Top 10 Billboard Chart Topping Rock Songs of the 2000s

Watching. Talking. Driving. Dying. Kings of Leon struck all the right chords for this story of an existential sex romp. Take what you want from the lyricsof “Sex on Fire,” but no one can deny that Kings Of Leon reached a higher echelon of rock stardom with the Grammy-nominated hit. The driving guitar riffs and frantic vocals of Caleb Followill lead to a narrative that was sexual in nature, as the singer contemplates a sense of burning all over his body, which could in fact be the result of the sweltering sun, or perhaps something more medical in nature.

Written by lead vocalist Brad Arnold, the lyrics convey a man in romantic turmoil as he travels to the dark side of the moon and back, only to find that his girl rejects him. “Kryptonite” was a definitive pop culture hit amongst the early 2000s music scene, while the song’s music video has an interesting take on superheroes. That Superman name drop in the song’s chorus never fails to have us singing along as well.

It’s not often that you’ll hear a rock song beginning in the middle of a thought, but that’s what happened when Aaron Lewis embraced his own inner dialogue. Based on the lyrical content, it’s safe to say that Staind’s singer had gone through the worst of times while seeking the proverbial light, and he nearly smokes an entire pack of cigarettes in the music video before inadvertently burning the place down. “It’s Been Awhile” conveys the inner angst that allowed prototypical tough guys to cry their hearts out while listening to this song on repeat over and over.

Jesus of Suburbia was havin’ himself one helluva time on the concept album American Idiot, and the character would find himself on the walk ofshame, or the “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” Based on an iconic photograph of James Dean, the lyrics zero in the on the plight of the lonely outcast, one who knows that a better life exists but can’t seem to escape the torrential downpour of pain and bad luck. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” earnedthe punk band “Record of the Year” at the Grammy Awards, “Video of the Year” at the MTV Video Music Awards, and a spot at number one on 5 different US Billboard charts.

After a brief solo career post-90s Soundgarden, Chris Cornell joined up with the members of Rage Against the Machine, sans Zach de la Rocha, and wrote a spiritual poem about the ideal afterlife. Lyrically, “Like a Stone” conjures up gothic imagery, and the visuals of the ominous music video reinforced the idea of a man waiting for someone or something. In fact, the production directed by Meiert Avis was actually shot in a former home ofJimi Hendrix, thus connecting “Like a Stone” to one of the Gods of Rock.

This Nu-Metal hit quickly rose the charts, thanks in large part to the reflective rhymes of one Mike Shinoda and Chester Bennington’s sprawling vocals. In a rapidly evolving world, “In The End” sought for a seemingly distant emotional resolution, as the members of Linkin Park roamed a hellish landscape in the music video featuring a flying whale. This was the most existential track of the band’s debut album, and while “In The End” came just short of the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, it did indeed hit #1 on the rock charts. The band wasn’t done there, as they would have another number one two years later with “Numb”.

As Linkin Park took to the nu-metal crowds for our #5 entry, a band from the Palm Desert was preparing to release a modern stoner rock classic. Lyrically, the words of Josh Homme are minimal yet profound, as the unforgettable guitar riffs drive home the message of being completely owned by love. “No One Knows” not only reached #1 on the rock charts, but also earned Queens of Stone Age a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Subconsciously inspired by “Sesame Street,” Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl penned a rebellious track about someone hiding behind the truth. Asthe lead track off the band’s sixth album, “The Pretender” hit #1 on both the rock and alternative charts, and the best part of this song is that one can interpret the lyrics in a variety of ways. Timely and thrashing, this Foo Fighters single proclaimed “enough is enough” and allowed listeners to figuratively drop the mic on all the problems in their life. However, don’t forget about their earlier #1 “Best of You”, which is yet another classic in a decade full of hits.

Ok, this one barely made our list, as the album Californication was released in 1999, but the titular single dropped in May of 2000. In the long and illustrious career of the Los Angeles-based Red Hot Chili Peppers, no other song has explored the darkness of Hollywood like this one. Touching on various themes of modern pop culture, the lyrics channel 60s era Bob Dylan while investigating the accepted social norms that are far from ideal. Ofcourse, there’s also the brilliant music video for the song, in which the Chili Peppers navigate a 3D world full of surprises and adventure - OR infinite sadness, depending on your own perspective.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The Middle” (2001)
Jimmy Eat World

“Fall to Pieces” (2004)
Velvet Revolver

“Hanging by a Moment” (2000)
Lifehouse

“Aerials” (2002)
System of a Down

“When You Were Young” (2006)
The Killers

“Feel Good Inc.” (2005)
Gorillaz

Regardless of where you’re from or what your personal challenges may be, anyone can relate to a song oozing with rebellion, and it was this garage rock anthem from The White Stripes that has truly become an international phenomenon. Laced with an unmistakable riff courtesy of Jack White’s Kay Hollowbody guitar and Whammy pedal modification, “Seven Nation Army” is far more than just your typical Billboard hit. It’s become a worldwide hype song of sorts, as it’s been adopted by Italian soccer teams and national revolutions. It’s been critically acclaimed domestically as well, but the true power of “Seven Nation Army” is that it transcends rock itself and has touched all corners of the globe.

So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite Billboard chart topping rock song of the 2000s? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.