There’s a theory that trends run on a 20-year cycle. So far, 2026 is proving that theory right. The early 00s are back with a vengeance: a US-led war in the Middle East, the return of the Pussycat Dolls. After a reunion in 2019 was derailed by Covid and legal disputes, “the dolls are back, for ever” – or so they claim in their new single, Club Song, released this week. To mark the occasion, here are The Observer's picks of the tracks that defined the era.
Listen to The Observer’s Playlist of the week here.
Don’t Cha – the lead single on the dolls’ debut album PCD, featuring Busta Rhymes, who co-wrote the song with CeeLo Green – is quintessential 00s pop. If you want some real nostalgia, check out the music video for Y2K fashion crimes and an excessive wind machine budget.
Also on a comeback tour this year (her original band No Doubt is set for a 19-date residency at the Las Vegas Sphere in May and June), Stefani was a trend-setter for the sexed-up hip-hop of the era. Her standout hit Hollaback Girl was the first ever track to reach 1m digital downloads in the US. This s**t is bananas!
Is Pon de Replay the best single by Rihanna? No. Is it guaranteed to get every millennial you know on the dancefloor, asking the DJ to turn the music up? Absolutely. This track from the Barbadian’s debut album is an absolute must if you want to truly throw yourself back in time.
BOB (Bombs Over Baghdad) by OutKast (2000)
The groundbreaking hip-hop duo OutKast couldn’t have known the resonance this song would go on to have. It’s simply – and a multitude of critics would agree – one of the best hip-hop tracks of all time. It rightfully set the bar high for the next decade of the genre.
Newsletters
Choose the newsletters you want to receive
View more
For information about how The Observer protects your data, read our Privacy Policy
It’s hard to overestimate the impact this debut single from American rock band Evanescence had on the charts when it was released. Good news for fans who want to scream the chorus along with lead singer Amy Lee – the band is reuniting for a world tour this summer.
Illustration by Charlotte Durance