1. Open iTunes
2. Press play
3. Listen
I dare you. Just listen to whatever song comes on, no matter what it is. I guarantee that you will come across some songs you bought back in middle school when all you wanted was an iTunes giftcard at every opportunity. You know, those songs that all the cool kids HAD to have. Or maybe you stumble across a song that was played at every middle school dance or that pregame bus song that your team probably had a choreographed dance to. We've all owned some music we probably regret buying; but I promise you, you will not regret giving these songs another listen and letting the memories flood back.
1. Halo-Beyonce
Today, we know her as Queen B. However, back in middle school we knew her as the girl who sang the "slow dance song" at all of our dances (and we were most likely sporting some combination of neon colors...on our clothes AND our braces).
2. Year 3000-Jonas Brothers
Now, our beloved "Jo Bros" are all doing their own things. However, back in 2006 when this song was released, all we could think about was them visiting their great, great, great granddaughter(s).
3. Replay-Iyaz
I don't know about you, but this was a staple on my middle school soccer team's bus rides to away games. It was literally on replay the entire time. Don't even think about trying to get it out of your head for the next hour.
4. Crank That-Soulja Boy
The classic sports team warm up. Your whole team learned the dance and did it before every game. It became unlucky not to and if you messed up a move...you might as well quit the team.
5. Jar of Hearts-Christina Perry
Christina Perri defined what we felt after our boyfriend of two weeks broke up with us, if our best friend sat with someone else at lunch, or if the boy who usually came to our locker in the morning ran a little late.
6. Best of Both Worlds-Hannah Montana
Honestly, any Hannah Montana deserves to be on this list, but this one is the obvious go-to. Miley Cyrus got us through so much in middle school I can't imagine a list of songs without her. I highly recommend going back and listening to all of her songs if you're ever bored.
7. Holla Back Girl-Gwen Stefani
Judge on "The Voice" and girlfriend of Blake Shelton. She used to inspire the rebel in all of us. Maybe she still does. Either way, this song was an integral part of our lives, and will always have a place in our tweenage hearts.
8.Tattoo-Jordin Sparks
Another one who any number of her songs could have made it on this list. Also, admittedly a guilty pleasure that is always fun to listen to, even today. This American Idol winner stole our hearts when she beat Blake Lewis (do we even remember him?) on the show's sixth season.
9.Crush-David Archuleta
Another American Idol contestant (unfortunately to us, not winner). His good looks and amazing voice made up for the fact that he didn't win and kept us listening. We also all secretly wished the crush was on us.
10. Sk8er Boi-Avril Lavigne
The other female singer in the 2000s that brought out our rebellious side. Also the reason behind us breaking up with our fourth boyfriend in a month...he obviously wasn't good enough for us. Now, he probably goes to an Ivy, is playing a Division 1 sport, or making his own path like Sk8er Boi did.
No matter what throwback song comes on, it's guaranteed to bring back a rush of memories from our "glory days". RIP to the days of wearing plaid Bermuda shorts and splatter painted shirts. That doesn't mean we can't relive them for a few minutes every once in awhile through the songs that literally defined them.
