Music From the 2000s: History's Best Sellers

Hats off to 2000s! Few music commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Bloodflowers. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Two Against Nature and Parachutes, consumers eagerly embraced the Y2K fever and early digital revolution. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like The Cure and Walter Becker set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Bloodflowers

   Released in 2000 by The Cure, Fiction Records, Nothing Records

   On February 14, 2000, The Cure released "Bloodflowers," an album that frontman Robert Smith declared would be the final piece of a thematic trilogy alongside their dark masterpieces, *Pornography* (1982) and *Disintegration* (1989). The US release date was poignantly chosen, contrasting the album's somber, melancholic themes of love, loss, and the passage of time with Valentine's Day, a day typically associated with romantic celebration. For fans who had followed the band's journey from gothic pioneers to alternative superstars, this was a monumental event. It was hailed not as a comeback, but as a deliberate and profound return to the sound and emotional depth that had defined their most iconic work, making its release a deeply anticipated moment in the landscape of alternative music at the turn of the millennium.

2. Two Against Nature

   Released in 2000 by Walter Becker, Donald Fagen, Giant Records

   On the unique calendar date of February 29, 2000, a day that only appears every four years, the legendary jazz-rock duo Steely Dan made a monumental return. They released *Two Against Nature*, their first studio album in two decades, following 1980's *Gaucho*. This leap-day release was not just a comeback; it was a triumphant reassertion of their unique musical genius, proving that time had only sharpened their wit and musicianship. The album's release on such a rare date felt symbolic of the band's own rare and meticulous approach to music-making, an event that was both unexpected and perfectly timed.

3. Parachutes

   Released in 2000 by Coldplay, Parlophone, Nettwerk

   On July 10, 2000, British band Coldplay released their debut album, "Parachutes," in the United Kingdom. This date marks a pivotal moment in early 21st-century music, signaling a shift away from the bravado of late-90s Britpop towards a more introspective and emotionally resonant brand of alternative rock. The album's release was not an explosive, immediate global phenomenon but rather the start of a slow burn that would eventually establish Coldplay as one of the biggest bands in the world. "Parachutes" captured the zeitgeist of a new millennium, offering a soundtrack of melancholic optimism that resonated deeply with a generation of listeners, ultimately setting the stage for the band's ascent to stadium-filling superstardom.

4. Music

   Released in 2000 by Madonna, Mirwais Ahmadzaï, William Orbit, Maverick Records, Warner Bros. Records

   On September 18, 2000, pop superstar Madonna released her eighth studio album, "Music," fundamentally altering the landscape of mainstream pop for the new millennium. Coming off the critical and commercial success of 1998's "Ray of Light," which saw her embrace electronica, "Music" pushed her sound even further into experimental territory. The album's release was a major global event, anticipated by fans and critics alike, eager to see the next evolution of the Queen of Pop. It debuted at number one in over 23 countries, including the US and UK, proving that even two decades into her career, Madonna's ability to innovate and dominate the charts was unparalleled.

5. All That You Can't Leave Behind

   Released in 2000 by U2, Island Records, Interscope Records

   On October 30, 2000, Irish rock legends U2 released their tenth studio album, "All That You Can't Leave Behind." The date marked a pivotal moment for the band, representing a deliberate and triumphant return to a more classic rock sound after a decade of experimenting with alternative rock and electronic music. Released at the turn of the millennium, the album captured a sense of optimism and hope. It was a conscious uncoupling from the irony and cynicism of their 90s output, re-embracing the earnest, anthemic songwriting that first made them global superstars. This release was not just another album; it was a powerful statement of identity and a re-connection with their core audience, setting the stage for one of the most successful chapters in their storied career.

6. Lovers Rock

   Released in 2000 by Sade Adu, Sade, Epic Records

   Released on November 13, 2000, "Lovers Rock" marked the triumphant return of Sade after an eight-year hiatus from the music industry. The album's release was a major event, eagerly anticipated by fans who had waited since 1992's "Love Deluxe". In a musical landscape dominated by teen pop and nu-metal, Sade's arrival with "Lovers Rock" was a breath of fresh, sophisticated air. The date signifies the end of a long silence from one of music's most enigmatic and beloved acts, re-establishing their signature sound for a new millennium and proving that their timeless appeal had not waned in their absence.

7. Hypothetical

   Released in 2001 by Threshold, Inside Out Music

   On March 20, 2001, British progressive metal stalwarts Threshold released their fifth studio album, "Hypothetical." At the turn of the millennium, the progressive metal scene was experiencing a significant resurgence, with established acts and new bands pushing the genre's boundaries. "Hypothetical" arrived at a perfect time, showcasing a band at the peak of its creative powers. It was not just another album but a definitive statement, combining intricate musicianship with accessible, powerful songwriting that stood out in a crowded field. The release cemented Threshold's reputation as one of the leading forces in the genre, delivering a sophisticated and thought-provoking work that would become a benchmark for modern progressive metal and a fan favorite for years to come.

8. Gorillaz

   Released in 2001 by Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett, Parlophone, Virgin Records

   On March 26, 2001, the music world was formally introduced to a revolutionary concept with the release of the self-titled debut album by Gorillaz. This date marked the arrival of the world's first successful virtual band, a project conceived by Blur frontman Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. The album didn't just offer a new collection of songs; it presented a fully-realized fictional universe with four animated members: 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs. Dropping at the dawn of the new millennium, a time of digital curiosity and genre fusion, "Gorillaz" captured the zeitgeist perfectly, offering an experience that was as much about visual art and storytelling as it was about music.

9. Lateralus

   Released in 2001 by Tool, Volcano Entertainment

   On May 15, 2001, the progressive metal landscape was irrevocably altered with the release of Tool's third full-length album, "Lateralus." Released five years after their breakthrough record "Ænima," anticipation was at a fever pitch. The album arrived at a time when nu-metal dominated the rock charts, offering a starkly different, intellectually challenging, and musically complex alternative. "Lateralus" wasn't just a collection of songs; it was a dense, layered experience that demanded repeat listens and deep analysis, immediately setting a new high-water mark for the genre and solidifying Tool's reputation as one of the most enigmatic and artistically ambitious bands of their generation.

10. White Blood Cells

    Released in 2001 by The White Stripes, Sympathy for the Record Industry

    On July 3, 2001, the American rock duo The White Stripes unleashed their third studio album, "White Blood Cells." Released at the dawn of the new millennium, the album served as a raw, electrifying antidote to the slickly produced nu-metal and pop-punk that dominated the airwaves. This release marked a pivotal moment, not just for Jack and Meg White, but for the entire rock landscape. It was the album that catapulted them from the Detroit underground scene to international acclaim, heralding the arrival of the garage rock revival movement and re-energizing rock and roll with a potent dose of minimalist blues and punk fury.

11. Comfort Eagle

    Released in 2001 by Cake

    On July 24, 2001, the alternative rock band Cake released their fifth studio album, "Comfort Eagle." Arriving four years after their platinum-selling record "Prolonging the Magic," this album marked a significant transition for the band as their debut on the major label Columbia Records. In an era where nu-metal and pop-punk dominated the rock charts, "Comfort Eagle" was a distinctive and welcome offering, doubling down on the quirky, genre-bending sound that had earned the band a dedicated following throughout the 1990s. The release immediately made waves with its lead single, "Short Skirt/Long Jacket," which quickly became an anthem for the summer and one of the band's most enduring hits.

12. Remedy Lane

    Released in 2002 by Pain of Salvation, Inside Out Music

    On January 15, 2002, the world of progressive metal was gifted a modern masterpiece with the release of Pain of Salvation's fourth studio album, 'Remedy Lane'. Released through Inside Out Music, the album arrived at a time when the genre was thriving on complexity and emotional depth. 'Remedy Lane' immediately stood out, not just for its intricate musicianship, but for its raw, unflinching lyrical honesty. It was a deeply personal and harrowing concept album that cemented the Swedish band's reputation as one of the most innovative and important acts in the progressive scene, setting a new benchmark for narrative and emotional weight in heavy music.

13. Heathen Chemistry

    Released in 2002 by Oasis, Big Brother Recordings

    Released in the UK on July 1, 2002, "Heathen Chemistry" arrived at a pivotal moment for Oasis. After the monumental success of their first two albums and the mixed reception to the experimental "Standing on the Shoulder of Giants" (2000), the band was under pressure to deliver a record that could recapture their Britpop glory. This fifth studio album was positioned as a return to form, a move back to the straightforward, anthemic rock 'n' roll that had made them global superstars. Its release was a major event in the British music scene, eagerly anticipated by a fanbase hoping for a classic Oasis sound while critics wondered if the band could still dominate the charts in a new millennium.

14. By the Way

    Released in 2002 by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Warner Bros. Records

    On July 9, 2002, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released their eighth studio album, "By the Way," marking a significant evolution in their sound. Following the massive success of 1999's "Californication," which brought them back to the forefront of rock music, expectations were sky-high. "By the Way" was released at the peak of the band's commercial power and creative synergy, particularly between frontman Anthony Kiedis and guitarist John Frusciante. The album's release was a major event in the summer music scene, immediately capturing the attention of fans and critics alike and signaling a more melodic and emotionally layered chapter for the funk-rock legends.

15. A Rush of Blood to the Head

    Released in 2002 by Coldplay, Parlophone, Capitol Records

    Released on August 26, 2002, Coldplay's sophomore album, "A Rush of Blood to the Head," was a watershed moment that catapulted the British band from indie darlings to global rock royalty. Following the multi-platinum success of their debut, "Parachutes," the pressure was immense to deliver a follow-up that could match its acclaim. This release date marks the moment Coldplay not only defied the 'sophomore slump' but vastly expanded their sound, ambition, and audience. The album captured the anxious post-9/11 zeitgeist and solidified a new, emotionally resonant brand of stadium rock that would define the landscape of popular music for the decade to come.

16. De-Loused in the Comatorium

    Released in 2003 by The Mars Volta, Gold Standard Laboratories, Universal Records

    On June 24, 2003, the landscape of modern rock music was irrevocably altered with the release of 'De-Loused in the Comatorium,' the debut album by The Mars Volta. Emerging from the fiery dissolution of the influential post-hardcore band At the Drive-In, expectations were high for what core members Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodríguez-López would do next. What they delivered was not a continuation, but a radical reinvention: a sprawling, surreal, and fiercely ambitious concept album. The release date marked the formal introduction of a band that defied easy categorization, blending progressive rock, psychedelia, jazz fusion, and Latin influences into a sound that was entirely their own, immediately establishing them as one of the most innovative and challenging acts of their generation.

17. Franz Ferdinand

    Released in 2004 by Franz Ferdinand, Domino Recording Company

    On February 9, 2004, the landscape of indie rock was irrevocably altered with the release of the self-titled debut album by Scottish band Franz Ferdinand. Arriving at the height of the post-punk and garage rock revival, the album cut through the noise with its sharp tailoring, intellectual wit, and an irresistible dance-floor sensibility. In a scene dominated by the raw energy of bands like The Strokes and The White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand offered a different proposition: music that was both cerebral and viscerally exciting, a perfect soundtrack for a night out that could just as easily be dissected in an art history class. This release marked the moment a Glasgow art-school band became global ambassadors for a new, sophisticated brand of rock and roll.

18. American Idiot

    Released in 2004 by Green Day, Reprise Records

    On September 21, 2004, Green Day unleashed "American Idiot" upon an America deeply embroiled in the Iraq War and post-9/11 political polarization. The album's release was a seismic event in rock music, arriving at a time when punk rock was largely absent from mainstream political discourse. It wasn't just a collection of songs but a full-throated, ambitious rock opera that gave voice to a generation's confusion, anger, and disillusionment. By tackling themes of war, media saturation, and suburban apathy through a cohesive narrative, the album's release on this day marked the transformation of Green Day from pop-punk superstars into vital political and social commentators, cementing their place in rock history.

19. Get Lifted

    Released in 2004 by John Legend, Kanye West, will.i.am, GOOD Music, Columbia Records

    On December 28, 2004, the music world was formally introduced to a major new talent with the release of John Legend's debut album, 'Get Lifted'. While Legend had been active as a session musician and songwriter, this album marked his arrival as a solo artist. Released through Kanye West's burgeoning GOOD Music label, the date positioned the album to capitalize on holiday sales and set the stage for its massive success in the following year. It perfectly captured the mid-2000s musical zeitgeist, blending classic soul and R&B sensibilities with contemporary hip-hop production, announcing a sophisticated new voice in popular music.

20. On an Island

    Released in 2006 by David Gilmour, EMI, Columbia Records

    Released on March 6, 2006, which coincided with his 60th birthday, David Gilmour's third solo album, "On an Island," was a deeply personal and highly anticipated musical event. Emerging nearly 22 years after his previous solo effort, "About Face," the album marked a significant moment for Pink Floyd fans and the wider rock music community. It represented a deliberate step away from the stadium-filling grandeur of his famous band, offering a more intimate, reflective, and contemplative collection of songs that felt both mature and timeless, capturing the quietude and artistic freedom Gilmour had found in this phase of his life and career.

21. Stadium Arcadium

    Released in 2006 by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Warner Bros. Records

    On May 9, 2006, the Red Hot Chili Peppers unleashed "Stadium Arcadium," a sprawling 28-track double album that cemented their status as global rock superstars. The release was a major event in the music world, arriving four years after their critically acclaimed "By the Way." It marked the full-time return of super-producer Rick Rubin, who had helmed their most successful albums, and showcased the band at the peak of their creative powers. For fans, this date was the culmination of years of anticipation, promising a massive collection of new music from a band that had consistently redefined mainstream rock. The album's ambition was evident from its size alone, signaling a monumental statement from the veteran funk-rockers.

22. Snakes & Arrows

    Released in 2007 by Rush, Anthem Records, Atlantic Records

    On May 1, 2007, legendary Canadian progressive rock trio Rush released their 18th full-length studio album, "Snakes & Arrows." It marked a significant return for the band after a five-year gap since their previous album, "Vapor Trails." The release was highly anticipated by their dedicated global fanbase and signaled a new creative chapter for the group. Arriving in a musical landscape vastly different from their 1970s and 80s heyday, the album proved that Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart were still operating at the peak of their musical and lyrical powers, ready to explore complex themes with renewed energy and focus.

23. Blackbird

    Released in 2007 by Alter Bridge, Universal Republic Records

    On October 9, 2007, the modern hard rock band Alter Bridge released their second studio album, "Blackbird." This date marks a pivotal moment for the band, as the album was their first with a new label, Universal Republic, and the first to feature a truly collaborative songwriting process between vocalist Myles Kennedy and guitarist Mark Tremonti. Moving beyond the shadow of their previous band, Creed, "Blackbird" established Alter Bridge's unique identity with a heavier, more complex, and emotionally resonant sound that would be hailed by fans and critics as a masterpiece of the genre and the definitive statement of their career.

24. Blomljud

    Released in 2008 by Moon Safari, Blomljud Records

    On January 3, 2008, the Swedish progressive rock band Moon Safari released their second studio album, "Blomljud," a sprawling double-disc epic that would solidify their reputation within the modern prog community. Released during a period of resurgence for the genre, the album stood out for its unabashedly optimistic and symphonic approach. It wasn't a mainstream chart-topper, but for fans of intricate musicianship and lush vocal harmonies, its release was a significant event, offering a bright and melodic counterpoint to the heavier or more experimental sounds that often characterized contemporary progressive rock, making it a cult favorite and a benchmark for the retro-prog style.

25. 19

    Released in 2008 by Adele, XL Recordings

    On January 28, 2008, the music world was formally introduced to a generational voice with the UK release of "19," the debut album by Adele. In an era dominated by polished pop and digital production, this album emerged as a raw, soulful, and emotionally potent counterpoint. Named for the singer's age during its production, "19" was not just a collection of songs but a diary of youthful heartbreak, delivered with a vocal maturity that seemed to defy her years. Its release marked the beginning of a meteoric rise for the London-born artist, setting the stage for her eventual global superstardom and her reputation as one of the most significant recording artists of the 21st century.

26. Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

    Released in 2008 by Coldplay, Parlophone, Capitol Records

    Released on June 12, 2008, Coldplay's fourth studio album, "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends," marked a significant artistic evolution for the British band. The date represents the moment the band shed its previous alternative rock skin to embrace a more experimental, grandiose, and art rock-influenced sound. Working with legendary producers Brian Eno and Markus Dravs, the band aimed for a departure from their first three albums, incorporating new textures, orchestral arrangements, and unconventional instrumentation. The release was a major global event, eagerly anticipated after the massive success of "X&Y," and it immediately established a new, more ambitious chapter in Coldplay's career.

27. The Underfall Yard

    Released in 2009 by Big Big Train, English Electric Recordings

    On December 15, 2009, the English progressive rock band Big Big Train released "The Underfall Yard," an album that would mark a significant turning point in their career. It was their sixth studio album but the first to feature vocalist David Longdon and the first to fully establish the narrative-driven, pastoral, and historically-themed brand of progressive rock that would define their modern era. Released independently, the album's arrival wasn't a mainstream event, but within the progressive rock community, it was a watershed moment. It signaled a creative rebirth for the band, moving them from a well-regarded but niche act to one of the leading lights of the genre's modern revival, earning them critical acclaim and a dedicated global following.

28. Kendrick Lamar (EP)

    Released in 2009 by Kendrick Lamar, Top Dawg Entertainment

    Released on December 31, 2009, the Kendrick Lamar EP served as both a closing statement for the decade and a powerful mission statement for the future. Dropping on New Year's Eve, the project marked the official retirement of his 'K-Dot' moniker and his re-introduction to the world under his birth name. This was a deliberate, symbolic act. By shedding his alias on the final day of the year, Kendrick signaled a profound shift towards a more personal, vulnerable, and authentic artistic identity. It wasn't just a new project; it was the public birth of the artist who would come to define the next era of hip-hop.