Pop Punk
A defining band of the era known for their catchy hooks, high energy, and blend of humor and heartfelt lyrics in hits like "All the Small Things" and "What's My Age Again?"
Blink-182
A defining female-fronted band in the scene, known for popular anthems like "That's What You Get" and "Misery Business"
Paramore
The decade's top artist on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart, known for blending alt-rock with nu-metal and electronic elements in massive hits like "In the End," "Numb," and "What I've Done"
Linkin Park
Already popular from the 90s, they experienced a massive resurgence and redefined the genre in the 2000s with their politically charged rock opera American Idiot.
Green Day
Perhaps the most prominent face of the mainstream emo genre, known for their theatrical style and hits like "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" and "Welcome to the Black Parade"
My Chemical Romance
Fronted by Dave Grohl, they consistently produced radio staples throughout the decade, including "All My Life," "Best of You," and the chart-topping "The Pretender," which spent the most weeks at number one for any song in the 2000s.
Foo Fighters
Achieved high levels of commercial success in the mid-to-late 2000s with their clever lyrics and pop-friendly sound, particularly with songs like "Sugar, We're Goin Down"
Fall Out Boy
Achieved massive commercial success, blending emo with pop-punk and contributing to the "emo pop" sound with songs like "Sugar, We're Goin Down"
Fall Out Boy
Became a defining band of the mid-2000s indie/new wave revival with ubiquitous radio hits from their debut album Hot Fuss, including "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me"
The Killers
While often categorized as emo, they were a major force in the 2000s, bringing a theatrical and emotional style to the mainstream with albums like The Black Parade
My Chemical Romance
While often grouped in the "emo trinity" with MCR and Fall Out Boy, they incorporated a unique blend of pop, baroque, and electronic elements, popularizing the aesthetic with songs like "I Write Sins Not Tragedies
Panic! At The Disco
Pioneers of the garage rock revival, their raw, minimalist sound produced major hits like the instantly recognizable "Seven Nation Army" that became radio and cultural staples.
The White Stripes
Became one of the most iconic pop-rock bands of the early 2000s with hits such as "Swing, Swing" and "Dirty Little Secret"
The All-American Rejects
While forming in the 90s, they found their greatest commercial success in the 2000s with the album Bleed American, featuring hits like "The Middle" and "Pain"
Jimmy Eat World
Brought a more melodic, piano-driven sound to alt-rock radio, with songs like "Clocks" and "Viva la Vida" becoming massive, crossover hits.
Coldplay