23 songs you will not BELIEVE turned 15-years-old this year 🎶

These songs first graced our ears back in 2006... 😱

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 24th Nov 2021
Last updated 15th Dec 2021

If you're anything like us, you think of 2006 as being around six or seven years ago... But we're afraid to tell you it was a whole 15 YEARS ago. Yep, we can't believe it either!

What was going on in your life back then? Chances are at some point in the year you were loudly singing along to one of these hits!

1) JoJo - 'Too Little Too Late'

The first of our 2006 bangers is this absolute classic. JoJo's break-up anthem 'Too Little Too Late' appeared on her second album 'The High Road', and was nearly offered to the Pussycat Dolls before the singer secured it for the record. Apparently, JoJo was keen to record the track to showcase her maturity since her self-titled debut album in 2004, featuring her other well-known hit, 'Leave (Get Out)'. It peaked at Number 4 in the UK charts.

2) Beyoncé - 'Irreplaceable'

Yet another break-up anthem in 2006 came in the form of 'Irreplaceable' by Queen Beyoncé, who released the song as the second single from her incredible album 'B'Day'. The track was co-written by Bey and Ne-Yo among others, and - similarly to JoJo's song - encouraged women to ditch cheating partners, something pretty innovative at the time. 💪

3) Take That - 'Patience'

Gary and the band looked as though they were having a great time in the music video for 'Patience', their comeback single, in Iceland - although it looks like the roadies have called in sick... 'Patience' relaunched Take That in 2006, 10 years after the group's disbandment, and they continued as a four-piece without Robbie Williams - and are still going strong as a trio now!

4) Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland - 'Promiscuous'

Having risen to fame in the early Noughties with the likes of 'I'm Like A Bird' and 'Turn Off the Light', Nelly totally overhauled her image in 2006 with the release of her third album 'Loose', working with producer Timbaland who helped her achieve a much more R&B and hip-hop sound. The record spawned singles 'Maneater' and 'Say It Right', as well as 'Promiscuous' which became her first US chart-topper as well as a Grammy nod.

5) Lily Allen – 'Smile'

2006 also marked Lily Allen's foray into the charts, releasing 'Smile' as her first ever single after building a fanbase on Myspace (remember that?!) the previous year. The track that had us all humming for months on end appeared on her debut album 'Alright, Still' along with other hits like 'LDN' and 'Alfie', and topped the singles chart in the UK - it's still so catchy!

6) Ne-Yo - 'So Sick'

Ne-Yo began his career on the music ladder as a songwriter, penning Mario's 2004 hit 'Let Me Love You' before releasing his own debut single 'Stay' in 2005. But it was 2006's 'So Sick' that really saw the R&B crooner begin his ascent to fame, topping the UK and US charts and appearing on his debut album 'In My Own Words'.

7) Madonna – 'Sorry'

Madonna is the queen of reinvention, so when she brought out her 10th album 'Confessions on a Dance Floor' in 2005, fans were absolutely loving the new music direction! With a much more dance-oriented vibe, the record featured the ABBA-infused 'Hung Up' as well as 'Sorry', which was released as a single in 2006. We were all dancing around and copying Madonna's moves in the classic video - perhaps without the leotard though...

8) Panic! at the Disco - 'I Write Sins Not Tragedies'

Panic! at the Disco's 'I Write Sins Not Tragedies' was an iconic song among the pop/rock crossover fans! Although it only hit Number 25 in the UK charts at the time, it's still beloved among fans today.

9) Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean – 'Hips Don't Lie'

After rising to fame with 'Whenever, Wherever' in the early Noughties, Shakira bounced back into the UK mainstream with this funky tune with Wyclef Jean in 2006! It hit the top spot in the charts in the US and UK as well as plenty of other countries.

10) Christina Aguilera - 'Ain't No Other Man'

After her self-titled debut album in 1999 featured pop hits like 'Genie In A Bottle', Christina experimented with a Spanish-language record and a Christmas album before releasing the more empowering 'Stripped' in 2002 and then the 1940s-inspired 'Back to Basics' in 2006. The record hit the top spot in the UK and US, and featured hits like 'Candyman' and 'Ain't No Other Man', which won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

11) The Fratellis – 'Chelsea Dagger'

We may not know who Chelsea Dagger is, but we do know The Fratellis' song about her is an absolute corker. Even if you don't know it by name, it's sure to get you hyped once it's on your speakers!

12) The Fray - 'How to Save a Life'

After the success of their 2005 hit 'Over My Head (Cable Car)', The Fray released 'How to Save a Life' a year later. Following its inclusion on US medical drama Grey's Anatomy, the song's popularity went through the roof, later appearing on the likes of Scrubs and One Tree Hill, earning the group a Grammy nomination.

13) Gnarls Barkley – 'Crazy'

The year when everyone went crazy for 'Crazy'! Gnarls Barkley, made up of Cee Lo Green and DJ Danger Mouse, spent an astonishing nine weeks at Number 1 with this song which also won them a Grammy and won the top spot on Rolling Stone magazine's Top 100 Songs of the Decade.

14) Fergie - 'Big Girls Don't Cry'

Fergie was already a big name thanks to her time in the Black Eyed Peas, but she's also seen a lot of success as a solo artist, releasing her debut solo album 'The Dutchess' in 2006 which featured singles 'London Bridge', 'Glamorous' and 'Big Girls Don't Cry' - produced by her BEP bandmate will.i.am.

15) Amy Winehouse - 'Rehab'

Amy's 2003 debut album 'Frank' was released to critical acclaim, but went largely under the pop radar. However, her 2006 follow-up 'Back to Black' was one of the best-selling albums in British history, featuring hits like the title track as well as 'You Know I'm No Good', 'Love Is a Losing Game', 'Tears Dry on Their Own' and 'Rehab' - which won Amy three Grammys.

16) Pussycat Dolls - 'Buttons'

After signing their record deal in 2003, it didn't take long for the Pussycat Dolls to become one of the most popular girl bands of all time. Disputes aside, they released banger after banger, including 'Buttons' featuring Snoop Dogg which appeared on their debut 2005 album 'PCD' but was released as a single in 2006, hitting Number 3 in the UK .

17) Snow Patrol – 'Chasing Cars'

2006 also marked the year when Gary Lightbody and co just wanted to lie down on the ground and forget the world... Whatever inspires more great songs, Gary! 'Chasing Cars' was another 2006 hit that shot to fame after appearing on Grey's Anatomy, and was certified as the most played song of the 21st Century on UK radio in 2019.

18) Scissor Sisters - 'I Don't Feel Like Dancing'

Considering the song title, 'I Don't Feel Like Dancing' sure makes a lot of people feel like getting on the dancefloor! The catchy hit was released by Scissor Sisters in 2006 from their second album 'Ta-Dah', and became their only UK Number 1 single.

19) Sandi Thom – 'I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair)'

That's right, it's been well over a decade years since Scottish singer Sandi Thom was longing for flowers in her hair. Wonder if she ever got any? Either way, it topped the UK charts, and although Sandi has gone on to release six albums - most recently in 2019 - this has remained her most well-known song.

20) Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland – 'Sexyback'

This classic from JT shot straight to Number 1 in the UK and US charts from his 2006 album 'FutureSex/LoveSounds' that he worked on with Timbaland which also featured the likes of 'My Love' and 'What Goes Around... Comes Around'. The video was also nominated for an MTV Video Music Award.

21) Rihanna – 'Unfaithful'

A beautiful 2006 song from RiRi off her second album 'A Girl Like Me', 'Unfaithful' was actually apparently inspired by rock band Evanescence! She looks so youthful in this video!

22) Cascada - 'Everytime We Touch'

We could NOT have a list of 2006 bangers you forgot about without including Cascada's 'Everytime We Touch'! This track lit up the dancefloors for years - and if you're lucky, you'll still hear it at the end of the night these days too. The German dance group released the single from their debut album, named after this track.

23) Sean Paul - 'Temperature'

To round us off, we've got the man himself Sean Paul with 'Temperature', which appeared on his 2005 album 'The Trinity' but was released as a single in 2006. Shockingly, it didn't even break into the Top 10 in the UK, but has continued to be one of the most enduring songs of all time!

Remember these throwbacks? Take a trip down memory lane...

Craig David - 'Fill Me In' (2001)

Another debut hit to reach the sunny heights of the UK Chart, Craig David's 'Fill Me In' was his debut solo single after he featured on Artful Dodger's, 'Re-Rewind'. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Alicia Keys - 'Fallin'' (2001)

'Fallin'' was Alicia Key's debut hit released in 2001. Not only was the song a Top 5 hit in the UK, it also won three GRAMMY Awards in 2002 and was nominated for a fourth.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Destiny's Child - 'Bootylicious' (2001)

Before Beyoncé became a solo superstar, she, along with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams - better known as Destiny's Child - saw huge success with their 2001 hit 'Bootylicious'. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Eve & Gwen Stefani - 'Let Me Blow Ya Mind' (2001)

Teaming up for this GRAMMY Award-winning song, Eve and Gwen Stefani had a Top 5 hit with 'Let Me Blow Ya Mind' in the UK. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Ja Rule & Ashanti - 'Always On Time' (2001)

Originally set to feature Brandy, Ashanti was eventually brought on board to collab with Ja Rule, earning her a Top 10 UK single with 'Always On Time'. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Mary J Blige - 'Family Affair' (2001)

Written by Mary J Blige, along with a team including her brother and Dr Dre, 'Family Affair' was the singer's first Number 1 single in the US. The music video has also been remastered and is now available on YouTube. You can watch the music video on YouTube

The Calling - 'Wherever You Will Go' (2001)

Yet another debut hit to make our list of songs you forgot about, The Calling's 'Wherever You Will Go' remains the band's most successful hit to date. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Nelly & City Spud - 'Ride Wit Me' (2001)

'Ride Wit Me' was Nelly's third single from his debut album. The song's video won Best Rap Video at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2001. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Usher - 'U Remind Me' (2001)

'U Remind Me' won Usher his first GRAMMY Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2002, after becoming a worldwide hit. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Ian Van Dahl - 'Castles In The Sky' (2001)

As dance songs go, this is one of the classics from the early noughties. Despite their name, Ian Van Dahl was a trance act rather than a person, and the song became a major hit here in the UK. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Ashanti - 'Foolish' (2002)

Ashanti's debut single 'Foolish' was a massive hit around the world, and the music video was nominated three times at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards for Best Female Video, Best R&B Video, and Best New Artist. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Eminem - 'Lose Yourself' (2002)

Written and produced by the rapper himself, 'Lose Yourself' was featured on the soundtrack of the film 8 Mile, which also starred Eminem.

Justin Timberlake - 'Like I Love You' (2002)

What a throwback! 'Like I Love You' was Justin Timberlake's debut solo single and it didn't disappoint, reaching Number 2 in the UK. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Nelly - 'Hot In Herre' (2002)

Nelly's 'Hot In Herre' wasn't just a hit, it was a GRAMMY Award-winning hit, picking up the first ever Best Male Rap Solo Performance in 2003. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Nelly & Kelly Rowland - 'Dilemma' (2002)

What a pairing! Nelly teamed up with Kelly Rowland for her first single since leaving Destiny's Child. This hit features Patti LaBelle's 1983 song 'Love, Need and Want You'. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Beyonce & Jay-Z - 'Crazy In Love' (2003)

'Crazy In Love' was Beyoncé's first solo single after Destiny's Child, and featured Jay-Z. The massive hit was a Number 1 around the world, back in 2003. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Black Eyed Peas - 'Where Is The Love?' (2003)

Where Is The Love?' was a GRAMMY-nominated song back in 2003, it was also the lead single from the group's third album 'Elephunk'.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Justin Timberlake - 'Rock Your Body' (2003)

'Rock Your Body' was originally intended for Michael Jackson's album 'Invincible', but according to the Huffington Post he turned it down, so it was offered to Justin Timberlake. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Kevin Lyttle - 'Turn Me On' (2003)

'Turn Me On' is a huge summer throwback. It was a worldwide hit for Kevin Lyttle back in 2003 and still fills dancefloors today.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Mario - 'Let Me Love You' (2004)

The GRAMMY-nominated song 'Let Me Love You' was a huge hit back in 2004, it was also chosen by former One Direction singer, Zayn Malik, to sing in his X Factor audition in 2010.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Snow Patrol - 'Run' (2004)

'Run' has been covered a number of times, but it was originally released by Snow Patrol in 2004, and they had huge success with it in the UK charts. You can watch the music video on YouTube

The Killers - 'Mr. Brightside' (2004)

The Killers' 'Mr Brightside' was originally released in 2003, but after only receiving minor success, it was re-released a year later, becoming very popular.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Usher & Ludacris & Lil' Jon - 'Yeah!' (2004)

'Yeah!' won a GRAMMY for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, as well as being nominated for Record of the Year. The song also had huge success in the UK and around the world. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Bob Sinclar - 'Love Generation' (2005)

A big hit for French DJ Bob Sinclar back in 2005, the 'Love Generation' music video features a little boy riding his bike in different locations across the US.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Kanye West & Jamie Foxx - 'Gold Digger' (2005)

'Gold Digger' was hugely popular in 2005, winning a GRAMMY for Best Rap Solo Performance in 2006. Here in the UK it reached the sunny heights of Number 2.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Rihanna - 'Pon De Replay' (2005)

'Pon De Replay' was Rihanna's debut single, and what a single it was. The song was certified Platinum in the UK and 2x Platinum in the US, where it also reached Number 2. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Snoop Dogg & Charlie Wilson featuring Justin Timberlake - 'Signs' (2005)

'Signs' featured on Snoop Dogg's seventh studio album 'R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece'. The song was big hit here, selling 400,000 copies and being certified Gold.

Rihanna - 'SOS' (2006)

'SOS' was the lead single from Rihanna's second album, and sampled Soft Cell's 1981 hit 'Tainted Love'. Three music videos were recorded for the song in addition to the official one.

Amy Winehouse - 'Rehab' (2006)

'Rehab' was the lead single from Amy Winehouse's second and final album. The song won three GRAMMY Awards including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, as well as an Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Amy Winehouse - 'Back To Black' (2007)

Written by Amy along with Mark Ronson, 'Back to Black' was featured on the singer's album of the same name.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Beyoncé - 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' (2008)

Featuring on her third studio album, Beyoncé's 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' is known the world over for its iconic dance and music video. The song won several awards including GRAMMYs and MTV Video Music Awards. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Kings Of Leon - 'Sex On Fire' (2008)

'Sex On Fire' gave Kings of Leon their first Number 1 single in the UK, back in 2008, as well as winning the band a GRAMMY for Best Rock Performance by a duo or group with vocals.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Florence + The Machine - 'You've Got The Love' (2009)

Originally released by Candi Staton in 1986, Florence + The Machine covered 'You've Got The Love' in 2009.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys - 'Empire State Of Mind' (2009)

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' fantastic collab won the pair GRAMMYs for Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2011.

Bruno Mars - 'Just The Way You Are' (2010)

Bruno Mars' debut single was written by the singer along with a team of songwriters, and despite having a mixed response by critics, the song reached the top spot in the UK.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Justin Bieber - 'Baby' (2010)

Who can forget Justin Bieber's iconic breakout single 'Baby'?! Teaming up with megastar rapper Ludacris, the song served as the lead single from Justin's debut album 'My World 2.0'. Hitting the Number 3 spot on the UK Singles Chart, it's safe to say this one is still a certified banger to this day!

Eminem & Rihanna - 'Love The Way You Lie' (2010)

Often described as one of Eminem's best songs, 'Love the Way You Lie' was nominated for five GRAMMYs, as well as several Billboard Awards, winning Best Rap Song. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Adele - 'Someone Like You' (2011)

'Someone Like You' was certified 4× Platinum in the UK and saw Adele nominated for several awards, including a BRIT Award for British Single of the Year, with the singer winning a GRAMMY for Best Pop Solo Performance. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Ed Sheeran - 'The A Team' (2011)

Before Ed Sheeran took over the music world, it was his debut single 'The A Team' that saw his first success. The song was nominated at The BRITs for Best British Single and became a Top 3 hit for Ed. You can watch the music video on YouTube

Rihanna & Calvin Harris - 'We Found Love' (2011)

Teaming up for this dance-pop throwback, Rihanna and Calvin Harris won a GRAMMY Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 2013.
You can watch the music video on YouTube.

Professor Green featuring Emeli Sande - 'Read All About It' (2012)

'Read All About It' was a Number 1 single for Professor Green and Emeli Sande, being certified Platinum in the UK it sold over 600,000 copies.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams - 'Get Lucky' (2013)

When French duo Daft Punk teamed up with Pharrell Williams, and Nile Rodgers they produced 'Get Lucky'. A hugely popular song when it was released, it won GRAMMYs for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

James Arthur - 'Impossible' (2013)

'Impossible' was James Arthur's first song after winning The X Factor. The cover of Shontelle's 2010 song became the UK's fastest-selling single of 2012.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

John Legend - 'All Of Me' (2013)

Dedicated to his wife Chrissy Teigen, 'All Of Me' became a Number 2 hit for John Legend, and the third best-selling song of 2014 in the UK.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Rudimental & Ella Eyre - 'Waiting All Night' (2013)

Cast your mind back to 2013, and in the summer the festivals were full of Rudimental & Ella Eyre's 'Waiting All Night'. The song was a Number 1 hit for the band and won a BRIT for British Single of the Year.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Calvin Harris - 'Summer' (2014)

Released in 2014, Calvin Harris' 'Summer' became the superstar DJ's fourth Number 1 in the UK and we still love it to this day. It's time to turn up the tunes!
Watch the music video on YouTube

Duke Dumont & Jax Jones - 'I Got U' (2014)

When Duke Dumont and Jax Jones joined forces in 2014, they created this huge throwback, 'I Got U'. The song topped the charts in the UK and was certified Platinum.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Ed Sheeran - 'Thinking Out Loud' (2014)

'Thinking Out Loud' was a global success for Ed Sheeran when it was released in 2014. The song was also nominated for many awards including three GRAMMY Awards, of which it won two.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars - 'Uptown Funk' (2014)

'Uptown Funk' was a Number 1 hit for Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars when it was released earlier than expected after Hits Radio Breakfast's Fleur East covered it on The X Factor.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Mr. Probz - 'Waves (Robin Schulz Mix)' (2014)

After the original version of the song was remixed by Robin Schulz, 'Waves' became a massive hit, making it the fourth best-selling song of 2014 in the UK.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Sia - 'Chandelier' (2014)

'Chandelier' was the lead single from Sia's sixth album. The song was nominated for four GRAMMYs - Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Music Video.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Ariana Grande - 'One Last Time' (2015)

Written by French DJ David Guetta and a team of writers, 'One Last Time' was included on Ariana Grande's album 'My Everything'.
You can watch the music video on YouTube

Justin Bieber - 'Love Yourself' (2015)

Co-written by Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran along with Benny Blanco, 'Love Yourself' was a hit with fans propelling it to the Number 1 spot around the world, including here in the UK. You can watch the music video on YouTube

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