The Best Rock Song of Each Year of the 2000s (2000-2009)

What were the best rock songs for each year of the 2000s? It is an interesting journey to witness, as the decade showcases a clear progression in the dominant styles of rock music. The era began with nu-metal ruling the airwaves, with bands such as Papa Roach and Linkin Park making an indelible mark on the industry.

By the mid-2000s, emo was having a massive moment as My Chemical Romance and Paramore were virtually everywhere with major rock radio hits. As we moved toward the end of the decade, the landscape shifted again, with hard rock bands like Shinedown and Halestorm ultimately shaping the sound of rock heading into the 2010s.

The great thing about rock is that it continues to evolve, and our picks for the best rock songs in each year of the decade reflect that constant change. Let’s time travel back to the early 21st century—a period where rock truly ruled the music world—and revisit the songs that had everyone rocking.