Hear the recent hits, and you will notice that current artists are finding new ways to incorporate the sounds of two decades ago into their new music. It is not a stretch to say that the sound of the 2000s is making a comeback. Here are the ten recent songs that sound like they were made in the 2000s.
XS by Rina Sawayama
Rina Sawayama, a Japanese-British singer-songwriter, released "XS" in 2020 as part of her debut studio album "SAWAYAMA". The song masterfully blends pop-rock guitars with R&B vocals. It feels like a direct throwback to the early 2000s.
This song maintains the catchy commercial sound of early 2000s pop. You have to give kudos to Sawayama for her ability to reimagine familiar sounds freshly.
Motivation by Normani
Former Fifth Harmony member Normani released "Motivation" in 2019 as her breakthrough solo single. The upbeat track features dance-pop production that could easily fit into a playlist of 2000s R&B hits. The song's bouncy rhythm and horn sections bring to mind early hits by Beyoncé or Ciara.
The song pays homage to the era of choreography-heavy music videos of the early 2000s. Normani's sultry verses to powerful choruses fit perfectly with the song's energetic production.
Wasabi by Lil Mix
British girl group Little Mix released "Wasabi" as part of their 2018 album "LM5". The song combines sassy vocals with a pulsing beat that feels like it came from the height of the girl group era in the early 2000s. The track features a structure reminiscent of tracks by groups like the Pussycat Dolls or Destiny's Child. The song's attitude-filled lyrics will remind you of the popular empowerment anthems of that time.
That's What I Like by Bruno Mars
It was released in 2017 as part of the album 24K Magic. It channels mid-2000s R&B with its smooth vocals and finger-snapping beat. The track could easily fit alongside hits by Usher or Ne-Yo from that era.
The lyrics pay an old-fashioned ode to luxury and romance. You could find a similar theme in the mid-2000s R&B and hip-hop. The music has elements of new jack swing. It adds to the song's throwback feel.
No by Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor's "No" is a deliberate throwback to early 2000s girl power anthems. The song's production features choppy R&B vocals over a driving beat. You will find elements of dance-pop and R&B in the track.
The track opens with spoken word sections that launch into an attitude-filled chorus. It was a common feature in Y2K-era pop songs.
Sweet but Psycho by Ava Max
Ava Max's song Sweet But Psycho features synth-pop production that sounds like a 2000-era radio hit! The catchy hook and dance beat are reminiscent of artists like Lady Gaga or Katy Perry when they first broke onto the scene.
The song features a pulsing electropop beat and a memorable chorus that takes you back to the era of larger-than-life pop stars. The track's structure has a pop production style that was popular in the late 2000s.
Blinding Lights by Weeknd
The driving beat of Blinding Lights features a pulsing synth line that creates an irresistible dance groove. 2000 bands like Black Eyed Peas or LMFAO used similar effects to great success in 2000.
Weeknd sings melancholy lyrics on the upbeat track for superb contrast. It goes well with the track's retro vibe.
Paper Rings by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift's Paper Rings is loaded with pop-punk energy. The upbeat tempo and power chords create a nostalgic feel. The catchy melody of the track and Swift’s enthusiastic delivery will take you back to 2000 when you were head-banging to similar tracks by Avril Lavigne! The driving drum beat and jangly guitars of the track wouldn't sound out of place on a 2000s teen movie soundtrack.
Don't Start Now by Dua Lipa
Don't Start Now successfully updated the disco sound for a modern audience while maintaining a late 2000s pop sensibility. The prominent bass line and string accents give the track a classic disco feel.
The way she delivers her lyrics is surely inspired by the song Summer Boy by Lady Gaga, which came out in 2009.
thinkingoutloud// by KennyHoopla
The powerful background beat of thinkingoutloud// will remind you of the angsty teen song trending in the 00s. Think of the track as an indie rock track from that era packaged to be more palatable for the new generation.
You will hear many hard-hitting grooves inspired by different genres in the track. Kenny's nostalgic lyrics and heavy guitar reverb will take you back to the alternative hits era of 2000.
Why the 2000s Sound Is Coming Back
Here are some reasons why we are hearing more songs that sound like they are from the 2000s.
Nostalgia
Many current artists grew up listening to music from the 2000s. They fondly look back at the favorite track they loved in their youth. Now that they are making music, they are tapping into the nostalgic sounds to create new music.
These artists are reimagining the sounds they grew up with for a new era. They are not just copying the past but using it as a starting point to create something fresh. Listeners who came to age in that era are lapping up these new tracks that take them back to good old times.
Trendy Again
We are seeing a revival of 2000-style music, fashion, etc, as Gen Z has acquired a taste for this era. Streaming has made it easy to sample music from another time. Artists are noticing the uptrend in interest in the music style of the 00s and creating tracks with similar sounds! You will see that wraparound glasses and low-slung jeans are back in vogue, along with the hit tracks from that era!
Where will music go next? It will be interesting to see how this trend evolves. Will we continue to hear more 2000s-inspired tracks, or will music move in a new direction? Only time will tell. Fans of the 2000 sound have plenty of new music to enjoy that captures the spirit of that time!
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