Every once in a while, it’s refreshing to listen to music by Kesha or Hannah Montana to trick yourself into believing that you’re back in middle school. Middle school was by no means an easy time — after all, that’s when puberty started— but it was, in a lot of ways, less daunting than college life. Here’s a playlist to take you way back. 

 

“Do You Remember” by Jay Sean, Sean Paul and Lil Jon

What better way to kick off the playlist than to ask outright if you remember anything from seven-ish years ago? There was nothing quite like the early 2010s.

“Replay” by Iyaz

We bet you forgot about this little gem, but now for the rest of the day we guarantee that it’ll be stuck in your mind like “a melody in (your) head.” (By the way, do you remember when iPods weren’t just built into your phone?)

“Tonight Tonight” by Hot Chelle Rae

It’s been a really, really messed-up week? You’re telling us.

“Rhythm of Love” by Plain White T’s

Ah yes, the Plain White T’s song that isn’t “Hey There Delilah.”

“Lovebug” by the Jonas Brothers

Quite honestly, any of the Jonas Brothers’ discography could have been included here, but we firmly believe that “Lovebug” qualifies as the greatest hit from the trio. In five to 10 years, we would not be surprised if it became the most-played wedding song in history.

“In My Head” by Jason Derulo

There’s just something special about the way Jason’s voice is able to convey both sensual desire and hopefulness that just pulls back into those memories of middle school dances.

“Magic” by B.o.B. and Rivers Cuomo

The music of 2010 was able to hype us up in a way that made us want to spontaneously jump out of our seats and sing along. This is best illustrated in this song.

“Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney

Melting hearts all over the world, Jesse McCartney was able to create an enduring classic that doubles as a fantastic karaoke pick, even if the bridge is a bit difficult to sit through.

“Gotta Go My Own Way” by Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens

Fun fact: If you listen closely, the melody of this song is very similar to the previous one. How could we write a throwback playlist without mentioning the greatest movie franchise in cinematic history? We could have picked any song, but we decided on the best of the best.

“King of Anything” by Sara Bareilles

In an alternate universe, Gabriella sings this song to a problematic Troy instead (though we do enjoy both songs).

“Billionaire” by Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars

We still want to be billionaires. Looks like some things never change.

“Worldwide” by Big Time Rush

So when is the BTR reunion tour gonna be a thing?

“DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” by Usher

Few songs scream 2010 as loudly as Usher’s enduring hit.

“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

How about a little bit of motivational empowerment to top things off?

We at the Clog hope you Bears listen to these songs and are able to enjoy a time gone by once again. Welcome back to school, and make sure to jam out to these classics while you’re here!