The dawn of the new millennium, the 2000s, was an explosive era for music, especially when it came to dance. Leaving the 90s behind, the airwaves and dance floors were soon dominated by a fresh wave of beats, rhythms, and artists that defined a generation. If you’re looking to inject some high-energy nostalgia into your day or curate the ultimate throwback party playlist, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the best dance hits from 1999 to 2002 – no slow jams allowed! Get ready to turn up the volume and move to these iconic tracks that still sound as vibrant and irresistible today as they did back then.
From pop princesses to hip-hop heavyweights and electronic music innovators, the early 2000s delivered a diverse range of dance anthems. Artists like Jennifer Lopez, P!nk, and Shakira were setting the charts ablaze with their infectious energy and groundbreaking sounds. Jennifer Lopez kicked things off with the Latin-infused rhythms of “Ain’t It Funny,” while P!nk encouraged everyone to “Get The Party Started” with her rebellious pop-rock anthem. Shakira’s global appeal soared with “Whenever Wherever,” blending Latin and Arabic influences into a dance-pop masterpiece.
Usher brought his smooth R&B vibes to the dance floor with “U Got It Bad,” even though technically not fast paced, it was a staple in clubs for its undeniable groove. J.Lo returned with another hit, “I’m Gonna Be Alright,” showcasing her versatility and dancefloor command. Nelly, with “Dilemma,” proved that hip-hop could seamlessly blend with pop sensibilities to create chart-topping dance tracks. Five For Fighting offered a slightly different flavor with “Superman,” a power-pop anthem that still got crowds moving. Ludacris injected pure energy with “Roll Out,” a high-octane hip-hop track that demanded you get on your feet. P. Diddy, with “I Need A Girl,” blended R&B and hip-hop for a smooth yet danceable hit.
No Doubt, fronted by Gwen Stefani, brought their ska-infused pop-rock sound to the forefront with “Hella Good” and “Hey Baby,” both irresistible and innovative dance tracks. Jimmy Eat World surprised many by crossing over into dance playlists with “The Middle,” an alternative rock anthem with an undeniably catchy and energetic vibe. Nelly continued his reign with “Hot In Herre,” a track that became synonymous with 2000s party culture. P!nk’s “Just Like A Pill” offered a more edgy, pop-rock dance anthem, while Avril Lavigne burst onto the scene with “Sk8er Boi,” a pop-punk track that resonated with teenage rebellion and danceable beats.
Eminem, known for his rap dominance, delivered a surprisingly catchy and danceable hit with “Without Me.” DJ Sammy’s “Heaven” brought trance energy to the pop charts, while Paul Oakenfold’s “Starry Eyed Surprise” showcased the growing influence of electronic music in mainstream dance. Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” became an instant classic with its minimalist yet incredibly infectious hook.
Michael Jackson, the king of pop, proved his enduring relevance with “Butterflies” and “You Rock My World,” both showcasing his signature dance moves and innovative sound. Dirty Vegas contributed “Days Go By,” a progressive house track that found its way into mainstream consciousness through its memorable melody. Jennifer Lopez was unstoppable, releasing “I’m Real,” another dancefloor filler that solidified her status as a 2000s dance icon. IIO’s “Rapture” brought sophisticated trance sounds to the clubs, while Darude’s instrumental “Sandstorm” became the quintessential electronic dance track of the era. Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv” blended hip-hop and R&B for a smooth, danceable hit.
Avril Lavigne returned with “Complicated,” another pop-punk anthem that dominated airwaves and dance floors. Daniel Bedingfield’s “Gotta Get Thru This” brought UK garage sounds to a global audience. Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up” was pure Southern hip-hop energy, designed to get crowds jumping. Ja Rule, often collaborating with Ashanti, delivered “Always On Time,” a smooth R&B-infused dance track. Sheryl Crow offered a more laid-back, feel-good vibe with “Soak Up The Sun,” proving that dance music could also be effortlessly cool. Missy Elliott, a true innovator, pushed boundaries with “Work It” and “Get Your Freak On,” both showcasing her unique style and groundbreaking beats.
Uncle Kracker’s “Follow Me” provided a singalong, feel-good dance track, while Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, and P!nk joined forces for the iconic “Lady Marmalade,” a powerhouse collaboration that dominated the charts and dance floors. Janet Jackson, a dance music veteran, proved her continued relevance with “All For You,” a track that oozed sensuality and rhythm. Smash Mouth brought their upbeat energy with “I’m A Believer” and “Pacific Coast Party,” while Jagged Edge asked “Where The Party At,” a smooth R&B jam perfect for slow-winding dance moves. Nelly Furtado showcased her unique sound with “I’m Like A Bird” and “Turn Off The Light,” blending pop and world music influences into danceable hits. Destiny’s Child declared their independence and strength with “Survivor” and “Bootylicious,” both anthems of female empowerment and irresistible beats.
Barenaked Ladies offered a quirky, upbeat track with “Pinch Me,” while Mary J. Blige brought soulful R&B to the dance floor with “Family Affair.” Britney Spears pushed boundaries with “I’m A Slave 4 U” and “Stronger,” showcasing her evolution and dance prowess. Ja Rule returned with “Livin’ It Up,” and Michael Jackson continued his dance reign with “You Rock My World.” Shaggy, with “Angel” and “It Wasn’t Me,” brought reggae-infused dancehall vibes to the mainstream. Joe’s “Stutter” was a smooth R&B slow-dance hit that still filled dance floors. Craig David’s “Fill Me In” brought smooth UK garage to the US.
Lifehouse surprised many with “Hanging By A Moment,” a rock ballad that crossed over into pop and dance playlists due to its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm. Usher returned with “U Remind Me,” another smooth R&B dance track. Madonna, ever the innovator, challenged norms with “What It Feels Like For A Girl,” a thought-provoking yet danceable track. Janet Jackson’s “Someone To Call My Lover” was a sensual and sophisticated dance hit. Jennifer Lopez continued her hit streak with “Play” and “Waiting For Tonight,” cementing her place as a dance queen. O-Town contributed “All Or Nothing,” a boyband ballad that still got the girls dancing. Jessica Simpson offered a more pop-centric dance track with “Irresistible.”
Nelly Furtado’s “Turn Off The Light” made another appearance, showcasing its staying power. Smash Mouth returned with “Pacific Coast Party,” Bubba Sparxxx brought Southern rap to the dance floor with “Ugly,” and Willa Ford offered a pop-dance track with “I Wanna Be Bad.” Tamia contributed “Stranger In My House,” a smooth R&B dance jam. N’Sync, at the peak of their boyband fame, delivered “Pop” and “It’s Gonna Be Me,” both guaranteed to get fans moving. 3LW offered “No More Baby (I’ma Do Right),” Eve collaborated with Gwen Stefani for “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” Sugar Ray offered “When It’s Over,” and Nelly returned once more with “Ride Wit Me.” Destiny’s Child delivered another anthem with “Bootylicious.”
Gorillaz, the virtual band, offered “Clint Eastwood,” blending hip-hop and alternative sounds into a unique dance track. Eden’s Crush asked “Get Over Yourself,” A-Teens encouraged “Bouncing Off The Ceiling,” and Outkast delivered the smooth and funky “Ms Jackson.” Shaggy returned with “It Wasn’t Me,” Crazy Town surprised with “Butterfly,” Sarina Paris asked everyone to “Look At Us,” and Moby offered the electronic chill-out dance track “South Side.” ATC got everyone singing along with “Around The World (La La La),” Dream declared “He Loves U Not,” Samantha Mumba asked “Baby Come Over” and declared “Gotta Tell You.” Jennifer Lopez proclaimed “Love Don’t Cost A Thing,” Daft Punk revolutionized electronic dance music with “One More Time,” Melanie C offered a pop ballad turned dance track with “I Turn To You,” Modjo created a French house classic with “Lady (Hear Me Tonight),” and P!nk declared “You Make Me Sick.”
Madonna returned with “Don’t Tell Me,” Britney Spears empowered everyone with “Stronger” and “Oops I Did It Again,” Fragma delivered the trance classic “Toca’s Miracle,” Madison Avenue declared “Don’t Call Me Baby,” Destiny’s Child empowered women with “Independent Woman,” Mya questioned “Case Of The Ex,” Pink empowered “Most Girls,” Jay-Z dominated with “Big Pimpin,” Debelah Morgan encouraged everyone to “Dance With Me,” French Affair had everyone singing “My Heart Goes Boom,” Creed surprised with “Higher” and “With Arms Wide Open,” Next got sensual with “Wifey,” Ruff Endz declared “No More,” and N’Sync returned with “It’s Gonna Be Me” and “Tearin Up My Heart.”
Britney Spears asked “Lucky,” Black Legend remixed “You See The Trouble With Me,” Janet Jackson stated “Doesn’t Really Matter,” Backstreet Boys softened hearts with “Shape Of My Heart,” Lil Bow Wow got everyone to “Bounce With Me,” Three Doors Down rocked with “Kryptonite,” Baha Men asked “Who Let The Dogs Out,” Ricky Martin invited everyone to “She Bangs” and “Livin La Vida Loca,” Spice Girls reunited with “Holler,” Kylie Minogue danced “On A Night Like This,” Dr. Dre rapped “The Next Episode,” Christina Aguilera urged “Come On Over Baby,” Shaggy encouraged everyone to “Dance And Shout,” The Corrs got breathless with “Breathless,” Nelly celebrated “Country Grammar,” Madonna proclaimed “Music,” Jennifer Lopez urged “Let’s Get Loud,” Destiny’s Child commanded “Jumpin Jumpin,” Eminem rapped “The Real Slim Shady,” Juvenile told everyone to “Back That Thang Up,” DMX demanded “Party Up,” Eiffel 65 invited everyone to “Move Your Body” and asked “Blue (Da Ba Dee),” Sonique declared “It Feels So Good,” Backstreet Boys went “Larger Than Life,” Pink declared “There You Go,” Mary Mary praised with “Shackles (Praise You),” Jennifer Lopez felt “Feelin So Good,” Vitamin C celebrated “Graduation (Friends Forever)” and smiled with “Smile,” Alice Deejay felt “Better Off Alone,” Sisqo sang “Thong Song,” Mandy Moore wanted to be with you “I Wanna Be With You” and asked “Candy,” Marc Anthony needed to know “I Need To Know,” Bloodhound Gang were “The Bad Touch,” Destiny’s Child commanded “Say My Name,” Christina Aguilera wished for a “Genie In A Bottle” and asked “What A Girl Wants,” Lou Bega celebrated “Mambo #5,” Will Smith wanted “Will 2k” and the “Wild Wild West,” Donell Jones wanted to know “U Know What’s Up,” Ricky Martin wanted to “Shake You Bon Bon,” Destiny’s Child needed “Bills Bills Bills,” Santana played “Maria Maria” and “Smooth,” Enrique Iglesias wanted to “Bailamos” and felt “Rhythm Divine,” Amber sang “Sexual (Li Da Di),” Jennifer Lopez wished “If You Had My Love,” Shania Twain declared “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” LFO sang about “Summer Girls” and “Girl On TV,” 702 asked “Where My Girls At,” Britney Spears drove everyone “You Drive Me Crazy,” Blink 182 sang “All The Small Things” and asked “What’s My Age Again,” Third Eye Blind declared “Never Let You Go,” Matchbox 20 were “Bent,” TLC felt “Unpretty,” LEN stole “Steal My Sunshine,” Sugar Ray asked “Someday,” LIT declared “My Own Worst Enemy,” and Smash Mouth proclaimed “All Star.”
Honorable Mention:
“Cha Cha Slide” by Mr. C The Slide Man – while technically a line dance, no 2000s dance party was complete without it!
This playlist is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible dance music that the early 2000s had to offer. These tracks represent a vibrant and diverse era in music history, guaranteed to get you moving and grooving. So, crank up the volume and let the Best Dance Hits Of The 2000s take you back!
