Unexpected musical partnerships that rocked the charts
Written and produced by Timbaland and Missy Elliott, the track still feels futuristic and visionary, 20 years later.
That's right, this song is 20 years old! For her debut solo single, Bey needed an impactful song, and 'Crazy in Love' certainly did the job.
A power-pop jam that became Fountains of Wayne’s only mainstream hit, 'Stacy's Mom' reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
An anthem for self-sufficient, strong-willed women, it was this track that became Kelly Clarkson’s first global hit. And it keeps on inspiring two decades later.
The Queen and Princess of Pop made headlines in August 2003 with their infamous onstage kiss at the MTV VMAs, and they kept the buzz going just a few months later with 'Me Against the Music.'
The year 2003 was a significant one for music. It was when Beyoncé made the leap from Destiny's Child to solo superstar, 50 Cent entered the scene, and Sean Paul brought dancehall to the masses. Garage rock also had its revival, with hits from The White Stripes and Jet. Now 20 years later, we're still moving our feet, rocking our bodies, and feeling nostalgic about the days of the early noughties.
Without further ado, click on for 30 songs that turn 20 in 2023.
Two decades later and this track still feels as fresh and vibrant as ever. You simply have to "shake it like a Polaroid picture."
Minimal and sensual, Kylie Minogue's breathy vocals and the track's atmospheric synths had everyone hypnotized.
With her album 'Stripped,' Xtina penned some of her most emotionally vulnerable songs to date. And 'Fighter' was one of them.
In what was the first Black Eyed Peas single featuring Fergie, the singer's powerful vocals took the crew to another level. 'Where Is the Love?' was the beginning of a wildly successful chapter for the hip-hop crew.
One of Linkin Park's most well-known and critically acclaimed songs, 'Numb' has one of rock's most timeless choruses. It topped the Billboard Alternative Songs chart for 12 weeks.
In a male-dominated rock landscape, Evanescence’s debut single was much needed. A mix of nu metal and rap rock, it's a standout song.
Released during the peak of the garage rock revival, 'Seven Nation Army' propelled the White Stripes to global stardom.
From the jangly guitars to the towering chorus imploring us to fight another day, 'Times Like These' is one of the band's most life-affirming tracks.
Channeling his musical heroes Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, 'Rock Your Body' had JT on his way to becoming the new Prince of Pop.
Two decades ago, Alicia Keys eloquently captured the hopeful daydreams and periodic angst that comes with an unrequited crush. And we can still relate!
Coming on the back of her pop-punk anthem 'Sk8er Boy,' Avril Lavigne wanted to show that she was more than just a teen. This track was an understated power ballad that has as much appeal with the young as with the old.
A pop-rock anthem, 'Come Undone' tells the story of a life of fame spiraling out of control. The song peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart.
Sources: (Billboard)
A co-production with Kanye West, Luda had everyone in his call-and-response grip by summer 2003. 'Stand Up' became his first number one single.
In 2003, the band were going through their successful yet mellow period. So when 'Can't Stop' came out with its slapping bass and funk sounds, old-school fans were happy.
The opening track and lead single of their untitled fifth studio album, 'Feeling This' had more of a musical sophistication to it compared to their previous songs. Blink-182 showed they were here for the long haul.
A key track that introduced dancehall to the masses, 'Get Busy' propelled Sean Paul to global fame.
Moving away from gangster rap, Snoop reemerged with one of his biggest singles. An immediate mood lifter, 'Beautiful' was a summer hit.
The lead single of the rapper's debut album, 'In Da Club' peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
"To the windooowww, to the wall!" With its up-tempo rhythm, this hit brought crunk music to the mainstream.
A global hit with lyrics like "I’m in love and always will be," the song translates across decades. Now that's a pop ballad!
The lead single from her album 'Try This,' the song won Pink a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 2004.
This immaculate single marked the beginning of Coldplay’s unstoppable ascent to the pop music summit. Perfectly polished, it kept some of the group’s early indie-rock sensibilities.
Following the band’s 2001 hit 'Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me),' Train returned to the charts with the soaring 'Calling All Angels.'
The bass riff for this track remains one of the most recognizable intros to a '00s rock song. The Australian rockers really nailed it with this one!
Written and produced by the Neptunes, the song was originally offered to Britney Spears for her album 'In the Zone,' but was instead given to Kelis.
Songs you won't believe are turning 20 in 2023
Classic hits from the early noughties
MUSIC Retrospective
The year 2003 was a significant one for music. It was when Beyoncé made the leap from Destiny's Child to solo superstar, 50 Cent entered the scene, and Sean Paul brought dancehall to the masses. Garage rock also had its revival, with hits from The White Stripes and Jet. Now 20 years later, we're still moving our feet, rocking our bodies, and feeling nostalgic about the days of the early noughties.
Without further ado, click on for 30 songs that turn 20 in 2023.