There’s something about throwback songs that get everyone at a party belting out the lyrics, and busting moves they didn’t even know existed. But why is that? Throwback songs have the ability to provoke feelings of nostalgia while bringing back memories of a place, person or special time in our lives. The incredible thing about throwback songs is that although they bring us back to happy times from the past, they also allow us to re-experience these feelings of happiness. When you feel positive energy filling the room and see expressions of excitement appearing on everyone’s faces, it is most likely because one of these awesome throwback songs just came on.
Stacy’s Mom- Fountains of Wayne (2003) - Whether or not you had a semi-creepy crush on your best friends mom, this song is your anthem. For all the girl’s out there, we’ve contemplated naming our future daughters “Stacy” so we could eternally have it “going on". Shout out to the one-hit-wonder, Fountains of Wayne. I would probably not be able to recognize them if I saw them on the street, but because of this song, they will always be remembered.
Ignition (Remix)- R.Kelly (2003) - From the second you hear the “Now, usually I don’t do this but uh…” everyone goes wild. This song makes you forget it’s even a remix because of how much of a classic it is. There’s an unwritten rule that everyone in the room must simultaneously do the hand motions for the “toot-toot” and “beep-beep”. If you meet someone who does not know the words to this funky R&B hit, they should not be trusted.
Candy Shop- 50 Cent (2005) There was always something so infectious about 50 Cent’s songs. We all jammed out to this song as kids before finding out that it was most certainly not about Candy. 50 Cent, do all college kids a favor and make new songs like this!
Pursuit of Happiness- Kid Cudi (Steve Aoki Remix) (2009) This one is definitely not as much of a throwback, but whenever it comes on, everybody is sure to go crazy and pretend their life is a "Project X" scene for the duration of the song. As amazing as the original version is, Steve Aoki’s remix is an undeniable banger that makes any party transform into a huge rave for 6 minutes and 16 seconds.
Mr.Brightside- The Killers (2004) From the moment of its emergence, this classic song by the Killers has always been a crowd favorite. You could almost hear the echo of college kids chanting “IT WAS ONLY A KISS” at the top of their lungs from frat basements everywhere.
It Wasn’t Me - Shaggy (2000) It’s a good thing he forgot he had “given her that extra key” because if not, the world would not have this timeless masterpiece. Jamaican-American rapper Shaggy will forever be remembered for this incredible throwback jam, even if we can’t quite understand what he’s saying in his rap verse. Disclaimer: If you’re caught cheating, it is not okay to use the “Shaggy Defense”.
Party in the USA- Miley Cyrus (2009) Grab your “dream and cardigan” because we’re taking a trip down memory lane back to a time when Miley was sane. It’s pretty difficult to listen to this song without “Movin’ your hips Iike yeah” even though none of us really know what that means. You will probably hear this song at Fourth of July parties everywhere until the end of time.
Hollaback Girl- Gwen Stefani (2004) - Shout out to Gwen Stefani for teaching people everywhere how to spell Bananas. You the real MVP.
Yeah- Usher (2004)- This song never gets old. Before Usher’s days as a judge on The Voice, he was that dude getting all the girls at the club. This was the ultimate party song back in the day, and it might've even gotten more fun to dance along to 11 years later. Have you met anyone who hates this song? Probably not.
Get Low- Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz (2003) Admit it, this song makes you want to put in some gold teeth and drop it to the floor. Although the lyrics of this song are fairly vile, we tend to all put that aside to shout “TO THE WINDOOOOOW, TO THE WALL” and we all know what comes after. Even the classiest people can’t help but get down to this beat.
