The year 2000. The dawn of a new millennium, and as it turns out, a surprisingly fertile period for music. While the mainstream charts might have been dominated by fleeting pop trends, beneath the surface, a vibrant and diverse musical landscape was taking shape. For those willing to dig a little deeper, the year 2000 offered a treasure trove of innovative and enduring sounds. This was the year that the website you are currently reading, Drowned in Sound, was born, conceived in the midst of frantic online chats and a shared passion for music that went beyond the predictable.
Looking back, it’s easy to underestimate the significance of 2000 in music history. Grunge was fading, Britpop was a memory, and the dominant genres of the late 90s were evolving into something new. Nu-metal and pop-punk were commercially successful, but for many discerning listeners, they lacked substance. Yet, this transitional period created space for exciting new sounds to emerge. Perhaps it was the aftershocks of Napster’s arrival, forcing the music industry to adapt and experiment. Maybe it was a sense of optimism at the start of a new century, inspiring artists to push creative boundaries. Whatever the reasons, 2000 became a breeding ground for groundbreaking music across various genres.
This playlist of 30 songs from 2000 aims to capture a slice of that vibrant era. It’s a personal reflection, drawn from the musical tastes of Drowned in Sound’s founder during that formative period. While it’s not an exhaustive representation of everything that was great in 2000 – and acknowledges the limitations of streaming availability – it serves as a reminder of the depth and breadth of music released that year. From indie rock anthems to electronic 실험, from introspective ballads to hip-hop 혁명, the 2000 Songs featured here showcase the diversity that made the year so special. It was a time when artists were building upon the foundations of the past while boldly venturing into uncharted sonic territories. This collection highlights artists who were not just making music, but shaping the sound of a new decade.
The playlist includes tracks that resonated deeply at the time and continue to hold significance today. You’ll find bands like Mansun with their art-rock grandeur in ‘I Can Only Disappoint U’, the ethereal soundscapes of Sigur Rós with ‘Svefn-g-englar’, and the industrial intensity of Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Slipping Away’. OutKast’s genre-bending ‘B.O.B.’ and Radiohead’s experimental ‘Idioteque’ represent the innovative spirit of the era. Phoenix’s infectious ‘Too Young’ and Daft Punk’s groundbreaking ‘One More Time’ showcase the evolution of electronic and indie-pop. Queens Of The Stone Age delivered rock solid riffs with ‘The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret’, and The Smashing Pumpkins offered their signature sound in ‘The Everlasting Gaze’.
Delving further into the selection, you’ll discover the raw energy of At the Drive-In’s ‘Pattern Against User’, the introspective beauty of Elliott Smith’s ‘Can’t Make a Sound’, and PJ Harvey’s powerful collaboration with Thom Yorke on ‘This Mess We’re In’. The playlist also highlights the diverse sounds of hip-hop with tracks from Outkast, Blackalicious, Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Dre, and Dead Prez, demonstrating the genre’s continued evolution and social commentary. From the soulful sounds of Erykah Badu to the pop dominance of Destiny’s Child, the songs of 2000 reflect a broad spectrum of musical styles and voices.
In conclusion, the year 2000 was far more than just a transition into a new millennium; it was a crucial juncture in music history. Beneath the surface of mainstream trends, a wealth of creativity flourished, producing a collection of 2000 songs that continue to inspire and resonate. This playlist offers a glimpse into that era, celebrating the artists who dared to experiment and innovate, shaping the musical landscape we know today.
Now it’s your turn. What songs from the year 2000 were most memorable for you? Join the discussion and share your own musical highlights from this pivotal year.
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