. The new direction suited her well and suited fans even better, making this her highest-selling single at the time. An instant hit and a staple at school dances and house parties around the world due to its sing along lyrics and unshakeable hook, the song hit number 5 on the Hot 100 but, unsurprisingly, topped the Dance Club Songs chart. Pink would go on to bigger, more rebellious anthems but there's nothing quite as fun as witnessing a party getting started.
#9: “Beautiful” (2002) Christina Aguilera
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The early 2000s saw Christina Aguilera quickly mature and create some of the finest work of her career, including this worldwide smash hit. Largely considered one of her signature songs, Aguilera’s vocals are heavenly, and you can practically hear her heart in every note. The vocals and the encouraging theme of empowerment join together perfectly to create an absolutely beautiful and uplifting song. It has since become an anthem in the LGBT community due to its encouraging and positive message. While teen pop may have put her on the map this was the song that showed us a more meaningful, complex artist that fans couldn't help but fall in love with.
#8: "Halo" (2009) Beyoncé
Throughout "Halo," Beyoncé sings about her own personal "saving grace." It's fitting, because we consider Beyoncé to be a saving grace of mainstream music. In an age of over-production and manufactured pop, we can always rely on Beyoncé to provide us with some stellar music, and "Halo" is no exception. The song showcases Beyoncé's powerhouse vocals, as she soars in the chorus and gives one of the best performances of her solo career. She also has an innate ability to clearly convey emotion through her singing, something which is on full display here as her angelic vocals and dramatic lyrics collide, making for a unique and memorable listening experience.
#7: “I Kissed a Girl” (2008) Katy Perry
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She kissed a girl. We liked it. Katy Perry caught everyone's attention right out of the gate by not only indulging in lipstick lesbianism but a whole new flavour of pop. It’s safe to say that we loved the song just as much as she liked the kiss. While critics initially dismissed the song due to its attention-seeking lyrics, it saw worldwide commercial success, eventually becoming the second longest-running #1 of 2008 in the United States. It’s an insanely singable tune, and Perry’s sugary-sweet vocals help to reinforce the confident tone of her lyrics.
#6: “We Belong Together” (2005) Mariah Carey
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While many artists made a graceful transition into the 21st century, Mariah Carey's entry into the new millennium was rockier than her peers. With her career in a slump in the early 2000s, many declared Mariah’s glory days to be over... and then “We Belong Together” happened. Back and better than ever, the song spent fourteen weeks in the number one position, making that the second longest run in Billboard history. We couldn't think of a better comeback single, as Mariah’s vocals shine brighter than ever, especially in the rousing climax. Very few people can sing like Carey, and she reminded us of this after we had forgotten. We won't be forgetting anymore.
#5: “Poker Face” (2008) Lady Gaga
Love or hate Lady Gaga, you can't deny that she creates some wickedly memorable tunes. After a strong debut with “Just Dance”, Gaga released “Poker Face” and we fell in love all over again. While you can certainly dance to the song, it also highlights Gaga’s darker sound, something which makes her stand out from the other pop stars. Complete with Europop synthesizers, robotic-sounding vocals, and a memorable chorus, the track’s music video also introduced the world to Gaga’s obsession with the bizarre. Having sold over thirteen million copies, it is now one of the best-selling singles of all time, a claim which it certainly deserves. #4: “Bye Bye Bye” (2000) *NSYNC
Released just days into the new decade, “Bye Bye Bye” was a bit of a holdover from the teen pop craze that rocked the world in the late '90s. Complete with its earworm of a chorus and unforgettable music video, “Bye Bye Bye” was one of NSYNC’s best songs, and it solidified them as contenders for the boy band crown. Two years later *NSYNC was no more, but the breakup led to Justin Timberlake’s fantastic solo career where massive tracks like “SexyBack” proved the singer as a legendary musical talent.
#3: “I Gotta Feeling” (2009) The Black Eyed Peas
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“I Gotta Feeling” was the summer song of 2009 and closed off the decade in style, albeit somewhat divisive style. The song is Black Eyed Peas 101, in terms of production, high energy, and silly lyrics, while this time featuring will.i.am singing the days of the week like he's a kindergarten teacher. It may have annoyed some but satisfied many more, holding the number one spot for fourteen straight weeks. While it may not make for thoughtful listening like Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” that was never its intention. It's simply a fun song to blare at parties with your friends, making for a goofy, carefree time.
#2: “Oops!...I Did It Again” (2000) Britney Spears
Another holdover from the teen pop mania of the late '90s, Britney Spears came into the new decade hits-first. Released in March of 2000, the song may sound suspiciously similar to her earlier works, but it nonetheless scratched all the right itches from Max Martin’s typically amazing hooks to Britney's sultry vocals. It remains one of her most popular works to this day and has since been covered by many artists, including Lea Michele on “Glee”. The 2000s may have ended up being a bit rocky for Britney, but she did end on top, with 2008's “Womanizer” providing her second #1 hit in the US. Before we look at our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Hero” (2001) Enrique Iglesias “Girlfriend” (2007) Avril Lavigne “Tik Tok” (2009) Kesha “Since U Been Gone” (2004) Kelly Clarkson “You're Beautiful” (2005) James Blunt “Can't Get You Out of My Head” (2001) Kylie Minogue
#1: “Hips Don't Lie” (2006) Shakira
While Spanish speakers were already warm to Shakira's form, “Hips Don't Lie” made everyone fall in love with the Colombian star. The song became one of the most popular tracks of the entire decade thanks to Shakira's distinctive vocals, that melodious chorus, and the blistering Latin music, a lively and thumping mix never before heard. This tune is the true definition of a worldwide hit, and it reached number one in a staggering fifty five countries and set the record for the fastest selling single to reach one million digital downloads. It's a well-deserved reward, as the song is original, fresh, and a whole lot of fun. Do you agree with our list? Which pop song from the 2000s is your personal favorite? For more fun top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.
