As 2025 rolls in, it is time to look again and rejoice a few of the nostalgic pop songs you’ll have forgotten about that flip 25 this 12 months. (Sure, we really feel previous.)
These tracks outlined the sound of 2000 — that unforgettable period of low-rise denims, TRL countdowns and precise CDs.
Pop reigned supreme in Y2K. From Britney Spears‘ inimitable “Oops!… I Did It Once more” to Madonna‘s membership anthem “Music,” which introduced electro-funk to a brand new era, pop music in 2000 captured the fast pulse of a world on the point of transformation.
Aaliyah’s sultry and groundbreaking “Strive Once more” proved that innovation in music might redefine the favored sound, whereas the one’s futuristic music video set a brand new normal for visuals. In the meantime, LeAnn Rimes’ “Can’t Struggle the Moonlight,” the fiery anthem from Coyote Ugly, introduced country-pop to the large display and climbed charts worldwide.
Elsewhere, Aussie pop icon Kylie Minogue‘s “Spinning Round” signaled her triumphant return to the music scene with shimmering disco power, whereas Future’s Baby gave us a club-primed hit about independence and nightlife that also will get crowds hyped immediately with “Jumpin’, Jumpin’.”
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These tracks not solely dominated airwaves and MTV alike 25 years in the past, however proceed to encapsulate the spirit of an period that formed pop music as we all know it.
Under, hit play and revisit 25 nostalgic pop gems that will sound a bit dated, however will all the time be timeless.
“I Assume I am in Love With You,” Jessica Simpson
Earlier than she was a actuality TV star-turned-business mogul-turned-memoir creator, Jessica Simpson was one in every of bubblegum pop’s greatest stars. That includes a pattern of John Mellencamp’s basic hit “Jack & Diane,” “I Assume I am in Love with You” is a bubbly, delightfully tacky pop observe in regards to the exhilaration and butterflies of falling in love. Its playful music video options Simpson dancing and having enjoyable with buddies in a sunny, carefree setting, reflecting the music’s joyful tone. Launched in 2000, the observe peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Scorching 100 and have become a fan favourite, serving to set up Simpson as a outstanding pop star of the early 2000s.
“Gotta Inform You,” Samantha Mumba
Samantha Mumba’s debut single, “Gotta Inform You,” is an infectious pop observe about confessing plain love. The music topped charts internationally, reaching No. 1 in Eire and No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Scorching 100. Although chances are you’ll not bear in mind it immediately, this underappreciated gem was a staple of early 2000s popular culture and featured in a number of film soundtracks, together with Legally Blonde.
“It’s Gonna Be Me,” NSYNC
Each dated in sound however lasting in pop cultural affect, “It’s Gonna Be Me” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Scorching 100 within the early 2000s, solidifying NSYNC’s boy-band dominance. Its music video, which options the group members as motion figures in a toy retailer, stays iconic to at the present time, nevertheless it’s the yearly recurring meme the music impressed that is turn out to be a staple within the digital age.
“Breathless,” The Corrs
“Breathless” is a romantic anthem about irresistible attraction. The observe topped charts in a number of international locations, together with the U.Ok., and even earned a Grammy nomination. It grew to become The Corrs’ signature hit, showcasing their mix of sticky-sweet pop and Irish people influences.
“I Wanna Be With You,” Mandy Moore
Featured within the teen tear-jerker A Stroll to Keep in mind, “I Wanna Be With You” is a heartfelt ballad that facilities on younger, weak love. It peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard Scorching 100 and have become one in every of bubblegum breakout Mandy Moore’s most memorable songs, additional cementing her transition from pop star to actress.
“Holler,” Spice Women
Following the departure of Geri Halliwell, this lead single marked the Spice Women’ transition to a extra sultry, R&B-inspired sound, whereas its futuristic music video emphasised empowerment and sensuality. Although not as culturally lasting as smashes equivalent to “Wannabe” or “Spice Up Your Life,” “Holler” topped the U.Ok. Singles Chart.
“Pure,” S Membership 7
Mixing bubblegum pop and delicate R&B, “Pure” is about celebrating one’s innate qualities in love, and is an English cowl of French singer Norma Ray’s 1999 hit “Tous les maux d’amour.” The music hit No. 3 on the U.Ok. Singles Chart, showcasing the group’s constant pop enchantment, and its beach-set music video featured member Rachel Stevens in a number one position.
“Liquid Desires,” O-City
A unusual and of-its-time ode to popular culture crushes, “Liquid Desires” combines dreamy lyrics with energetic, unmistakably Y2K boy-band beats. The music reached No. 10 on the Billboard Scorching 100, making it O-City’s breakout hit, although not their greatest.
“Don’t Wanna Let You Go,” 5
This nostalgic mid-tempo observe explores vulnerability in relationships, whereas its glossy music video options cinematic, spy-inspired visuals. The music reached No. 9 on the U.Ok. Singles Chart, persevering with 5’s streak of chart success on the time, although it was nowhere close to the then-Simon Cowell-signed British boy band’s greatest hit.
“Upside Down,” A-Teenagers
A vibrant dance-pop hit about youthful pleasure, “Upside Down” was a worldwide sensation, peaking at No. 2 in Sweden and gaining important airplay worldwide upon its launch. Immediately it is a Y2K pop time capsule, thanks partly to its colourful music video that matches the A-Teenagers’ enjoyable and carefree picture.
“Form of My Coronary heart,” Backstreet Boys
A reflective bubblegum ballad about vulnerability and redemption, “Form of My Coronary heart” peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Scorching 100, whereas its music video highlighted the band’s introspective aspect. The music stays a nostalgic favourite amongst Backstreet Boys followers immediately.
“Simply Give Me One Evening (Una Noche),” 98 Levels
This tacky but steamy observe blends Latin influences with pop, making it a standout in 98 Levels’ boy band catalog. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Scorching 100, showcasing the group’s versatility and fervour.
“She Bangs,” Ricky Martin
A high-energy dance observe celebrating irresistible attract, “She Bangs” was a worldwide hit, peaking within the Prime 10 in a number of international locations and incomes a Grammy nomination. Nonetheless, it is maybe greatest remembered for a sure American Idol audition.
“Come on Over Child (All I Need Is You),” Christina Aguilera
This uptempo pop anthem celebrating youthful ardour grew to become Christina Aguilera’s fourth No. 1 hit on the Billboard Scorching 100, whereas its high-energy music video captured the period’s Y2K teeny bopper aesthetic.
“Everlasting Flame,” Atomic Kitten
A canopy of The Bangles’ basic, Atomic Kitten’s glittery model introduced a delicate, romantic pop vibe. It topped the U.Ok. Singles Chart and launched the music to a brand new era.
“Commencement (Buddies Endlessly),” Vitamin C
An emotional ode to friendship and farewells, “Commencement” grew to become a staple in school ceremonies within the early 2000s, and it even appeared briefly in Scary Film 2 throughout a scene starring Anna Faris. The one charted nicely globally and stays one in every of Vitamin C’s most memorable tracks.
“All Hooked Up,” All Saints
Although not as commercially profitable as their earlier hits, this R&B-infused observe from U.Ok. lady group All Saints showcased a daring, experimental aspect of the group and managed to peak at No. 7 within the U.Ok.
“No Extra (Child I’ma Do Proper),” 3LW
A breakout hit for oft-forgotten lady group 3LW (two members of which later starred in The Cheetah Women), this empowering observe is about setting boundaries in relationships. Its catchy hook helped it attain No. 23 on the Billboard Scorching 100.
“There You Go,” Pink
Earlier than she conquered the airwaves together with her brash model of pop-rock, Pink’s debut single launched a extra club-friendly, R&B-focused sound. “There You Go” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Scorching 100, marking the beginning of her profitable, decades-spanning profession, however not everybody remembers this breakout observe.
“I Flip to You,” Melanie C
Initially a sweeping ballad, Spice Woman-gone-solo Melanie C’s “I Flip to You” grew to become a massively profitable dance anthem due to a euphoric trance remix courtesy of Hex Hector. It topped the U.Ok. Singles Chart and was a success in golf equipment worldwide.
“One other Dumb Blonde,” Hoku
Famously featured in Snow Day, this upbeat pop observe is about defying shallow stereotypes. It reached No. 27 on the Billboard Scorching 100, establishing Hoku as a bubblegum teen pop star one 12 months earlier than she notched one other hit with “Excellent Day” within the movie Legally Blonde.
“He Loves U Not,” Dream
The defunct lady group’s debut single is a playful Y2K R&B-pop bop a few lady confronting one other lady who’s been making an attempt to steal her boyfriend. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Scorching 100, changing into not solely Dream’s breakout hit, however their greatest and solely true hit.
“Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do),” Mya
A daring anthem about confronting an ex, this drum track-heavy R&B hit from the oft-forgotten Mya peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Scorching 100, and was accompanied by an brisk music video that includes slick choreography and visuals impressed by Mad Max.
“Be With You,” Enrique Iglesias
This romantic, undeniably tacky dance-pop observe from Enrique Iglesias grew to become a worldwide hit, topping the Billboard Scorching 100. Whereas it sounds a bit dated by immediately’s pop requirements, its trendy music video and infectious refrain stays a standout within the singer’s discography.
“I am Like a Fowl,” Nelly Furtado
Years earlier than she obtained promiscuous with Timbaland, Nelly Furtado made her debut with the folksy and kooky “I am Like a Fowl.” The music, which gained the Grammy Award for Finest Feminine Pop Vocal Efficiency in 2002, achieved nice business success, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Scorching 100.
