As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized I’ve become incredibly nostalgic over my childhood. The littlest things from finding an old stuffed animal to seeing what rehab my elementary school friend is in now, sends me on a trip down memory lane, reminiscing on the “good ole’ days.” Somewhere along that road, I realized why I didn’t take this “trip” very often. Specifically, I found my old CD case. Just a quick sample of songs from my collection made me realize that it’s definitely better to live in the present, and to keep moving forward. This list is just a very small sample of the songs I found myself to once love, and now can’t stand even the titles of.
“I’m Just A Kid” – Simple Plan
“I’m just a kid and life is a nightmare.”
Now I understand why parents say their kids are dramatic. Unless you’re a starving child living on the streets of a poor country, your life is probably not a nightmare. This song is beyond ridiculous, you kind of have to laugh at yourself for once enjoying this song.
“I Want It That Way” – Backstreet Boys
Does anyone actually understand what this song is about? Like seriously, this song doesn’t make any sense.
“Hot In Here” – Nelly
While I have to admit this is a great song to sing along to now, we really do need to take a step back and realize how ridiculous our 7 year old selves must’ve sounded singing “I am getting so hot, I want to take all my clothes off.” Not to mention, the horror our parents must have faced.
“Don’t Cha” – The Pussycat Dolls
When I hear this song, I realize exactly why older adults hate “our generation’s” music. There is probably nothing more obnoxious than a female singing a song solely about how attractive they are. Not to mention, again, that this song came out in 2002! I don’t know about you, but I was 8 years old. I really shouldn’t have even been allowed to listen to this music.
“In Da Club” – 50 Cent
“I’m into having sex, I ain’t into making love so come give me a hug if you into getting rubbed.”
Just let this line of deep, poetic verse sit with you for a while. It kind of makes you feel a little sick doesn’t it? Maybe it’s just me but, I don’t know if I’ll ever be ok with someone telling me to give them a hug so I can get “rubbed.”
“This is Why I’m Hot” – Mims
I’m still not sure how this song made it to the top 100 Billboard when the lyrics mostly consist of “this is why, this is why, this is why I’m hot.” What really frustrates me though is that Mims’ only argument for why he is hot is “‘cause I’m fly” and “you’re not.” That was all it took to convince me?
“Crank That (Soulja Boy)" –Solja Boy Tell’em
Ok, it’s not really the song that bothers me (although the lyrics are questionable). I’m mostly disturbed by the middle school dance flashbacks that accompany it. I still shudder every time someone tries to be funny and plays this as a ‘throwback.’ Just stop it. Nobody likes to think about middle school.
“Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom” – Vengaboys
This song was, undoubtedly, a staple in every girl who grew up in the 90s CD collection. Or, at the very least, was on the burnt CD at their birthday party. A scary classic actually, I can’t think of a little girl in the entire world who should be listening to this song. Yes, this song is about what you always thought it was about, but your naïve self wasn’t completely sure of. Don’t believe me? Watch the music video.
“Thong Song” - Sisqo
Actually, I still like the "Thong Song." It’s catchy. This song is really just on this list because I feel bad for my poor parents who had to watch me dance and go “Duh dun Duh.” I’m sure that’s not what they had hoped their second grader would be into.
“Oops I Did It Again” – Britney Spears
This list would obviously not be complete without including our beloved Britney Spears. Ask any female the words to this song and I guarantee you she will be able to recite them verbatim from start to finish. I bet most males are even familiar with the lyrics as well. While "Oops I Did it Again" is sure to stay in our hearts until we are old and gray, it’s probably important that we remind our naïve, younger selves that Britney Spears was actually a bi*ch. I mean, c’mon: “Oops I did it again, I played with your heart….Oops you think I’m in love…I’m not that innocent.” That’s a little cruel, don’t you think?
While this list may bring back both good and bad memories for us 90s kids, we can take comfort in knowing that our music tastes have matured greatly since. I mean, “B*tch Better Have My Money”? That’s a classic, for sure.