2002 was a landmark year for music, with a diverse array of artists and genres making their mark on the charts and in the hearts of listeners. From pop and hip-hop to alternative and R&B, this year saw the release of many classic songs that are still beloved today. Some of the biggest hits of the year included “Hot in Herre” by Nelly, “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, “Gangsta Lovin'” by Eve ft. Alicia Keys, “U Don’t Have to Call” by Usher, and “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson. The year also saw memorable releases from established artists like Coldplay, Missy Elliott, and Queens of the Stone Age, as well as new and emerging artists like Avril Lavigne, Vanessa Carlton, and The Flaming Lips. These 20 songs represent the best of what 2002 had to offer, showcasing a rich tapestry of sounds, styles, and emotions that are still as relevant and resonant today as they were two decades ago. Whether you’re a fan of pop, hip-hop, R&B, or alternative rock, these songs are sure to take you on a journey through one of the most exciting and creative years in music history.
1. “Dilemma” by Nelly (feat. Kelly Rowland)
“Dilemma” is a R&B song by American rapper Nelly, featuring Kelly Rowland. The song was released in 2002 and became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in several countries. It is a love song about a man who is torn between his feelings for his girlfriend and his attraction to another woman. The chorus, sung by Kelly Rowland, expresses the man’s confusion and his struggle to make a decision. The song features a catchy melody and smooth harmonies, and Nelly’s rap verses add a hip-hop edge to the track. Overall, “Dilemma” is a classic love song that perfectly captures the emotions of someone who is facing a difficult choice.
2. “The Scientist” by Coldplay
“The Scientist” is a ballad by the British rock band Coldplay, released in 2002. The song features a piano-led melody, accompanied by delicate guitar and strings, creating a melancholy and introspective mood. The lyrics tell the story of a person reflecting on a past relationship, trying to make sense of what went wrong and wishing they could go back and change things. Lead singer Chris Martin’s falsetto vocals convey a sense of regret and longing. The song was a commercial success and is considered one of Coldplay’s signature tracks, and is often cited as one of the best ballads of the 21st century. Overall, “The Scientist” is a beautiful and emotional song that resonates with listeners and showcases Coldplay’s musical prowess.
3. “Without Me” by Eminem
“Without Me” is a hip-hop song by American rapper Eminem, released in 2002. The song is characterized by Eminem’s fast-paced, aggressive flow and humorous lyrics. The chorus is a catchy, sing-song hook that emphasizes the song’s main theme: Eminem bragging about his impact on the rap game and his continued relevance in the face of detractors. The lyrics are filled with clever wordplay, pop culture references, and humorous jabs at various celebrities and public figures. “Without Me” was a commercial success and cemented Eminem’s status as one of the most successful and influential rappers of his generation. The song is considered a classic of early 2000s hip-hop and remains one of Eminem’s most popular and enduring tracks.
4. “Foolish” by Ashanti
“Foolish” is a R&B song by American singer Ashanti, released in 2002. The song features a smooth, mid-tempo beat and a catchy melody that perfectly showcase Ashanti’s soulful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is trying to move on from a failed relationship, despite still having feelings for her ex. The chorus expresses her frustration with herself for still caring about him, and the song as a whole conveys a sense of heartbreak and self-doubt. “Foolish” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and solidifying Ashanti’s place as one of the leading R&B artists of the early 2000s. The song remains one of Ashanti’s biggest hits and is considered a classic of early 2000s R&B.
5. “Freak Like Me” by Sugababes
“Freak Like Me” is a pop-R&B song by British girl group Sugababes, released in 2002. The song features a funky, upbeat melody and a catchy chorus that is designed to get stuck in your head. The lyrics describe a woman who is confident in her sexuality and is looking for someone who can satisfy her desires. The song is empowered, unapologetic and celebrates female sexuality. “Freak Like Me” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and solidifying Sugababes’ place as one of the leading girl groups of the early 2000s. The song remains one of the group’s biggest hits and is considered a classic of early 2000s pop-R&B. The catchy chorus and upbeat melody make “Freak Like Me” a perfect song for dancing and having a good time.
6. “Work It” by Missy Elliott
“Work It” is a hip-hop song by American rapper Missy Elliott, released in 2002. The song is characterized by its quirky and infectious beat, which features a sample of the classic track “The New Style” by Beastie Boys. The lyrics are playful and sexually charged, with Missy rapping about her sexual prowess and her ability to get her partners “working it.” The chorus features the catchy phrase “Is it worth it? Let me work it,” which has become one of Missy’s signature catchphrases. “Work It” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and cementing Missy’s place as one of the most innovative and influential rappers of her generation. The song remains one of Missy’s most popular tracks and is considered a classic of early 2000s hip-hop.
7. “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne
“Complicated” is a pop-rock song by Canadian singer Avril Lavigne, released in 2002. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and a chorus that is designed to get stuck in your head. The lyrics describe a person who is tired of dealing with fake and superficial people, and longs for something real and genuine. The song expresses Avril’s frustration with societal expectations and the pressure to conform, and the chorus features the memorable line “Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?” “Complicated” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and launching Avril’s career as a pop-rock star. The song remains one of Avril’s biggest hits and is considered a classic of early 2000s pop-rock. With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “Complicated” is a perfect anthem for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the complexities of modern life.
8. “No One Knows” by Queens of the Stone Age
“No One Knows” is a rock song by American band Queens of the Stone Age, released in 2002. The song features a driving beat and a catchy, infectious riff that is designed to get stuck in your head. The lyrics are cryptic and mysterious, with lead singer Josh Homme singing about a situation that nobody knows about. The chorus is memorable and chant-like, with the repeating line “No one knows” adding to the song’s hypnotic quality. “No One Knows” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Queens of the Stone Age as one of the leading bands of the early 2000s rock scene. The song remains one of the band’s biggest hits and is considered a classic of early 2000s rock. With its driving beat and catchy melody, “No One Knows” is a perfect song for anyone who loves high-energy rock music.
9. “Hot in Herre” by Nelly
“Hot in Herre” is a hip-hop song by American rapper Nelly, released in 2002. The song features a smooth, upbeat beat and a catchy chorus that is designed to get stuck in your head. The lyrics describe Nelly’s desire to get the party started and turn up the heat in the club. The chorus features the memorable line “It’s getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes,” which has become one of Nelly’s signature catchphrases. “Hot in Herre” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Nelly as one of the biggest names in early 2000s hip-hop. The song remains one of Nelly’s most popular tracks and is considered a classic of early 2000s hip-hop. With its infectious beat and catchy chorus, “Hot in Herre” is a perfect song for anyone looking to get the party started and have a good time.
10. “Made You Look” by Nas
“Made You Look” is a hip-hop song by American rapper Nas, released in 2002. The song features a hard-hitting beat and a funky, soulful sample that provides the foundation for Nas’s sharp, incisive raps. The lyrics are confident and boastful, with Nas describing his skills as a rapper and his impact on the hip-hop community. The chorus features the memorable line “Made you look,” which is designed to grab the listener’s attention and emphasize Nas’s influence. “Made You Look” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and solidifying Nas’s position as one of the leading rappers of his generation. The song remains one of Nas’s biggest hits and is considered a classic of early 2000s hip-hop. With its aggressive beat and confident rhymes, “Made You Look” is a perfect anthem for anyone who loves hard-hitting hip-hop music.
11. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
“Lose Yourself” is a rap song by American rapper Eminem, released in 2002. The song features an intense, emotional beat and powerful lyrics that capture the struggle of an aspiring rapper trying to make it in the music industry. The song is one of Eminem’s most personal and introspective tracks, with the lyrics reflecting his own experiences as a struggling artist. The chorus features the memorable line “Lose yourself in the moment,” which encourages the listener to follow their dreams and not let their fears hold them back. “Lose Yourself” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and earning Eminem an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song remains one of Eminem’s most popular tracks and is considered a classic of early 2000s hip-hop. With its powerful beat and inspiring lyrics, “Lose Yourself” is a perfect anthem for anyone who is pursuing their dreams and trying to make a name for themselves in their chosen field.
12. “Gangsta Lovin’” by Eve ft. Alicia Keys
“Gangsta Lovin'” is a hip-hop song by American rapper Eve, featuring Alicia Keys, released in 2002. The song features a smooth, soulful beat and a catchy chorus that showcases both Eve’s and Alicia Keys’s vocal skills. The lyrics describe the desire for love and affection, even if the partners are involved in gangsta or criminal activities. The chorus features the memorable line “I need a gangsta to love me better,” which has become one of Eve’s signature catchphrases. “Gangsta Lovin'” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Eve as one of the leading female rappers of her generation. The song remains one of Eve’s most popular tracks and is considered a classic of early 2000s hip-hop. With its smooth beat and memorable chorus, “Gangsta Lovin'” is a perfect song for anyone looking for a romantic hip-hop track.
13. “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
“A Thousand Miles” is a pop song by American singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, released in 2001. The song features a delicate piano melody and tender vocals that showcase Carlton’s talent as a performer. The lyrics describe the longing and love of someone who is far away from their loved one, willing to travel a thousand miles to be with them. The chorus features the memorable line “A thousand miles seems pretty far, but they have got planes and trains and cars,” which has become one of Carlton’s signature catchphrases. “A Thousand Miles” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Carlton as one of the leading female pop artists of her generation. The song remains one of Carlton’s most popular tracks and is considered a classic of early 2000s pop. With its emotional lyrics and beautiful melody, “A Thousand Miles” is a perfect song for anyone looking for a sweet, romantic pop ballad.
14. “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake
Cry Me a River” is a pop song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake, released in 2002. The song features a sleek, electronic beat and Timberlake’s powerful vocals, which convey a sense of anger and betrayal. The lyrics describe a relationship that has ended due to a partner’s infidelity and Timberlake’s response to the situation. The chorus features the memorable line “Cry me a river, build a bridge,and get over it,” which has become one of Timberlake’s signature catchphrases. “Cry Me a River” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Timberlake as one of the leading male pop artists of his generation. The song remains one of Timberlake’s most popular tracks and is considered a classic of early 2000s pop. With its catchy beat and powerful lyrics, “Cry Me a River” is a perfect song for anyone who has gone through a difficult breakup and is looking for a way to move on.
15. “I Need a Girl, Pt. 1” by P. Diddy featuring Usher & Loon
“I Need a Girl (Part 1)” is a hip-hop and R&B song by American rapper P. Diddy, featuring vocals from R&B artists Usher and Loon, released in 2002. The song features a smooth, soulful beat and a catchy chorus that showcases the vocal skills of all three artists. The lyrics describe the longing for a special woman to complete a man’s life, and the chorus features the memorable line “I need a girl to ride, ride, ride.” The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and establishing P. Diddy as one of the leading hip-hop artists of his generation. With its smooth beat and catchy chorus, “I Need a Girl (Part 1)” is a perfect song for anyone looking for a romantic hip-hop track that combines the best elements of R&B and hip-hop.
16. “Clocks” by Coldplay
“Clocks” is a rock song by British band Coldplay, released in 2003. The song features a pulsing, driving beat and intricate piano melody that creates a powerful, emotive sound. The lyrics describe the feeling of being stuck in time and the desire to escape the monotony of life. The chorus features the memorable line “The lights go out and I can’t be saved, tides that I tried to swim against.” The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Coldplay as one of the leading rock bands of the early 2000s. With its powerful beat and emotional lyrics, “Clocks” is a perfect song for anyone looking for a song that captures the feeling of being lost in time and the desire to escape from life’s difficulties.
17. “The Rising” by Bruce Springsteen
“The Rising” is a rock song by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released in 2002. The song was written as a response to the 9/11 attacks and features a soaring melody and powerful lyrics that convey a sense of hope and resilience in the face of tragedy. The chorus features the memorable line “Can’t see nothin’ in front of me, I make my way through the darkness, I rise.” The song was a commercial and critical success, and is considered one of Springsteen’s best works. With its powerful melody and emotional lyrics, “The Rising” is a perfect song for anyone looking for a song that captures the human spirit in the face of adversity, and offers a message of hope and resilience.
18. “U Don’t Have to Call” by Usher
“U Don’t Have to Call” is an R&B and hip-hop song by American singer Usher, released in 2002. The song features a smooth, soulful beat and catchy chorus that showcases Usher’s distinctive vocal style. The lyrics describe the pain of a relationship ending and the struggle to let go of the memories. The chorus features the memorable line “Every time I try to say goodbye, something holds me back.” The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Usher as one of the leading R&B artists of his generation. With its smooth beat and emotional lyrics, “U Don’t Have to Call” is a perfect song for anyone looking for a romantic R&B track that showcases the soulful voice of Usher.
19. “Do You Realize??” by The Flaming Lips
“Do You Realize??” is an alternative rock song by American band The Flaming Lips, released in 2002. The song features a dreamy, psychedelic melody and lyrics that ask existential questions about life and death. The chorus features the memorable line “Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die?” The song has been interpreted as a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and a call to appreciate the people and experiences that matter to us. With its thought-provoking lyrics and atmospheric sound, “Do You Realize??” is a perfect song for anyone looking for a song that explores the deeper questions of existence and encourages listeners to live life to the fullest.
20. “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson
“A Moment Like This” is a pop ballad by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released in 2002. The song was written as the winner’s single for the first season of the American Idol competition, and features an emotional, soaring melody and lyrics that express gratitude and disbelief at finding love. The chorus features the memorable line “What if I told you it was all meant to be? Would you believe me, would you agree?” The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Kelly Clarkson as one of the leading pop singers of her generation. With its powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics, “A Moment Like This” is a perfect song for anyone looking for an uplifting and emotional pop ballad that celebrates the power of love and the beauty of a moment like this.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
