Viral Video Vendredi: My Top 5 Songs from 2004

The year: 2004

Age: 16

Occupation: Junior in high school 

Major events: Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake's epic Super Bowl performance/nipple-gate; Laguna Beach premieres on MTV; Facebook launches; series finale of Friends; Ronald Reagan dies; W re-elected for 4 more years; Tsunami strikes South Asia  

My life: Bee-bopping around town in my yellow VW Bug; playing soccer; shopping (I shudder now at the thought of going out all day to shop "for fun"); AIM (RIP SAACHICK88); CBHS football games; and BURNING CDS.

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Yes, you read that correctly. I received my first iPod (a green iPod mini with my name etched on the back, obvi) for Christmas in 2004, but before this miraculous thing called an iPod found its way into my heart, I did what any other high-schooler did: illegally downloaded music on Limewire and burned thoughtful CDs for all of my BFFs. 2004 was also a time when music videos were still popular and you could catch all of your favorite songs on VH1 Jumpstart while you got ready for school. It makes me sad that the youth of today will never know TRL and the glorious days of fat Carson Daly, who coincidentally was my first celebrity crush (what?) and whose picture I snipped out of Teen People and taped inside my Spacemaker pencil box in 7th grade.  

I love how songs can transport you back to a specific time and place and can evoke such strong memories and emotions. I Googled "top songs 2004" to see what was popular 10 years ago, and I have picked my five favorite songs for your enjoyment. I highly suggest that you do the same and take your own trip down memory lane...

1. Jay-Z - Dirt Off Your Shoulder 

If you really want your mind blown, then search for the Dirt Off Your Shoulder/Bittersweet Symphony remix on Youtube. 

                           

2. Maroon 5 - She Will Be Loved 

I saw Maroon 5 open for John Mayer in February 2004, and no one had any idea who they were. I guess they've done alright. Notice that John Travolta's wife plays Mrs. Robinson in the music video. 

                           

3. Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway

The perfect song for the teenage girl who just wants to spread her wings and fly.

             


4. Nelly featuring Tim McGraw - Over and Over

Oh to be young and to feel love's keen sting. HS girl + HS boy = angsty teenage drama . 

            

5. Chingy featuring Ludacris and Snoop Doggy Dog/Snoop Dog/Snoop Lion - Holidae Inn

Pop-rap was really popular in high school and made any saddle-oxford wearing, all-girl's school attending girl feel a lot cooler than she actually was. I also just realized that Holiday is spelled weird - Holidae? Who knows. I am sure this music video is gross, so anyone who is easily offended just skip this one. 

Honorable mentions go out to every single song on Ashlee Simpson's classic first CD, Autobiography, and any Avril Lavigne song ever (whatup Sk8ter Boi).

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SAACHICK88's Away Message: BRB off to Indigo to get a new outfit for the game. Go Brothers!$@!