Ah, those awkward years filled with teenage shenanigans and rambunctious phases of trying to fit in. Isn't it easier now that we realize how much more fulfilled we feel just being who we are?
Alas, this is not that type of article. On the contrary, let's focus on that middle school stage and what we did, what we said, what we wore, and, perhaps most importantly, what we listened to. Music plays a huge role in our lives and we often let it affect us, shaping our personalities and who we eventually become. So, in middle school, do you remember what was on your playlist? Maybe some of these...
1. "Down" by Jay Sean & Lil Wayne
A favorite at any middle school dance. Always awkward, but still fun.
2. "Don't Stop The Music" by Rihanna
This one was never awkward. Everyone knew it and loved it and danced to it whichever way they saw fit.
3. "The Sweet Escape" by Gwen Stefani & Akon
You tried so hard to sing along to the rap. In case you gave up, here it is: "Cause I've been acting like sour milk all on the floor / It's your fault you didn't shut the refrigerator / Maybe that's the reason I've been acting so cold." You're welcome.
4. "So What" by P!nk
This was the perfect rebellious song you would blast from your room, making you wish you were a rockstar. And the best part? Your parents hated it, which only made you love it more.
5. "Pokerface" by Lady Gaga
When we were introduced to Lady Gaga, our parents said she was our Madonna. Yes, exactly. So, let's embrace the crazy and be ourselves, especially in middle school.
6. "I Kissed A Girl" by Katy Perry
This is the last song your parents expected to hear you belt out in your room or the shower. And I'm pretty sure it wasn't allowed in some schools. But hey, it's still such a great song, and the start of the Katy Perry reign.
7. "Burnin' Up" by Jonas Brothers
Who in their right minds did not listen to the Jonas Brothers? This music video, in particular, with Nick's at-the-time girlfriend Selena Gomez which just confirmed all the rumors. The rap sang by their bodyguard. And Joe in a mustache. Yes. Just yes.
8. "Forever" by Chris Brown
This one is probably more memorable because of Pam & Jim's wedding in "The Office" (season 6, episode 4-5).
9. "Promiscuous" by Nelly Furtado & Timbaland
Any risky song for school dances and parent supervisions, but still a fun favorite.
10. "Gives You Hell" by The All-American Rejects
This one is the one you didn't really intend to learn the lyrics, but when the chorus comes around you the first one to sing "When you see my face / Hope it gives you hell / Hope it gives you hell."
11. "Miss Independent" by Ne-Yo
We all wanted to be the Miss Independent Ne-Yo was talking about.
12. "Pop, Lock & Drop It" by Huey
If you didn't try to pop, lock & drop it to the beat of the song, then you definitely missed out.
13. "When I Grow Up" by The Pussycat Dolls
This is definitely not the appropriate response to the question "What do you wanna be when you grow up?" But at least in the shower you would admit that all you wanted to be was famous, be a star, be in movies, see the world, drive nice cars, have groupies, be on TV, be on magazines...you get the picture.
14. "Leavin'" by Jesse McCartney
When Jesse released this music video, the world was given another side of the innocent boy who just wanted our beautiful soul. Now he wants you to tell your man you're leavin' for Jesse McCartney.
15. "Hips Don't Lie" by Shakira
You didn't care which way they were moving, as long as they didn't stop, and of course, that they didn't lie.
16. "Bring Me To Life" by Evanescence
We all pretended to be emo for this song.
17. "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay
It's hard to pinpoint what this song means because everyone interprets it differently, but there's no way you didn't get up and sing every time it came on.
18. "Yeah!" by Usher
There is only one important word in this entire song that you have to sing right every time and you aren't allowed to mess up. Take a guess?
19. "Pocketful of Sunshine" by Natasha Bedingfield
The most annoying, catchy, eye-rolling, puts-a-smile-on-your-face song out there. And yet, it always finds its way back into your playlist.
20. "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" by Beyonce
The highlight of every middle school dance where the boys would stand on a corner and the girls belt their hearts out.
21. "Heartless" by Kanye West
What we jammed out to but never truly compared to "Gold Digger."
