When you think of 2001, you likely think about 9/11 and don’t have a lot of memories of which tunes were hot that year. Well, we’re going to go through the 41 best songs from 2001 below, so keep reading to find out which tracks and artists make our list!
1. It’s Been Awhile – Staind
First on our list is It’s Been Awhile by Staind, which comes from their third album Break The Cycle. Not only is this song one of their most popular but it was also praised by critics as being a powerful ballad. It hit number one on the Mainstream Rock and Mainstream Top 40 charts while landing at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.
2. All For You – Janet Jackson
Reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 is the next song, which is All For You by Janet Jackson. This track is a flirty song that is groovy and full of disco sounds to make you want to dance. It’s still a popular song that you’ll hear today in the club and on the radio.
3. Kryptonite – 3 Doors Down
Next is 3 Doors Down with their debut song Kryptonite, which instantly put this band into the spotlight. It was written by the lead singer Brad Arnold when he was just 15 years old. This track reached number one on the Alternative Airplay, Mainstream Rock, and Mainstream Top 40 charts and hit number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s their signature song, and it’s one of their most beloved tracks.
Recommended: Greatest songs from the 2000s
4. Hanging By A Moment – Lifehouse
Next is Lifehouse with Hanging By A Moment, which comes from their debut album No Name Face. The song was a smash hit and made it to number one on the Adult Top 40 and Alternative Airplay charts while hitting two on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. Drops Of Jupiter – Train
Train had a hit song in 2001 with Drops Of Jupiter, which was on their second album. It went to number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed in the Top 40 chart for around 29 weeks, so it was one of the biggest tracks of the year. It won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song and another for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).
6. U Remind Me – Usher
R&B star Usher is next with his hit song U Remind Me, which was released on his album 8701, and this track is one of the most iconic songs of 2001. In the track, a guy decides not to get into a relationship with a girl because she reminds him of his ex, and his relationship with his ex wasn’t good at all. It made it to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.
7. Fallin’ – Alicia Keys
Coming from her debut album Songs In A Minor is Alicia Keys’ track Fallin’, which was an international success. It landed at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 among many other charts. It also made the Top 10 in various countries including New Zealand. This was her breakout hit, and she won three Grammy Awards for it, namely Best R&B Song, Song Of The Year, and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
8. I’m Real (Remix) – Jennifer Lopez Feat. Ja Rule
Up Next is Jennifer Lopez with I’m Real (Remix), which featured rapper Ja Rule, and this was an iconic summer song everyone was grooving to by the pool. It reached the top of the charts on the Billboard Hot 100, Rhythmic, and Mainstream Top 40 charts while landing at six on the Dance Single Sales chart.
9. Thank You – Dido
If you like Eminem, you’ll know the next track as it was sampled in his song Stan, which is Thank You by Dido. She wrote the track when she lost her house and was feeling depressed. To date, it is her biggest hit in America, and it made it to number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
10. If You’re Gone – Matchbox Twenty
Next is Matchbox Twenty with their song If You’re Gone from their album Mad Season. It hit number one on the Adult Contemporary chart while reaching five on the Billboard Hot 100. Lead singer Rob Thomas wrote this track when he met his girlfriend and was away from her for a while because of the band, and he wondered if that success would harm his chances with her long-term.
11. Drive – Incubus
Drive by Incubus makes the list, and this song is all about what life could be like if you weren’t scared all of the time. This was their breakthrough hit even though it came from their third album. It made it to number one on the Modern Rock Tracks chart while hitting nine on the Billboard Hot 100.
12. Let Me Blow Ya Mind – Eve Feat. Gwen Stefani
Eve released the song Let Me Blow Ya Mind, and this track reached number one on the Rhythmic and Mainstream Top 40 charts. It landed at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and six on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts. The song was very sexual, empowered a lot of women, and even won the MTV Music Award for Best Female Video.
13. Ride Wit Me – Nelly Feat. St. Lunatics
Next is rapper Nelly with the song Ride Wit Me, which featured St. Lunatics and City Spud. This track comes from the album Country Grammar, which was his debut, and this song was everywhere in 2001. It landed on the Billboard Hot 100 in third position and was even an international hit charting in Norway, the UK, and more.
14. It Wasn’t Me – Shaggy
Shaggy had a hit with It Wasn’t Me, which was released from the album Hot Shot, and it was one of the most played songs of the year. In the track, a guy is asking his buddy what to do after his girlfriend caught him cheating on her, and the friend simply responds by saying “It wasn’t me,” which means denying everything and anything. The song landed at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Rap Songs, Mainstream Top 40, and Rhythmic charts.
15. Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!) – Blu Cantrell
On our list is Blu Cantrell with Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!), which was her debut song on her album So Blu. The track managed to hit number one on the Mainstream Top 40 and two on the Billboard Hot 100. It also peaked at five on the Rhythmic Chart and six on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart. In the US, it was the only track that she had within the top 40.
16. Again – Lenny Kravtiz
Again by Lenny Kravitz is on our list, and this song was produced and written by him. It was released as part of his album Greatest Hits and was the only new track on that album. It’s all about whether or not he will reunite with her ex-lover ever again. This song hit number one on the Mainstream Top 40 chart.
17. What Would You Do? – City High
Landing at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 is City High with What Would You Do? This song is all about what a single mother is doing to provide for her child without the father in the picture. It’s a very serious track with a subject that many don’t like to talk about, and it’s a catchy beat that allows this song to flow in a soulful and powerful manner.
18. Survivor – Destiny’s Child
Survivor by Destiny’s Child was all about the drama going on with the band the year before, and it was a song meant to inspire and turn a bad situation into a good one. It’s one of their most well-known tracks, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and a fan favorite.
19. Peaches & Cream – 112
Next on our list is 112 with Peaches & Cream, which was a song that hit number one on the Billboard Rhythmic Chart, two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Chart, and four on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It was such a popular R&B track during this time that it stayed within the Top 40 of the charts for over 24 weeks!
20. Where The Party At – Jagged Edge feat. Nelly
If you enjoy R&B then you’d enjoy the classic Where The Party At by Jagged Edge featuring Nelly. The song was an instant hit when it was released and stayed at three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks. It also landed at number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop and Dance Single Sales charts.
21. Follow Me – Uncle Kracker
![Uncle Kracker - Follow Me [Official Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0Gjx-ZQuQ_Y/0.jpg)
Follow Me was the debut single from Uncle Kracker, and this song was everywhere when it was released as a single from the debut album Double Wide. It landed on the charts at number one on the Adult Top 40, three on the Mainstream Top 40, and five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also a hit internationally with it staying in the Top 10 in the UK and Norway, among others.
22. Ms. Jackson – Outkast
Outkast had a hit in 2001 with Ms. Jackson, which often is referred to as one of the best songs of the 2000s. This track won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance By A Duo or Group and was a major reason for the success of the album overall. It hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Rap Songs, Rhythmic, and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.
23. Love Don’t Cost a Thing – Jennifer Lopez
Next is Jennifer Lopez with Love Don’t Cost A Thing, and this song was from her album J. Lo. This track is all about her being unhappy with her lover who is very materialistic, and it is thought to be about Sean “Diddy” Combs. At the time, they were dating, but shortly after this song was released, they broke up. The track hit number one on the Dance Single Sales chart and hit three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
24. I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
Country superstar Lee Ann Womack had a huge song with I Hope You Dance, which has become her signature track, and it won Single of the Year at the Country Music Awards. This song hit number one on the Adult Contemporary chart and 13 on the Adult Top 40 chart and is often described as one of the best tracks of the 2000s.
25. Lady Marmalade – Christina Aguilera, P!nk, Mya, And Lil’ Kim
In 2001, Christina Aguilera, P!nk, Lil’ Kim, and Mya covered the classic song Lady Marmalade for the movie Moulin Rouge! This track was a smash and made it to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the vocal power of these women helped propel the song to number one on the Mainstream Top 40 as well.
26. He Loves U Not – DREAM
He Loves U Not by DREAM makes our list because it was one of the biggest songs of the year and made it to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The track was from their first album It Was All A Dream and is about a girl who confronts another girl over trying to snag her boyfriend.
27. Independent Woman, Pt. 1 – Destiny’s Child
If you watched Charlie’s Angels, then you’ll know our next song which is Destiny’s Child with their smash hit track Independent Woman Part 1. This song was part of the album Survivor, and it was the first track that included Michelle Williams. It stayed at the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 weeks.
28. I’m A Believer – Smash Mouth
Calling all fans of Shrek, next on our list is I’m A Believer by Smash Mouth, which was not only featured in the movie but also a cover of The Monkees’ song from 1966. This track hit 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also reached the charts in other countries including New Zealand and Australia.
29. I’m A Slave 4 U – Britney Spears
Next is Britney Spears with the track I’m A Slave 4 U, which comes from her third album, and this song was a transitional track for the pop star. Instead of the innocent girl she used to be, this was her coming out song as far as being a woman and a sexual being.
30. Whenever, Wherever – Shakira
Shakira released her first English album in 2001 called Laundry Service, and Whenever, Wherever was one of the singles from this album. It became one of her biggest American hits ever. It was her breakthrough in America and hit number three on the Dance Club Songs chart and peaked at six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
31. Last Nite – The Strokes
The Strokes released their debut album in 2001 and on that album was the single Last Nite, which became a phenomenon. It reached eight on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and five on the Alternative Airplay chart. The song was everywhere in 2001 and took a sample from American Girl by Tom Petty.
32. U Got It Bad – Usher
Usher makes the list with U Got It Bad, which features Chili from TLC as they were going out at this time. This song is a masterpiece R&B track talking about being in love, and it’s no wonder this track hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
33. Rock The Boat – Aaliyah
Not too long before Aaliyah tragically died, she released her third album, which contained the song Rock The Boat. It’s a great R&B track that made it to two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, and a cool track to dance to.
34. In The End – Linkin Park
![In The End [Official HD Music Video] - Linkin Park](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eVTXPUF4Oz4/0.jpg)
Rock band Linkin Park released the song In The End, which comes from their debut album Hybrid Theory. There is a notable piano riff in this track, and it’s one of their signature songs that showcases the skills of both Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda. It made it to three on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
35. Get The Party Started – P!nk
Get The Party Started by P!nk makes the list because it was one of the biggest tracks of 2001, coming from the album Missundaztood. It hit number one on the Dance Club Songs chart and four on the Billboard Hot 100. It was a success both in America and abroad, with it hitting number one in countries such as Spain and Australia.
36. Butterfly – Crazy Town
Crazy Town busted into the scene with their smash hit Butterfly, which comes from The Gift Of Game, their debut album. The song hit number one on the Alternative Airplay and Hot 100 chart. Most people consider the band to be a one-hit wonder because they never replicated the success they had with this overly-sexual track.
37. Fatlip – Sum 41
Next up is the punk band Sum 41 with their song Fatlip, which reached number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This track is known for having an amazing guitar riff, with its lyrics talking about being anti-establishment. One of the best and most popular songs of 2001, this was their signature track.
38. Bootylicious – Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child makes the list with Bootylicious, and this song peaked at number one on the Hot 100 chart. It’s all about the celebration of a woman and her body, so it’s a positive anthem for women everywhere. It’s one of their most popular and iconic tracks thanks to its beat and lyrics.
39. Rollout (My Business) – Ludacris
Peaking at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 is Rollout by Ludacris, and this song is all about him telling everyone to get out of his business. Known for his funny lines, he puts everyone on blast in this track with a great sense of humor and style.
40. With Arms Wide Open – Creed
Creed makes our list with the song With Arms Wide Open, which is a celebration of life and a track lead singer Scott Stapp wrote when he learned he was going to be a father. It reached number one on the Adult Top 40 and Billboard Hot 100 charts.
41. I’m Like A Bird – Nelly Furtado
Lastly is Nelly Furtado with her hit song I’m Like A Bird, and this track hit number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This was her signature song and what made her a household name. It was also the track that earned her a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Recommended Next:
From the time she was little, Florence loved listening to music and quickly learned how music can make you happy and feel fulfilled. One of her favorite memories is being in the garage with her dad working on classic cars with the local rock station blaring in the background. Ever since Florence was 3, she loved grunge music and spent hours listening to bands such as Alice in Chains, Mad Season, Soul Asylum, and Soundgarden.
She also enjoys classic rock, modern rock, nu metal, alternative rock, and old 90’s R&B. Her love of music grew as she got older, and used music to help her get through tough times in her life. More often than not, you’ll see Florence with earbuds in while she’s writing, cooking, cleaning, and doing other tasks. She also loves to debate music with her friends such as which lead singer is the best vocalist, the most iconic guitar solos in music, and what songs are really the best of the decade.
