Ah, middle school. That strange time of budding maturity, where you weren’t quite trusted with responsibility but could choose whether to take art or drama class. Essential to those formative years was the sheer number of dances held in the middle school gymnasium. To celebrate those awkward nights, grab your best Aeropostale jeans and Abercrombie t-shirt and listen away to this edition of the Weekly List.
- “Single Ladies” – Beyoncé
I used to think that this song was called “all the cigarettes,” but I am now glad to know that Beyoncé protects our lungs and just encourages singledom.
- “Down” – Jay Sean
This song was perfect for anyone who wanted to feel romantic. Jay Sean, this beautiful British chanteur, inspired all of us to love and to bust a move in front of our circle of friends.
- “Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
Who didn’t love this ode to New York? No matter where you lived, this song made you feel powerful, and is still a source of pride for any New York natives.
- “Party in the USA” – Miley Cyrus
It is a universal truth that 2009 Miley Cyrus is the best Miley Cyrus. She was just starting her singing career post-Hannah Montana, and was still fairly tame. This ode to partying and newness is a solid tune.
- “You Make Me Feel” – Cobra Starship
If this song didn’t make you feel like you were about to have the most fun of your young life, you may have just had an early onset case of adult cynicism.
- “Temperature” – Sean Paul
Sean Paul is the king of catchy party songs. Along with “Get Busy”, he was able to bring the house down with lyrics that made no sense but a beat that couldn’t stop.
- “Break Your Heart” – Taio Cruz
Everyone knows “Dynamite,” but “Break Your Heart” is just as redundant and catchy for the average sixth grader.
- “Like a G6” – Far East Movement
I’m pretty sure people should still use the simile “Like a G6” in 2015. It describes how fly a person is, since a G6 is a plane. Get it?
- “I Like It” – Enrique Iglesias
The music video for this song had the Jersey Shore cast in it. That is all.
- “Firework” – Katy Perry
Still forever played on July 4, this song rocked the gym as every girl jumped up and down with excitement for Katy Perry and her lyrics that connected so well with middle school problems.
These ten songs will make anyone feel like putting in their retainer and sliding the glasses up their nose to go out for a night of wild merriment that is a middle school dance.
That’s it for this edition of the Weekly List. Come back to Halftime next week for another great playlist.
