Here’s a confession you’ve probably never heard before: I really liked my middle school self.

Sure, I thought life revolved around slicked-back ponies and Birkenstock clogs, but  I was a pretty darn happy kid. Plus, I had neat people in my life, like my super cool friend, Deanna, who introduced me to really unembarrasing music. Honestly, I think back to the music I listened to in my 7th and 8th grade years and don’t cringe in the least.

I was recently telling a friend about my “sophisticated” middle school music taste, which included an undying love for John Mayer’s Heaver Things, Coldplay’s x&y, and The Strokes’ Room on Fire. 

Not bad, eh? Well, friend-o-mine then asked about my musical preferences in high school, and that’s where this story goes south. Literally. My family moved to Texas at the beginning of my Freshmen year of high school, and with no Deanna to steer my musical decisions, I listened to some really horrible and embarrassing stuff. So today, thanks to old mixed tapes rolling around in the CR-V, I present to you:

Throwback Thursday: Music I wish I hadn’t loved in high school

Freshmen Year:

The winner in this category goes to “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.

Not only was this song in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (so emotional), but it was also the theme song of The Hills on MTV (so trendy). Just screams cool.

Runners-up:
“Since You’ve Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
“White Houses” by Vanessa Carlton
“You and Me” by Lifehouse

Sophomore Year:

And the winner is…

“Hips Don’t Lie” by Shikira. I blush thinking about the dance moves I did in my room while listening to this song.

Runners-up:
“She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5
“Bad Day” by Daniel Powter
“You’ll Think of Me” by Keith Urban

Junior Year:

Winner (but more like a loser):

Mrs. Fergie-ferg with “Fergalicious.” Only good thing that I can say about this one is that it emphasizes the importance of spelling.
D-to the E-to the L-I-C-I-O-U-S.

Runners-up:
“Suddenly I See” by KT Tunstall
“Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s
“Maneater” by Nelly Furtado
“Bubbly” by Colbie Callet

And finally, Senior Year:

Wish this weren’t the anthem to my last year in high school, but sadly…

Soulja Boy. “Crank That.”

Runners-up:
“Apologize” by Timbaland
“Love Song” by Sara Bariellies
“4 Minutes” by Madonna and Justin Timberlake
“Single Ladies” by Beyonce (Sidenote: remember when this song was actually fun and not just a reminder of awkward bouquet tosses at weddings?)
“Viva la Vida” by Coldplay (Proof that my musical tastes were improving!)

So there you have it, an ever-so-humbling walk down memory lane. Perhaps I reminded you of your high school experience. Or maybe I made you feel cool because you’d NEVER know all the words/dance moves to a Soulja Boy song (looking at you, Regina Spektor fans). But hey, I won’t hold it against you. We can’t all be so cool to peak in middle school like yours truly.

KAT

(Listening to “Mess Is Mine” by Vance Joy)