2001 in British Music

The Story of 2001

UK garage peaked, and a new rock revival was coming. Craig David was the biggest star in Britain, '7 Days' and 'Walking Away' making him the face of UK R&B. So Solid Crew's '21 Seconds' was a garage anthem that brought the scene to the mainstream. DJs like EZ and collections like 'Pure Garage' were everywhere. The garage sound was distinctly British, urban and exciting. Dido's 'No Angel' was still huge, helped by 'Stan' with Eminem. Kylie Minogue's 'Can't Get You Out of My Head' was the year's defining pop moment – a minimalist disco masterpiece that dominated globally. The White Stripes' 'White Blood Cells' was beginning the garage rock revival that would influence British bands. Muse's 'Origin of Symmetry' was ambitious, operatic rock. Gorillaz' self-titled debut was a virtual band concept that actually worked, 'Clint Eastwood' crossing over massively. Ash's 'Free All Angels' was perfect pop-punk. Travis' 'The Invisible Band' continued the sensitive indie trend. 9/11 happened in September, and the music industry paused in shock. The charts in the aftermath were more reflective, but the party wasn't over.