Seniors, we’ve got one semester left. Let’s look toward the future and plan for the rest of our lives, but let’s learn a lesson from J. Cole while we’re at it.
Never forget where you came from.
For me, that means listening to a mix CD I received as a gift from an old friend with hearts doodled all over the silver disk. I found it over winter break in a lavender colored American Girl CD case, which was hidden away in a box.
Whether I'm proud of it or not, I'll always remember that this is where I came from:
1. Electric Guitar — Chris Brown
Album: Exclusive — The Forever Edition
Year: 2007?
Standout lyric: “You're ripping up on the chords, playing my heart”
If you left it up to an iTunes or Spotify search, then you’d think this song doesn’t exist. However, thanks to Annie and YouTube, I know the truth. And the truth is cheesy and sweet.
2. About You Now — Miranda Cosgrove
Album: iCarly
Year: 2008
Standout lyric: “Can we bring yesterday back around
'Cause I know how I feel about you now”
I have to hand it to Cosgrove. She knows exactly how many of us feel when we receive our exam grades.
3. Stolen — Dashboard Confessional
Album: Dusk and Summer
Year: 2006
Standout lyric: “I watch you spin around in your highest heels
You are the best one of the best ones”
I don’t know what to tell you about this song. Except that when people in 3016 dig this CD up from the dirt, they’ll realize that Annie, the friend who gave me the CD, and I were extremely obvious hopeless romantics at the age of 15.
4. Hands Down — Dashboard Confessional
Album: A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar
Year: 2002
Standout lyric: “My hopes are so high that your kiss might kill me.
So won't you kill me, so I die happy.”
Refer to #3.
5. I’m Alive — Céline Dion
Album: A New Day Has Come
Year: 2002
Standout lyric: “I get wings to fly, God knows that I am alive”
6. Crush — David Archuleta
Album: David Archuleta
Year: 2008
Standout lyric: “'Cause the possibility that you would ever feel the same way about me”
Archuleta is the first American Idol alum who made the cut for the mix. Remember the days when people actually cared about American Idol? Those were good times.
7. Touch My Hand — David Archuleta
Album: David Archuleta
Year: 2008
Standout lyric: “Can't let the music stop, Can't let this feeling end, 'Cause if I do, it'll all be over, I'll never see you again”
8. Wait for You — Elliott Yamin
Album: Elliott Yamin
Year: 2007
Standout lyric: “With you not around, it's a little bit more than I can stand”
Yamin, another former Idol contestant, may be just as dramatic as Archuleta.
9. Just So You Know — Jesse McCartney
Album: Right Where You Want Me
Year: 2006
Standout lyric: “I just gotta say it all before I go, Just so you know”
I’m not sure how old McCartney was in Madeleine Rowe’s lyric video, but that photo could make anyone feel old. If you’re interested in his 2016 tour or how he looks in 2016 — click here.
10. Love Lockdown — Kanye West
Album: 808s & Heartbreak
Year: 2008
Standout lyric: “I'm in love with you but the vibe is wrong”
This song goes out to all of the students who have changed their major multiple times.
11. Heartless — Kanye West
Album: 808s & Heartbreak
Year: 2008
Standout lyric: “How could ya be so Dr. Evil, ya bringin' out a side of me that I don't know”
Helpful hint: If you go through this song replacing “woman” with “education system,” “class,” or on occasion, “professor,” then the song will start to make much more sense.
12. Next to You — Jordin Sparks
Album: Jordin Sparks
Year: 2007
Standout lyric: “Maybe were friends, Maybe were more, Maybe it's just my imagination”
Since American Idol is apparently a theme on this mix CD, Sparks pulls it together in the end as a female Idol contestant.
When things get too serious during our last semester, revert back to your pre-teen music choices. It's bound to help. If you'd rather, you can thank my old friend Annie for it and listen to my ridiculous mix above.
Which songs were featured on your go-to mix tapes, CD's or playlists? Let us know what you used to listen to on Facebook or Twitter.
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