2002 – Anne-Marie

Anne-Marie’s hit song “2002” is a vibrant pop anthem that takes listeners on a nostalgic journey back to the early 2000s, a time filled with youthful innocence, love, and the infectious beats of pop culture. Released as part of her debut studio album Speak Your Mind in 2018, “2002” quickly became one of Anne-Marie’s most successful tracks, not just for its catchy melody but also for its relatable lyrics, which fondly recall the music and memories of a generation.

Written by Anne-Marie, alongside pop sensation Ed Sheeran, Benny Blanco, and Steve Mac, the song perfectly encapsulates the fun, carefree spirit of being young, in love, and obsessed with the music of the time. The official video for “2002” further enhances the nostalgia with its playful visuals and Anne-Marie’s energetic performance, making it a beloved track for fans of all ages.

The Concept: Nostalgia Through Music
“2002” is, at its core, a love letter to the music and pop culture of the early 2000s. In the song, Anne-Marie reminisces about falling in love as a teenager, with the year 2002 representing a simpler time filled with innocence, romance, and the unforgettable soundtracks of the era. The lyrics cleverly reference iconic songs from the time, such as Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time,” NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye,” Jay-Z’s “99 Problems,” and Nelly’s “Ride Wit Me.” By incorporating these musical nods, the song immediately strikes a chord with listeners who grew up in that era.

The song’s chorus, in particular, brings a rush of memories: “Oops, I got 99 problems singing bye, bye, bye / Hold up, if you wanna go and take a ride with me / Better hit me, baby, one more time.” This mash-up of lyrics from various 2000s hits creates a sense of connection for listeners who fondly remember these songs dominating the airwaves during their youth. For younger listeners, it introduces them to a golden age of pop music, showcasing the timeless appeal of these tracks.

Beyond the musical references, “2002” captures the feeling of first love, the excitement of being young, and the simplicity of carefree days spent with someone special. The universal theme of young love, combined with the catchy melody and playful lyrics, has made the song a global hit.

The Music Video: A Playful Visual Journey
The official music video for “2002” is as nostalgic and fun as the song itself. Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, who is known for her work with artists like Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, the video features Anne-Marie recreating iconic scenes from the music videos of the early 2000s, further amplifying the nostalgic theme of the song.

The video opens with Anne-Marie standing in a park, wearing a white tank top and jeans, reminiscent of Britney Spears in her “…Baby One More Time” video. As the song progresses, Anne-Marie takes on different looks and settings that pay homage to the early 2000s, including references to the music videos of artists like NSYNC and Jay-Z. The visual transitions between these iconic moments are seamless, with Anne-Marie effortlessly embodying the carefree spirit of the time.

One of the standout moments in the video is when Anne-Marie is joined by a group of dancers, mirroring the choreography made famous by boy bands like NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. The playful dancing, combined with the vibrant colors and lively energy of the video, perfectly captures the essence of early 2000s pop culture. The nostalgic references are subtle yet effective, allowing the video to feel fresh while still honoring the past.

Anne-Marie’s charisma and sense of fun shine throughout the video, making it clear that she is both celebrating the music of her youth and sharing it with a new generation of fans. Her performance is confident and engaging, further cementing her place as one of pop music’s brightest stars.

A Collaboration with Ed Sheeran
One of the key factors behind the success of “2002” is its collaboration with Ed Sheeran, who co-wrote the song with Anne-Marie. The two artists have been friends for years, and their creative chemistry is evident in the song’s catchy hook and heartfelt lyrics. Sheeran’s influence can be heard in the song’s melody and structure, which blend seamlessly with Anne-Marie’s vocal delivery.

Sheeran’s contribution to the song was particularly personal, as he and Anne-Marie have both spoken about how much fun they had writing “2002.” In interviews, Anne-Marie has expressed how Sheeran pushed her to embrace her own memories of growing up in the early 2000s, helping her craft lyrics that were both nostalgic and universally relatable. The result is a song that feels genuine and full of heart, while still being a catchy, upbeat pop anthem.

Reception and Impact
“2002” quickly became one of Anne-Marie’s biggest hits, charting in multiple countries and receiving widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. The song’s nostalgic appeal resonated with listeners, particularly those who grew up in the early 2000s, while its catchy melody and fun lyrics ensured its success with a younger audience as well. It peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart and received platinum certification in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia.

The song’s success also helped solidify Anne-Marie’s reputation as a rising star in the pop world. With its clever references to iconic pop songs and its universal themes of love and nostalgia, “2002” proved that Anne-Marie could create music that was both contemporary and timeless.

Conclusion
Anne-Marie’s “2002” is more than just a pop song—it’s a celebration of a generation’s youth, memories, and love for music. With its infectious melody, nostalgic lyrics, and playful music video, the song captures the essence of the early 2000s while remaining relevant to today’s listeners. By blending personal memories with universally relatable themes, Anne-Marie created a song that speaks to the power of music in shaping our lives and memories. “2002” is a perfect example of how pop music can evoke emotions and memories, making it a timeless hit for fans of all ages.

I will always remember
The day you kissed my lips
Light as a feather
And it went just like this
No, it’s never been better
Than the summer of 2002 (ooh)
Uh, we were only eleven
But acting like grown-ups
Like we are in the present
Drinking from plastic cups
Singing, “Love is forever and ever”
Well, I guess that was true
Dancing on the hood in the middle of the woods
On an old Mustang, where we sang
Songs with all our childhood friends
And it went like this, say
Oops, I got 99 problems singing bye, bye, bye
Hold up, if you wanna go and take a ride with me
Better hit me, baby, one more time, uh
Paint a picture for you and me
On the days when we were young, uh
Singing at the top of both our lungs
Now we’re under the covers
Fast forward to eighteen
We are more than lovers
Yeah, we are all we need
When we’re holding each other
I’m taken back to 2002 (ooh)
Yeah
Dancing on the hood in the middle of the woods
On an old Mustang, where we sang
Songs with all our childhood friends
And it went like this, say
Oops, I got 99 problems singing bye, bye, bye
Hold up, if you wanna go and take a ride with me
Better hit me, baby, one more time, uh
Paint a picture for you and me
On the days when we were young, uh
Singing at the top of both our lungs
On the day we fell in love
Ooh ooh, ooh ooh
On the day we fell in love
Ooh ooh, ooh ooh
Dancing on the hood in the middle of the woods
On an old Mustang, where we sang
Songs with all our childhood friends
Oh, now
Oops, I got 99 problems singing bye, bye, bye
Hold up, if you wanna go and take a ride with me
Better hit me, baby, one more time
Paint a picture for you and me
On the days when we were young
Singing at the top of both our lungs
On the day we fell in love
Ooh ooh, ooh ooh
On the day we fell in love
Ooh ooh, ooh ooh
On the day we fell in love
Ooh ooh, ooh ooh
On the day we fell in love
Ooh ooh, ooh ooh
On the day we fell in love, love, love