Is it just me, or did music used to be better? Not that there’s anything wrong with the music today—I love Drake and Katy just as much as the next girl. But the music of yesterday just had a certain something. Maybe it’s the sentimentality factor, or maybe we were less discriminating back then. Either way, I think it’s about time we took a trip down memory lane to listen to some of our favorite throwbacks. In the words of P!nk: “Let’s get this party started.”
1. “A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carleton
This song was so overplayed, but I still can’t listen to it without thinking about that one scene from White Chicks. Come on, you know the scene.
2. “American Girl” – Tom Petty
Throwing it way back with this one. Yeah, we may not have been born when it was released, but does that mean we can’t appreciate it?
3. “Promiscuous” – Nelly Furtado
Beware—this song will make you want to dance on the nearest table. You were warned.
4. “Wannabe” – The Spice Girls
The Spice Girls: Teaching boys to get with their girlfriends’ friends since 1996.
5. “No Scrubs” – TLC
This song is full of so much sass and so much truth. #RealTalk
6. “Breakaway” – Kelly Clarkson
Growing up, you probably thought this was the most inspiring song ever. I wouldn’t have disagreed with you.
7. “Beautiful Soul” – Jesse McCartney
Jesse McCartney, setting the bar high for teenage boys everywhere.
8. “Come On Get Higher” – Matt Nathanson
You can’t help but sing this chorus.
9. “My Love” – Justin Timberlake
Some might say he was singing about Jessica, but I know he was singing about me. Justin, you can write me a symphony any day.
10. “The Anthem” – Good Charlotte
Giving an anthem to angst-y teenagers everywhere.
11. “So Yesterday” – Hilary Duff
Probably the only breakup song you’ll ever need—spread your wings and learn how to fly, people.
12. “Forever” – Chris Brown
Warning: will give you unwarranted nostalgia for your middle school years.
13. “Bubbly” – Colbie Caillat
I’ve learned that this song isn’t entirely what I thought it was about…
14. “Hips Don’t Lie” – Shakira
Shakira makes me want to speak Spanish.
15. “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
I don’t care what anyone says, this song isn’t corny. This song is everything.
16. “Hot In Herre” – Nelly
If you don’t at least pretend to strip when you listen to this song, you’re doing it wrong.
17. “The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World
If you haven’t realized yet, Kelly Clarkson totally ripped this off for “Heartbeat Song.”
18. “Pon de Replay” – Rihanna
I don’t want to say that Rihanna used to put out better music, but…Rihanna used to put out better music. RIP old school Rihanna.
19. “Independence Day” – Martina McBride
McBride recently performed this song at this year’s American Country Music Awards and reminded the world how good this song is.
20. “Hollaback Girl” – Gwen Stefani
I may not have understood exactly what a “Hollaback Girl” was in 2004, but boy did I know that I wasn’t one.
21. “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
I swear this song has the power to put a smile on my face in approximately .02 seconds.
22. “The Great Escape” – Boys Like Girls
What ever happened to “Boys Like Girls?” Is it just me or did they fall off the face of the planet? It’s like they made a song with Taylor Swift and then…vanished.
23. “Yeah!” – Usher
This song wins the award for best song to dance to–ever.
24. “It Wasn’t Me” – Shaggy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL11ZIUa5jU
After seven years, I have come to the conclusion that it was in fact…Shaggy.
25. “…Baby One More Time” – Britney Spears
Sure, Christina had the better voice, but that doesn’t mean Britney wasn’t completely legendary in her own right. This song is a modern classic.
Here’s 10 more throwback party songs that everyone will love.
Written by Keyonna Jones, senior, broadcast journalism, University of Maryland
Ever been listening to your music on shuffle and can’t help but dance a little in your seat when a certain song comes on? Or do you have song that you repeat just to hear it “one more time?”
26. “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District
A four-man “performance machine” hailing from Inglewood, California, Cali Swag District has taken over the Internet and clubs with their catchy and contagious single. “Every time it comes on it makes me want to dance,” said UNCC Criiminal Justice major Shircola Powell. The song was inspired by a dance that was introduced to them by a friend who attended Texas Southern.
27. “Pretty Boy Swag” by Soulja Boy
The first single off Soulja Boy’s upcoming album Dre that has “pretty boys” and girls all over the nation full of confidence. “It gives me a feeling of Charisma… like I’m ‘that guy,’” said Ola Williams a government & philosophy major from Cornell University.
28. “Hello, Good Morning” by Dirty Morning
A lively and upbeat single from Diddy’s newest creation, Dirty Money, and their new album, Last Train to Paris.
29. “Unthinkable (remix)” by Alicia Keys feat. Drake
R&B artist Alicia Keys pairs up with rapper Drake to create a mellow and heartfelt collaboration. “It’s a touching song. It has a deep message: Time waits for no one,” said UMBC Media and Communications major Keisha Canty.
30. “I’m Not Afraid” by Eminem
The debut single from the rapper’s seventh album, Recovery. In Eminem’s “tell-all” lyrics he accepts his past and claims victory and courage.
31. “Nothing on You” by B.o.B
B.O.B focuses on the ladies in this single, dropping lines of flattery that would make any girl smile. The guys can learn a thing or two from this one! “It’s so cute! He makes me feel like he’s talking to me,” said Howard University Musical Theater major Samantha Greene.
32. “Up All Night” by Drake feat. Nicki Minaj
The two members of Young Money Entertainment team up to create a bass-heavy and slightly rock-sounding single that is featured on Drake’s recently released album, “Thank Me Later.”
33. “OMG ” by Usher
One of Usher’s singles from his latest album, Raymond vs. Raymond, that has hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 list. Featuring vocals from will.i.am and auto-effects, it’s definitely a tune for the club. “It definitely gets the party started. You can’t help but move to it,” said Sheila Mgaza, a film major at Howard University.
34. “Your Love” by Nicki Minaj
Sampling Annie Lennox’s 1995 hit “No More I Love You’s,” Nicki Minaj slows down her usual animated delivery and gives yet another side of her musical style.
35. “Lose My Mind” by Young Jeezy feat. Plies
“I love that song! It gets me so hype,” said Destiny Carter, a Fashion Design major at the Art Institute of New York. In this vivacious and energetic single, Young Jeezy gives tips of relaxation and ways to unwind. It’s one of those songs you can’t help but to play at top volume.
*Updated September 14, 2015 by Keyonna Jones to include 10 more party throwback songs.
*Updated by M Lindeman on January 14, 2022 for code issues
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