We all have that one friend who belts the words to "Ocean Avenue" every time it comes on shuffle or who knows every dance move to “Bye Bye Bye.” Whenever a throwback song comes on, it seems that everyone just gets happier. So what is it? Why is it that my friends will battle for who gets to play music, but when a throwback playlist comes on Spotify or 8tracks, everyone suddenly seems content. It’s probably not because music was better in the past (although that’s up for debate), but because of the way it makes us feel. Throwback songs have a way of working their way into our hearts, making it impossible to change them once they come on.
People like to listen to songs they already know. When a throwback song comes on, everyone will be singing the words or tapping their feet and nodding their head along to the beat. It’s nearly impossible to resist the urge to jam out when the song is so familiar to you. A throwback song can turn something as mundane as a car ride to the store into a concert experience. Screaming the words to “Wannabe” out your open windows is a cleansing experience for your soul that should not be neglected.
And chances are, you haven’t heard the song in a while, so you’ll actually be excited to hear it. When the opening to “Crazy in Love” starts blasting through the speakers, I dare you not to dance. It’s refreshing to hear these songs because they’re not one of the five songs currently being played on the radio. Yeah, Britney’s “Toxic” got a fair bit of radio play in its day, but now that you’ve had a break, you’re ready to play it another 500 times.
You may have forgotten they existed, but you used to love these songs back in the day. Even if it’s only a few years old, rediscovering a song that used to be your favorite is always exciting. You will be pleasantly surprised at the memories hearing the song will stir up. If “Burnin’ Up” doesn’t make you think of middle school, I don’t think you even lived. We now understand why our parents love to blast the oldies in the car. Music gives us the chance to go back in time, if only for a few minutes. You were just a kid when “Since U Been Gone” was your favorite song, and everything just felt easier back then. Throwback songs transport us back to these places, which instantly boosts our spirits. Yes, sometimes throwback songs can make us sad, depending on the memories associated with them, but I prefer to call them bittersweet.
Whatever the song is, it’s fun to share the memories with friends. Next time you’re feeling nostalgic or just looking for a break in your normal playlist, try putting on Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi” and see if that doesn’t get you and your friends up on their feet.
