The 2000s: a decade of iconic music that shaped a generation. From indie darlings to pop princesses, the sounds of the aughts continue to resonate today. But with such a vast and diverse landscape, navigating the best of the best can feel overwhelming. That's why we've delved deep into the Pitchfork archives and beyond to compile this definitive list of the best songs 2000s Pitchfork critics championed and fans still adore. This isn't just a nostalgia trip; it's a journey through a pivotal era in music history, highlighting the groundbreaking artists and unforgettable tracks that defined a decade. Whether you're reliving your youth or discovering hidden gems for the first time, prepare to rediscover the sounds that shaped a generation and solidified Pitchfork's influence on music culture. Get ready for a sonic blast from the past – and maybe a few new favorites along the way.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Umbrella |
JAY-Z Rihanna | Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded | 1B+ |
| 2. Crazy in Love |
Beyoncé JAY-Z | 813M+ | |
| 3. Hey Ya! | Outkast | Speakerboxxx/The Love Below | 719M+ |
| 4. Toxic | Britney Spears | In The Zone | 675M+ |
| 5. Seven Nation Army | The White Stripes | Elephant | 668M+ |
| 6. Mr. Brightside | The Killers | Hot Fuss | 570M+ |
| 7. One More Time | Daft Punk | Discovery | 514M+ |
1. Umbrella (Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded - 2025)
Production: Jay-Z and Rihanna's "Umbrella" boasts a slick, minimalist production that perfectly captured the mid-2000s R&B sound; its iconic, sparse beat remains instantly recognizable and highly influential.
Vocal Synergy: The interplay between Rihanna's breathy vocals and Jay-Z's confident rap creates a captivating dynamic, showcasing both artists at their peak.
Cultural Impact: Beyond its musical merits, "Umbrella" became a ubiquitous cultural touchstone, its catchy hook and memorable music video cementing its place as a defining song of the decade, making it a strong contender for any "best of" list from the era.
2. Crazy in Love - 2025
Sound: Beyoncé's powerhouse vocals blend seamlessly with JAY-Z's confident rap, creating a dynamic and irresistible sonic landscape that perfectly encapsulates the early 2000s R&B/hip-hop fusion.
Rhythm: The track's infectious beat, a masterful blend of samples and original instrumentation, is undeniably catchy and propelled the song to iconic status – a testament to its enduring appeal.
Cultural Impact: "Crazy in Love" transcended its era, influencing countless artists and becoming a defining anthem of early 2000s pop culture, solidifying its place in Pitchfork's best-of lists.
3. Hey Ya! (Speakerboxxx/The Love Below)
Sound: Hey Ya!'s instantly recognizable, funky bassline and handclaps are a cornerstone of early 2000s hip-hop, perfectly encapsulating the era's playful energy while maintaining a sophisticated, almost minimalist production.
Rhythm: The song's irresistible, almost hypnotic beat is infectious and unforgettable, propelling it beyond a simple radio hit and into the realm of cultural touchstone.
Pop Culture Impact: Its iconic music video and memorable choreography cemented Hey Ya!'s place in popular culture, making it a defining track of the decade and a staple on Pitchfork's lists of the best songs of the 2000s.
4. Toxic (Britney Spears - 2025)
Production: The song's minimalist production, built around a hypnotic synth bassline and stark percussion, perfectly captures the early 2000s fascination with dark pop minimalism, a sound Pitchfork championed.
Vocals: Britney Spears delivers a performance brimming with both vulnerability and venomous bite, showcasing a vocal control that elevates the song beyond typical pop fare.
Lyrical Content: The lyrics, detailing a toxic relationship with unsettling precision, resonate with a raw honesty rarely found in mainstream pop of the era, making it a standout track for its unflinching portrayal of complex emotions.
5. Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes - 2025)
Sound: Seven Nation Army's iconic riff, built on a distorted bassline played on a Gibson SG, is instantly recognizable and profoundly influential, shaping the sound of countless alternative rock anthems of the 2000s.
Rhythm: The relentless, hypnotic groove, driven by Jack White's steady drumming, creates an irresistible momentum that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish, perfectly capturing the energy of the era.
Cultural Impact: Its widespread use in sports arenas and beyond cemented its status as a modern rock classic, solidifying its place in Pitchfork's esteemed list of the best songs of the 2000s.
6. Mr. Brightside (Hot Fuss - 2025)
Sound: Mr. Brightside's driving bassline and frenetic drums, hallmarks of early 2000s alt-rock, provide an undeniable energy that still resonates today, perfectly capturing the angst and urgency of the lyrics.
Vocals: Brandon Flowers' impassioned vocals deliver a raw emotional punch, conveying both vulnerability and defiance, a combination that helped catapult the song to Pitchfork-approved indie anthem status.
Emotional Impact: Its relatable themes of betrayal and jealousy, combined with its anthemic quality, solidified Mr. Brightside's place as a quintessential early 2000s emotive powerhouse, a track that continues to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
7. One More Time (2000)
Sound: Daft Punk's "One More Time" redefined early 2000s electronic music with its infectious, instantly recognizable four-on-the-floor beat and distinctive vocoder vocals, a sound Pitchfork lauded for its innovation and dancefloor impact.
Rhythm: The relentlessly driving rhythm is hypnotic and undeniably catchy, propelling the track forward with an almost unstoppable energy that perfectly captures the era's burgeoning electronic music scene.
Cultural Impact: Its iconic status cemented its place in pop culture history, influencing countless artists and becoming a staple of both clubs and radio playlists; a testament to its enduring appeal highlighted by Pitchfork's own critical acclaim.
8. Gold Digger (Kanye West ft Jamie Foxx - 2025)
Genre-bending brilliance: Kanye West's signature blend of hip-hop and soul, perfectly complemented by Jamie Foxx's smooth vocals, created a sound uniquely captivating for its time and still resonant today.
Sharp social commentary: The song's satirical lyrics, addressing materialism and relationships, resonated deeply with listeners, becoming a defining commentary on early 2000s pop culture.
Enduring impact: "Gold Digger" remains a quintessential example of Pitchfork-approved 2000s hip-hop, demonstrating West's innovative production and lyrical prowess that continues to influence contemporary artists.
9. Paper Planes
M.I.A.'s Innovation: "Paper Planes" masterfully blends jarring, almost abrasive soundscapes with an infectious, propulsive rhythm, a signature sound that perfectly encapsulates the early 2000s alternative scene Pitchfork championed.
Cultural Impact: Its unique sound and instantly recognizable sample solidified its place in pop culture, finding use in films and TV long after its release, reflecting its staying power.
Unforgettable Vocals: M.I.A.'s distinctive vocals, sharp and commanding, add a crucial layer to the song's chaotic energy, creating an undeniable, unforgettable listening experience that fits perfectly within Pitchfork's taste for boundary-pushing artistry.
10. Lose Yourself (2001 - 2025)
Lyrical Density: Eminem's ferocious flow and intensely personal lyrics, detailing the pressures of fame and the pursuit of success, resonated deeply with a generation grappling with similar anxieties. This raw honesty is a key reason why "Lose Yourself" remains so impactful.
Production: The minimalist, yet powerful instrumental perfectly complements Eminem's performance, allowing his voice and the song's emotional weight to take center stage. The driving beat and punchy rhythm maintain an unrelenting energy.
Cultural Impact: Its placement in *8 Mile* cemented its status as an anthem for self-belief and overcoming obstacles; this, combined with its undeniable musical merit, explains its continued relevance amongst Pitchfork's best songs of the 2000s.
11Last Nite
The Strokes
2001
Is This It
12Since U Been Gone
Kelly Clarkson
2004
Breakaway
13Float On
Modest Mouse
2004
Good News For People Who Love Bad News
14Time to Pretend
MGMT
2008
Oracular Spectacular
15Maps
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2003
16Get Ur Freak On
Missy Elliott
2001
Miss E... So Addictive
17Young Folks
Peter Bjorn and John
2006
Writer's Block
18Take Me Out
Franz Ferdinand
2004
Franz Ferdinand
19Hard To Explain
The Strokes
2001
Is This It
20D.A.N.C.E
Justice
2008
21B.O.B
Outkast
2000
Stankonia
22Such Great Heights
The Postal Service
2003
23My Girls
Animal Collective
2009
24Idioteque
Radiohead
2000
25Blind
Hercules and Love Affair
2008
26Rebellion
Arcade Fire
2004
27Wolf Like Me
TV on the Radio
2006
28All My Friends
LCD Soundsystem
2007
29The Rat
The Walkmen
2004