We all have those songs that as soon as we hear the first few lines, we're immediately reminded of when we were blaring them on our iPod shuffles or awkwardly dancing to them at middle school semi-formals. I'm a firm believer that there's no greater feeling than driving around with the windows down, with the radio cranked up and screaming along to your favorite throwbacks. So let's take a look back at some of the best that still make you want to sing until your lungs give out.
1. "1, 2 Step" - Ciara ft. Missy Elliott (2004)
You know as soon as you heard "CIARAAAA!" it was about to get intense.
2. "Miss New Booty" - Bubba Sparxxx (2005)
Should this have been my jam in sixth grade? Nope. Was it? Definitely.
3. "Sugar, We're Goin' Down" - Fall Out Boy (2005)
Nothing brought out my middle school angst more than some good Fall Out Boy. If you haven't screamed this song until your voice gives, you're seriously missing out.
4. "Hot in Herre" - Nelly (2002)
Another one that probably wasn't super appropriate, seeing how I was in elementary school when this came out, but it is still iconic.
5. "Temperature" - Sean Paul (2005)
I don't think anyone knows the actual lyrics to this song, but man, was it fun to dance to.
6. "Don't Matter" - Akon (2006)
What ever happened to Akon? 'Cause back in the day, he was releasing hit after hit..I'll never forget all of the middle school romances claiming this was their "song."
7. "Girlfriend" - Avril Lavigne (2007)
Ah, yes. When Avril ditched her tomboy look and went blonde. This was the anthem for any girl with a crush on a boy who was taken.
8. "Umbrella" - Rihanna ft. JAY-Z (2007)
Rihanna has been slaying for years now, that's just a fact. This song got a little irritating after awhile, but if you played this for me right now, I'd still sing along.
9. "1985" - Bowling For Soup (2004)
I have a vivid memory of a bus full of kids screaming along to this in elementary school. Let's be real, none of us had any idea what we were singing about, but this was still the jam.
10. "Crazy In Love" - Beyoncé ft. JAY-Z
What kind of throwback jams list would this be without the Queen herself? Play this song in a crowded room and see how quick someone starts dancing.
11. "You And Me" - Lifehouse (2005)
I couldn't forget about those good old slow jams. Truthfully, this is still one of my favorite songs. Lifehouse just has a way of making you feel like you're deeply in love...even if you're in fifth grade and haven't even kissed someone yet.
12. "Fergalicious" - Fergie (2006)
CHECK IT OUT. This song was such a bop and no one can deny it.
12. "Kryptonite" - 3 Doors Down (2000)
I'm a little ashamed of how much I liked this song looking back. Not gonna lie, I remember how hardcore I felt when I listened to this...oops.
13. "Beautiful Soul" - Jesse McCartney (2004)
Every single girl I knew had a crush on Jesse McCartney, and really, who could blame them? It was almost impossible to listen to this song and not wish he was singing to you.
14. "She Will Be Loved" - Maroon 5 (2002)
One of the songs that started it all for Maroon 5. People are still obsessed with this song today, and really, can you blame them?
15. "Sexy Can I" - Ray J ft. Yung Berg (2008)
Oh man, it's so hard to resist the urge to dance when this song comes on. Once again, definitely not appropriate for middle schoolers but... oh well.
16. "All The Small Things" - blink 182 (1999)
Perfection. Simple as that.
17. "Yeah!" - Usher ft. Lil Jon and Ludacris
Ah, yes. I don't think you could consider it a proper school dance without this Usher hit. This is one of my personal favorites, I still harass people into playing it at parties.
18. "SexyBack" - Justin Timberlake (2006)
Ooooh, Justin. This one always got the party started.
19. "Leave (Get Out)" - JoJo (2004)
Your fifth grade boyfriend didn't message you back on AIM? This was your ANTHEM. Thank you for gifting us with this masterpiece, JoJo.
20. "Kiss Kiss" - Chris Brown ft. T-Pain (2007)
Back before we all found out what a horrible person Chris Brown really was. Still love you, T-Pain.
21. "Get Low" - Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz (2002)
TO THE WALLLLLLLLLL! What kind of throwback list would this be without this song? There is absolutely no way I should've been listening to this song. Remember when they would play the clean version at school dances and every single person who scream the "swear" words over the bleeps?
I could go on for hours about the best throwbacks, that was just a few. Take some time to make a playlist with your favorite throwbacks, drive around blaring them with your best friends, and sing as loud as you can. Embrace the nostalgia and remember to be thankful for Lil Jon.