1. "Why Not" by Hilary Duff
"Sometimes it's so hard to see, the good things passing by."
We all remember this 2003 jam but if you listen to the lyrics, it makes some good points. As we enter into our adulthood we often times forget to stop and take in what we have around us. We're too focused on moving onto the next part of our lives to stop and enjoy what we have. So listen to Hilary and "take a crazy chance."
2. "Beautiful Soul" by Jesse McCartney
"I won't let another minute go to waste, I want you and your soul."
In 2004, every girl swooned over this amazing song and of course Jesse, himself. But, the words actually apply to real life! No one likes wasting time messing around and playing games or being played, so when you find someone who is more than just "a pretty face" you want to hang on tight!
3. "Rich Girl" by Gwen Stefani and Eve
"Please book me first class to my fancy house in London town."
Another 2004 jam, and it explains what every poor and struggling college student aspires to have in life; not to be broke. Not that your life should revolve around money, but if you had money, life would be a heck of a lot easier. Gwen Stefani really knows how we feel.
4. "Cry Me A River" by Justin Timberlake
"Your bridges were burned, and now it's your turn."
2002 brought this "diss hit" and it most definitely applies to adulthood. Unfortunately, at this point in your life, people often "screw you over", whether it's in school, work or relationships. But don't worry you learn your lesson and now you're better than them and now it's their turn to "cry a river."
5. "Lose Control" by Missy Elliott and Ciara
"Everybody here, get it outta control, get your backs off the wall."
In 2005, this was THE song to play at every party you attended. And, even though people may screw you over or play games, Missy E and Ciara definitely remind us to let loose every once and a while. We all need a little time to ourselves to go out and dance and have fun!
6. "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera
"Made me learn a little bit faster, made my skin a little bit thicker."
This 2002 power hit still holds a deep place in anyone's heart who has been messed with the wrong way. This anthem can be applied to a boss, an angry professor, a friend or even yourself. No matter who played you wrong, you learned and moved on. Even if you get knocked down in life, you have now become an excellent "fighter."
7. "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5
"But things just get so crazy living life gets hard to do."
Wow, 2002 brought some serious car jams. Anyways, this jazzy tune makes you wanna roll the windows down and drive until there's no tomorrow. When it seems like your life is a constant state of stress, sometimes you need a "Sunday morning" to just take a breather and relax before the next hectic week ahead.
8. "I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman" by Britney Spears
"I used to think, I had the answers to everything, but now I know, life doesn't always go my way."
In 2001, Britney already had multiple #1 hits, but this ballad applies to young adult life better than no other. All of us are in that "in between" stage where we don't want to be treated like kids but were not quite ready for adult responsibilities. We all just want to take our days one step at a time and learn the ropes to adulthood as slowly as possible.
9. "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne
"Chill out, what you yellin' for?"
2002 also brought teen angst star Avril Lavigne and with that came this song. But, she makes some valid points. Often times our parents or superiors will try and complicate the simplest of tasks. All you want to say sometimes is "chill out man, life will work itself out."
10. "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield
"Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten"
Besides being the theme song to the MTV hit "The Hills", this 2004 hit has an amazing motto. It serves as a great reminder that we're all still young and have so much life ahead of us. Everything doesn't have to be planned or complicated or sad, because everything we have to look forward to in life is yet to come and the rest of our stories are certainly "unwritten."
