The 2000s saw the rise of some iconic rock bands such as 1990s boy bands as well. Unfortunately, time takes its toll, and not all great musicians remain prominent.
In many cases, it seems that the bands themselves often cause their own cessation from achieving more of the success they once had. Whether it be due to a hiatus, a failed proposed album, or an outright breakup, a variety of factors can stand in the way. In other cases, bands that have once produced a hit song struggle to find that same magic. It doesn't mean they give up, but the more time that es, the more they fade away. That is the case with the following 10 bands.
10 The Calling
2001 Record Setters Struggle To Stay Together
Straight from their debut studio album, The Calling quickly discovered they had created one of the best love songs ever produced. "Wherever You Will Go" placed on eight different Billboard charts, including a first place on Adult Pop Airplay. They held that position for 23 weeks, which was the second longest in the history of the chart. After such a significant debut, fans were eager to see what the band would do next, as their sophomore album followed.
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The truth was that the sophomore album was the last one they would release. Following this, the band would break up and, over the years, attempted reunions never led to anything that kept the band together for anything substantial. In the past couple of years, they have been working toward that, even teasing the release of new music in 2024. It remains to be seen what exactly will happen, but their fans remain hopeful, as the nearly one billion streams of "Wherever You Will Go" on Spotify indicate they are fondly ed.
9 Cute Is What We Aim For
Billboard Albums Have Led To A Bunch Of Reunions
In the early 2000s, there was a rise of bands in the emo genre. The artists offering the most raw and relatable lyrics seemed to be capturing mainstream attention like never before. One of the acts that tapped into the growing popularity was Cute Is What We Aim For. They burst onto the scene with their debut album in 2006. Backed by their smash hit "The Curse of Curves," the album placed on the Billboard 200 at the 75th spot.
The last time they played together was in 2019, leaving a huge question as to what else they could have accomplished if they had remained together.
Things improved even more for the band when their second album arrived in 2008. This time they landed on three Billboard charts, reaching as high as number nine on the Top Alternative Albums chart. It felt like the band was destined to achieve even bigger things after that, but this is where their recording days ended. Since their initial breakup, they have reunited a few times. The last time they played together was in 2019, leaving a huge question as to what else they could have accomplished if they had remained together.
8 Hot Chelle Rae
There’s No Reason To Give Up Since They Wrote A Hit Before
There are plenty of instances where artists change their sound in hopes of making an impact, but in the case of Hot Chelle Rae, it wasn't their sound that changed; it was their name. Originally, the band was called Miracle Drug, but it only lasted for one recording. Eventually, after their name changed, they were ready for a full-length debut. However, it was their sophomore album, Whatever, that garnered them mainstream attention.
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The first major highlight of the album was the fact that the band got to record a track with Demi Lovato. Since they are a major star, it brought the band a lot of visibility. Then, their song "Tonight Tonight" became their biggest release, reaching the seventh spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, they have not quite been able to find this magic again, but they continue to try, releasing new music every so often.
7 The Ting Tings
A 2008 Impact Left Tough Expectations To Follow
When The Ting Tings released their debut album in 2008, they had people across the globe singing "that's not my name." The song became a huge hit, charting on six different Billboard rankings. Another song that helped establish the indie group was "Shut Up and Let Me Go." With two major songs, they were poised to continue making an impact in a genre that wasn't as crowded in the mainstream as some others.
Unlike a lot of groups, it is not conflict that has prevented them from continuing to make strides. They have released a few albums since then, but perhaps what has hindered them is the four years in between each release, which is a long time in the music industry. Now, it has been seven years since their album in 2018, but they are set to release another album in 2025. If a major hit resides on this record, the Ting Tings could find themselves quickly back on the charts.
6 Cobra Starship
A Fifth Album Was Supposed To Be, Until It Wasn’t
In the early stages of their career, Cobra Starship achieved everything a new band could dream of. From their first album, they gained exposure by having one of their songs, "The Church of Hot Addiction," used by the WWE for an event. Then, on their sophomore release, they collaborated with Patrick Stump and Travie McCoy, further boosting their standing. For their third and fourth albums, things really took off.
The band had plans for a fifth album, but sadly it never materialized, even though they were working on it.
The band released some of their biggest songs, including "Good Girls Go Bad," which featured famed actress Leighton Meester. This helped Meester as she began her music career while also providing the band with more exposure due to her recognition. They had plans for a fifth album, but sadly it never materialized, even though they were working on it. They have had reunions since the start of the 2020s, so it is possible that new music could eventually arrive.
5 Metro Station
The Family Names Could Only Carry Them So Far
As the siblings of Trace Cyrus and Mason Musso were starring in the Disney Channel show Hannah Montana, the two decided to pursue their own artistic endeavors and form a band together. The first album they released came in 2007. The self-titled debut featured multiple hits, including "Kelsey" and "Shake It." The latter was a major success for the band, placing on multiple Billboard charts, with a Top 10 finish on the Hot 100.
Trace Cyrus' sister is Miley Cyrus, who played the leading role in Hannah Montana. Manson Musso's brother, Mitchel, played one of Miley's best friends on the show.
Following the success of their first album, the group didn't slow down. They performed with some of the biggest bands at the time, such as Fall Out Boy and Boys Like Girls. They also contributed a song to the 2010 Alice in Wonderland film. After resolving some internal conflicts, the band finally released a second album in 2015. Since then, they have struggled to stay together long enough to make another record; however, their music careers have continued as solo artists.
4 American Hi-Fi
Being Compared To Blink-182 Is A Lot To Live Up To
Being compared to Blink-182 is not an easy task to live up to, but American Hi-Fi gave it their best shot as their first album debuted in 2001. The band became well-known, as their hit "Flavor of the Weak" reached the 41st spot on the Billboard Hot 100. This helped them launch a successful career which has seen them release five more records since their debut. The last full-length release in 2016 was an acoustic album.
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Since then, they have released an EP, but as 2025 progresses, it continues to add to the longest period between full-length albums for the band. This has made it tough for them to stay active in the mainstream as so many new acts have emerged during this time. Nonetheless, the band is still fondly ed for their early hits, showing that getting off to a good start can lay the foundation for a lengthy career.
3 Fountains Of Wayne
Stacy’s Mom May Still Have It Going On In 2025
If Fountains of Wayne had been around during the MTV Generation, there is no doubt the music video for their song "Stacy's Mom" would have been one of the biggest hits at that time. This tune has made such a cultural impact that it solidified their legacy only three albums into their career. For a decade, the band enjoyed mainstream success, but it wasn't enough to keep them together to produce more records.
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Following their breakup in 2013, the band completely lost touch with one another. It was very unfortunate, given how beloved they were. Sadly, it took tragedy to reunite them after the death of founding member Adam Schlesinger in 2020. After coming together for a charity livestream that same year, the band went silent. However, in early 2025, a reunion show was announced, but it remains to be seen whether this will be just another one-off event.
2 The Click Five
They’re Proof A Return Can Never Be Ruled Out
Within less than two years of beginning their career, The Click Five released their debut studio album. It became highly revered and ended up at the 15th spot on the Billboard 200. The band became known for their hits "Just the Girl" and "Pop Princess." They stayed in the studio following the release of their second and third albums, all within less than six years of each other. However, things would eventually come to a halt.
In 2013, less than a decade after forming, the band announced that they were going their separate ways. They all had individual endeavors they wanted to focus on, but they thanked their fans for all the they provided. It seemed that they would never be back together again, but 2025 is the year they will finally return. They don't have a lot of shows lined up, but it's enough to give some fans a chance to see them again.
1 The All-American Rejects
The Hits, The Hiatus, The Return
The All-American Rejects had the success that every musician dreams of. Their first three albums have been Platinum-certified, as the band had no shortage of hits. In their heyday, not only were their songs on multiple Billboard charts, but so were their records. Their lyrics were catchy, and they had a unique style of storytelling in their delivery. They followed their early achievements with a fourth album in 2012 and aimed to keep going.
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However, they haven't done a lot of major work since their early days. In fact, 2025 is scheduled to see the release of their first full-length album since 2012. That will mark a 13-year hiatus from the true mainstream. Nonetheless, the band is notorious for creating hits, so there is a great deal of optimism that they will be able to find the magic they once had. Either way, fans will be excited to have a lot of new material again.