While everyone has grown up with different childhood experiences, there are a few everyone has in common. We all had those “You just don’t understand me” days filled with staring out the bus window pretending to be in a music video. Bonus points if it was raining.
Here are a few songs you were probably listening to in your middle school days. If you’re like me, you might still have these songs on your Spotify. The teen angst may be mostly gone, but never forgotten as you shout every single lyric.
1. “Mr. Brightside” The Killers
I’d have to say this is my favorite. I sang along to this and felt a pain I never knew existed as he had a smoke and she took a drag.
2. “Be My Escape” Relient K
Because pre-teens/teenagers house allllll the doubt and insecurity.
3. “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” Nine Days
This 2000 hit was always on the radio. It ended up being in the Top Ten of most of the charts it was on.
4. “All the Small Things” Blink-182
For a while, I didn’t know the lyrics. So, I’d chime in from the backseat with “ALL. THE. SMALL. THINGS.” And then “nananananananananana” when it was time.
5. “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” Good Charlotte
The hairstyles from the 2002 music video were fire.
6. “The Reason” Hoobastank
The 2003 hit played on radios everywhere and was up for the Grammy award for Song of the Year.
7. “Teenagers” My Chemical Romance
Their breakup still breaks my heart to this day.
8. “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down” Fall Out Boy
I nailed this song on Expert Level of Guitar Hero. Just sayin'.
9. “In The End” Linkin Park
Linkin Park stirred emotion in every teen with their dramatism and spoken word with this one.
10. “Best of You” Foo Fighters
I still hear this quite often on the radio, and I’m definitely not complaining. Dave Grohl’s tone is kind of the best, the best, the best, the best.
11. “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” Panic! At the Disco
*when people leave my door open* “Haven’t you people ever heard of closing the goddamn door? No.”
12. “The Great Escape” Boys Like Girls
The 2006 song is coming up on its tenth anniversary, but it still sounds fresh to me every time I hear it.
13. “Welcome to My Life” Simple Plan
A classic for the bangs-in-face, “life sucks” kind of kid.
14. “The Anthem” Good Charlotte
The Good Charlotte hit went straight to the US Billboard Top 40.
Energetic dance performance under the spotlight.
Taylor Swift in a purple coat, captivating the crowd on stage.
Taylor Swift shines on stage in a sparkling outfit and boots.
Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers sharing a joyful duet on stage.
