4 2000s Rock Songs That You’ll Recognize From the First Notes

The 2000s was the era of pop-punk, emo, and a few other new evolutions of rock music in the digital age. If you were a teen or adult during that era, you can probably clock all of these 2000s songs just from their very first notes. Nostalgia incoming!

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1. “Welcome To The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance

How could any angsty kid from the 2000s forget this legendary song from 2006? “Welcome To The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance kicks off with a simple G note on a piano. That’s all it really takes for some listeners to instantly think of this operatic emo song from The Black Parade. We bet you can sing the whole introduction to the song, too.

2. “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence

2003 was Evanescence’s year, and few songs are as memorable as “Bring Me To Life”. Out of most 2000s rock songs out there, the first few notes on the piano that introduce the song are immediately recognizable… even if you’re not a nu metal fan. This standout single from Fallen is just one of many incredible tracks from that album.

3. “American Idiot” by Green Day

All it takes is three chords for most young punks to clock the 2004 song “American Idiot” by Green Day. If anything, this band proved that you don’t have to overcomplicate the guitar with complex compositions to make a solid song. The particular combination of A, D, and G barre chords works beautifully for this punk rock anthem, and it’s enough to get heads turning in recognition.

4. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

Someday, hopefully at least a few decades from now, 2000s youths will hear the first few glittery guitar notes of “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers on a loud car speaker driving by and immediately burst into the lyrics with a wail before our caregivers come to bring us back into the nursing home. All a listener needs is a few seconds to place the song.

This 2004 alt-rock track is considered by many to be one of the most defining songs of the decade, and we can’t argue with that.

Photo by GNA/Redferns

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