To ring in the new year, I have decided to celebrate by looking back on some of the music that has meant the most to me over the years. Here's one song per year that I probably had on repeat for each of the last 15 years: (No regrets, but I would like to add that I was 11 years old in the year 2000.)
Playlist
15 in 2015
Highlights
- 2000/ Amazed by Lonestar
This was the most passionate song to my hopeless romantic pre-teen heart, and I wasn't even that into country music...yet.
- 2001/ All You Wanted by Michelle Branch
My copy of The Spirit Room is completely worn out, and this song was one of the first couple of songs I had learned and sung in public (with my brother on guitar of course!)
- 2002/ You and I Both by Jason Mraz
I have been in love with Jason Mraz and his voice since the beginning, and my discovery of his music marks the start of my adoration for singer-songwriters.
- 2003/ One More Sad Song by The All-American Rejects
This one takes me back to bus rides and my first love: I'm not sure if he liked All American Rejects' first album or if it was just an excuse to sit next to me on the bus and share headphones.
- 2004/ Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson
And when my first love ended, Kelly Clarkson had the perfect break-up song for me to belt at the top of my lungs. The lyrics weren't really true for my situation, but it was nice to know that Kelly had my back.
- 2005/ These Words by Natasha Bedingfield
This album came out while I was on my first trip to Tennessee: to visit my dad's side of the family and H.S. friends who had moved. It makes me think of driving around on Knoxville roads where all the trees were overtaken by Kudzu.
- 2006/ Samson by Regina Spektor
I'm pretty sure I discovered Regina Spektor while listening to NPR in the car with my dad. She didn't sing this song, but I was hooked! This is one of my all-time favorite singers, singing one of my all-time favorite love songs.
- 2007/ Irreplaceable by Beyonce
She was promoting powerful women even back in 2007, and I loved it then, and still love this song now. But it has come to mean more because I associate it with one of my favorite friendships.
- 2008/ Between the Lines by Sara Bareilles
Probably one of the most underrated Sara Bareilles song, and definitely a good representation of a girl navigating relationships and discovering herself. That's what college was for, right?
- 2009/ Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap
Ok Ok, I know this song is associated with 500 Days of Summer. I'm not THAT obsessed with the movie, but this song is the perfect drive up the coast, hair in the wind, Perks of Being a Wallflower "infinite" moment kind of song.
- 2010/ Poison & Wine by The Civil Wars
If my love life that year was manifested into a pitter-patter guitar and beautifully haunting harmonies, this would be it. This is the song I wish I had written.
- 2011/ Hold it Against Me by Britney Spears
My whirlwind of a senior year in college: Pauls, Bang!, and this album.
- 2012/ Mercy.1 by Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, & T-Pain
I had to get a little street cred if I was gonna work with teens... also I just love the dancehall samples. This is my get down in the club song.
- 2013/ Follow Your Arrow by Kacey Musgraves
Cheeky and honest (as good country music should be), the message in her lyrics continues to be my motto into the new year!
- 2014/ Love Me Harder by Ariana Grande & The Weeknd
With my favorite song of the year, I have been playing Ariana Grande's most recent album on repeat since it came out in August. I'm reluctant to say it, but I think the Weeknd really makes this track.
Thanks for listening (formerly)!
