​Ten Songs Turning Ten in April

Avril Lavigne is a legend.
Avril Lavigne is a legend. By Wikimedia Commons

Although it may seem like 2007 happened only a few years ago, a whole decade has passed since that memorable middle school (elementary school??) time. As 2007 was unquestionably the last good year for pop culture (High School Musical 2 anyone?) and life in general (if you weren’t Britney), we want to throwback to those Myspace-filled days by listening to the appropriate hits. Luckily, this April, plenty of 2007 bangers are celebrating their anniversary, so we made a list of all the best songs turning ten years old this month. Warning: our list is going to make you feel ~ancient~.

“Girlfriend” by Avril Lavigne

An anthem for anyone with an unrequited middle school crush, this bubblegum banger was released on April 17 with Lavigne’s absolutely iconic album “The Best Damned Thing.” Ten years later, we still rock out to this guilty pleasure when thinking about that cuffed section cutie. Don’t lie—this empowering classic totally makes you sing your heart out in the shower.

“Umbrella” by Rihanna feat. Jay-Z

Released on March 29th (close enough!), this jam forever changed the trajectory of our queen’s career. And while now Rihanna is so iconic she even got honored by Harvard, back in the day she picked up “Umbrella” from Britney’s rejects pile. This is truly the glo-up of a decade. #goals

“Thnks fr th Mmrs” by Fall Out Boy

2007 was certainly a simpler time—only then could Kim Kardashian star in a music video for an iconic emo band alongside a bunch of actual chimpanzees. Ten years ago, we were blessed with one of the most bizarre music videos of all time. We suggest you revisit this angsty piece before Kris Jenner tries to erase it due to Kim’s unfortunate cameo.

“Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse

Certain to make any breakup playlist, this tragic soul hit released on April 30 is our go-to soundtrack for heartbreaks, rejections, or plain Sunday scaries. Still as iconic ten years later, “Back to Black” even got revived as an instrumental cover in everyone’s favorite winter binge “Westworld.”

“Fluorescent Adolescent” by Arctic Monkeys

Mentioning this indie staple will certainly make an impression on that cute hipster barista. And even though you might never get the arcane lyrics, you can still appreciate this bangin British tune turning ten this April.

“Sexy Lady” by Yung Berg

You might have never heard of this hip hop number, but in 2007 everyone got down to this dated club banger released on April 3. It was so #basic, it probably even made the Fly’s party playlist.

“What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park

Remember pirating Linkin Park albums during your awkward phase? Celebrate growing out of that angst on this song’s tenth anniversary this April (thank god your bangs don’t cover your eyes anymore).

“Working Class Hero” by Green Day

Ten years ago everybody’s childhood punk favorites covered John Lennon’s underrated solo. And although we have no idea how this random mashup happened, we still love this “Communist Manifesto” in musical form.

“Never Again” Kelly Clarkson

This is the perfect soundtrack for angrily typing an email to proctors about your annoying roommates. Seriously, this song has more raw rage than Dean Khurana at a final club mention.

“Home” by Daughtry

Although this pop rock song hasn’t stood the test of time as well as other tunes on the list, it still managed to make an appearance in American Idol and Criminal Minds.

Honorable mention:

The meme, the legend, “MMMBop” itself, was released on April 15 twenty (20!?!?) years ago, and we just couldn’t ignore this phenomenally popular hit by the one hit wonder Hanson. We especially appreciate the lyrics which have just as much substance as that final paper you b*llsh*ted an hour before the deadline.

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