The early aughts were undeniably some of the best years of pop music. Here, we look back at the songs that defined our summers and made our hearts hopeful with young love, discovered at house parties that parents never really knew about.

1. 'Hanging by a Moment' by Lifehouse

Released on August 16, 2000, this Jason Wade-written song became the anthem of lovers for the next decade. Considered a sleeper hit by Rolling Stone Magazine, the debut track from post-grunge band Lifehouse landed a place in 2001's Hot 100, staying there for about a year despite never reaching the number one spot.

Not bad for a newcomer band.

2. 'Complicated' by Avril Lavigne

The early aughts were dominated by pop-punk and alternative rock music. Avril Lavigne's debut, "Complicated," spoke to the hearts of emo teens in 2002. Her early success earned her eight Grammy Award nominations, a massive feat for a newcomer from Canada.

3. 'Big Girls Don't Cry' by Fergie

As part of the Black Eyed Peas, Fergie stood out because of her amazing vocals (and also because she's the only female member of the group). She went on to have a solo career, which produced one of the most memorable songs of the early aughts, "Big Girls Don't Cry," with a music video featuring actor Milo Ventimiglia.

4. 'Butterfly' by Crazy Town

Crazy Town may first come off as a one hit wonder thanks to "Butterfly," which isn't so much of a summer jam since it was released in November 2000.

But the sexual innuendo in the song ("Come, my lady, come come my lady" and "I'll make your legs shake, you make me go crazy") would be enough for listeners to think back on wild and reckless summer flings gone by.

5. 'Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)' by Lumidee

Considered another one hit wonder, Lumidee broke into the Billboard Hot 100 with this track, which peaked at number three during its release in 2003.

6. 'Crazy for This Girl' by Evan and Jaron

Thanks to The WB's "Dawson's Creek," brothers Evan and Jaron found fame with "Crazy for This Girl," which remains to this day their most recognized track. It peaked at number four on the Billboard US Adult Top 40. Fun fact: Evan of Evan and Jaron is the founder of web-based performance venue, Stageit, which was launched in 2011.

7. 'Stars' by Switchfoot

Following Switchfoot's success with "Meant to Live" and "Dare You to Move," the band released the album "Nothing is Sound" in September 2005, carrying the track "Stars," which was released to radio in July of the same year. It became a summer jam for those who enjoyed alternative rock and post-grunge.

8. 'Try Again' by Aaliyah

One of the more catchier songs of the turn of the century was the late Aaliyah's "Try Again." The song was released in February 2000, just a year before her untimely death in 2001. The song remains to be one of her most popular releases.

9. 'Good Girls Go Bad' by Cobra Starship and Leighton Meester

While Leighton Meester is best known for playing Blair Waldorf in "Gossip Girl," she dabbled into singing and lent her voice to Cobra Starship's "Good Girls Go Bad," released in May 2009.

The track was certified double-Platinum in the U.S. and peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.

10.'Let Me Blow Ya Mind' by Eve and Gwen Stefani

In the early 2000's, despite the success of the band No Doubt, frontwoman Gwen Stefani explored a solo career, working with Dr. Dre, who produced this collaboration with Eve. The track was a success, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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