New year, new music.
While we're always on the hunt for the best independent artists making waves worldwide, we invite you to join us on a trip back in time.
Remember when the radio was our source of finding the newest, hottest tracks? Or you could look to MTV for the latest in music. Maybe your band even had a Myspace page to showcase your tunes before social media giants like Instagram and TikTok took over.
As we reminisce about the simpler times, we're showing love to 20 of our favorite songs that are, wildly enough, turning 20 this year. From Usher's top hits to bringing the boys to the yard with your milkshakes, here are 20 songs turning 20 in 2024.
"Yeah!" - Usher ft. Lil Jon & Ludacris
It was the ultimate club banger if there ever was one. This tune still creeps its way into bars and venues worldwide, and 20 years later, it always continues to start the party. Something about those heavy synths and Lil Jon's 'yyeeaauuh' makes us feral.
"Hey Ya!" - Outkast
The nostalgia hits heavy with this one. Still starting parties today, "Hey Ya!" by Outkast is undeniably a timeless track with legendary status. While André 3000 continues taking the modern hip-hop scene by storm, "Hey Ya!" was the ultimate introduction that established him as a force to be reckoned with.
"Naughty Girl" - Beyoncé
Why did all the A+ club bangers release in 2004? Another one we'd add to the playlist is Beyoncé's "Naughty Girl," which might have kickstarted the thirst-trap era. So pop open your flip phone, invite the girls over, and pump Beyoncé's "Naughty Girl" on the boombox all night long.
"If I Ain't Got You" - Alicia Keys
This song is a reminder of how music feeds the soul. "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys remains one of the most powerful, compelling love songs ever. Keys' rich, timeless vocals and the groovy, toe-tapping jazz/R&B instrumentation are a treat for the ears.
"This Love" - Maroon 5
Here's another classic that had its fair share of features on MTV. Maroon 5's "This Love" offered a more in-depth exploration of the band's groovy blend of pop-rock, leaning slightly more towards the rock side before shifting to pop in the modern day. Everything from the catchy melodies and chant-worthy lyrics make it one of the band's best songs.
"The Reason" - Hoobastank
It is my personal favorite sad-times song from 2004. Hoobastank's lyrics are timeless, and their melodies in "The Reason" are chilling. The rich cinematic rock instrumentals paired with heavily meaningful lyrics brought this song to stardom and will hold a special place in our hearts until the end of time.
"Here Without You" - 3 Doors Down
Another anthem for the melancholy in 2004 was "Here Without You" by 3 Doors Down, winning over listeners with those classic melodies on the hook and timeless, passionate lyrics that anyone can find a piece of themselves in. This beautiful song set the pace for mid-2000s rock ballads, and we'd be fools to leave it out of this list.
"Someday" - Nickelback
Enough with the Nickelback slander! It's hard to believe that the band's "Someday" didn't leave you chanting with all the air in your lungs. The band's 2000s era was unmatched. Their crunchy guitars and Chad Kroeger's heavy vocals helped catapult Canada's rock scene worldwide, and that's something worth celebrating.
"Turn Me On" - Kevin Lyttle ft. (feat. Spragga Benz)
If you wanna talk about tracks that stood the test of time, "Turn Me On" is undoubtedly at the top of that list. You'll still hear this song pumping through speakers at clubs and bars worldwide or in the playlist of anyone with good taste. This song was (and still is) the ultimate excuse to drop what you're doing and dance.
"White Flag" - Dido
This song is the epitome of timeless 2000s tunes. Dido's "White Flag" took radio stations by storm and landed spot #36 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 2004. The calming melodies and Dido's lyrics remind us that once we love someone wholeheartedly, we must do everything possible to ensure they're okay. Forever and always.
"Numb" - Linkin Park
Does this song even need an explanation? Linkin Park played a significant role in my formative years, and "Numb" is no exception. It's an anthem for the hurt, the played, and the downright exhausted looking for a break. It's one of the band's most impactful songs that remains relevant today. RIP Chester Bennington.
"Milkshake" - Kelis
Here's another track that needs zero explanation. "Milkshake" by Kelis was another party starter, featured in many movies from Mean Girls and Dodgeball to The Hangover Part II. It remains one of the hottest female hip-hop songs, thanks to its heavy beat and memorable lyrics that repeat in your head like an earworm.
"The First Cut Is The Deepest" - Sheryl Crow
Back in the day, who didn't love Sheryl Crow? We still have plenty of love for her today, but there's no denying that "The First Cut Is The Deepest" made you fall head over heels for her serene country-pop sound and lush vocals. It's a beautiful song that elevates any backyard BBQ, road trip, or pool party.
"Toxic" - Britney Spears
To all our fellow Britney stans, we regret to inform you that you're getting old. "Toxic" by Britney Spears never lost its flair, and don't even get me started on the chokehold this song had on my squad back in the day. Every club, every party, EVERYWHERE was pumping this smash hit, and it still roams modern venues today.
"Just Lose It" - Eminem
When I was a youngin' watching this music video on MTV, that vomiting scene scarred me for life. But it was enough for me to wonder, who the heck is this rapper? "Just Lose It" by Eminem remains one of his most iconic songs (and music videos). Tracks like these paved the way for Eminem to become the Rap God.
"Let's Get It Started" - The Black Eyed Peas
To this day, this song still pumps me up. And I'm sure it does the same for you. "Let's Get It Started" by The Black Eyed Peas, Fergie and all, remains one of the most legendary party anthems ever. Of course, if you were a music fan in 2004, you remember the original lyrics. But today's version ensures it will stand the test of time without the wrath of cancel culture.
"Breakaway" - Kelly Clarkson
Just two years after Kelly Clarkson won American Idol, she released "Breakaway," which might be the most impactful coming-of-age song. Matthew Gerrard, Bridget Benenate, and Avril Lavigne wrote it. It was meant to be on Lavinge's debut album. But it landed in Clarkson's hands, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way.
"My Happy Ending" - Avril Lavigne
Speaking of Ms. Avril Lavigne, we couldn't leave her out of the list! In 2004, she released the iconic track "My Happy Ending," the perfect anthem for broken hearts. Lyrics like "All this time you were pretendin', so much for my happy endin'" bring us right back to that period of Avril's debut era that paved the way for her thriving career.
"Lose My Breath" - Destiny's Child
Remember when Destiny's Child was still in full swing? When Beyoncé was still heading one of the world's most influential female musical groups? Us too. Around that time, she started to break free in her solo career, but legendary songs like "Lose My Breath" remind us of all the game-changing tunes Destiny's Child released for our delight.
"Tipsy" - J-Kwon
Last but certainly not least is J-Kwon's attention-demanding, speaker-slapping single, "Tipsy," which was a MUST at every party, club, and bar in North America...maybe even worldwide. Because why? ERRYBODY IN THE CLUB GETTIN' TIPSY. The punchy beat and J-Kwon's poised flow were ahead of their time. Still, the memories we have with this song remain priceless.