10 Essential 2000s Indie Rock Hits

In my younger years, I spent a lot of time listening to indie and alternative rock stations on Sirius XM. This was during the 2000s indie rock boom, when soft vocals and quirky production ruled the airwaves. Most of these tracks never cracked the top 40, but they were huge in their respective genres--and now, in 2025, these songs have an added layer of nostalgia that makes them ripe for revisiting.

Last year, I decided to make a Spotify playlist with songs from that era. Along the way, I uncovered a lot of gems that people rarely discuss unless they're talking about 2000s music. If you were around for this era, these tracks might make you nostalgic, too. Otherwise, here's your first look at some classic indie and alt rock tunes.

1. L.E.S. Artistes by Santigold

"L.E.S. Artistes" dates back to 2008, when the artist still went by the name Santogold. The clean, poppy verses lead to an entrancing chorus with a melancholy touch as the vocalist reflects on her life decisions: "I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up." With extensive Sirius XM radio play, this song eventually defined the era for me.

2. Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors by Editors

Some tracks aren't afraid to go big, and the chorus of 2007's "Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors" sounds like a dopamine rush. During the bridge, the song starts to quiet down before building up to the explosive finale. I never saw the actual music video, but I used to imagine cinematic shots of people and landscapes accompanying this track.

3. Your Ex-Lover Is Dead by Stars

Released in 2005, "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" starts with a recording of a man (allegedly the lead singer's father) saying, "When there is nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire." This harsh intro leads to melodic verses that build momentum and highlight the interplay between the male and female vocalists. If you're a fan of the dynamic on "Somebody That I Used To Know," you'll love this tune.

4. No Sex For Ben by The Rapture

The Rapture recorded "No Sex For Ben" for 2008's The Music Of Grand Theft Auto IV. I always thought Ben was a fictional character, but this song is actually a playful diss track aimed at DJ Ben Rymer. Bouncy and peppy, this is such a great dance track that you can almost overlook the wry "Noo-ohh" in the chorus that laments Ben's inability to get laid.

5. Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap

2008 was clearly a great year for music, because it's also the year that The Temper Trap released "Sweet Disposition." Glittery production and soft vocals turn this track into a magical hymn. Apparently, the rest of the world agreed: this track won "Song of the Year" at the 2010 APRA Awards.

6. In My Head by Your Vegas

With only 938 Spotify listeners, it looks like most of the music world left Your Vegas in 2007. Still, I think "In My Head" deserves another chance. The catchy verses and exhilarating chorus make you feel like renting a Cadillac and taking a road trip. Despite the name, Your Vegas isn't from Nevada or even the United States; instead, the band formed in Leeds, England.

7. Geraldine by Glasvegas

For the second time, I was surprised to learn that a title character is actually a real person. In this case, Geraldine is a social worker whom Glasvegas wanted to support in an era of bad press. This 2008 release has a vibrant, mystical sound that helped carry the band to over 90,000 monthly Spotify listeners, years after their biggest hit.

8. An Honest Mistake by The Bravery

You can't mention Sirius XM in the 2000s without discussing The Bravery. They played so many of their tracks that it's hard to choose one, but 2005's "An Honest Mistake" is undeniably catchy from the first note. This track thrills you with colorful production and charismatic vocals that led me to believe they were a British group right until I started researching this article.

9. L.S.F. by Kasabian

While Kasabian's guitarist hates indie bands and doesn't see his group as one, 2004's "L.S.F." fits right alongside the indie pop explosion. The song's lyrics mention a "messiah for the animals," "polyphonic prostitute," "loud potions" and other eclectic imagery. Try listening to this track while you're working out or training for a marathon.

10. Hang Me Up To Dry by Cold War Kids

Nothing else sounds like "Hang Me Up To Dry," which shocked the airwaves in 2007 with sparse, minimalist production and a uniquely haunting vibe. Something about this song calls to mind historical images: coal miners, oil drillers, workers during the Great Depression. Cold War Kids is definitely a fitting name.

What were you listening to in the 2000s? Which songs would you add to this list? Sound off in the comments.