MAY SEASON 2025: The 2000s’ Sound

Written and Designed by: Anushka Kalmukale (25-E2), Lynette Cheong (25-U1), Kaitlyn Kok (25-U1), Amelia Rizal Lim (25 -E3), Liyana Ashif (25-I3), Abigail Tng (24-O1), Andrea (24-A2), Joel Keng (24-A2), Liu Min (24-A2), Kyra Koh (24-O3), Loy Min Yen (24-I3), Rachael Chong (24-O1)

Introduction

The soundtrack to the 2000s is simply unrivalled. An era of musical crossroads, it was defined by production innovation, the rise of digital distribution, and iconic music videos. Radio and television promotion ruled the 2000s, birthing renowned music award moments and provocative performances. ¿?sick beats?¿ has curated a collection of cult-classics from this decade - and a few from the next - that helped shape the modern music industry as we know it today.  Somewhere Only We Know - Keane

Released in the early 2000s by English rock band Keane, Somewhere Only We Know has become an anthem for generations of youth — and it’s certainly easy to see why. It asks a question many before it have attempted to explore – in times of struggle, where can we draw strength? And how do we even begin to do so? Keane offers us the same clear, simple answer, echoed in the song’s most poignant line: “This could be the end of everything / So why don’t we go / Somewhere only we know”. Hard times are a universal part of life — this has been, and will continue to be after the 2000s. It’s why Somewhere Only We Know speaks to so many: we all bear the same longing for connection, for community, and coming together, weathering even the worst of storms. By imparting its gentle yet powerful message, the track has earned its place among the songs whose legacy will endure for generations.

Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus

A timeless classic, Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus is the ultimate throwback song — its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus are sure to get everyone “moving hips like yeah.” A karaoke staple, most people would know the lyrics to this song, as well as Cyrus' other hits, like Wrecking Ball, Flowers, and Angels Like You. However, I believe that this is the song that truly stands out in her entire discography. Just like that, a simple song can bring fans back to the 2010s, around the time when it was released. Whether you are a die-hard Miley Cyrus fan or just someone who vibes to this song, I think it is easy to agree that this is one of those songs that will never go out of style. 

What A Girl Wants - Christina Aguilera

Feelings of nostalgia ignited when a recent rendition of the 2000s tune was performed by Christina Aguilera, featuring Sabrina Carpenter, as part of a 25th anniversary edition of the album. Having debuted on the first day of 1999, Aguilera’s self-titled album provided us with classic hits like Genie In A Bottle, What A Girl Wants, and Come On Over (All I Want Is You). This song exudes the sound of the 2000s, especially with its glossy instrumentation, a blend of soft synth pads and gentle percussion. Like many pop hits of its time, the song features a fusion of bubblegum pop melodies with subtle R&B grooves. The song sends a message of self respect and emotional honesty with its memorable chorus, "What a girl wants, what a girl needs, Whatever makes me happy, sets you free", leaving listeners feeling empowered. 

What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction

“Right now I’m looking at you and I can’t believe you don’t know, oh-oh, you don’t know you’re beautiful.” Arguably one of the biggest love songs of the decade, this song took the world by storm in 2011 with its energetic guitar riffs, sing-along chorus, and timeless melody, which allowed this song to retain its fame over a decade past its release. Nowadays, it is unfortunately more common for young girls and even adult women to struggle with poor self-esteem, but this song’s uplifting lyrics about a boy singing praises of a girl in his life serves as a lovely reminder that there is beauty in everyone no matter what form it comes in. 

Maneater - Nelly Furtado

Premiering in 2006, this bold and daring beat exudes confidence and unbridled energy. With its provoking lyrics, Maneater is an exploration of female empowerment, with the powerful bassline underscoring the upbeat melody, creating a momentum meant to draw you in to bounce along with the beat. With its masterful addition of percussion and synth in the song, Furtado delivers a compelling song that topped the charts upon its debut. So, what are you waiting for? Come on you crazy people, jump around!!

Bubbly - Colbie Caillat

Released in the Spring of 2007, Bubbly, with its repetitive guitar sequence paired with Caillat’s soft vocals, is an instant feel-good song. The lyrics, written to describe the feeling of being with someone who makes you feel warm and happy inside, induce a sense of comforting nostalgia. Personally, I remember hearing it come on the radio on the drive home from a long day at East Coast Park as a child, and being lulled to sleep by the comforting melody. Bubbly, which was Caillat’s debut song, was her most successful release single of all time, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100s. The singer stated in an interview: "It's about the feelings you get when you have a crush on someone and they make you smile all the time; they give you butterflies and you just adore everything they do." Despite the song being eighteen years old, its gentle yet upbeat rhythm will never fail to bring you to a place of solace, and perfectly captures the wonderful memories of childhood. 

TiK ToK - Kesha

“Tick-tock on the clock, but the party don’t stop,” is a line reflective of the music being released in the 2000s; flashy, catchy and made to be danced to. Released in August 2009, Kesha’s debut single, TiK ToK, is a souvenir of a music era many are unable to forget. The song spent 38 weeks on Billboard Hot 100, and there’s no denying why. The lyrics are written as though Kesha is talking to a girl friend over a drink, and the writing style has made it truly unforgettable, even after all these years. With its consistent catchy beat, the song is recognisable from just a few lines, and those who are familiar with it simply can't resist mouthing the words whenever they hear it. Whether or not you’re a fan of her later work, it’s hard to deny that TiK ToK is a cult-classic people refuse to forget.

Yellow - Coldplay

Arguably one of the most iconic songs from Coldplay, Yellow from the album Parachute catapulted the band into global stardom. The song is melancholic yet uplifting, with simple music and soft verses building to an anthemic chorus. Released in June 2000, it's still played at weddings, graduation and at various personal moments. Often misinterpreted as a love song, it focuses more on themes of admiration, deep affection and unconditional love. The nostalgia it evokes is like a memory revisited, giving listeners a sense of stillness in letting emotions just be. Yellow in this case is an abstract term because of its brightness, warmth and beauty, perfectly embodying the song. Despite not being made for the album Parachute originally, Yellow is a timeless masterpiece worth listening to because of its simplicity and emotional power.