Middle school is a dark time for all of us. It's the time where the girls are taller than the boys, everyone has braces and acne, and no one knows how to properly apply makeup. So, I don't want to transport you all back to homeroom and lockers. However, middle school holds some positive memories that aren't totally cringe-worthy, and also the real beginning of teen rebellion. Therefore, I just want to give everyone a little nostalgia for awkward dances, mirror selfies, and gauchos. Here you go.

1) Apologize (feat. OneRepublic) - Timbaland

Ugh, Timbaland. What're you up to these days? This song seriously spoke to me and was actually the first song that I danced with a boy to. Valentine's Day dances got crazy. But, don't pretend you didn't have it on repeat after the cute guy from math class kissed another girl after school. What's that? You wanted to "see" my math homework? Sorry, Jake, it's too late to apologize.

2) I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry

This song was everything. It was crazy enough to be cool, but chill enough that I could sing it at home. I still remember going to my best friend's house after school and listening to this on the radio. This, along with Hot N Cold, was essentially Katy Perry's prime. Sorry not sorry.

3) Low - Flo Rida

Flo Rida was another one of those guys who spoke to our hearts. This song was such a classic and was played at every middle school dance. Sometimes more than once. It took us far too long to realize that this girl had like four legs and four feet (boots with the fur and reebok's with the straps?) but whatever. It's still super catchy.

4) Let it Rock - Kevin Rudolf feat. Lil Wayne

I'm pretty sure Kevin Rudolph was the definition of a one hit wonder. At least, for our generation. But, this song was amazing. I was really proud when I finally learned the Lil Wayne part, except this song became unpopular before I could prove it to anyone. I can still sing it though... This song makes me think of 7th grade basketball games because who wasn't amped to watch scrawny little boys play basketball right?!?

5) Down - Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne

Okay, first of all, shout out to Lil Wayne. He's like only 10% mentally present at any given time, yet he still has already made this list twice. Good for you, Lil Wayne. Anyways, this song was just lyrical genius - "honestly I'm down like the economy"? Way to go, 2009. Making your mark on pop culture.

6) Ridin' Solo - Jason DeRulo

I feel like I have to explain myself on this one, because Whatcha Say probably was more popular than this, but hear me out. First, Whatcha Say I feel like is still relevant, but most people have probably forgotten about this one. And, it speaks to me because it was the ballad of me being perpetually single, and also my ringtone for at least, like, three months. Which was a long time for middle school me. I'm still pretty single...still feelin' like a star, though! You can't stop my shine!!

7) Thnks fr th Mmrs - Fall Out Boy

Oh, yeah. Couldn't have made this list without at least one angsty emo-punk song. This one, essentially, sums up middle school for me - crushing on some guylinered celebrity and thinking leaving out the vowels was really cool (I still love you, though, Pete Wentz and would marry you whenever). Also, remember band t-shirts?

8) Boom Boom Pow - The Black Eyed Peas

So much respect to the BEP for making a comeback, first of all. And, this was totally the way to do it. I remember singing this in the lunchroom with all of my ~BFFs~ while signing "HAGS" in each other's yearbooks. Is "you're so 2000-late" still an acceptable insult? Asking for a friend.

9) Crank That (Soulja Boy) - Soulja Boy

"Soulja boy up in it ho! Watch me crank it watch me roll!" - actually what I thought the lyrics were until I just googled them. I'm still not really sure how this song became popular? Or the weird dance we all did with no questions asked? Regardless, I was fabulous at it and this song still brings up great good many memories.

10) Good Girls Go Bad - Cobra Starship ft. Leighton Meester

Remember when Blair Waldorf sang? This song was so perfect. Could I sing both parts effortlessly? Yes. Did I sing it at the top of my lungs at basement sleepovers? Yes. "I was hanging in the corner with my five best friends." So specific. Such musical genius.

Honorable Mentions:

Literally anything by 3OH!3. Don't Trust Me. Enough said.

Just Dance by Lady Gaga. Too many unintelligible words. Sorry girl.

Fire Burning by Sean Kingston. He always called people shawty but, like, I respect that.

Everything by Ke$ha.

Hoedown Throwdown. Still can pop, lock, and polka dot it. Can I put that on my med school application?

And, don't worry, I combined them all into one playlist so you can relive your brace face, raccoon eyeliner days. Maybe even throw on an Abercrombie t-shirt. I won't tell.