If You Like [X] Then You'll Like [Y] Pt. 3: The 2000s

I made you a playlist full of brand new songs that will make you feel like you're flipping through your car radio circa 1998-2002.

Keeping it quick and dirty today for a few reasons.

First, It's my birthday! I'm going to spend it doing fuck all, just as soon as I send this post off into the ether.

Second, I've heard you loud and clear — enough with the interminably long, glorified think pieces. Just get to the goddamn music recommendations already.

Okay, then.

If you're new to “If You Like…”, the concept is simple.

If You Like [X]

X = an old band (or several) you know and love.

Y (implied) = a similar new band (or several) I think you'll enjoy.

Sometimes I'll riff on a particular theme.

If You Like [The Sixties]

Today will be kind of like that, but with a petite twist.

I Made You A Radio Station

Sure, I guess every themed playlist is basically a radio station. Every streaming service generates them algorithmically on that premise. I still say this is different.

Apart from the fact that I hand picked every track, the entire purpose of this new playlist is to bring you back to the feeling of flipping through radio stations circa 1998-2002.

The beauty of it is you're getting the full top 40 nostalgia experience while still supporting brand new, mostly under the radar artists.

“But Gabbie!” I hear you cry, “why would I want to listen to the kind of drivel that would have been on the radio twenty-five years ago? I totally, definitely pretended I didn’t secretly love it and insisted to all my friends that I hated that garbage then, and I’ll hate it just as much now!”

And to that I say — I was there. I saw you singing along to Toxic just like everyone else. You’re gonna take your nostalgia medicine and you’re gonna like it, bub.

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TIP: If you can’t play the Bandcamp links, use desktop or a web browser on your phone instead of the Substack app.

If you like Britney Spears, try:

• Dorian Electra: When you’re really craving the kind of dance music that comes equipped with full-on dance routines, this take on Britney mixed with Christina Aguilera’s Genie in a Bottle has got your money.

• Slayyyter: Gaga and Dua and Britney, oh my!

If you like Oasis, try:

Go ahead, tell me Oasis doesn’t belong here. We all know how long they got airplay.

• Stone: This Liverpool band’s lead singer is John Power’s kid (you know, the guy from Cast and The La’s) so the Britpop vibe is strong for a reason. I hear some Verve in here, too.

• Courting: More Scouse rockers with one of my favorite debut albums back in 2022. I’ll take any opportunity to share them, though be warned they aren’t always so commercially friendly (not a bad thing, of course).

If you like Aaliyah, try:

• Erika de Casier: For when you want a little trip-hop with your R&B.

• LAYA: I’m especially proud of this find, which has all the trademarks of the catchiest early 2000s R&B tracks. Think Brandy or TLC, with the same hooky, instantly singable motifs and smooth backing harmonies.

If you like blink-182, try:

• The Wonder Years: Uplifting pop-punk by middle-aged rockers singing about grown-up things. Except this song. This song is about Philly. God bless our dirty old town.

• Talk Heavy: Australians are tearing up the punk game, and 2000s-era skate punk is no exception. This band leans a bit more emo, with a tinge of Taking Back Sunday.

If you like My Chemical Romance, try:

• L.S. Dunes: Speaking of emo…if that’s what you’re in the mood for, you might as well go full throttle and listen to this supergroup made of up members from MCR, Coheed and Cambria, Thursday, and Circa Survive. They just released their latest album last Friday, and it’s (surprisingly?) solid.

If you like Smash Mouth, try:

We listen and we don’t judge.

• Fly Right: Look, I told you that sometimes it’s just so easy to hear connections between old songs and new songs. This one made me laugh out loud when I heard it. It’s too fun.

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Turn Up the Radio

Don’t worry; there’s more to listen to. Nu-metal, hip-hop, every other flavor of pop-punk, rock, and whatever the hell Muse was.

Full playlist below.