As 2025 rolls in, it's time to look back and celebrate some of the nostalgic pop songs you may have forgotten about that turn 25 this year. (Yes, we feel old.)

These tracks defined the sound of 2000 — that unforgettable era of low-rise jeans, TRL countdowns and actual CDs.

Pop reigned supreme in Y2K. From Britney Spears' inimitable "Oops!... I Did It Again" to Madonna's club anthem "Music," which brought electro-funk to a new generation, pop music in 2000 captured the quick pulse of a world on the brink of transformation.

Aaliyah’s sultry and groundbreaking "Try Again" proved that innovation in music could redefine the popular sound, while the single's futuristic music video set a new standard for visuals. Meanwhile, LeAnn Rimes' "Can’t Fight the Moonlight," the fiery anthem from Coyote Ugly, brought country-pop to the big screen and climbed charts worldwide.

Elsewhere, Aussie pop icon Kylie Minogue's "Spinning Around" signaled her triumphant return to the music scene with shimmering disco energy, while Destiny's Child gave us a club-primed hit about independence and nightlife that still gets crowds hyped today with "Jumpin’, Jumpin’."

READ MORE: 25 Unreleased Pop Albums That Never Saw the Light of Day

These tracks not only dominated airwaves and MTV alike 25 years ago, but continue to encapsulate the spirit of an era that shaped pop music as we know it.

Below, hit play and revisit 25 nostalgic pop gems that may sound a bit dated, but will always be timeless.

"I Think I'm in Love With You," Jessica Simpson

Before she was a reality TV star-turned-business mogul-turned-memoir author, Jessica Simpson was one of bubblegum pop's biggest stars. Featuring a sample of John Mellencamp's classic hit "Jack & Diane," "I Think I'm in Love with You" is a bubbly, delightfully cheesy pop track about the exhilaration and butterflies of falling in love. Its playful music video features Simpson dancing and having fun with friends in a sunny, carefree setting, reflecting the song's joyful tone. Released in 2000, the track peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a fan favorite, helping establish Simpson as a prominent pop star of the early 2000s.

“Gotta Tell You,” Samantha Mumba

Samantha Mumba’s debut single, "Gotta Tell You," is an infectious pop track about confessing undeniable love. The song topped charts internationally, reaching No. 1 in Ireland and No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Though you may not remember it today, this underappreciated gem was a staple of early 2000s pop culture and featured in several movie soundtracks, including Legally Blonde.

“It’s Gonna Be Me,” NSYNC

Both dated in sound but lasting in pop cultural impact, "It’s Gonna Be Me" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the early 2000s, solidifying NSYNC’s boy-band dominance. Its music video, which features the group members as action figures in a toy store, remains iconic to this day, but it's the annually recurring meme the song inspired that's become a staple in the digital age.

“Breathless,” The Corrs

"Breathless" is a romantic anthem about irresistible attraction. The track topped charts in multiple countries, including the U.K., and even earned a Grammy nomination. It became The Corrs’ signature hit, showcasing their blend of sticky-sweet pop and Irish folk influences.

“I Wanna Be With You,” Mandy Moore

Featured in the teen tear-jerker A Walk to Remember, "I Wanna Be With You" is a heartfelt ballad that centers on young, vulnerable love. It peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of bubblegum breakout Mandy Moore's most memorable songs, further cementing her transition from pop star to actress.

“Holler,” Spice Girls

Following the departure of Geri Halliwell, this lead single marked the Spice Girls’ transition to a more sultry, R&B-inspired sound, while its futuristic music video emphasized empowerment and sensuality. Though not as culturally lasting as smashes such as "Wannabe" or "Spice Up Your Life," "Holler" topped the U.K. Singles Chart.

“Natural,” S Club 7

Blending bubblegum pop and soft R&B, "Natural" is about celebrating one's innate qualities in love, and is an English cover of French singer Norma Ray's 1999 hit "Tous les maux d'amour." The song hit No. 3 on the U.K. Singles Chart, showcasing the group’s consistent pop appeal, and its beach-set music video featured member Rachel Stevens in a leading role.

“Liquid Dreams,” O-Town

A quirky and of-its-time ode to pop culture crushes, "Liquid Dreams" combines dreamy lyrics with energetic, unmistakably Y2K boy-band beats. The song reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it O-Town’s breakout hit, though not their biggest.

“Don’t Wanna Let You Go,” Five

This nostalgic mid-tempo track explores vulnerability in relationships, while its sleek music video features cinematic, spy-inspired visuals. The song reached No. 9 on the U.K. Singles Chart, continuing Five's streak of chart success at the time, though it was nowhere near the then-Simon Cowell-signed British boy band's biggest hit.

“Upside Down,” A-Teens

A vibrant dance-pop hit about youthful excitement, "Upside Down" was a global sensation, peaking at No. 2 in Sweden and gaining significant airplay worldwide upon its release. Today it's a Y2K pop time capsule, thanks in part to its colorful music video that matches the A-Teens’ fun and carefree image.

“Shape of My Heart,” Backstreet Boys

A reflective bubblegum ballad about vulnerability and redemption, "Shape of My Heart" peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, while its music video highlighted the band’s introspective side. The song remains a nostalgic favorite among Backstreet Boys fans today.

“Just Give Me One Night (Una Noche),” 98 Degrees

This cheesy yet steamy track blends Latin influences with pop, making it a standout in 98 Degrees’ boy band catalog. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the group's versatility and passion.

“She Bangs,” Ricky Martin

A high-energy dance track celebrating irresistible allure, "She Bangs" was a global hit, peaking in the Top 10 in multiple countries and earning a Grammy nomination. Still, it's perhaps best remembered for a certain American Idol audition.

“Come on Over Baby (All I Want Is You),” Christina Aguilera

This uptempo pop anthem celebrating youthful passion became Christina Aguilera’s fourth No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, while its high-energy music video captured the era's Y2K teeny bopper aesthetic.

“Eternal Flame,” Atomic Kitten

A cover of The Bangles’ classic, Atomic Kitten’s glittery version brought a soft, romantic pop vibe. It topped the U.K. Singles Chart and introduced the song to a new generation.

“Graduation (Friends Forever),” Vitamin C

An emotional ode to friendship and farewells, "Graduation" became a staple at school ceremonies in the early 2000s, and it even appeared briefly in Scary Movie 2 during a scene starring Anna Faris. The single charted well globally and remains one of Vitamin C’s most memorable tracks.

“All Hooked Up,” All Saints

Though not as commercially successful as their earlier hits, this R&B-infused track from U.K. girl group All Saints showcased a bold, experimental side of the group and managed to peak at No. 7 in the U.K.

“No More (Baby I’ma Do Right),” 3LW

A breakout hit for oft-forgotten girl group 3LW (two members of which later starred in The Cheetah Girls), this empowering track is about setting boundaries in relationships. Its catchy hook helped it reach No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“There You Go,” Pink

Before she conquered the airwaves with her brash brand of pop-rock, Pink’s debut single introduced a more club-friendly, R&B-focused sound. "There You Go" peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the start of her successful, decades-spanning career, but not everyone remembers this breakout track.

“I Turn to You,” Melanie C

Originally a sweeping ballad, Spice Girl-gone-solo Melanie C's "I Turn to You" became a massively successful dance anthem thanks to a euphoric trance remix courtesy of Hex Hector. It topped the U.K. Singles Chart and was a hit in clubs worldwide.

“Another Dumb Blonde,” Hoku

Famously featured in Snow Day, this upbeat pop track is about defying shallow stereotypes. It reached No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing Hoku as a bubblegum teen pop star one year before she notched another hit with "Perfect Day" in the film Legally Blonde.

“He Loves U Not,” Dream

The defunct girl group's debut single is a playful Y2K R&B-pop bop about a girl confronting another girl who's been trying to steal her boyfriend. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming not only Dream’s breakout hit, but their biggest and only true hit.

“Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do),” Mya

A bold anthem about confronting an ex, this drum track-heavy R&B hit from the oft-forgotten Mya peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was accompanied by an energetic music video featuring slick choreography and visuals inspired by Mad Max.

“Be With You,” Enrique Iglesias

This romantic, undeniably cheesy dance-pop track from Enrique Iglesias became a global hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100. While it sounds a bit dated by today's pop standards, its stylish music video and infectious chorus remains a standout in the singer's discography.

"I'm Like a Bird," Nelly Furtado

Years before she got promiscuous with Timbaland, Nelly Furtado made her debut with the folksy and whimsical "I'm Like a Bird." The song, which won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2002, achieved great commercial success, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.

One-Hit Wonders of the 2000s

Stacker compiled a list of popular one-hit wonders from the 2000s using Billboard, Reuters, and other online sources.

Gallery Credit: Taneasha White-Gibson

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