Four Rock Anthems From 2004 That Every Millennial Knows

These defining rock tracks from 2004 are instantly recognizable to many millennials.

By the mid-2000s, emo had started moving into the mainstream, narrowing the gap between scenes and pop-leaning rock. Established 1990s bands were embracing the shift, while newer acts were breaking into the spotlight. At the same time, nu-metal remained a major force on rock radio. The songs below capture that moment in rock history.

Linkin Park built on the enormous success of their debut with their follow-up album, Meteora, which arrived at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and produced five singles. Three of those tracks reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart, including “Breaking The Habit.” Released as the album’s final single, the song also had an award-winning video that took home the MTV VMA Viewers’ Choice Award and included animation from Japan’s Gonzo studio.

“Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” by Green Day

Green Day had already won over a generation with Dookie, but American Idiot marked a major reinvention. The band returned with a concept rock opera that became one of the defining albums of the era. “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” was the second single from the record and became a huge crossover hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album was already out before the single arrived, so listeners were familiar with the track by then. The song’s opening tremolo guitar line is instantly identifiable, and the way it follows “Holiday” on the album makes the transition unforgettable.

“The Reason” by Hoobastank

Hoobastank’s biggest signature song is this power ballad, which remained their most widely known track. The band had first broken through with “Crawling In The Dark” and “Running Away,” then followed with more success on their next album. “Out Of Control” earned a spot on the Alternative Airplay chart, and the title track from the album soon followed.

Released as a single later, “The Reason” climbed to No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was not the band’s first Hot 100 entry, but it was by far their highest-charting song.

“Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand

The Scottish indie rock group delivered a highly addictive breakthrough hit built around one of the most memorable transitions of the decade. After a tense, fast-moving introduction, the song shifts into a dance-punk groove that carries the rest of the track. Its structure makes it the kind of song many listeners want to restart as soon as it ends.

That distinctive sound helped push the single to No. 3 on the Alternative Airplay chart and made it one of the era’s most recognizable rock songs.