20 huge throwback songs you won't believe are turning 20 in 2024 😮
So many bangers!
Last updated 8th Feb 2024
When it comes to huge throwback hits, 2004 delivered plenty of great tunes. From Britney Spears' smash hit 'Toxic', to the iconic 'Mr Brightside' by The Killers and even DJ Caspar's party classic 'Cha Cha Slide' - 2004 was a golden year of music.
It's hard to believe that these classic tunes will be turning 20 years old in 2024, but they have certainly stood the test of time and sound just as good today. To celebrate these iconic hits, we've compiled a list of 20 brilliant songs from 2004. Prepare to take a trip down memory lane...
20 songs which will turn 20-years-old in 2024:
The Killers - 'Mr Brightside'
Despite originally being released in September 2003, The Killers' smash-hit track 'Mr Brightside' increased in popularity when it was later re-released in May 2004. The song reached Number 10 on the UK Singles Chart at the time of its release and went on to be certified 8x Platinum.
In 2021, 'Mr Brightside' became the first track to spend five years in the UK chart.
Britney Spears - 'Toxic'
Released in January 2004, 'Toxic' was a huge hit for Britney, topping the charts in 11 countries including the UK. The song won the Grammy for Best Dance Recording in 2005, giving Britney her first Grammy Award. In the UK, 'Toxic' is certified 2x Platinum.
Girls Aloud - 'Love Machine'
'Love Machine' was released in September 2004 as the second single from Girls Aloud's second studio album, 'What Will The Neighbours Say?'. The song reached Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified Platinum. Sadly, Sarah Harding passed away in September 2021, aged 39.
McFly - 'Five Colours In Her Hair'
Released in March 2004, 'Five Colours In Her Hair' was McFly's debut single, also giving the band their first UK Number 1 single. The track is certified Silver in the UK and features on McFly's 2004 debut album, 'Room on the 3rd Floor'.
Usher - 'Yeah!' feat. Lil Jon and Ludacris
'Yeah!' was released in January 2004 as the lead single from Usher's fourth studio album, 'Confessions'. The song also features the rappers Lil Jon and Ludacris. 'Yeah!' topped the charts in an array of countries, including the UK and USA. In the UK, the song went on to become certified 3x Platinum.
Natasha Bedingfield - 'Unwritten'
'Unwritten' was released in November 2004 as the third single from Natasha Bedingfield's debut studio album of the same name. The song reached Number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified Platinum. 'Unwritten' was used as the theme song for the MTV reality show The Hills.
Maroon 5 - 'This Love'
'This Love' was released in January 2004 and is the second single from Maroon 5's debut album, 'Songs About Jane.' In 2006, the live version of 'This Love' won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The track reached Number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified Platinum.
Eric Prydz - 'Call On Me'
Swedish DJ and and producer Eric Prydz released the hit track 'Call On Me' in September 2004, with the track well-known for its music video, which features an aerobics class. The song topped the UK Singles Chart and is certified 2x Platinum.
Alicia Keys - 'If I Ain't Got You'
'If I Ain't Got You' was released in February 2004 and featured on her second studio album, 'The Diary of Alicia Keys'. The song reached Number 18 on the UK Singles Charts and Number 4 on the US Billboard Chart and is certified Platinum in the UK.
Kelly Clarkson - 'Since U Been Gone'
'Since U Been Gone' was released in November 2004 and features on Kelly Clarkson's second album 'Breakaway'. The song charted at Number 5 in the UK and is certified 2x Platinum.
Destiny's Child - 'Lose My Breath'
Released in October 2004, 'Lose My Breath' features on Destiny's Child's fifth and final studio album 'Destiny Fulfilled'. The track reached Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified Platinum.
Busted - 'Air Hostess'
'Air Hostess' was released in April 2004 and was the third single on the band's second studio album 'A Present for Everyone'. The song reached Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified Silver.
Mario - 'Let Me Love You'
'Let Me Love You' was a huge hit for Mario. Released in October 2004 and written by Ne-Yo, the song features on Mario's second album 'Turning Point'. In 2006, Mario won the Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for 'Let Me Love You'. The song charted at Number 2 in the UK and is certified 3x Platinum.
Keane - 'Somewhere Only We Know'
'Somewhere Only We Know' was released in February 2004 and was the first single from Keane's debut album 'Hopes and Fears'. The track reached Number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified 2x Platinum. In 2013, Lily Allen famously released a cover of the song which featured in the John Lewis Christmas advert.
DJ Casper - 'Cha Cha Slide'
Released in the UK in March 2004, 'Cha Cha Slide' quickly became a staple at parties and events, thanks to its fun dance routine. The song topped the UK Chart and is certified Platinum. Sadly, DJ Casper died in August 2023, aged 58.
Anastacia - 'Left Outside Alone'
'Left Outside Alone' was released in March 2004 and features on Anastacia's third studio album, 'Anastacia'. The song reached Number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified Platinum.
Snow Patrol - 'Run'
'Run' was released in January 2004, from the band's third studio album, 'Final Straw'. In the UK, 'Run' reached Number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and is certified Platinum. In November 2008, Leona Lewis released a cover of the song.
Britney Spears - 'Everytime'
Released in May 2004, 'Everytime' featured on Britney's fourth studio album, 'In The Zone'. The song topped the UK Singles Chart and is certified Platinum.
Girls Aloud - 'I'll Stand By You'
A cover of The Pretenders' 1994 song, Girls Aloud released their rendition of 'I'll Stand By You' in November 2004. The song was a charity single for Children In Need and gave the group their second UK Number 1 single. The track is certified Silver.
Maroon 5 - 'She Will Be Loved'
'She Will Be Loved' was released in June 2004, the third song from the band's debut album 'Songs About Jane'. The song reached Number 4 in the UK and is certified 3x Platinum.
Now read:
Britney Spears: Everything you need to know about the icon
Maroon 5: Celebrating 20 years of the legendary band
Usher: 13 of the R&B singer's most famous collaborations