Do You Remember These 16 Songs From 2008?

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