Still, music videos are an important tool for an artist’s story, and these selections certainly stood out from the pack. Check them out below. 

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AFI – “Girl’s Not Grey”

Let’s start with the fan-voted winner of 2003’s MTV2 VMA: AFI’s “Girl’s Not Grey.” As its list of winners proves, the MTV2 award was often an indicator of what underground band were about to blow up. Sadly, it dissolved after only six years in 2006. But the award was right on the money with this one, and AFI’s next album, Decemberunderground, shot to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2006. The dark and atmospheric video for “Girl’s Not Grey” a few years prior definitely had a heavy hand in raising the visibility of the formerly underground act.

Against Me! – “I Was A Teenage Anarchist”

With its vicious police brutality imagery, Against Me!’s first single from the brilliant White Crosses, “I Was A Teenage Anarchist,” is exponentially more appropriate now than it was during its release in 2010. The song never ceases intensity, and singer/guitarist Laura Jane Grace (two years before she publicly came out as a transgender woman) is either running from or taking a beating from the 5-0 throughout the entire music video.

Alkaline Trio – “This Addiction”

It’s pretty badass that Chicago’s Alkaline Trio made their most gorgeous music video seven albums into their illustrious career with the title track and first single to their Epitaph Records debut LP, This Addiction. Some bands let up and phone it in when they’ve been around half as long as Alk3, but it’s certainly not the case here. The video itself was shot over a serene landscape that conflicts in the best way with all of the action that takes place.

The All-American Rejects – “Move Along”

The mundane day-to-day lives of various characters get beautiful front-and-center Tyson Ritter upgrades with the All-American Rejects’ classic hit (and title track to their second LP), “Move Along.” This video has it all: emotional close-ups, pristine aerial shots and a man falling backward off a diving board into a vacant swimming pool. Nothing was wrong with this video, and early 2006 seemed to be sponsored by this song.

 All Time Low – “Weightless”

Fun fact: Several issues of Alternative Press adorn the wall in the opening scene of this video, but that’s not why it’s here. Both the song and video are that damn good, and you’d be hard-pressed to disagree. As evidenced by the self-effacing plot of the video, All Time Low had a lot of hype going into the sessions for their third album, Nothing Personal, and this song and video truly amped the band to much bigger stages and exponentially more fame.

blink-182 – “All The Small Things”

One of the bigger selections on this list, blink-182’s “All The Small Things” expertly parodied the boy band explosion (Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC and 98 Degrees) of the late ’90s with pristine detail. It worked in the band’s favor, for sure. The song is blink’s second biggest video on YouTube and has the highest number of streams on Spotify. And you’ll laugh every time you view the damn thing.

Bowling For Soup – “1985”

Speaking of parodies, Bowling For Soup had the ’80s covered with their refined rendition of “1985” (originally written by SR-71), which was released in the summer of 2004. The song quickly became one of the songs of the season, and the music video lampooned huge and diverse acts such as Robert Palmer, Whitesnake and George Michael with hilarious results. A shoutout is certainly in order to whoever did the costume design on this video shoot.

Bring Me The Horizon – “Drown”

Almost exactly 50 years after the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, Bring Me The Horizon debuted their own “talk show” music video performance for then-standalone single “Drown” in October 2014. But then shit got uber dark. Out of seemingly nowhere, band members started disappearing into thin air, turning into hairy werewolves and getting mauled and eaten by each other. 

Fall Out Boy – “Centuries”

Gladiator for the Warped Tour crowd? Indeed. This big-budget cinematic video perfectly complemented the pop grandeur of Fall Out Boy’s hit “Centuries.” TRL was on a hiatus from late 2008 to 2017. If it had been online around the time when this video was released, “Centuries” certainly would’ve been No. 1, causing the network to overplay the video to oblivion and eventually retire it in an honorable fashion.

Gym Class Heroes – “Cupid’s Chokehold” (feat. Patrick Stump)

Fall Out Boy vocalist/guitarist Patrick Stump gets some more love right here in this sick feature for Gym Class Heroes. GCH had some cool indie-rap kids singing “Ba ba da da” during the original release of “Cupid’s Chokehold” in March 2005, but the song took over on a global scale when it was re-released in 2006. The video itself is bright, sunny, funny and features vocalist Travie McCoy’s then-girlfriend Katy Perry.

Motion City Soundtrack – “L.G. FUAD”

Motion City Soundtrack drew a lyrically tortured picture with the happiest and most saccharine melodic ink on 2005’s “L.G. FUAD.” The music video takes place over the course of 24 hours in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and truly showcases the bleakness of a Midwestern winter with each and every character who has a chance to lip-sync vocalist/guitarist Justin Courtney Pierre’s words. However, it ends on the happiest note ever, as the band rock the fuck out until the screen fades to black.

My Chemical Romance – “Helena”

While the music video for “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” introduced many to the ambitious New Jersey rock band known as My Chemical Romance, “Helena,” the third single from the band’s major-label debut, Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, proved that they were going to be both a scene and worldwide staple for eternity. This video is perfect, and the gut-wrenching pallbearer scene causes a flurry of emotions every time.

Paramore – “Ain’t It Fun”

On Dec. 2, 2013, Paramore attempted to break the most world records in a music video, and they did so in classic form by breaking 10 of ’em in under four minutes. Please don’t try this at home. “Ain’t It Fun” made the group bonafide pop stars, and pop stars should get used to breaking records by now.

PVRIS – “What’s Wrong”

Ever since PVRIS stormed the scene with their debut album, White Noise, in 2014, the band have been showcasing a black-and-white aesthetic that worked quite well in unison with their blend of electropop and synth-pop. PVRIS’ sophomore album, All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell, didn’t have the same buzz as their prior release, but the video for “What’s Wrong” deserves all the praise for showcasing the most desirable dinner party that you weren’t invited to.  

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – “Face Down”

Domestic violence is an extremely serious matter, and the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus handle the topic with a healthy amount of grace and sensitivity in this powerful music video for their monster single “Face Down.” It felt like the band came out of nowhere to release their first single in 2006, and by year’s end, everyone in the scene and many across the globe were singing along to this song’s verses and screaming with the chorus, which challenges an abuser’s true “masculinity.”

Sum 41 – “In Too Deep”

Do empty swimming pools make music videos better? Maybe. Do ’80s-esque diving competitions make music videos better? Absolutely. Sum 41 were riding high on the success of “Fat Lip” when they pulled out all stops for the iconic music video for “In Too Deep,” the second single on the band’s breakout debut LP, All Killer No Filler. But the true highlight of this video happens about two minutes in when lead guitarist Dave Baksh slips and slides across the diving board in epic fashion, does a flip and comes out of the water playing a blistering guitar solo instead of going under again. 

Thirty Seconds To Mars – “The Kill”

While Jared Leto, singer/guitarist for Thirty Seconds To Mars, was no stranger to film and television screens, his band took a few under-the-radar songs and music videos to truly register with the general public. But all bets were off when the visual for “The Kill,” their 2006 reimagining of Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror classic The Shining, was released. As you know, it often takes years to be an overnight sensation, but this track and video caused 30STM to become radio and TV stars seemingly overnight.

The Used – “All That I’ve Got”

The Used left the screamo circuit and entered the macabre music video world with “All That I’ve Got,” which took many of its queues from Tim Burton. Each of the band’s four members received a time to shine in this video and had a chance to showcase their acting skills nearly as much as their abilities on their respective instruments. And in true badass form, dark and unique animation closed the tale and the actual book showcased in the video. 

Yellowcard – “Ocean Avenue”

For this piece, we unintentionally opened and closed with two consecutive winners of the MTV2 VMA award: AFI emerged victorious in 2003, and Yellowcard won one year later in 2004 for “Ocean Avenue.” The video was an action-packed mix of Memento and Groundhog Day, and it featured an exciting chase scene that ended with a car pedaling out of an alley at an out-of-control speed, causing vocalist/guitarist William Ryan Key to escape the wrath of two of his band members (who played villains in the story).

Enjoy these modern classics and see what made the cut for the 20 greatest guitar riffs from the 2000s.

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AFI – “Medicate”

Please revisit A Fire Inside’s 2009 Crash Love LP if you haven’t done so in a while. It’s chock full of unappreciated AFI jams such as “Medicate,” the first single on the record. The song’s opening riff is simple, catchy and more than memorable. The folks behind Guitar Hero certainly agree. This song was a playable track on video games such as Guitar Hero 5, Tap Tap Revenge 3 and Rock Band. Hats off to you, Jade Puget.

The All-American Rejects – “Dirty Little Secret”

Few riffs personify the 2000s like this song’s intro. While the All-American Rejects’ self-titled record catapulted them to the main stage of Warped Tour, both this song and album, Move Along, brought the four-piece to the radio (and the entire planet). The band are mostly known for their saccharine vocal melodies. However, this song proved that guitar riffs could be just as memorable to the general public. Fun fact (and a dirty little secret): The riff is actually played by two people.

Atreyu – “Falling Down”

Taking many of their cues from rock ‘n’ roll masters Rocket From The Crypt, metalcore titans Atreyu released their catchiest single “Falling Down” in 2007, and the riff gods rejoiced. Guitar geek side note: Atreyu guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel even trade lead duties during the song’s epic solo, which doesn’t often happen, as lead guitarists don’t usually share the spotlight. But let’s get back to the opening riff, which still slaps. Shake it off, shake it off.

Billy Talent – “Fallen Leaves”

The delay pedal is used prominently (and perfectly) on this aggressive track from Billy Talent’s sophomore record. Ian D’Sa is one of the better guitarists to come from Canada (maybe even North America) this century, and he created a hummable riff melody for the ages with “Fallen Leaves.”

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blink-182 – “Stay Together For The Kids”

It’s a toss-up whether this sad track, “Dammit” or “What’s My Age Again?” contains blink-182’s catchiest opening guitar riff. However, because the latter two came out last century, “Stay Together For The Kids” takes the prize for this list. Nearly 20 years after it released, “Stay Together For The Kids” still brings people together in classic sing-alongs at emo nights, blink shows and Spotify playlists containing the word “divorce” on ’em. So here’s your holiday.

Bloodhound Gang – “Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo”

The punk/metal/hip-hop/comedy powerhouse band known as Bloodhound Gang have a few hit songs that don’t reference The Discovery Channel, and this one may be their largest. The acronym in the song’s title says it all. However, the riff itself sounds like an incredibly groovy bassline raised a few octaves for the better. In keeping up with the 2000s aesthetic and mentality, this riff, track and band are all personally approved by Bam Margera from MTV’s Jackass. 

Four Year Strong – “Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die”

Following scene contemporaries such as Fall Out Boy, Four Year Strong have songs with long, nostalgic quotes as titles. However, no offense to the others, but none could shred on the guitar like FYS. Such precision. Such an abundance of insanely fast palm mutes. Such pinch harmonics! Respect. Both this song and album definitely led the band to a major-label deal for two other records and more mainstream riffage. Goonies never say die.

Matchbook Romance – “Monsters”

Here’s the underrated addition to this list: Ryan “Judas” DePaolo doesn’t get enough love from guitar aficionados. Many Matchbook Romance superfans were hoping that the band’s second (and sadly, final) album, Voices, would change that, but the band broke up before this song had the chance to become their biggest hit. Still, the haunting riff in “Monsters” is one for the ages, and the handclaps that come along with it make it that much tastier. 

Read more: Watch Frank Iero show fans how to play iconic My Chemical Romance riffs

The Matches – “Papercut Skin”

Another underrated addition, the Matches’ Decomposer deserves your time, and “Papercut Skin” is a guitarist’s dream in terms of melody and power. The opening riff starts off super low, and then once the band kick in with unconventional vocals, it truly forms into an unimaginable, appealing shape that the world hadn’t seen until then and hasn’t seen since. 

My Chemical Romance – “Thank You For The Venom”

Thank you, Ray Toro and Frank Iero. While the venom of this song truly stuck in the United Kingdom, as this song was a hit there, My Chemical Romance’s “Thank You For The Venom” features the band’s quickest opening guitar riff of their guitar-heavy catalog. Try to catch up, but you’re running after something that you’ll never kill. Bet you can’t wait to hear this song live after this pandemic is over.

NOFX – “The Separation Of Church And Skate”

Opening with a fictional family of adults and children bonding over an upcoming punk-rock show, NOFX started their most political record (remember George W. Bush?) with a two-part monster riff that ends just as the snotty vocals and the fastest palm muting this side of the Pacific took over. No need to separate the church and skate here. This uber-technical and light-speed guitar showcase is a supreme deity that all faiths could get behind.

Papa Roach – “Last Resort”

Easily the most recognizable riff on this list (and possibly the most popular one of this century), Papa Roach introduced themselves to the masses with the phrase “Cut my life into pieces/This is my last resort.” Subsequently, they left their mark on every Guitar Center worldwide with one of the most memorable descending minor guitar progressions of all time. This riff managed to be as catchy as its vocal melody, and that’s hard to do.

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Plain White T’s – “Hate (I Really Don’t Like You)”

We love, love, love, love, love, love this riff. Plain White T’s are no strangers to catchy-as-fuck tunes, but the band stepped up their guitar melody game with this riff that starts in a rockin’ minor fashion and ends in a sunny major way on their major-label debut, Every Second Counts. Well, every note here counts as well, as it’s performed with a deliberate precision that’s unrivaled by all pop-rock bands.

Rise Against – “Re-Education (Through Labor)”

Try not to headbang when the guitar riff to this blistering and powerful song comes in. Exactly, you just can’t. Few associated Rise Against (or their peers) with a guitar riff until this tune hit the radio, but then they were quickly reeducated without it feeling like hard work within the first 13 seconds of listening. Now it remains one of the band’s most popular and most played songs.

Saosin – “Voices”

Saosin mastered the art of creating dissonant yet melodic note progressions way up the neck of the guitar that simultaneously counter and complement their vocal melodies. If you listen to this band’s sterling catalog, their multilayered guitar parts often sound like a chorus of (wait for it…) voices. 2006 was a good year, and their self-titled major-label debut record is chock full of tasty riffs. 

Sum 41 – “The Hell Song”

The Sums demonstrated that they were so much more than a pop-punk band who occasionally rapped by showcasing their metal roots with “The Hell Song,” the opening track on Does This Look Infected? Shredders such as Iron Maiden would be quite proud of the fact that Sum 41 still open many of their shows with this 18-year-old track. FYI: “Fat Lip” could’ve been on this list as well. “In Too Deep,” as well. Hail hail, Sum 41!

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Taking Back Sunday – “What’s It Feel Like To Be A Ghost?”

Taking Back Sunday released two hugely popular full-lengths on Victory Records before jumping to major label Warner Records. The band started their tenure on the label with a literal bang of a riff on this opening track. It truly sounds like the guitarist at hand is in a different room than the band until the tune truly kicks in about 12 seconds in. If this song is what it feels like to be a ghost, we’re ready to be undead.

Thrice – “All That’s Left”

In 2002, Thrice were direct support for Anti-Flag at small, sweaty clubs across America. The following year when the band’s Island Records debut, The Artist In The Ambulance, was released, they were on magazine covers such as this one; it was a crazy shift. “All That’s Left” introduced many to the band, and the song starts with feedback, drums and a down-tuned riff for the ages just before the band kick in with heavy fervor. Can we be saved?

The Used – “I Caught Fire”

The finger-tapping beauty of “I Caught Fire” (courtesy of former guitarist Quinn Allman) seemed to stop everyone’s breath as the Used released their second (and most commercially successful) album, In Love And Death. Surprisingly, the song took a much more accessible chill and harmonious turn post-riff. New fans outside of the post-hardcore screamo circle found something slightly used yet ablaze to dig their teeth into. The Used certainly proved that they could stay awhile.

Yellowcard – “Way Away”

We’re gonna leave you now, but before we do, the shredding that accompanies the violin in this song’s intro is quite underrated. Who would’ve thought that Yellowcard would get mentioned in a guitar piece?