Entertainment
Despite technically being '90s kids, for many kids from the greatest decade, the teen years happened in the 2000s. They grew up in a world where Beyoncé was still part of Destiny's Child and Miley Cyrus was also known as Hannah Montanna. Now that the decade is long gone, we can remember with fondness (or less-than-fondness) the years that gave us the perfect songs from the 2000s to annoy our kids with in the car. Because honestly, what else can be done with the one hit wonders and cheesy rap songs of our generation?
Although the majority of the music from this decade is better suited for adults— I'm not planning on introducing my daughters to Brittany Spears anytime soon— it can be fun to show them the hits of "our tim"", however cheesy and borderline inappropriate they may be.
What fun is parenting if you can't introduce your kids to the pop culture that will give them the same teen angst that we had? No fun at all.
So next time you're in need of a playlist for a long drive with the kids, pull from your own teen years with these '00s hits. Your kids will thank you (and/or hate you) for it later.
1
"Party In The U.S.A" by Miley Cyrus
Really, any Miley Cyrus song from the '00s is fair game, but "Party In The U.S.A" in particular truly captures the lyrical genius of this decade in pop music.
2
"Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stephani
Though I'm still struggling to figure out what a hollaback girl is (kind of?), it's safe to assume that this song single-handedly taught an entire generation to spell bananas.
3
"Kryptonite" by Three Doors Down
Perfect for angsty teens everywhere. After playing the song, you can end the intro to the '00s with a Smallville marathon.
4
"Low" by Flo Rida
Note that never would I actually play this song for my daughters, because I never want them to know what apple bottom jeans are or to ever have the desire to get low, but it deserves a mention nonetheless.
5
"A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton
Also known as the only song that everyone knew how to play on the piano.
6
"Arms Wide Open" by Creed
For a less raunchy, but equally dramatic choice, look to Creed's "Arms Wide Open" for all of the grunge and drama.
7
"Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood
For a lesson on how to properly handle aggression, play Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats."
8
"I Believe In A Thing Called Love" by The Darkness
If you secretly want to channel your inner '80s rockstar, play this song. Or watch the music video for an equally confusing conversation starter.
9
"Get Your Freak On" by Missy Elliott
It's as catchy as it is iconic of the '00s.
10
"Get This Party Started" by P!nk
Another hit that will be stuck in both you and your child's heads for the rest of the month. Sorry not sorry.
11
"Toxic" by Brittany Spears
Again, not suitable for all ages. But, you know, save this one for when your kids are old enough to discuss the finer elements of pop culture.
12
"Say My Name" by Destiny's Child
Although Beyoncé was already a goddess at this point, our children won't know her as anything other than the icon she is now. But once, a long, long time ago, she was known as Destiny's Child and that's a whole different Beyonce.
13
"Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson
The beginning of an era of using text abbreviations for everything. Thx, Kelly.
14
"I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
This song is great for teaching your child how to count the amount of "goods" that tonight is gonna be.
15
"Hey Ya" by OutKast
For no other reason that it will probably genuinely annoy your children.
