Get ready to belt out classics and revisit the biggest Aussie bangers from the 2000s! These are the best from Oz in the noughties.
No Australian Idol contestants made the list, unfortunately. Sorry, but those ‘hits’ aren’t the best in hindsight. Our ranking considers how well songs have stood the test of time. These are tunes you might still enjoy on high rotation today.
Are You Gonna Be My Girl?
Jet
Jet’s high-octane, catchy rock anthem from 2003 is packed with infectious riffs and a rebellious spirit. It catapulted the Melbourne-based band to international fame, capturing the heart of the 2000s Aussie rock scene.
My Happiness
Powderfinger
“My Happiness,” released in 2000, is a defining track from Australian rock band Powderfinger. Celebrated for its stirring lyrics and compelling rock melodies, the song encapsulates the band’s unique blend of emotive songwriting and powerful musicianship. The tune helped make Powderfinger one of the best rock bands of the early 2000s.
Walking on a Dream
Empire of the Sun
‘Walking on a Dream’ is an intoxicating synth-pop anthem by Australian duo Empire of the Sun. Released in 2008, its dreamy melody, surreal lyrics, and distinctive electronic beats captured audiences globally, defining the sound of electronic music of the era.
Can’t Get You Out of My Head
Kylie Minogue
This irresistible dance-pop anthem from Aussie icon Kylie Minogue was released in 2001. Its catchy ‘la la la’ hook and hypnotic beats took the world by storm, making it a defining hit of the decade.
Joker and the Thief
Wolfmother
‘Joker and the Thief’ is a thunderous anthem from Australian rock band Wolfmother, released in 2005. Fueled by electrifying guitar riffs and Andrew Stockdale’s distinctive, high-octane vocals, the song showcases Wolfmother’s modern take on classic rock. The track achieved considerable global recognition, featuring in several films and TV shows.
So Beautiful
Pete Murray
“So Beautiful” is a hauntingly beautiful acoustic track from Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray. Released in 2003 as part of his album “Feeler,” the song’s heartfelt lyrics, paired with Murray’s soft, emotive vocals, create an intimate and memorable experience, cementing it as a standout hit in his discography.
Amazing
Alex Lloyd
“Amazing” is an introspective ballad from singer-songwriter Alex Lloyd. Released in 2001, it showcases Lloyd’s knack for creating deeply emotional and evocative music. The track was a favourite among listeners, securing top spot in Triple J’s Hottest 100 that year.
4ever
The Veronicas
“4ever” is a high-energy pop-rock anthem by Australian duo The Veronicas. Released in 2005 as part of their debut album “The Secret Life of…”, this song stands out for its catchy hooks, spirited lyrics, and the duo’s harmonious vocals. The track was a chart-topper in Australia and achieved considerable success internationally, serving as a powerful introduction to The Veronicas’ vibrant sound.
Not Pretty Enough
Kasey Chambers
‘Not Pretty Enough’ is a heartfelt track from Kasey Chambers released in 2002. With its honest, self-questioning lyrics and Chambers’ emotive vocals, the song resonated with listeners globally, topping the charts in Australia and gaining significant airplay internationally. It remains one of Chambers’ most defining songs.
Scar
Missy Higgins
‘Scar’ by Missy Higgins is a whimsical, piano-based classic from 2004. The track’s heartfelt lyrics and Higgins’ enchanting vocals blend seamlessly, creating a poignant and enduring Aussie pop hit that’s left a lasting imprint on the decade.
Somebody Like You
Keith Urban
Keith Urban, the New Zealand-born, Australian-raised country singer, had numerous hits during the 2000s, but one of his biggest and most well-known is “Somebody Like You.” Released in 2002, the song features Urban’s signature blend of country and pop elements, combined with catchy lyrics and uplifting melodies. It reached the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Sweet About Me
Gabriella Cilmi
‘Sweet About Me’ is Gabriella Cilmi’s sassy debut from 2008. This catchy pop tune with its groovy melodies and Cilmi’s husky vocals made waves, etching the young Aussie’s name in the global music scene and defining late 2000s pop.
Straight Lines
Silverchair
‘Straight Lines’ from 2007 is a testament to Silverchair’s evolution as a band. This powerful anthem, with its impactful lyrics and dynamic melody, underscored the group’s matured sound, firmly etching their name in Australian rock music history.
Better Than
John Butler Trio
‘Better Than’ is an uplifting track from the John Butler Trio, released in 2007. The song’s catchy, acoustic-driven melody, combined with its positive and motivational lyrics, resonated with audiences worldwide. The tune showcases the Trio’s signature blend of folk, rock, and roots music.
Breathe Me
Sia
‘Breathe Me’ is a powerful 2004 hit from Australian artist Sia. Noted for her soul-stirring vocals and poignant lyrics, the song rose to global prominence after featuring in the finale of ‘Six Feet Under,’ marking a milestone in Sia’s career.
Catch My Disease
Ben Lee
Singer-songwriter Ben Lee had a successful run in the 2000s. His most notable hit from this period is “Catch My Disease” from the album “Awake Is the New Sleep,” released in 2005. The upbeat, infectious tune was embraced by audiences, earning it the No. 2 spot on Triple J’s Hottest 100 list.
Rock N Roll Train
AC/DC
Released in 2008 from their album “Black Ice”, this electrifying song combines the band’s signature powerhouse riffs with a catchy rhythm. With compelling lyrics and a classic rock feel, “Rock N Roll Train” re-energised AC/DC’s fans and brought in a new generation of listeners.
Mascara
Killing Heidi
‘Mascara’ is the 2000 hit from Aussie rock band Killing Heidi. Led by Ella Hooper’s powerful vocals, the song combines grunge-inspired riffs with pop sensibilities. The anthem about personal identity and youth resonated with listeners, rocketing to the top of the ARIA charts.
Born to Try
Delta Goodrem
“Born to Try” is Delta Goodrem’s powerful debut single, released in 2002. The song combines Goodrem’s expressive vocals with an emotive piano-driven melody, creating a pop ballad that resonated with audiences worldwide. Its inspirational lyrics about taking risks and chasing dreams solidified Goodrem’s standing as a prominent figure in the Australian music scene.
This Heart Attack
Faker
‘This Heart Attack’ is an exhilarating track from Aussie rock band Faker, released in 2007. The song, characterised by an infectious chorus and energetic guitar riffs, achieved significant success. It reached No. 2 on the ARIA Singles Chart and became one of the most played songs on Australian radio that year.
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