The early 2000s were one of the hottest eras in music history, with some of today’s most popular artists entering the scene and their music hitting the charts. There are a lot of songs I enjoy from the early 2000s, but for this list, I’ll only name three. Three of my favorite songs from the early 2000s are “Diary”and “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys, as well as “Rock the Boat” by Aaliyah.
Alicia Keys and Aaliyah’s names are almost synonymous with 2000s R&B. The second I hear their names I think of this iconic era. That is how successful they were at this time. They are both considered R&B princesses, have both sold millions of records, and have both obtained numerous accolades. With their talent and beauty, it isn’t hard to fathom that these songs were hits at the time and that they continue to be well-liked today.
“Diary” was released in 2003 when I was two years old, but I grew up listening to it. I first fell in love with it around the age of eight. First of all, I was enamored with Mrs. Keys’ voice, she has this deep sensual, seductive voice that can just soothe me to sleep. The song itself was also very soothing. I was too young to understand exactly what she was talking about, but I could tell she was addressing someone she trusted and cared about.
The instrumentals were to die for, I loved the piano in the song as much as I loved Mrs. Keys’ voice. The piano was calming, jazzy, sensual, melancholic yet romantic at the same time. The piano and the track overall had a late 90s vibe to it. I’m a grown-up, 22-year-old woman now and to this day I’m still jamming to this song. I also have it saved on my Spotify. If you have aspirations to be an artist, you are going to want to make music that will be good for all time not just a season. Alicia Keys has accomplished this!
I can write a whole book about how much I love “Rock the Boat.” It is one of my all-time favorites from Aaliyah and she released it in my birth year in 2001. I grew up listening to this song as well, but I didn’t like it until I was around 10 years old. I loved the drums on this track; it is what stood out the most to me. I also loved how catchy the lyrics were; I would go to school humming the song’s hook multiple times. I also have this song saved on my Spotify and I still love it as a grown woman. Talk about the test of time people!
“Fallin’” is another one of my favorite Alicia Keys classics. I heard this song a lot in my house growing up as my older brother is also a huge Alicia Keys fan. It was released in 2001. I didn’t like it until I was 12 and understood a bit more about what she was discussing. What drew me to this heavy hitter was the gospel/soulful vocals and adlibs of Keys and the backup singers. The beat was also really beautiful as the piano and drums were very minimal and gentle yet romantic.
I don’t know about you, but when I get older and have children, I will for sure play this in my house. I’ll tell them about these gorgeous, legendary, and talented ladies because their talent deserves to be remembered, celebrated, and passed on from generation to generation!
