Last updated on January 31, 2026, updated every month.
To create Garage Rock, you’ll need a garage, a band, and a spontaneous, raw, and energetic rock repertoire. If you don’t have a garage, a simple house will suffice.
The list below ranks 20 vintage 2000s GARAGE ROCK songs in descending order of engagement over the last six months.
1 . The White Stripes - I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
A cover of a song originally by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, first performed by Dionne Warwick in 1966, “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself” by The White Stripes was released in September 2003. The music video features model Kate Moss pole dancing in black lingerie. The lyrics depict the confusion and despair of a person after a breakup. This rendition brought the classic song to a new generation with the duo’s distinct style.
The music video is directed by Sofia Coppola.
Writer(s) : Burt Bacharach, Hal David Publisher(s) : New Hidden Valley Music Company, Bmg Rights Management (Uk) Ltd (Hal David)
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, blues rock, detroit rock, garage rock, modern blues rock, permanent wave, punk blues, rock
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, blues rock, detroit rock, garage rock, modern blues rock, permanent wave, punk blues, rock
The music video is directed by Sofia Coppola
Featured on the album 2003,Elephant
9.12% / -0.04%
2 . Babyshambles - Albion
Released on November 28, 2005, “Albion” by Babyshambles explores the mythical concept of Albion, symbolizing an idyllic England or Great Britain. Written by Pete Doherty at age 16 and produced by Mick Jones, the lyrics are celebrated for their poetic quality. The promotional video combines live performances, behind-the-scenes footage, and everyday moments of the band, with some scenes digitally altered due to personal disputes.
The music video is directed by Roger Pomphrey.
Writer(s) : Peter Doherty Publisher(s) : Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Rough Trade Music Ltd
Genres : Pop, Rock,britpop, garage rock, rock
Genres : Pop, Rock,britpop, garage rock, rock
The music video is directed by Roger Pomphrey
Featured on the album 2005,Down in Albion
8.10% / -0.25%
3 . The Raconteurs - Steady As She Goes
“Steady As She Goes” by The Raconteurs, released in 2006, is the debut single from the supergroup formed by Jack White (The White Stripes) and Brendan Benson. With garage rock influences, the song features a catchy riff and lyrics about stability and change. The music video, directed by indie filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, shows the band playing in a minimalist setting.
The music video is directed by Associates in Science.
Writer(s) : Brendan Benson, Jack White Publisher(s) : Third String Tunes, Gladsad Music, Songs Of Universal Inc
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, garage rock, garage rock revival, indie rock, modern blues rock, modern rock, rock, supergroup
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, garage rock, garage rock revival, indie rock, modern blues rock, modern rock, rock, supergroup
The music video is directed by Associates in Science
Featured on the album 2006,Broken Boy Soldiers
7.77% / -0.16%
4 . The Hives - Hate To Say I Told You So
Produced by Pelle Gunderfelt, “Hate To Say I Told You So” by The Hives, released in 2000, is a garage rock track known for its raw energy and punk attitude. Led by charismatic Pelle Almqvist, the Swedish band gains fame with this rebellious rock’n’roll anthem.
Writer(s) : Randy Fitzsimmons
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, garage rock, garage rock revival, modern rock, rock, swedish garage rock, swedish hard rock, swedish indie rock
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, garage rock, garage rock revival, modern rock, rock, swedish garage rock, swedish hard rock, swedish indie rock
Featured on the album 2000,Veni Vidi Vicious
7.30% / -0.08%
5 . Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Love Burns
Love Burns opens Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s debut album “B.R.M.C.,” released on April 3, 2001 via Virgin Records.
Written by Peter Hayes, Robert Levon Been, and Nick Jago, the track emerges as the lead single in February 2002, peaking at number 37 on the UK Singles Chart.
Marked by its garage-psychedelic rock fusion, distorted guitars, and driving rhythms, the song weaves a narrative of heartbreak.
Dean Karr directs the dimly lit, surreal music video accompanying it.
The band, formed in 1998 in San Francisco and named after Marlon Brando’s gang in “The Wild One,” tours major festivals, including Reading and Leeds, following the album’s release.
Though chart performance is modest, its release signals the groundwork for their long-standing cult recognition.
Writer(s) : Robert Been, Peter B Hayes, Nicholas Jago Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp, Brmc Music
Genres : garage_rock
Genres : Rock, Blues,garage rock, garage rock revival, modern blues rock, permanent wave
The music video is directed by Nick Morris
Featured on the album 2001,B.R.M.C.
6.21% / -0.25%
6 . Jet - Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Released on August 18, 2003, “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet achieved significant success, reaching number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. Often compared to Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” for its rhythmic and guitar riff similarities, the song’s idea came to Nic Cester while living in a small bungalow and playing guitar. The lyrics talk about romantic attraction and hope for a connection with a captivating girl. The black-and-white video shows the band playing in an empty studio with black ink visuals reminiscent of their album cover “Get Born.” The song won Best Rock Video at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2004.
The music video is directed by Robert Hales.
Writer(s) : Cameron Thane Muncey, Nicholas John Cester Publisher(s) : Bmg Rights Management (Australia) Pty Ltd
Genres : Rock,garage rock, modern rock, pop rock
Genres : Rock,garage rock, modern rock, pop rock
The music video is directed by Robert Hales
Featured on the album 2003,Get Born
5.77% / -0.13%
7 . The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
Known for its iconic guitar riff, “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes was released on February 17, 2003. Jack White created the riff using a pitch shifter to mimic a bass, initially intending it for a James Bond theme. The song, lacking a traditional chorus and featuring vocal distortion and simple drumming, won the Grammy for Best Rock Song in 2004. It became a global sports anthem, with fans first adopting it in Club Brugge in 2006. The video won Best Editing at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2003.
The music video is directed by Alexandre Courtès.
Writer(s) : Jack White Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc, Peppermint Stripe Music
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, blues rock, detroit rock, garage rock, modern blues rock, permanent wave, punk blues, rock
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, blues rock, detroit rock, garage rock, modern blues rock, permanent wave, punk blues, rock
The music video is directed by Alexandre Courtès
5.67% / -0.07%
8 . The Hives - Main Offender
Released as a single in 2001, “Main Offender” by The Hives is a garage punk track written by Randy Fitzsimmons, the mysterious sixth member and songwriter for the band, and produced by Pelle Gunderfelt. The black-and-white video has a distinct visual style, depicting the band in “Punkrock city” facing their evil doubles, “The Negatives,” with a comic book animation aesthetic.
Writer(s) : Niklas Almquist Publisher(s) : Songs And Stories Publishing
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, garage rock, garage rock revival, modern rock, rock, swedish garage rock, swedish hard rock, swedish indie rock
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, garage rock, garage rock revival, modern rock, rock, swedish garage rock, swedish hard rock, swedish indie rock
Featured on the album 2001,Veni Vidi Vicious
4.93% / -0.06%
9 . Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Spread Your Love
Featured in the movie “A Man Apart” (2003), TV series “Skins,” and ads for Ketel One vodka and The Cosmopolitan hotel in Las Vegas, “Spread Your Love” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC) was released in 2001. It was well-received by critics and helped establish BRMC in the indie rock scene, with NME ranking it the 27th best song of 2002.
Writer(s) : Robert Been, Peter Lind Hayes, Nicholas Jago Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp, Brmc Music
Genres : Rock, Blues,garage rock, garage rock revival, modern blues rock, permanent wave
Genres : Rock, Blues,garage rock, garage rock revival, modern blues rock, permanent wave
Featured on the album 2001,B.R.M.C.
4.78% / -0.21%
10 . Electric Six - Danger! High Voltage
Electric Six’s “Danger! High Voltage,” released on December 23, 2002, as the lead single from their debut album *Fire* via XL Recordings, melds rock with humor-laden theatrics.
Produced by Damien Mendis and Stuart Bradbury, it features enigmatic secondary vocals by Jack White, initially credited to “John S. O’Leary” to confuse critics.
Tom Kuntz and Mike Maguire’s video—complete with glowing codpieces—amplifies its eccentricity.
The track peaked at #2 on the UK Singles Chart and topped the Official Independent Singles Chart.
*NME* praised it as Single of the Week, while *Pitchfork* ranked it 234th among 2000s’ best songs.
Its cultural footprint includes an appearance in *The Simpsons* and acclaim for stitching together rock, disco, and punk.
The music video is directed by Tom Kuntz & Mike Maguire.
Writer(s) : Anthony Selph, Joseph Frezza, Tyler Spencer, Cory Benjamin Martin, Stephen Nawara Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Music Publishing Limited (Uk)
Genres : garage_rock
Genres : Rock,dance-punk, garage rock
The music video is directed by Sasha Rainbow
Featured on the album 2003,Fire
4.73% / -0.04%
11 . Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll
“Heads Will Roll” by American band Yeah Yeah Yeahs, released in 2009, is an electro-rock track mixing synth-pop and post-punk elements. Known for dynamic performances and eclectic musical style, the band, comprising Karen O, Nick Zinner, and Brian Chase, sees this song used in films like “Project X” (2012) and TV series such as “Glee.”
Writer(s) : Deborah Conway, Stephen Philip, Helen June Carter, Dorland Bray, Tyler Lee Bates Publisher(s) : Domestic Harmony Music Pty Ltd
Genres : Rock, Pop,alternative dance, alternative rock, art pop, dance-punk, garage rock, indie rock, modern rock, neo-synthpop, new rave
Genres : Rock, Pop,alternative dance, alternative rock, art pop, dance-punk, garage rock, indie rock, modern rock, neo-synthpop, new rave
Featured on the album 2009,It’s Blitz!
4.70% / -0.02%
12 . Kasabian - Goodbye Kiss
Written by guitarist and main songwriter Sergio Pizzorno, “Goodbye Kiss” by Kasabian was released on February 20, 2012. The black-and-white video shows the band performing live at the O2 Arena in London. The song was particularly successful in Italy, reaching number 9 on the charts and earning a platinum certification. It gained further recognition when Lana Del Rey covered it acoustically for BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge in April 2012. The lyrics discuss the end of a romantic relationship with a melancholic tone, contrasting with the band’s typically energetic style.
The music video is directed by Charlie Lightening.
Writer(s) : Sergio Lorenz Pizzorno Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Music Publishing Limited (Uk)
Genres : Rock, Pop,alternative rock, britpop, garage rock, leicester indie, modern rock, rock, scottish rock
Genres : Rock, Pop,alternative rock, britpop, garage rock, leicester indie, modern rock, rock, scottish rock
The music video is directed by Charlie Lightening
Featured on the album 2011,Velociraptor!
4.62% / -0.01%
13 . Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps
Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ 2003 song “Maps” represents a pivotal moment in their career, with its plaintive message, “My Angus Please Stay,” referencing Karen O’s relationship with Liars’ Angus Andrew. Produced by TV on the Radio’s David Andrew Sitek, this track achieves a raw emotional sincerity through minimalist guitar riffs and Karen O’s vulnerable vocals. Its influence is widespread, inspiring Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” and even a Beyoncé interpolation in “Hold Up.” “Maps” resurfaces in pop culture periodically, with a notable dance trend on TikTok in 2024, securing its lasting resonance in the indie and alternative rock scenes.
Writer(s) : Nicholas Zinner, Brian Chase, Karen Orzolek Publisher(s) : Chrysalis Music Ltd
Genres : garage_rock
Genres : Rock, Pop,alternative dance, alternative rock, art pop, dance-punk, garage rock, indie rock, modern rock, neo-synthpop, new rave
Featured on the album 2003,Fever To Tell
4.49% / -0.01%
14 . The Strokes - Someday
Released on August 5, 2002, “Someday” clocks in at 3 minutes and 5 seconds as the third and final single from *Is This It* (2001), with Julian Casablancas on writing duties.
Recorded between early 2000 and 2001, it arrives late to the party but doesn’t miss the point.
Roman Coppola’s music video stages a surreal game of *Family Feud* between The Strokes and Guided by Voices, with guest cameos from Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, and Richard Karn—for reasons best left unexamined.
The CD single pads its runtime with “Alone, Together (Home Recording),” “Is This It (Home Recording),” and a live version of “Soma.”
“Someday” peaks at number 17 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and lands at 27 on the UK Singles Chart—respectably middling, if not middle-of-the-road.
The music video is directed by Roman Coppola.
Writer(s) : Tracey Neil Cole, Neil John Barnes, Paul Terence Daley Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Music Ltd
Genres : garage_rock
Genres : Rock,alternative rock, garage rock, modern rock, permanent wave, rock
The music video is directed by Bernard Rose
Featured on the album 2001,Is This It
4.43% / 0.02%
15 . The Hives - Two_Timing Touch And Broken Bones
Released as the second single from “Tyrannosaurus Hives,” “The Hives – Two_Timing Touch And Broken Bones” brings together garage rock energy with modern flair.
Driven by aggressive vocals and powerful, repetitive riffs partly borrowed from The Monkees’ “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” it exhibits a frenetic, almost mechanical sound.
Influences from Devo and ’60s garage acts are evident throughout the track.
The song lyrically expresses the pragmatism and pain of heartbreak, presenting a straightforward take on betrayal and lost love.
It quickly turns into a fan favorite, admired for both its contagious sound and its raucous live performances, where Pelle Almqvist’s antics enhance the high-energy experience.
The music video is directed by The Saline Project.
Writer(s) : Randy Fitzsimmons Publisher(s) : Kobalt Music Services Ltd
Genres : garage_rock
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, garage rock, garage rock revival, modern rock, rock, swedish garage rock, swedish hard rock, swedish indie rock
Featured on the album 2004,Tyrannosaurus Hives
4.43% / -0.09%
16 . The Kooks - She Moves In Her Own Way
Released on June 26, 2006, “She Moves In Her Own Way” comes in at 2 minutes and 49 seconds and sits squarely in Britpop territory.
It’s the fifth single plucked from The Kooks’ debut album *Inside In / Inside Out*, written by Paul Garred, Hugh Harris, Luke Pritchard, and Max Rafferty.
Tony Hoffer handles both production and mixing duties, with Virgin Records overseeing the release.
The UK 7-inch lands with “I Already Miss You” as its B-side, while CDs round out the offering with tracks like “Do You Love Me Still?”, “In My Opinion,” and “Give In.”
The video, directed by Diane Martel, features the band wandering around Tijuana, Mexico, pretending it’s just another Tuesday.
Commercially, things go rather well—it climbs to number seven on the UK Singles Chart and later earns four Platinum certifications from the British Phonographic Industry, signaling 2.4 million units sold.
Writer(s) : Max Clarke Rafferty, Luke Pritchard Publisher(s) : Bmg Fm Music Limited
Genres : garage_rock
Genres : Rock,brighton indie, garage rock, modern rock, rock
Featured on the album 2006,Inside In/Inside Out
4.06% / -0.05%
17 . The 5.6.7.8's - I'm Blue
Released on their 1996 album *Bomb the Twist*, The 5.6.7.8’s “I’m Blue” delivers a raucous blend of surf rock and rockabilly grit. A reimagining of Ike Turner’s 1959 composition, the track brims with raw energy and infectious rhythm. While absent from *Kill Bill Vol. 1*, the band’s presence in the film rekindled interest in their catalog, amplifying the charm of their unpolished retro aesthetic.
Writer(s) : Danyel Gerard, Ike Turner Publisher(s) : Progressive Music
Genres : garage_rock
Genres : Rock, Pop,japanese garage rock, japanese rockabilly
Featured on the album 2002,Teenage Mojo Workout
4.02% / -0.08%
18 . The Vines - Winning Days
The Vines slip “Winning Days” into the sixth slot of their 2004 album of the same name, clocking in at 3:33—not that anyone’s timing.
The song lands as the third single, following “F.T.W.” and “Ride,” and sees release on May 24 via EMI/Capitol.
Craig Nicholls pens the track, while Rob Schnapf handles both production and mixing, splitting duties between Bearsville Studios in Woodstock and Cello Studios in Los Angeles back in 2003.
Writer(s) : Craig Robert Nicholls Publisher(s) : Mushroom Music Pty Ltd
Genres : garage_rock
Genres : Rock,alternative rock, dance-punk, garage rock, modern rock
Featured on the album 2004,Winning Days
4.01% / -0.07%
19 . Electric Six - Dance Commander
“Dance Commander” merges satire with synth-laced bravado, channeling a frenetic persona who barks orders over a stomping beat.
Released in 2003 via XL Recordings, it marks the third single from Electric Six’s debut album “Fire,” crafted during Dick Valentine’s self-imposed exile in Los Angeles.
Conjured from imagined nightlife and real solitude, the track fuses disco, rock, and punk with theatrical flair.
Alex Turner has mused about playing it at his funeral, citing its wit and combustive energy.
Writer(s) : Anthony Selph, Tyler Spencer, Joseph Frezza, Stephen Nawara, Cory Scott Martin Publisher(s) : Wall Of Sound Music
Genres : garage_rock
Genres : Rock,dance-punk, garage rock
Featured on the album 2003,Fire
4.00% / 0.01%
20 . The White Stripes - The Hardest Button To Button
Describing a child trying to find their place in a dysfunctional family after the arrival of a new baby, “The Hardest Button to Button” by The White Stripes was produced by Jack White. The video, directed by Michel Gondry, features the duo moving through a cityscape with musical instruments appearing and disappearing in time with the music. Beck makes a guest appearance with a red box. The single cover references Saul Bass’s film posters and Jack White’s broken finger at the time. The lyrics include surreal imagery, such as a crying baby whose cries sound like an earthquake and a garden with a stick, a dog, and a box with something inside.
The music video is directed by Michel Gondry.
Writer(s) : Jack White Publisher(s) : Peppermint Stripe Music, Songs Of Universal Inc
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, blues rock, detroit rock, garage rock, modern blues rock, permanent wave, punk blues, rock
Genres : Rock, Blues,alternative rock, blues rock, detroit rock, garage rock, modern blues rock, permanent wave, punk blues, rock
The music video is directed by Michel Gondry
Featured on the album 2003,Elephant
3.93% / 0.02%
The White Stripes retain the top spot with “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself,” ahead of Babyshambles’ “Albion” and The Raconteurs’ “Steady As She Goes.” Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” rises slightly above Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s “Love Burns.” The Kooks debut at number eighteen with “She Moves In Her Own Way.”
The Garage Rock chart holds mostly firm, with minor exchanges in the top five and one notable new entry signaling late-year variation.
Modest disclaimer: We don’t claim to be exhaustive. It’s possible you won’t find a title you expected to see on this list. Sorry about that — these things happen.