By Emma Li
Updating playlists is a normal routine for college students; there are times when I have no clue why I was so in love with a certain song when going through my library. I used to listen to songs that are from the ‘80s, but K-pop songs have recently become my favorite. Hmm… I guess puberty not only changes my height but also my taste in music!
The best way to find out how your taste in music has changed is to ask yourself, “What is my go-to song from each year of my life?” Trust me, those songs will definitely bring out the old-time memories that represent some of the best moments of your life.
My name is Emma Li; I am 21 years old, and these are some of my favorite songs tracing all the way back to 1996, the year I was born. You can access the full playlist on our Spotify account, thespreaduiuc, as well!
1996
Celine Dion – Because You Loved Me
I first heard the song when Janice Yan covered it on a Taiwanese singing contest called One Million Star. I was so amazed by her cover that I had to look up the song on YouTube right away.
1997
R. Kelly – I Believe I Can Fly
I am sure almost everyone knows this song! It has such uplifting lyrics that have the magic to cheer me up whenever I feel down.
1998
Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing
There are times you just know old-time music will always has a place in your heart, and that you can sing along whenever it is played. That is how I feel whenever I listen to this song.
1999
Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way
What can I say? The Backstreet Boys rock!
2000
Westlife – Swear It Again
How can I describe my love for Westlife? I would probably trade in my sister for a Westlife concert ticket (sorry not sorry).
2001
Train – Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)
Taylor Swift covered this song in one of her concerts and somehow turned this girl into a Train fan.
2002
Avril Lavigne – Complicated
Why do you have to make things so complicated? Why? Why? Why? I can definitely sing this to my Econ professor any day.
2003
Santana ft. Michelle Branch – The Game of Love
I was drawn to Carlos Santana’s guitar skills in this song! I recommend it to folks who love blues.
2004
Maroon 5 – This Love
One of Maroon 5’s greatest hits – no explanation necessary.
2005
Green Day – Wake Me Up When September Ends
Looking for a love song from Green Day? Wake Me Up When September Ends
Is the one you should check it out.
2006
Daniel Powter – Bad Day
Having a bad day? If that’s the case, listen to “Bad Day” because it will lighten up your mood.
2007
Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
Chasing Cars is the very first song I played on the guitar because it has a really easy strumming pattern. I definitely recommend it for guitar beginners!
2008
Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love
When people think about Leona Lewis, they think about Bleeding Love.
2009
Taylor Swift – Love Story
Taylor is the reason why I decided to learn the guitar and I love the music video that she did for Love Story.
2010
Lady Antebellum – Need You Now
Typically, I don’t listen to country music but Need You Now is awesome.
2011
Hot Chelle Rae – Tonight Tonight
Searching for the perfect weekend party music? Tonight Tonight should be on the list.
2012
Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe
Trying to find a pickup line to win someone’s heart? What about “Hey I just met you and this is crazy, but here’s my number, so call me maybe?”
2013
Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
What could be more interesting than Miley swinging across the room on an iron wrecking ball?
2014
Pharrell Williams – Happy
Feel happy by listening to Happy.
2015
Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth – See You Again
RIP Paul Walker. We miss you.
2016
Justin Bieber – Love Yourself
Even though I’m not a Belieber, you’ve got to admit he has a pretty good voice.
2017
Winner – Really Really
Winner is a boy group from YG Entertainment. There are four members in the group, SeungHoon, SeungYoon, Mino and JinWoo. I had never heard of Winner until they released their new songs “Really Really” and “Fools” this month. Different from other K-pop boy groups, they might not have fancy dance moves but their vocals are gold!
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Image Sources:
The Spread 