As I reflect on my final year living in on-campus housing, a set of memories come to mind that are permanently etched in my brain. Every night around 11:30 pm, the nightly anthem would start from the apartment above: a Sam Hunt "Montevallo" playlist and the loudest bed squeaking this side of campus. I'm talking the sound a mouse makes when its tail gets caught in a mouse trap. It's a miracle I haven't been crushed by the ceiling caving in on top of me, or maybe it's because Justin Bieber's greatest hits aren't helping my neighbors finish the job.
So, it kind of got me thinking...what songs did our parents make us to? Listed below are my 18 educated guesses:
1. "What You Give" by Tesla
A classic love ballad from Tesla that I'm sure used to get the blood flowing back in the day for your Moms and Pops. "It's not what you got, but what you give."
2. "Faithfully" by Journey
Your parents probably made out to this song in the back of your dad's Camaro on a Friday night when your mom said she was having a sleepover at a friend's house. Later on, this tune became the beginning of your origin story. (Notice: the classic product placement of Coca Cola at 1:01).
3. "Careless Whisper" by George Michaels
The above pretty much sums it up.
4. "Little Red Corvette" by Prince
RIP His Royal Badness. Just because he's passed, doesn't mean your parents don't still put this on the stereo system while your off at college. Reliving the old days before the night they had too many Miller Lites and made you.
5. "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye
6. "Shook Me All Night Long" by ACDC
I realize most of these songs are pretty self-explanatory and you're thinking "No, my parents wouldn't do it to music so vulgar and obvious." But if you really think about it, parents are really, really, REALLY cliché.
7. "Crazy for You" by Madonna
If you have never seen the movie "Vision Quest," stop studying right now and go watch it. Louden has plenty of moves on and off the mat and your dad most likely learned a thing or to from this movie. Plus, Madonna makes a cameo in the bar scene singing this scene. She deserves some credit as well, and maybe even a "24 Madonna Songs You Were Probably Made To" list.
8. "I'll Make Love To You" by Boyz II Men
"Dawayne, can I offer you something to drink?"
9. "That's The Way Love Goes" by Merle Haggard
Some people are just more old-fashioned than others; RIP Merle.
10. "Carrying Your Love With Me" by George Strait
11. "Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac
I started facing the facts halfway through writing this article, mind you the upstairs shenanigans are persisting. One song isn't enough time, and I'm sure your parents had this record laying around somewhere on the shag carpet between the empty box wine and cold pizza.
12. "True" by Spandau Ballet
13. The Eagles' greatest hits
Another classic record turned cassette tape turned CD. This one's been playing over and over. Chances are, if you have siblings, then your parents like listening to the Eagles.
14. "Say You, Say Me" by Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie gave your dad enough confidence to rock that kick-ass mullet. Also, it gave him enough confidence to get with your mom. Richie is probably another one that deserves their own list.
15. "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith
(Never saw this music video until now. Wow). I think I'm going to stop listening to this song around children under the age of 14. Now, you realize why your mom calls your dad "Billy" even though his name is Steven.
16. "The Best of Times" by Styx
*Confirmed instance of a song you were probably made to* A close friend of mine's parents made her to this song. No joke, and just for good measure, they are fans of the Eagles, too.
