Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’ from their third studio album ‘X&Y ‘ has become one of the band’s most iconic and emotional tracks. The ballad, which builds from a minimalistic arrangement to a grand, powerful climax, explores themes of healing and resilience. Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, revealed he found inspiration for the track after his father-in-law (actor Bruce Paltrow) died, and stated he’s most proud of this song “because it’s so unlikely that that song would have come out of that period.” The song continues to resonate deeply with listeners and has become a staple on their ‘Music Of The Spheres’ Tour. 

Gorillaz’s ‘Dare,’ featuring Shaun Ryder, showcased the British band’s signature mix of Dance-Pop, Funk, and Electronic elements. The track charted in the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart for four weeks and remains one of the most popular songs in Gorillaz discography. Its iconic music video and animated visuals further solidified the band’s status as pioneers in blending music with visual art.

The Black Eyed Peas’ ‘Pump It,’ from their album ‘Monkey Business’, is renowned for its sample from Dick Dale’s ‘Misirlou’. Blending Hip-Hop, Dance, and Rock elements, the song became a club anthem and was a commercial success, charting in multiple countries including the US, the UK, and Australia. The hit single contributed to the American group’s status as one of the best-selling musical acts of all time. 

‘Hip’s Don’t Lie’ by Shakira, featuring Wyclef Jean, was released as a single from the reissue of Shakira’s album ‘Oral Fixation, Vol. 2′  and topped charts across the world, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Charts. Notable for its fusion of Latin pop and Reggaeton, the song and accompanying music video have became a global phenomenon. Shakira’s performance of the track at the 2006 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony solidified her status as an international icon.

James Blunt’s ‘You’re Beautiful,’ from his debut album ‘Back to Bedlam’, became a worldwide hit in 2005 and claimed the UK Singles Chart No. 1 position for five weeks. The song’s emotional lyrics, simple instrumentation, and sincere delivery made it one of the most memorable ballads of the year. It’s commercial success contributed significantly to the success of ‘Back to Bedlam’ which became one of the best-selling albums of all time and released it’s 20th Anniversary Recycled Vinyl and CD last year. 

Beaten to the No.1 spot in the UK by Blunt’s ‘You’re Beautiful’ was Kanye West’s ‘Gold Digger’, featuring Jamie Foxx. The song’s catchy, upbeat production and distinctive sample from Ray Charles’s 1954 hit song ‘I Got a Woman‘ creates a memorable soulful feel. It was widely praised by critics for its catchy beat, clever lyrics, and social commentary, seen as a prime example of Kanye’s ability to blend Hip-Hop, Soul, and satire into a hit song.

Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” feat. Jamie Foxx has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. It’s Jamie Foxx’s first song to reach this milestone, and Kanye West’s fifth. pic.twitter.com/ZKOoyHb1n0

— Talk of the Charts (@talkofthecharts) November 9, 2023

Rihanna’s debut single, ‘Pon de Replay,’ was also snubbed of UK No.1 by Blunt’s hit single, and introduced the Barbados singer to the global music scene. With its Caribbean dancehall rhythms, reggae-inspired beats, and a fusion of Pop and Reggaeton elements, the song established Rihanna as a rising star, marking the beginning of her illustrious career.

Franz Ferdinand’s ‘Do You Want To’ was the hit single from their second album ‘You Could Have It So Much Better’ and cemented their status as leaders of the 2000s Indie Rock Revival. Its catchy hook and Post-Punk influences helped the band gain mainstream popularity as the single soared to the Top 10 in various countries, including the UK.

The Pussycat Dolls’ ‘Don’t Cha’, featuring Bust Rhymes, was another standout single from 2005, blending Pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop into a catchy, danceable anthem. At a time when music videos were a crucial platform for artists to express their visual identity, the iconic choreography in the ‘Don’t Cha’ music video solidified the track’s place in pop culture. Equally, the song’s playful lyrics propelled the American girl group to stardom as it claimed No.1 position in the UK for three weeks. 

Lastly, ‘Ghetto Gospel’ featuring Elton John was released as a single in 2005, a year after 2Pac’s posthumous album ‘Loyal to the Game’, produced by American rapper Eminem. The song’s fusion of 2Pac’s iconic Rap style with Elton John’s soulful vocals was groundbreaking and exemplifies the ability of music to transcend genre boundaries. As a result, it achieved global success, peaking at No.2 on the UK Singles Chart. The track is poignant not only for its themes of struggle and redemption but also as it marked the end of 2Pac’s posthumous releases.

The year 2005 was a defining moment in music history, a turning point in a decade filled with innovation and creativity.

These 20 songs exemplify cultural movements in the industry during this time: with Hip-Hop releases catalysing its rise to pop culture; the emergence of Neo-Soul and continuous evolution of R&B; Latin Pop’s transition into mainstream; the surge of Pop-Punk into global charts; the Indie Rock Revival, which reshaped how Rock music was approached; and the increasing popularity of EDM.

Additionally, the music industry was revolutionised by the rise of streaming platforms, enabling artists to connect directly with fans and increasing the impact of music videos on pop culture. The accessibility of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) empowered musicians to create and produce high-quality tracks entirely digitally and in home-studios. Meanwhile, the growth of MP3 players made music portable, changing the way music was consumed and enjoyed – a shift that still resonates today.

These cultural movements not only shaped the decade but continue to influence music 20 years later. The 2000s undoubtedly reshaped the music industry, the way artists create and share music, and the way it is consumed, laying the groundwork for the music industry today.

While Pop dominated the charts, other genres were growing into mainstream forces such as Hip-Hop, Rock Revival, and Latin Pop. Pioneering platforms like iTunes and YouTube – also celebrating its 20th anniversary – laid the foundation for today’s streaming-driven music culture. Several tracks of this era have risen to anthem status, each shaping their respective genres. 

‘Dakota’ by Stereophonics was one of the most notable releases and is sure to be a highlight on their upcoming tour. Blending the band’s characteristic classic Rock sound with modern Rock elements, the song marked a significant shift in their musical direction. It achieved commercial success, reaching No.1 on the UK Singles Chart, and played a crucial role in reaffirming the relevance of guitar-driven rock during a time when pop and electronic music were dominant. 

‘Dakota’ has received a shiny new makeover, the official music video is now Remastered in 4k HD. Check out the full video on YouTube now! – https://t.co/1H6QU1emJC pic.twitter.com/DD1gXfhmEP

— stereophonics (@stereophonics) September 12, 2024

Another standout track of 2005 was Akon’s ‘Lonely’ – a track showcasing the rapper’s distinctive blend of R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop. Its instantly recognisable hook is a pitch-shifted, sped-up sample from Bobby Vinton’s ‘Mr. Lonely’ (1962). ‘Lonely’ played an important role in pioneering Hip-Hop’s presence in mainstream music, topping the charts in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, and Germany.

The second single from Oasis’ album ‘Don’t Believe the Truth’ made its mark in 2005. ‘The Importance of Being Idle,’ is widely regarded as one of the standout tracks from the album, and reflected the band’s ongoing love for British Rock, incorporating elements reminiscent of The Beatles’ Psych-Pop era. It debuted at No.1 on the UK Singles Chart and remains a concert staple, further cementing Oasis’ legacy in Rock music. Fans can hope it will be featured on the setlist for their 2025 Tour. 

Nizlopi’s ‘JCB Song’ is a distinctive track reflective of the UK’s acoustic and indie music scene in the mid-2000s, introducing a more acoustic, Folk-inspired sound to mainstream audiences. The track’s simple arrangement of guitar, bass, and piano, combined with a catchy melody and relatable themes of childhood innocence, resonated widely, and propelled the track to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.

Daft Punk’s ‘Technologic’ from ‘Human After All’  became a fan favourite despite not being released as a single. The song’s minimalist electronic production, robotic vocals, and repetitive, hypnotic lyrics captured the essence of the French duo’s unique style and their exploration of the relationship between technology and modern life. ‘Human After All’ reached the Top 10 in the UK Albums Chart and was certified gold in France within the first few weeks of its release.

‘I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor’, the debut single by British Rock band Arctic Monkeys, topped the UK Singles Chart, a remarkable achievement considering it gained popularity largely through internet attention and word of mouth, without traditional promotion from a major record label. Driven by Garage Rock influences, the track’s raw sound, energetic guitars, and driving rhythm, illustrated the core of Indie Rock in the mid-2000s.

Arctic Monkeys – I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor (Glastonbury 2023) pic.twitter.com/tiAR1T95lX

— Portal Arctic Monkeys (@portalmonkeysbr) June 24, 2023

‘Hung Up’, from Madonna’s 2005 album ‘Confessions on a Dance Floor’, was a cultural landmark, fusing high-energy dance-pop with a disco influence, evident in its upbeat tempo, funky bassline, and synth-heavy production. The track is built around the sample from ABBA’s ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme (a Man After Midnight)’ with the repetitive, memorable hook “Time goes by so slowly”. It quickly became a global success, topping the UK Singles Chart and reaching No. 1 in over 40 countries.

Damian Marley’s ‘Welcome to Jamrock’ blended Reggae, Dancehall, and Hip-Hop, providing a powerful reflection on social, economic, and political issues in Jamaica. The groundbreaking track showcased his ability to merge Jamaican rhythms with contemporary global sounds and helped introduce Marley to a wider audience. Landing in the Top 40 on the UK Singles Chart, the single marked a breakthrough in the UK music scene.

Robbie Williams also made waves in 2005 with his song ‘Tripping’ from the album ‘Intensive Care’. The track’s gritty guitar riff and introspective lyrics highlight a shift from Williams’ earlier Pop sound, exploring themes of disillusionment and the emotional challenges of fame (a central topic in his recent biopic). The song reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, further solidifying Williams’ place in the British Pop music landscape.

The Game and 50 Cent’s collaboration ‘Hate It or Love It,’ from The Game’s debut album ‘The Documentary‘, is widely regarded as one of the standout tracks of the 2000s Hip-Hop era. The track’s G-Funk inspired beat and soulful melodies played a significant role in defining the sound of West Coast Hip-Hop in the mid-2000s. Peaking at No. 4 on the UK Singles Charts, its commercial success helped solidify The Game’s place in the Rap scene. As 50 Cent prepares for two UK appearances in 2025, fans can expect to hear similar nostalgic hits feature on his setlist. 

These are 10 of 20 songs that stand out as monumental releases of 2005, highlighting the diversity of chart-topping hits during the mid-2000s. Their enduring legacy continues to resonate, with these tracks not only remaining staples in playlists but also serving as inspiration for modern musicians.

The remaining 10 songs will be explored tomorrow.

Shifty Shellshock met Bret Mazur, his Crazy Town co-founder, in 1992 and they first began creating music together under the name Brimstone Sluggers. By 1999 they had changed their name to Crazy Town and had accumulated new members in Rust Epique, James Bradely Jr. (aka JBJ), Doug Miller, Adam Goldstein (aka DJ AM) and Antonio Lorenzo “Trouble” Valli. They released their debut album in November 1999 which was titled “The Gift of Game”. With the first two singles failing to even chart, their debut album had limited initial success.

Their fortune turned in 2000 however, as they released their third single, Butterfly, which sampled ‘Pretty Little Ditty’ by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, who they had toured with following the release of their first album. The song featured Shellshocks laid-back rapping with the signature lyric “Come my lady, come-come my lady, You’re my butterfly, sugar baby”. The song topped the charts in the USA for two consecutive weeks and peaked at number 3 in the UK charts.

Crazy Town’s second album, ‘Darkhorse’, released in 2002, failed to gain the same success leading to the band breaking up from 2003 to 2007. Shifty Shellshock then pursued a solo career where he released the 2002 hit ‘Starry Eyed Surprise’ which saw him collaborate with British DJ and producer Paul Oakenfold. Binzer then released his first solo album, ‘Happy Love Sick’, which had some success in Europe.

Seth Binzer was quite open with the fact that he struggled with addiction as he appeared on reality TV shows ‘Celebrity Rehab’ and in its follow-up ‘Sober House’ during which he relapsed.

Crazy Town reformed in 2007 before releasing their third album in 2015 titled ‘The Brimstone Sluggers’, after their original band name. This unfortunately failed to chart leading to Bret Mazur leaving the group in 2017. Shellshock then renamed the group Crazy Town X and continued to tour with them until last year. The band toured with nu metal band Hed PE but were kicked off it after Binzer got into a fight with Hed PE’s frontman, Bobby Reeves

In April, Shellshock posted about his sobriety on Instagram, saying that “I’m a lover than a fighter …but the one I need to love more Instead of fight with is myself .. mr shifty true Love # Sober alive and grateful.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ＳＥＴＨ ＢＩＮＺＥＲ (@therealcrazytown)

The death of Binzer follows the deaths of his Crazy Town bandmates Rust Epique, who passed in 2004, and DJ AM, in 2009.

Shifty Shellshock is survived by his three sons, Gage, Halo and phoenix.

We send our condolences to Binzer’s family and friends at this difficult time.

On TikTok, the track has been used in a trend where people show of their luxurious houses, drawing a parallel to between their own home and the film’s Saltburn House. The use of the track, particularly on TikTok, where the average user is likely to have missed ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ the first time round, has given the song a new lease on life. Back in 2001, Ellis-Bextor’s ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ peaked at the #2 spot on the UK’s top 100. Since Saltburn’s release ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ has climbed its way back up the top 100, finishing in second place last week.

Not only has the track from Ellis-Bextor’s debut album regained popularity domestically, but it has managed to squeeze itself into the US Billboard Top 100, taking the 58th spot. Unlike the track’s original 2001 run, ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ is seeing popularity on both sides of the Atlantic. Speaking to Vulture about the song’s cultural resurgence, Ellis-Bextor said: “the song is actually providing all the momentum and I can just sit back and be like, “Wow, this is special, is really unique.””

Again, speaking with Vulture, Ellis-Bextor said: “luckily for me, I had already starting working on the new album”. For Ellis-Bextor, the stars have aligned, and her new project will release off the back of her recent success. According to The Mail this project has been signed to Ellis-Bextor’s former label, with a music industry insider having said: “Sophie has become a global star again. Universal, her old record label, have snapped her up and she will be releasing new music later in the year.”

For those wanting to see Ellis-Bextor live, she is performing in a few venues across London, as well as touring throughout Europe in March of this year. Whether you are a new fan, drawn in by one of the catchiest hits of the 2000s, or you are a long-time fan of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 2024 is proving to be an exciting year for the star.

Doherty, the frontman of indie rock band The Libertines, had become notorious for his struggles with substances and his run-ins with the law during the late 2000s and 2010s. Now attempting sobriety, he has reflected on his chaotic past with Louis Theroux.

A real pleasure to catch up with @louistheroux

Catch up now on @BBCiPlayer #louistherouxinterviews pic.twitter.com/FmOnG2VdV6

— Peter Doherty (@petedoherty) November 16, 2023

When questioned on his health, Doherty shared, “You are looking at a very sick man. I’ve battered it, haven’t I, I’ve fucking caned it. [The] heroin and the crack… I surrendered to that, and then it was cocaine and the smoking and the alcohol, and now it’s cheese and the saucisson, and the sugar in the tea.”

He continued, “It’s all gotta go. They told me a little while ago if you don’t change your diet then you’re gonna have diabetes and cholesterol problems. Death’s lurking, you know what I mean? That’s why I carry that stick.”

Doherty also shared that he doesn’t believe he will be able to see his daughter, Billie-May (born in June of this year) grow up. When Theroux suggested living another 25 years to see his daughter start a family of her own, Doherty responded, “That’s a stretch though, isn’t it.”

Theroux also asked Doherty what advice he would give to someone interested in dabbling in drugs, to which Doherty replied, “My life in using was so chaotic and the consequences of [it]… You’ll be in prison and you’ll fuck your body up and you’ll be skint and you’ll lose your family and you’ll lose everything you love. Is it really that good? That’s beyond curiosity, that’s a right mess. I still get tingles thinking about it, but I’m able to talk to you rather than running off and scoring.”

Doherty also delves into other highly publicised aspects of his life throughout the interview, including his relationship with supermodel Kate Moss and his feud with former Libertines bandmate Carl Barat. Barat revealed that Doherty’s addictions caused a rift in the band, leading to The Libertines performing without Doherty.

Discussing Pete Doherty following the interview, Theroux shared, “I was surprised by how funny he was, I was surprised that (maybe I shouldn’t haven’t been) his recovery still seemed precarious, and I would say that maybe I was sort of surprised by his level of openness.”

Theroux continued, “I suppose everyone curates a persona that they present in public and I’m sure he does as well, but his curatorial choice seemed to be that he’ll speak about anything. Occasionally he deflects a bit, but I never felt that he was especially unwilling to talk about stuff, so it’s a very soul-bearing interview.”

Watch Louis Theroux Interviews: Pete Doherty here.

Band member Duncan James addressed the news on Good Morning Britain (which he currently presents), saying, “I have some great news that won’t leave you feeling Blue because we are putting on a special tour.” He added, “there’s been a lot happening in the last two decades,” ensuring fans that many exciting stories from Blue’s expansive career would be coming their way.

The tour will celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary, with the setlist promising to contain the best material from their six studio albums. On Good Morning Britain, James said, “We could put your city in lockdown when we fly by on a low ride very soon.”

The group took to Twitter to share their excitement, also referencing their iconic noughties tracks, “All Rise” and “Fly By.”

All rise, we’ve got an announcement!

Tickets for our #GreatestHitsTour are going on sale soon – exclusive pre-sale starts Wednesday at 9.00am (BST) – sign up at https://t.co/NJdbW35Z6k

Then, you can ‘Fly By’ to the general sale, starting at 9.00am (BST) on Friday! pic.twitter.com/hjdYD5UpWe

— BLUE (@officialblue) October 23, 2023

Duncan James also shared a video, encouraging fans to purchase their tickets with their titular single from their No.1 album, “One Love” playing in the background.  

Get ready to make some noise! Tickets for our Greatest Hits Tour are officially ON SALE! Get yours at https://t.co/XwQaKct680 and secure your spot to see us live in 2024! pic.twitter.com/PCm40FHGYA — BLUE (@officialblue) October 27, 2023

The tour won’t solely rely on nostalgia though, as the group are set to perform tracks from their newest album too, released in 2022. Members Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe produced their latest effort, Heart and Soul in October 2022, with the album debuting at No.22 on the UK Top 100 Chart.

Who’s got a copy of our brand new album? If you haven’t, you know what to do… https://t.co/lMCCQIfEXN pic.twitter.com/61ZhJsswXT

— BLUE (@officialblue) December 19, 2022

Tickets for Blue’s Greatest Hits Tour are on sale now, available to purchase here.