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In Review // Ten Songs Turn Ten

Life is moving fast, so fast we are forgetting how much time has elapsed. That’s why it’s always fun to look back and see just how long ago everything happened. One of the things that make us all scream at how old we are is the ever changing music scene. Remember Britney’s black hair? How about when Timbaland was relevant? These songs do and I bet you didn’t realize they are now ten years old.

  1. Umbrella by Rhianna

This song was a classic back in the day. This comes from Rhianna’s third studio album and what amounted to her breakout album. She already had some great singles from her two previous albums, but this was the one that cemented her staying power and began her transition from cute and poppy to something a little edgier.

  1. Crank That by Soulja Boy

This one hit wonder—and dance craze—was contagious back in the day. Every white frat boy and pompous bad boy thought he could “crank it.” However, we all knew that Soulja Boy was the only one who really knew what he was doing.

  1. Beautiful Girls by Sean Kingston

This seemingly cute, but also somewhat dark song, has a poppy and bright tune to go with lyrics that had a darker edge. Of course, we all loved the music video that hearkened to a former era and the way Kingston serenaded us made us all feel a little warmer inside.

  1. Party Like a Rock Star by Shop Boyz

This song made everyone realize they enjoyed a little hip-hop in their lives. The chorus that was a slow yet steady anthem to “party like a rock star” was on everyone’s lips at parties and now that we’ve all forgotten about it, it’s time to remind you that yes, this was all over the radio just a decade ago.  

  1. Paralyzer by Finger Eleven

While 2007 clearly was inundated with mainstream pop, there were still good alternative options available. “Paralyzer” was the song on every rock playlist for every angsty teenager—but even the jocks enjoyed blasting it during their workout routine. The addictive hook and the gravelly vocals give it a fantastic sound that ages quite well.

  1. Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne

Which tween girl wasn’t belting this song every Friday night with their best friends? Everyone who was obsessed with Hannah Montana and Jesse McCartney could indulge their edgy side with the punk-inspired Lavigne’s anthem. It even made us feel like we could relate, even though we clearly had zero experience. This was also probably the last time Avril Lavigne was relevant for something other than a pregnancy inquiry or death hoax.

  1. Stronger by Kanye West

Back when Kanye was making some great rap and was probably at the height of his game, he released the song “Stronger.” With its slick beats and fresh lyrical stylings, this was easily one of the best rap albums of the year. However, this seems like eons ago now that we have the unstable, confusing, and egotistical rapper or arguably personality, we know today. Today’s kids probably call him Kim K’s husband, but we all knew him as Kanye West.

  1. No One by Alicia Keys

This R&B ballad was incredible and still is. Keys’ vocals are amazing and we all caught the feels with this one. Even better is Keys’ continues to kill it and we all love seeing what she’ll do next.

  1. Bubbly by Colbie Caillat

This sweet and simple song made us all happy on a summer day. Caillat’s relaxing and happy vocals made everyone feel like quitting their jobs, kicking back, and moving to the beach—and who could blame them? This song was an instant feel-good favorite for all those easy listening folks and beyond.

  1. Icky Thump by The White Stripes

This song, coming from the last album Jack White did as part of “The White Stripes” was amazing from start to finish. With political overtones, fantastic guitar thanks to Mr. White and those Bob Dylan-esque vocals that mixed in with the pounding beat made every rocker swoon. We could not ask for anything more from Jack White and that’s why this wraps up the list.