The best rock bands of the 2000s is a subjective matter and opinions may vary. However, here’s my list of some of the most influential and popular rock bands of the 2000s include:
- The White Stripes
- The Black Keys
- The Killers
- Arctic Monkeys
- The Strokes
- Radiohead
- Green Day
- Coldplay
- Kings of Leon
- Foo Fighters
- Jet
- The Hives
- The Vines
- The Dandy Warhols
- The Libertines
- The Darkness
- Franz Ferdinand
- The Shins
- Interpol
- Muse
- The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
- My Chemical Romance
- The Wombats
- The Fray
- The Kooks
1. The White Stripes
The White Stripes were considered to be one of the most influential rock bands of the 2000s because of their unique style, which combined elements of punk, blues, and folk music. The band’s simple yet powerful sound, combined with the raw energy of their live performances, made them a popular and respected band in the rock music community. Additionally, their distinctive image, which included wearing only red, black, and white, helped to further define their brand and set them apart from other bands of the era.
Overall, The White Stripes were one of many talented and influential rock bands of the 2000s, and their impact on the rock music genre is widely acknowledged and appreciated by fans and critics alike.
The White Stripes were an American rock band that was active from 1997 to 2011. Some of their most popular and well-known songs include:
2. The Black Keys
The Black Keys are one of the most popular rock bands of the 2000s for several reasons. First, their blues-infused rock sound and raw energy in their performances have made them a popular and well-respected band within the rock music community. They are widely acknowledged as one of the leading acts in the “garage rock revival” movement of the early 2000s, which sought to bring back the raw and energetic sound of classic rock ‘n’ roll.
Additionally, the Black Keys have consistently produced critically acclaimed albums and hit songs, which have helped to establish them as one of the most important and successful rock bands of their generation. Their album “Brothers” (2010) won several awards and received widespread critical acclaim, and their song “Tighten Up” won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2011.
Overall, the Black Keys’ combination of musical talent, powerful live performances, and commercial success has made them one of the most memorable rock bands of the 2000s.
Some of their most popular and well-known songs include:
3. The Killers
The Killers are considered to be one of the most influential rock bands of the 2000s for several reasons. First, their unique blend of alternative rock, pop, and post-punk influences helped to establish them as one of the leading bands in the “new wave revival” movement of the early 2000s. This movement sought to revive the sounds and styles of the post-punk and new wave eras of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The Killers have also been recognized for their powerful live performances, which have earned them a reputation as one of the best live bands of their generation. Their energetic stage presence and charismatic frontman, Brandon Flowers, have made them one of the most memorable and entertaining rock bands of the 2000s.
Most popular songs by The Killers:
4. Arctic Monkeys
The Arctic Monkeys are an English rock band that formed in Sheffield in 2002. They first emerged at a time when the internet was transforming the music industry, and they were one of the first bands to gain a large following through online sharing and word-of-mouth. Their early success was largely due to their ability to connect with fans through their music and their clever and often humorous lyrics, which resonated with audiences around the world.
In addition to their early success, the Arctic Monkeys are recognized for their distinctive sound, which blends elements of garage rock, punk, and indie rock. They have been praised for their catchy hooks, driving beats, and tight musicianship, and their music has helped to shape the sound of modern rock music.
They’re also known for their high-energy theatrical live performances. All that put together, you’ve got one of the best live acts of our generation.
Their hit songs include:
5. The Strokes
The Strokes are an American rock band that formed in New York City in 1998. They are known for their distinctive sound which combines elements of garage rock, punk, and new wave.
Their debut album “Is This It” was released in 2001 and was widely acclaimed for its raw energy, catchy melodies, and memorable lyrics. The album was seen as a refreshing change of pace from the more polished, heavily produced sounds that dominated the pop charts at the time, and it helped to re-establish the garage rock and punk-inspired sound as a viable and popular genre.
In addition to their musical impact, the Strokes also had a significant cultural impact in the 2000s. They were part of a new wave of young, fashionable, and fashionable rock bands who helped to usher in a new era of “cool” in popular music. Their stylish image and iconic music videos helped to create a new visual style for the genre and helped to establish the Strokes as one of the leading bands of their generation.
Their popular songs include the following:
6. Radiohead
Radiohead, which formed in 1985 in England, had already established a reputation for their unique sound and artistic vision by the turn of the millennium. However, in the early 2000s, they took their music to new heights with the release of several critically acclaimed albums that expanded their sonic palette and challenged conventional expectations for what a rock band could achieve.
One of the key factors that contributed to Radiohead’s popularity in the 2000s was their willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles. They incorporated elements of electronica, hip-hop, and other genres into their music, creating a sound that was both innovative and accessible.
In addition to their musical innovations, Radiohead’s lyrics and themes also resonated with audiences in the 2000s. Their songs often dealt with complex and thought-provoking subjects such as political issues, technological advancement, and human relationships, and they helped to challenge listeners to think deeply about the world around them.
A few of their hits:
7. Green Day
Green Day was formed in 1986 in Berkeley, California. The band was originally composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt, and drummer John Kiffmeyer. The band’s early music was heavily influenced by punk rock bands like the Ramones, the Clash, and the Sex Pistols, and they quickly gained a following in the local punk scene.
In 1989, Green Day released their first full-length album, 39/Smooth, which was followed by several other independent releases throughout the early 1990s. In 1994, the band signed to Reprise Records and released their major label debut, Dookie, which went on to sell over 10 million copies worldwide and helped to establish Green Day as one of the leading punk rock bands of the era.
From there, Green Day continued to release a series of highly successful albums, including Insomniac (1995), Nimrod (1997), Warning (2000), and American Idiot (2004), which solidified their place as one of the biggest and most influential bands of the 2000s. Through their music, live performances, and politically charged lyrics, Green Day has become a touchstone for generations of punk rock fans and has left a lasting impact on the music world.
Some of Green Day’s most popular and influential songs from the 2000s include:
8. Coldplay
Coldplay was formed in London, England in 1996. The band’s four members – Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion – met while they were students at University College London and bonded over their shared love of music. They started playing together as Coldplay and quickly gained a following in the local music scene.
In 1999, Coldplay released their debut album, “Parachutes,” which was well-received by critics and helped to establish the band as one of the leading acts in the UK music scene. The album featured the hit single “Yellow,” which became one of the band’s signature songs and helped to cement their place in the popular consciousness.
Since then, Coldplay has gone on to release several other highly successful albums, including “A Rush of Blood to the Head” (2002), “X&Y” (2005), “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends” (2008), and “Mylo Xyloto” (2011), among others. Through their music and live performances, Coldplay has become one of the biggest and most beloved rock bands of the past two decades, and they have left a lasting impact on the music world.
Some of their most loved songs are:
9. Kings Of Leon
Kings of Leon was formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 1999. The band consists of three brothers (Caleb Followill, Nathan Followill, and Jared Followill) and their first cousin (Matthew Followill). They were originally influenced by Southern rock, blues and country music, and have since expanded their sound to include elements of alternative rock, garage rock and psychedelic rock.
The band is highly regarded for their distinctive sound, their ability to blend elements of Southern rock, blues, and alternative rock into a unique musical style that has resonated with fans around the world. Their songs often feature raw, powerful vocals and catchy guitar hooks, along with lyrics that address themes of heartbreak, love, and youthful rebellion. Additionally, the band’s live shows are renowned for their high-energy performances, which feature electrifying musicianship and dynamic stage presence. These qualities, along with the band’s longevity and critical acclaim, have helped to solidify their status as one of the most influential and beloved rock bands of the 21st century.
10. Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters was started by Dave Grohl in 1995. Grohl was the drummer for the iconic grunge band Nirvana and after the death of Nirvana’s frontman Kurt Cobain in 1994, he decided to start a new project. He recorded the entire first Foo Fighters album himself, playing all the instruments and singing all the vocals. He then assembled a full band to perform live shows and promote the album. The self-titled debut album was released in 1995 and was a critical and commercial success, setting the stage for a long and successful career for the Foo Fighters. Over the years, the band has undergone several lineup changes, but Grohl has remained the primary songwriter and has continued to evolve the sound of the band.
The band, fronted by Dave Grohl, has established itself as one of the biggest and most influential rock bands of the last two decades, blending elements of punk, alternative, and hard rock to create a signature sound that appeals to a wide range of fans. Additionally, Grohl’s songwriting, which often touches on themes of personal struggle and triumph, has resonated with listeners and added to the band’s lasting impact.
11. Jet
Jet was started by Nic Cester and Chris Cester in Melbourne, Australia in 2001. The band consisted of lead vocalist Nic Cester, guitarist Cameron Muncey, bassist Mark Wilson, and drummer Chris Cester. They rose to fame with their debut album “Get Born” in 2003, which featured hit songs such as “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and “Rollover DJ”.
The band brought a fresh and energetic approach to the garage rock revival of the early 2000s. The Australian band’s debut album “Get Born” was a hit around the world, combining elements of classic rock, punk, and blues to create a sound that was both nostalgic and modern.
12. The Hives
The Hives were formed in Fagersta, Sweden in 1993 by members Pelle Almqvist, Nicholaus Arson, Chris Dangerous, Dr. Matt Destruction, and Vigilante Carlstroem. The band quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live performances and distinctive garage rock sound, which was heavily influenced by classic rock and roll, punk, and blues. With their charismatic frontman Almqvist, sharp suits, and confident swagger, The Hives became one of the leading bands of the garage rock revival of the early 2000s, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums and hit songs that earned them a dedicated fanbase around the world.
13. The Vines
The band was formed in Sydney, Australia in 1994 by Craig Nicholls, Patrick Matthews, and David Olliffe. The band initially formed as a garage rock revival band, but quickly expanded their sound to include elements of alternative, psychedelic, and power pop. With Nicholls’ powerful and distinctive voice and the band’s rockstaresque live performances, The Vines gained a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative bands of the early 2000s. They released their debut album “Highly Evolved” in 2002 to critical acclaim, which included hit songs such as “Get Free” and “Highly Evolved”.
14. The Dandy Warhols
The Dandy Warhols were formed in Portland, Oregon, USA in 1994 by Courtney Taylor-Taylor, Zia McCabe, Peter Holmström, and Eric Hedford. The band combined elements of alternative, psychedelic, and pop to create a distinctive and often quirky sound that was both nostalgic and modern. With Taylor-Taylor’s distinctive voice and the band’s eclectic and often humorous songwriting, The Dandy Warhols quickly established themselves as one of the most inventive and entertaining bands of the 1990s and 2000s.
They released their debut album “Dandys Rule OK?” in 1995, which marked the beginning of a long and successful career that has seen them release numerous albums and hit songs, and earn a devoted fanbase around the world.
15. The Libertines
The Libertines were formed in London, England in 1997 by Pete Doherty and Carl Barât.
The group was well-liked for several reasons:
- Unique Sound: The Libertines combined elements of punk, garage rock, and folk music in a raw and energetic style that was distinctive and engaging.
- Charismatic Frontmen: Pete Doherty and Carl Barât were two of the most charismatic and unpredictable frontmen of their generation, and their often chaotic and unpredictable behavior helped to cement their place in the pantheon of rock and roll legends.
- Lyrics: The Libertines’ songs often dealt with themes of love, loss, and rebellion, and were characterized by a raw, confessional style that was both personal and universal.
- Live Performances: The Libertines were known for their often chaotic live performances, which helped to solidify their reputation as one of the most exciting and engaging bands of their time.
- Legacy: The Libertines’ influence can still be seen in the music of many modern indie and alternative bands, and their music continues to be celebrated and loved by fans around the world.
These factors, combined with the band’s passionate fanbase and critical acclaim, helped to make The Libertines one of the most beloved bands of the early 2000s.
16. The Darkness
The Darkness was formed in Lowestoft, England in 2000 by brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins, along with drummer Ed Graham and bassist Frankie Poullain. The band’s sound was inspired by classic rock and heavy metal, and they quickly gained a reputation for their over-the-top stage presence and flamboyant costumes.
The Darkness signed to Atlantic Records in 2002 and released their debut album “Permission to Land” the following year. The album was a massive commercial success, reaching #1 on the UK charts and earning the band widespread critical acclaim. The Darkness became known for their hit singles, including “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” “Growing on Me,” and “Love is Only a Feeling,”. They continue to tour to this day and they remain one of the most entertaining bands of their generation.
17. Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand was formed by Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy, Bob Hardy, and Paul Thomson in Glasgow, Scotland in 2001. The band’s name was inspired by Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose assassination in 1914 sparked the outbreak of World War I. Kapranos, McCarthy, and Hardy had previously played together in various local bands, and they formed Franz Ferdinand after meeting Thomson at a party. The band’s sound was influenced by post-punk, dance, and indie rock, and they quickly gained a reputation for their danceable live shows.
Franz Ferdinand signed to Domino Records in 2003 and released their self-titled debut album the following year. The album was a critical and commercial success, and the band’s hit single “Take Me Out” helped to establish them as one of the leading lights of the British indie rock scene.
18. The Shins
The Shins were formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1996 by James Mercer, Marty Crandall, Jesse Sandoval, and Dave Hernandez. The band’s early sound was influenced by indie rock, lo-fi, and psychedelic pop, and they quickly gained a reputation for their distinctive and quirky songs. Mercer, who had previously been involved in various local bands, formed The Shins after growing disillusioned with the music scene in Albuquerque. The band released their debut album “Oh, Inverted World” in 2001, and the album was met with critical acclaim and a growing fanbase.
Over the years, The Shins have undergone various personnel changes, with Mercer remaining as the band’s primary songwriter and vocalist. The Shins’ music has been featured in various films and television shows, most popular one being the 2004 film “Garden State”.
19. Interpol
New York City boys Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler and Greg Drudy formed Interpol back in 1997. The band’s early sound was heavily influenced by post-punk, alternative rock, and new wave music, and they quickly gained a reputation for their dark and atmospheric songs. Kessler and Drudy, who had been friends since childhood, formed Interpol after meeting Banks through the New York music scene. The band released their debut album “Turn on the Bright Lights” in 2002 which was acclaimed by fans and critics alike.
Some of their greatest hits:
20. Muse
Muse was formed in 1994 in Teignmouth, Devon, England by school friends Matthew Bellamy (vocals, guitar, piano), Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals), and Dominic Howard (drums). The band initially played covers of songs by artists like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, but quickly began writing and performing their own music.
Muse’s early sound was heavily influenced by alternative rock, classical music, and various other musical genres, and they soon developed a reputation for their ambitious and theatrical live performances. The band released their debut album “Showbiz” in 1999, which was met with positive reviews and established them as one of the leading lights of the UK alternative rock scene.
Over the years, Muse has continued to evolve and expand their sound, incorporating elements of progressive rock, electronica, and other styles into their music. Today, Muse is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and exciting bands of their generation.
21. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs were established in New York City in the year 2000 by Karen O (vocals), Nick Zinner (guitar), and Brian Chase (drums). Their music style was primarily inspired by punk and garage rock.
The three band members had previous experience in the New York music scene before forming the band, bringing their diverse musical backgrounds to the group’s sound.
In 2003, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs released their first album “Fever to Tell,” which was well-received by critics and cemented their place as leaders in the garage rock revival. Throughout the years, the band has continued to evolve their sound, incorporating elements of new wave and art rock. They are now considered one of the most innovative and influential bands of their generation, with a huge fanbase worldwide.
Here are three of the most well-known songs of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs:
22. My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance was started in Newark, New Jersey in 2001 by lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarist Matt Pelissier (later known as Matt Pelissier), bassist Mikey Way (Gerard’s younger brother), and drummer Matt Cortez (later replaced by Bob Bryar).
The band formed after the 9/11 attacks, when Gerard was working as a comic book illustrator and was inspired by the sense of unity he saw in the aftermath of the tragedy. He began writing music and eventually formed My Chemical Romance with Pelissier, Mikey, and Cortez. The band’s early sound was heavily influenced by punk rock and emo, and they quickly gained a following for their unique blend of punk, emo, and pop punk.
Over the years, My Chemical Romance evolved their sound and incorporated elements of goth, alternative rock, and other musical styles into their music. They released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge” (2004), “The Black Parade” (2006), and “Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys” (2010), and built a passionate fanbase around the world.
Despite their commercial and critical success, My Chemical Romance announced an indefinite hiatus in 2013, and they have not performed together since
23. The Wombats
The Wombats were created in Liverpool, England in 2003 by Matthew Murphy (lead vocalist and guitarist), Tord Øverland-Knudsen (bassist), and Dan Haggis (drummer). The three musicians, who were students at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, formed the band after discovering their mutual love for music. They performed in Liverpool and gained a following for their live shows and their quirky, melodic indie pop style.
Their first album, “A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation,” was released in 2007 and received positive reviews from both fans and critics. They have since produced several more albums including “This Modern Glitch” and “Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life,” and have accumulated a global fanbase.
The Wombats are famous for their cheerful, memorable tracks and quirky humor, and they continue to tour and perform worldwide, sharing their unique blend of indie pop with their fans.
Some of their best known songs include:
24. The Fray
The Fray is a Denver, Colorado-based rock band that was formed in 2002. The band was started by two high school friends, Isaac Slade (lead vocalist and pianist) and Joe King (guitarist and backing vocalist). The two began writing and playing music together after a chance encounter at a local guitar shop. They later added Dave Welsh (guitarist) and Ben Wysocki (drummer) to the band and started performing in the local Denver music scene.
The Fray’s sound is a blend of rock, pop, and piano ballads and they quickly gained a following for their powerful and emotional live performances. In 2005, they released their debut album “How to Save a Life,” which included the hit single of the same name and became a huge commercial success. The Fray’s blend of piano-driven rock and soulful ballads has earned them critical and commercial success, and they continue to tour and perform worldwide.
25. The Kooks
The Kooks is a UK indie rock group that was established in Brighton in the year 2004. The band was formed by Luke Pritchard on vocals and guitar, Hugh Harris on guitar, Max Rafferty on bass, and Paul Garred on drums. They all studied at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music and came together as a band due to their shared passion for music.
The Kooks exhibit a strong classic rock and roll influence in their music and have built a reputation for their live shows. Their first album “Inside In/Inside Out,” which was released in 2006, was well-received and included popular tracks like “Seaside” and “Naive.”
They still tour and perform globally around the world, always giving their long-time fans something to wait for.
Conclusion
This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather to highlight some of the most popular and influential rock bands of the 2000s. Each of these bands has had a significant impact on the rock music genre and has produced memorable songs and albums that have helped to define the era. It’s important to note that this is just one possible list of influential rock bands, and there are many other talented and successful rock bands from this time period.
