Who Sang This 2000s Hit? (Part 3)

[C] James Blunt | James Blunt's military background influences his direct emotional delivery. The song's simplicity allowed his raspy voice to convey universal heartbreak effectively.

[C] Gnarls Barkley | CeeLo's soulful vocals over Danger Mouse's retro production created instant magic. The string arrangement references spaghetti westerns while staying completely contemporary and fresh.

[A] Beyoncé | Beyoncé's hand claps and minimal production revolutionized pop choreography worldwide. The single ladies dance became YouTube's first viral dance phenomenon before TikTok existed.

[A] Black Eyed Peas with Justin Timberlake | Black Eyed Peas recruited Justin Timberlake for conscious pop. The post-9/11 message wrapped in catchy hooks made activism accessible.

[B] Mario | Mario's teenage heartbreak over Scott Storch production defined R&B. The begging lyrics and smooth delivery made vulnerability masculine.

[B] Beyoncé | Beyoncé's kiss-off anthem uses acoustic guitar unusually for her catalog. Ne-Yo's songwriting captures female empowerment through specific relationship details everyone recognizes.

[A] Soulja Boy Tell'em | Soulja Boy's DIY approach revolutionized music industry forever. The dance instruction song proved YouTube could break artists independently.

[A] The Killers | The Killers captured jealousy's paranoia through new wave revival. Brandon Flowers's vocals convey desperation while synths create claustrophobic sonic anxiety perfectly.

[B] Christina Aguilera | Christina Aguilera's self-acceptance anthem inspired millions globally. Linda Perry's production stripped away glamour for raw emotional honesty.

[C] Justin Timberlake | Justin Timberlake and Timbaland's beatbox-inspired production changed pop forever. The track's negative space creates tension that the falsetto releases perfectly.

[C] OutKast | OutKast revolutionized hip-hop with this infectious anthem. André 3000's speedy verses contrast Big Boi's smooth delivery, creating pop perfection that still sounds futuristic.

[C] Rihanna | Rihanna's mature sound emerged through this dramatic ballad. The orchestral production and vocal restraint showed artistic growth.

[B] Avril Lavigne | Avril Lavigne introduced mall punk to mainstream audiences successfully. Her tie-wearing tomboy image contradicted pop princesses while keeping melodies sweet.

[D] Britney Spears | Britney's Max Martin collaboration perfected Swedish pop formula. The space metaphor and red catsuit became pop culture milestones.

[D] Snow Patrol | Snow Patrol's build-up structure became the power ballad template. Gary Lightbody's emotional delivery over swelling instrumentation created guaranteed tearjerker material.

[A] Owl City | Owl City's bedroom production became unexpected mainstream hit. Adam Young's dreamy vocals over electronic beats created escapist fantasy.

[D] Alicia Keys | Alicia Keys rejected multiple remix offers to preserve the song's purity. Her vocal control demonstrates why she's considered her generation's premier vocalist.

[C] Train | Train's space metaphor made philosophy radio-friendly somehow. Pat Monahan's distinctive voice over orchestral production created unexpected crossover success.

[D] Maroon 5 | Maroon 5's funk-rock fusion made Adam Levine pop royalty. The Jane Says influence mixed with modern production created new classic.

[D] The Fray | The Fray's medical metaphor resonated with Grey's Anatomy audiences. The piano-driven arrangement and emotional vocals created TV's perfect soundtrack.

[C] Kanye West with Daft Punk | Kanye's Daft Punk sample proved his production genius definitively. The vocoder effects and electronic beats pushed hip-hop into futuristic territories.

[D] One Republic with Timbaland | Timbaland's remix transformed OneRepublic's album track into global phenomenon. Ryan Tedder's apologetic lyrics resonate because everyone knows relationship regret intimately.

[B] Katy Perry | Katy Perry's controversial hit sparked conversations while climbing charts. Dr. Luke's production balanced edge with accessibility, launching Perry's decade-long dominance.

[D] 50 Cent with Olivia | 50 Cent and Olivia's chemistry over Scott Storch beats worked. The candy metaphor pushed boundaries while maintaining radio playability.

[B] Miley Cyrus | Miley Cyrus's Disney departure began with this celebration. The Jay-Z reference and party theme signaled Hannah Montana's end.

[B] Beyoncé with Jay-Z | Beyoncé sampled Chi-Lites' horn section, speeding it up into pure adrenaline. Jay-Z's verse was recorded last-minute, creating one of pop's greatest power couples.

[B] Hoobastank | Hoobastank's relationship autopsy resonated with breakup survivors everywhere. The post-grunge production provided cathartic release through distorted guitars and pain.

[B] Johnny Cash | Johnny Cash's haunting Hurt cover redefined his legacy completely. Rick Rubin's sparse production let Cash's weathered voice convey lifetime's pain.

[C] Lady Gaga | Lady Gaga's robotic vocals contrast with human vulnerability perfectly. The gambling metaphor extends through production choices, making listeners feel the psychological stakes.

[A] T.I. with Rihanna | T.I. and Rihanna sampled O-Zone's 'Dragostea Din Tei' brilliantly. The Romanian dance hit became Atlanta trap anthem through creative interpolation.

[A] T.I. | T.I.'s swagger over Jim Jonsin production defined trap luxury. The money-focused lyrics celebrated success while staying street credible.

[B] Ke$ha | Ke$ha captured party culture through deliberately trashy production choices. Producer Dr. Luke mixed punk attitude with pop sheen, creating rebellious bubblegum perfection.

[C] Jason Mraz | Jason Mraz's ukulele simplicity masks complex vocal runs throughout. The laid-back vibe captures California sunshine while the melody borrows from reggae traditions.

[A] Nickelback | Nickelback became meme-worthy while selling millions paradoxically. Chad Kroeger's gravel voice over power chords created the decade's most divisive hit.

[B] Lady Antebellum | Lady Antebellum's harmonies blend country with pop sensibilities perfectly. The late-night drunk dial theme resonates across genres because loneliness is universal.

[C] Daniel Powter | Daniel Powter's piano ballad became American Idol's elimination soundtrack. The relatable lyrics about everyday struggles made audiences feel seen and understood.

[A] Pink | Pink's party girl persona launched with Linda Perry's production. The empowerment message disguised as party anthem revolutionized pop feminism.

[D] Usher with Lil' Jon & Ludacris | Crunk meets R&B in this club essential. Lil Jon's signature 'Yeah!' ad-libs became cultural touchstones while the synth line defined mid-2000s dance floors.

[B] Kanye West with Jamie Foxx | Kanye sampled Ray Charles while Jamie Foxx channeled him directly. The juxtaposition of old soul and new swagger defined hip-hop's creative sampling era.

[C] M.I.A. | M.I.A.'s gunshot samples and Clash interpolation created controversial art. The paper planes metaphor addressed immigration through infectious beats.