Pop music is constantly changing, but every so often, it circles back around to where it was left in the past. Right now, the early 2000s production style and songs are coming back. Artists like Addison Rae and Olivia Rodrigo are some of the main artists leading this revival, while you could even say Malcom Todd is helping by bringing a version of indie pop that still feels connected to that 2000s sound. 

Olivia Rodrigo is one of the clearest examples of how the 2000s pop production is coming back for a new generation. Her music captures the dramatic and rebellious energy that made so much of the 2000s pop memorable. Songs like “Pretty Isn’t Pretty” and “ballad of a homeschooled girl” bring back the loud, messy style that was everywhere in the 2000s. Even though Olivia Rodrigo’s songs are modern, they still feel very 2000s pop because of how strongly they lean into emotion and personality.

A big reason why Olivia Rodrigo especially stands out is that she doesn’t just copy the exact sound of the 2000s — she instead reworks it so it fits in with the younger listeners today as well. All of her music is pure talent that feels raw and expressive, which is exactly why 2000s pop was so popular. In many ways, Olivia Rodrigo is proving that the dramatic, guitar-driven, emotional side of pop still has a place in mainstream music.

With Olivia Rodrigo bringing back the emotional side of the 2000s pop style, Addison Rae brings back the polished, playful, and aesthetic side of the era. Addison Rae has definitely embraced the Y2K aesthetic in both her music and public image, making her one of the most recognizable faces of this revival. Songs like “Diet pepsi” and “Aquamarine” lean into what feels like a glossy production and a carefree energy that feels rooted in early 2000s pop culture. 

What makes Addison Rae such an important part of this comeback is that she fully commits to not just the look but the feel of the era. Her music, visuals, and brand all reflect the sparkly Y2K aesthetic seen all over 2000s pop. She represents the side of the revival that is fun, glamorous, and unserious in the best way. That vibe was such a big part of 2000s pop, and Addison Rae has been a major help in bringing the 2000’s pop style back into the spotlight. 

Malcolm Todd may not be as directly tied to mainstream pop as Olivia Rodrigo or Addison Rae, but he still interestingly fits into this comeback. His music has a softer, more indie-pop sound, yet it still carries the smooth melodies and emotional openness that connect back to 2000s pop. Some of his songs, such as “Mr. Incorrect” and “Thailand,” bring back such an indie vibe, like something you would hear in an indie movie made in the early 2000s. His album covers, like “sweetboy,” also give a really indie and retro vibe.

Rather than recreating the louder parts of 2000s pop, Malcolm Todd reflects the influence more subtly. His music helps prove that the revival isn’t just tied to one single sound. 

The return of 2000s pop isn’t just coming back through new time artists, but the originals as well. Pitbull and Kesha touring again is another sign that this sound is coming back. Their music has a carefree and party-heavy vibe, and fans are clearly still excited to hear it live. Songs by Pitbull and Kesha are such big staples because they were fun, loud, and memorable. Their return to touring makes it obvious that their music still holds so much power today 

Overall, the comeback of the 2000s pop is happening in several different ways at once. Olivia Rodrigo is bringing back that teenage rebellious feeling of pop, while Addison Rae is reviving the Y2K image and sound. Malcolm Todd adds an indie-pop take, and Pitbull and Kesha remind listeners that the original stars of the era are still a part of the conversation. 

Personally, I love seeing this comeback happen, and even though I wasn’t born in the 2000s, the music I hear has such a bold and unforgettable sound, and it’s exciting to see it come back again.