There are few things in life more powerful than the strong, relentless pull of nostalgia. And since it’s been 10 years since 2008 (ugh, we know), prepare ye for a lot of “Back in 2008…” content this year. We mean, who doesn’t like reminiscing about our childhoods? It’s the ultimate throwback, TBH.
Take a look below to re-live those years through music: Namely, the 16 songs listed below that may not have been mega-hits, but you tooootally listened to back in the day — jamming out with your friends, thinking about that middle school bae — you know, whatever.
Here’s to a walk down memory lane....
1. “New Soul” - Yael Naim
You most definitely recognize this song from that Apple commercial fearing the MacBook Air: “I’m a new soul, I came into this strange world / Hoping I could learn a bit ‘bout how to give and take…”
2. “American Boy” - Estelle feat. Kanye West
Who didn’t want their very own “American Boy” after dancing to this one? “I really want to, come kick it with you / You’ll be my American boy, American boy…”
3. “Shake It” - Metro Station
Trace Cyrus and the rest of Metro Station just wanted you to “Shake It” times a thousand on the chorus. Which you better believe we did.
4. “Mercy” - Duffy
Duffy, especially on “Mercy,” was all about that ‘60s vibe. “You got me begging you for mercy,” she sings on the chorus of the mid-tempo track. “Why won’t you release me?”
5. “All Around Me” - Flyleaf
THIS EMO JAM, THO. “I can feel you all around me / Thickening the air I’m breathing…” Seriously, one of our ‘08 faves.
6. “Let It Rock” - Kevin Rudolf feat. Lil Wayne
If this wasn’t your “get hype” song back in ‘08… “Because when I arrive, I, I’ll bring the fire” still gets us pumped to this day.
7. “Shut Up And Let Me Go” - The Ting Tings
If just hearing the song’s title in your head doesn’t automatically elicit a “HEY!”, we don’t know you.
8. “Bleeding Love” - Leona Lewis
Fun fact: This song was written by Jesse McCartney and Ryan Tedder.
9. “Sorry” - Buckcherry
Buckcherry may have been as rock as they come, but “Sorry” was rockin’ some pretty emo lyrics: “And when I see you cry / It makes me wanna die… I’m sorry I’m bad, I’m sorry you’re blue / I’m sorry about all the things I said to you…”
10. “Fall for You” - Secondhand Serenade
We can just picture you slow-dancing to the chorus of this deliciously emo ballad: “Because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you, over again / Don’t make me change my mind…”
11. “The Time of My Life” - David Cook
After winning “American Idol,” David Cook went on to mainstream success with this anthemic, guitar-heavy inspiration of a song.
“I’ll taste every moment and live it out loud / I know this is the time, this is the time to be / More than a name or a face in the crowd / I know this is the time, this is the time of my life…” he crooned.
12. “Crush” - David Archuleta
There’s no way this song wasn’t dedicated to your middle school bae: “Do you ever think when you’re all alone / All that we can be, where this thing can go? Am I crazy or falling in love? Is it real or just another crush?” the “American Idol” runner-up sweetly sung.
13. “Addicted” - Saving Abel
You may not remember just how NSFW these lyrics actually are (sooo NSFW), but you totally know the chorus: “I’m so addicted to / All the things you do.”
14. “Don’t Trust Me” - 3OH!3
3OH!3 most definitely isn’t a one-hit wonder, but this was your first introduction to the EDM duo’s music. In fact, they were kinda like the OG Chainsmokers… only more ~scene~.
15. “Homecoming” - Hey Monday
Fun fact: Before she won “The Voice” and went country, Cassadee Pope was the lead singer of emo band Hey Monday.
16. Shwayze - “Corona and Lime”
“Baby, will you be my Corona and lime / And I will be your main squeeze,” is really all you have to hear before immediately being transported back to a simpler time.
PHOTOS: Getty Images