"Music is so deep within all of us... Music is good for the soul." - Steve Jobs
2006: The year the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl, the year Pluto was no longer a planet and the year Paris Hilton was still the "Kim Kardashian" of today's pop culture. Each person experienced different events throughout these 365 days because — for some — it could have been the year a couple wed or for others, it was the year that people had their first born. It is crazy to think that all of these moments happened only 10 years ago, one decade before 2016. So much has changed throughout the past ten years — including a dramatic shift from flip and Blackberry phones to updated iPhones and Androids — and whether it is politics, life goals or social movements, society continues to evolve. Although there are many changes, one thing remains the same, and that is the love of music.
Having been around for ages, music has been a documentation of history which showcases our evolution as a society. Over the years it has evolved, changing monumental musicians into pop stars. 2006 may not have seen the creation or emergence of many different styles, but it continued trends that followed the years prior. Infectious beats, memorable lyrics and distinct-iconic videos during this year created an impact within our culture. Whether you were shaking your hips to the beat of Shakira or singing your heart out to a girl named Delilah, here are 10 songs (released as singles) from this decade in time that are just as relevant today as they were back then.
1. "Temperature" - Sean Paul
Release: Feb. 23, 2006
Lyrics to remember: "Wanna be the Papa... you can be the Mom... Oh Oh"
Who could forget this song? Whether you could understand the lyrics on first listen or not, it was a beat that was stuck in one's head ever since its release. Sean Paul, a Jamaican recording artist, was completing his third album when this song took storm. As a song that is anything but a power ballad, Sean Paul made audiences go wild. Whether at the club or a junior high dance, everyone was screaming for this song. Ten years later and people are still dancing to this song, trying their best to quickly chant the chorus and feeling their temperature go higher and higher. Just like summer weather, "Temperature" rose to the top of the charts and to the top of people's hearts — still being an iconic song to this day.
2. "Promiscuous" - Nelly Furtado ft. Timbaland
Release: April 25, 2006
Lyrics to remember: "You expect me to just let you hit it, but will you respect me if you get it?"
As one of two "feature" songs on this chart that is a pop guy and girl duo, it sure is a memorable one. With seductive lyrics where a woman and man go back and forth calling out to each other in a game of lust and control, Nelly Furtado and Timbaland caught everyone's attention with this song. With over 100 million views on YouTube, comments on the song include "this song was the sh*t back then" and "Brazil loves you." The song has created a legacy today, being Furtado's most popular song and one that still seduces an audience with its charming beat and intriguing lyrics. Who can't help but sing along to the lyrics, pretending to be in their own love game of cat and mouse.
3. "Crazy" - Gnarles Barkley
Release: March 13, 2006
Lyrics to remember: "Does that make me crazy... I think you're crazy... Maybe I'm crazy"
Ah, Gnarles Barkley... who could forget the duo from which the ever-so-loved Cee Lo Green found his way into the music scene? A song that has stood the test of time, "Crazy" is one that captivates listeners and conveys a powerful message regarding losing your mind and diving into insanity. Showcasing an image of sanity and its place in pop culture through lyrics and the visual depiction within the music video, this song has been covered by many due to its intense representation and charming allure. Artists such as Melanie Martinez and Milky Chance have covered this song, proving that the iconic status of this song has been cemented and respected by fellow musicians. And hey... being crazy is always a little bit good, right?
4. "SOS" - Rihanna
Release: Feb. 14, 2006
Lyrics to remember: "S.O.S., please someone help me"
When she wasn't flaunting her body to Drake while filming her music video for her mega smash hit "Work," Rihanna started out with a very different sound compared to the one she produces now. With sounds similar to those of music legends Britney Spears and Beyonce, Rihanna began with a party-girl sound which was carried over to her sophomore album "A Girl Like Me." Crying out for somebody to help her, "SOS" had a club like beat that had even pre-teens dancing their hearts out. Not even 20 years old, Rihanna was starting out at a young age and competing against pop rivals who had years of experience under their belts. This song only helped bring Rihanna to where she is now, eventually creating the future hits "Umbrella" and even "Only Girl (In The World)."
5. "SexyBack" - Justin Timberlake ft. Timbaland
Release: July 18, 2006
Lyrics to remember: "I'm bringin' sexy back"
If someone says they have never heard this song, then there is a 99.99 percent chance they are lying. Prince of Pop — Justin Timberlake — took the radio by storm with this massive Billboard charts hit. Confusing little kids who innocently fail to recognize the meaning behind lyrics like "see these shackles baby I'm your slave... I'll let you whip me if I misbehave," this R-rated song got everyone on their feet. Moving your body to the rhythm, this song's title became a popular catchphrase used by many to this day. Still gaining radio play, "SexyBack" became one of Timberlake's biggest hits and the second song featured on this list including Timbaland. These two men changed the music scene as it was known, creating a distinct sound embraced by many. With manipulated vocals and intense beats, this song achieved legend status quickly.
6. "Hey There Delilah" - Plain White T's
Release: May 9, 2006
Lyrics to remember: "Hey there Delilah, what's it like in New York City?"
Who is Delilah, what happened to her, and what's it like is in New York City? These questions may never be answered by her, but after one pretends to star in their own dramatic music video while this song plays in the background it is easy to feel connected to the mystery girl. Being one of the few ballad-like songs on the list, "Hey There Delilah" took the world by storm and hit many people right in the heart. The emotion poured into this song by singer Tom Higgenson was raw and natural, drawing in the attention of all who listen. This song is still considered a heart break/love song anthem, but this classic song's message will seemingly never go out of style. Love is a theme many can relate to and although it may not be as captivating as Delilah's was, it's a theme that will always live on.
7. "Hips Don't Lie" - Shakira
Release: Feb. 26, 2008
Lyrics to remember: "She makes a man wanna speak Spanish... Como se llama (sí)... Bonita (sí)... Mi casa (Shakira, Shakira)"
If you are not shaking your hips whenever this song comes on, you may want to schedule a visit with your nearest doctor because this No. 1 worldwide chart topper was made to get people moving. Shakira makes it known that her hips don't lie, indirectly creating a common phrase that would be continued to be referenced many times within pop culture and everyday conversation. Catapulting Shakira to a new level of success that she already earned within South America, this Columbian singer shook her waist as she was a professional belly dancer. Causing envy and adoration of many, Shakira infused Spanish and English together to create an iconic song that is still causing individuals to attempt the ever-so-famous dance moves and duplicate her iconic voice.
8. "Ridin'" Chamillionaire ft. Krayzie Bone
Release: Jan. 12, 2006
Lyrics to remember: "They see me rollin'... They hatin'... Patrollin' they try to catch me riding dirty"
Who else can say they are ridin' dirty? Ever since this song was released, many listeners have caught onto this phrase. "Ridin'" became an anthem for many people, especially on their weekend nights! Even middle school children claim this song as an anthem. From the chill beat and catchy chorus, Chamillionaire and Krayzie Bone made a name for themselves with this song. Starting off the 2006 music scene, I don't think anyone could forget the chorus' lyrics even if they tried. One question remains... did they ever catch him ridin' dirty?
9. "Rehab" - Amy Winehouse
Release: Oct. 23, 2006
Lyrics to remember: "They try to make me go to rehab... I said no, no, no"
Bursting onto the scene as an English songwriter and singer — while being cited as an influence for Adele and Lana Del Rey — Amy Winehouse catapulted to fame with her soulful voice in this iconic song. Unfortunately, a strong alcohol and drug addiction overtook Winehouse early in her life, leading to her death in 2011 (she was just 27 years old). This powerhouse singer struggled with addiction for a good part of her life, writing the song "Rehab" in response to all those who tried to force her to get help. Her song and legacy live on through the hearts and works of many individuals and fellow musicians. As time continues, "Rehab" seems to age gracefully and is a song that many will always remember the lyrics to.
10. " Fergalicious" - Fergie ft. Will.I.Am
Release: Oct. 23, 2006
Lyrics to remember: "Fergalicious definition makes the boys go loco"
What other song could have defined a year as much as this anthem that singer Fergie released near the end of 2006. Fergalicious has been spoofed by many fellow musicians and comedians, sung by many preteens and adults with their friends and continues to cause chants to be heard by many whenever the chorus comes on. Who else could forget trying to replace the phrase "Fergalicious" with all of your other friend's names to see whose could fit within the song lyrics. Who could forget trying to rap along with Fergie's lyrics or spelling out T.A.S.T.Y with a little help from Will.I.Am? Making a name for herself as a solo artist and no longer with the popular band, Black Eyed Peas, Fergie now achieved a world wide hit. Whether is was"Big Girls Don't Cry" or "Glamorous," Fergie gained many fans with her new music and became one of the most iconic singers in 2006.
