During my almost-four years of college, I've learned a valuable lesson: know your lyrics. There's nothing worse than being out at the bar or at a party when a vintage Kanye song comes on, and the girl next to you just absolutely puts you to shame on the lyrics. It's honestly one of the most emasculating things I've experienced and I hope no one has to experience the same. So I'm here to save you some embarrassment by running through the top songs every college student should know.
1. "Hey Ya" – Outkast
Believe it or not, there are actually more lyrics to this song than "shake it like a Polaroid picture." I remember watching this music video when it first came out all the way back in 2003, thinking I was going to be the next Andre 3000. This song is one of those timeless wonders that will forever be around.
2. "Pursuit of Happiness" – Kid Cudi
One of my favorite songs off of one of my favorite albums of all time. "Man on the Moon: End of Day" is the epitome of my sophomore year of high school, and I'm sure a bunch of you can say the same. This song is an all-time party starter sing-a-long, so don't be the fool bobbing his head in the corner. Also, note that the Steve Aoki remix is the best to cruise down Lake Shore Drive to.
3. "Ants Marching" – Dave Matthews
Now I'm no "Dave Head", nor have I ever been to a Dave concert, but from what I've realized going to this school, people just can't get enough of this guy. There have been so many times where all of a sudden, a group of people turn into a jam band and riff off his whole discography as I sit there helplessly. You don't need to know all of his songs, but it won't hurt to get a couple classics under your belt.
4. "Mercy" – Kanye West
Kanye, Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz. Enough said. And honestly, who doesn't love "ass quakes?" Shout out RL Grime.
5. "Latch" – Disclosure
The song that took all of us by storm. What I love about "Latch" is that it's not something you just casually sing-a-long to, this is some "I'm gonna dig deep, deep down and give this all I got" material. Thank you Disclosure for making me a better person.
6. "Levels" – Avicii
Ta da da, da da da da, dadadada, TA DADA, tadada, da da da dada dadah. I digress…
7. "Best I Ever Had" – Drake
With Drake being the biggest name in the game right now, we can't forget about Drizzy, Champagne Papi, Mr. OVOXO's beginnings. Musical beginnings that is. Jimmy Brooks, never forget.
This list could honestly go on forever. There have been so many songs where I would spend countless hours on A-Z Lyrics, just trying to memorize my new favorite song. It's okay, we've all been there. I guess the moral of this article is to always be prepared for a spontaneous karaoke, 'cause those are the best.
