Marissa M. Conner 
Flashback to your 2000s stage stage. You are one day away from a road trip and you are fully focused on preparation. Does that mean rechecking your suitcase or your gas tank? Of course not. You are more concerned about charging your iPod with alternative summer shots.
Fortunately, even as a result of widespread technological innovations, some basic routines have not changed. While you might no longer lose a dollar per new single to drown out your family or friends, curating playlists is still no joke…Especially when you have a decade of summer-flavored jams begging for your attention. and your nostalgia.
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We’re here to take the stress out of grinding Spotify so you can focus on your travel plans instead. Here are 15 alternative hits from the 2000s that made and will continue to make the perfect additions to any road trip playlist.
System Of A Down – Chop Suey!”
This month of August marks 20 years with system of a Downit is “Chop Suey!” And if August burns redin 2020 interpretation is any indication it’s still hitting as hard as it did in the summer of 2001. Nostalgia isn’t the only thing this playlist addition has going for it, though. With its frenzied and volatile energy, this track is an effective substitute for that second cup of coffee. Another pit stop away…
Weezer – “The Island in the Sun”
Granted, you can never go wrong by simply streaming the entire Weezer“The Green Album”. After all, it is only one of best pop punk records to pull out of 2001. If you’re specifically looking for summer vibes, however, there’s just no beat”island in the sun.” Thematic title aside, this song offers an easy, breezy energy that’s best consumed with the windows down.
Avril Lavigne – “Sk8er Boi”
Point of view: You browse and sing some of your favorite songs with your best friends. All of a sudden you’re hit by it immediately recognizable guitar riff that even MGK can’t let go (no pun intended). What are you doing? Sing along, of course, ’cause there’s no way to resist a good rock April Lavigne‘s”Sk8er Boi.” Just be warned: you might end up at your final destination with a backwards hat and tie.
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The Killers – “All Those Things I’ve Done”
Have you ever lived if you didn’t chant “I’ve got a soul, but I’m no soldier” alongside your friends with cult-like precision? The killers‘ Inspired by Bowie track from 2004, “All these things I’ve doneis the epitome of a summer wellness jam. But in addition to the vibes, it puts forth a lyrical narrative that would rival most audio books. Moreover, the concept is based on experiences of MTV personality Matt Pinfield. Talk about an elaborate throwback.
American Rejections – “Dirty Little Secret”
Don’t think for a second that Avril Lavigne is the only artist to bring irresistible intro riffs to your catchy playlists. American rejections‘summer hit full of energy,’A dirty little secretwill take you back to 2005 in three seconds flat. The best part? It requires two pairs of hands on air guitar so you don’t have to fight your passenger for glory.
Motion City Soundtrack – “It’s All Right”
What better way to get in the summer mood than with an uplifting message backed by pop-punk theater? Motion City Soundtrack‘s”Everything is fine” will give you exactly that. well described by singer justin stone as a self-directed “pep talk,” the track is a surefire way to liven up even the most tedious road trips. Just try to finish it without a smile plastered on your face.
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Jack’s Mannequin – “Dark Blue”
Ask anyone which tracks embody the alternative summers of the 2000s and Jack’s dummy‘s”Dark bluewill garner more than a few mentions. Colorful without sacrificing intensity, the piano track reinforces relatability in a way that’s right refreshing. It’s one of those songs that, even over a decade later, you can’t help but sing along to. Halsey will tell you…
Gym Class Hero – “Clothes Taken Off!!”
It’s been 15 years and gym class hero‘”Unclothed!!“remains just as much an earworm as the summer it fell. After the resounding success of “Cupid’s strangulation” the previous year, the track brought on Fall out Boyit is patrick strain for another round of perfectly accented guest vocals. With its mixture of alternatives hip-hop, funk and rockthis song is sure to be a crowd pleaser in any setting.
Cobra Starship – “Snakes on a Plane (Bring It On)”
When talking about alternative eclecticism, we are morally bound by the pop-punk code to mention Cobra ship‘s”Snakes on a plane (bring it).” Luckily, the 2006 summer sensation of a collab is a fitting list entry. Seriously, is there a better track to play with friends than the one that brought together Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes, the Academy is… and the sounds? Also premonitory aspect is a good reminder that traveling by car is always better than flying.
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Paramore – “crushcrushcrush”
Given that Paramoreit is Riot! has no tracks that can be skipped, this particular recommendation was a little hard to pinpoint. After totally scientific listening, not at all for fun, we are confident to say that “crush crush crushis the ultimate addition to the road trip playlist. This bold summer 2007 anthem immediately won our hearts with its punchy energy. And, of course, no one will be left out of the song since we all got it Rock band.
Mayday Parade – “Jamie Everywhere”
Bonus points if you drive to see Vegas. Whatever your destination, however, a May Day Parade singing is sure to pass the time (and the miles). And what better choice than a fundamental summer hit that predates the group itself? With its quintessential variety of 2000s emo-leaning pop punk, “Jamie everywhere” will take you right back to the sweltering days of Distorted tour.
Maine – “All I Ask For”
It is not surprising that Maine‘s”all i ask” is a must-have for any alternative playlist. After all, the melody of summer released their iconic debut album on the right note. Don’t think that means you have to play high, though. In fact, we recommend saving it for later so that the boost of energy will hit you when you really need it.
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Cute is what we aim for – “Practice Makes Perfect”
Cute is what we aim for certainly divided the stage in 2008 with their second album, Spin. Even so, there’s no denying that the first single, “It is practice makes perfectis a twinkling beacon of pop-punk positivity. It’s the perfect addition to the playlist for anyone who wants to return to the neon heyday but has already listened”The curse of curves” once too often.
The Academy is… – “About a Girl”
To the dismay of Almost there and Santi-great fans of the time, the Academy is…‘ Fast times at Barrington High brought the group a new level of fame in the summer of 2008. Of course, it was the first single, “About a girlwhich seemed to be leading their rise in popularity. It was for good reason. It’s impossible not to thrill with the eye-catching, pop-leaning display of relatable (albeit goofy) romanticism. No matter where you were then, now that the dust has settled, this song is the ultimate road trip sing-along.
Boys Like Girls – “Love Drunk”
We might have hoped that boys like girls would give us a longer run before dissipating. But at least we have Drunk love to remember it. The band’s highly anticipated second album brought a number of upbeat hits that captured the essence of summer 2009. However, we can’t bring ourselves to look past the title track. With its infectious hooks and anthemic quality, you might find yourself listening to “Love Drunk” on repeat as you go into vacation mode.
What are your essentials for an alternative 2000s road trip? Let us know in the comments below!
