Playlist: 90s Nostalgia

May has arrived. For many college students, it signals the end of a grueling semester and a welcome summer vacation. For seniors though, it means the end of an era. With mere days until graduation, those of us awaiting our diplomas are officially growing up and entering the real world. But if you’re like me, you’re not quite ready to let go of your youth. Take a listen to this playlist of childhood throwbacks for the grads that don’t want to grow up. 

 

Waterfalls – TLC

 

Drug-deals and HIV didn’t quite register when we sang this tune at recess. Honestly, I was just impressed that they spent the whole music video dancing on water. 

 

Genie in a Bottle – Christina Aguilera

 

Now that we’re older, it turns out that Christina wasn’t singing about Aladdin after all. Bummer. 

 

One Week – Barenaked Ladies

 

You still can’t understand what he’s saying? Me neither. But the fun of this song has always been attempting to mumble as fast as you can until you reach “Chinese chicken,” right? 

 

I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys

 

The quintessential boy band anthem, this tune had all the girls swooning and all the boys wishing they had the same effect. 

 

Semi-Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind

 

Now I get it. Semi-charmed life, like graduating with honors, but without any job offers.

 

Tearin’ Up My Heart – N*SYNC

 

When you found out that your crush didn’t “like-like” you, the boys of N*SYNC understood your pain so well. 

 

Say My Name – Destiny’s Child

 

Beyonce has been a diva from the very beginning, teaching us all the definition of sass with this single. 

 

Don’t Speak – No Doubt

 

You know how this one goes. Middle school dance, arms wrapped around each other, swaying back and forth while “leaving room for the Holy Spirit” – young love at its finest. 

 

Baby One More Time – Britney Spears

 

Years before Kevin Federline, baby drama and a shaved head, the sweet, teenage Britney raised the bar for Catholic school girls everywhere with her first and most-enduring single.

 

Mmmbop – Hanson

 

It doesn’t matter that their hair was longer and their voices were higher than mine, the Hanson brothers stole my heart at seven-years-old. Mmmbop? Mmmbaby!