If you’ve ever browsed Teen Vogue’s YouTube Channel, you may have stumbled across their segment, “______ Creates the Playlist of Their Life”, in which an entertainer will create a list of eight songs that are meaningful to them, bring them nostalgia, have a backstory, etc. Here are eight songs I would put on the playlist of my life!
- Our Song – Taylor Swift
This was the first ever song I learned all the words to. I remember sitting on my friend’s couch when I was 5, singing my little heart out with the music video playing on the TV. Fun fact, I choreographed a dance to this when I was in kindergarten. Not to brag, but it was pretty awesome (probably, I have no recollection of it whatsoever).
- You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift
Starting out the list strong with two Taylor tracks! This song was a staple to my childhood, as it was for most of us in Gen Z. I would watch this music video on repeat until the iconic “You OK?” sign was practically burned into the plasma living room TV. This video had such a big impact on me that it was even my Halloween costume for this year! When wanting to reminisce on my childhood, I turn this track on (Taylor’s version, of course) and I am instantly transported back to simpler times.
- You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home – Hannah Montana
Hannah Montana: The Movie was the first CD I ever bought. I would listen to the soundtrack on repeat on my blue boombox in my room, dancing around without a care in the world. Mom, if you’re reading this, this is my formal apology for jumping around blasting this song while you were trying to work. Oops.
- Just Give Me a Reason – P!nk (Feat. Nate Ruess of fun.)
Oh boy does this song bring me back. Growing up, there were two artists who were essential to my iPod- P!nk and fun., so when word got out that the frontman of fun. would be featured on a P!nk song, I was stoked! This song is timeless and so incredible. It was my favorite song for at least five years, and it will always have such a special place in my heart.
- Out on the Town – fun.
When I said fun. was essential to my iPod, I meant it. If I used Spotify growing up, there’s no doubt this would’ve been my top song on Spotify Wrapped from 2012-2015. The lyrics are so heartbreaking, yet they are put to such a happy instrumental, creating such a beautifully emotional song.
- Sign of the Times – Harry Styles
This song is iconic. Harry has such a powerful voice, and this song showcases it perfectly. The amount of times I’ve cried to this song is astounding; it will always be such a meaningful song to me. I love this song so much and each time I revisit it I am filled with so much emotion. Harry Styles reminds me how powerful music can be.
- Ribs – Lorde
This song is in my top five favorite songs of all time. The lyrics, the vocals, the instrumentals, the vibe, all of it is just breathtaking. I love Lorde and her music so much, she is such a special artist who can capture such specific emotions so perfectly. Lorde is such a timeless artist and her music ages so wonderfully.
8. my future – Billie Eilish
Words cannot describe how much I love this song. It’s about self love and having so much hope for the future. Being a college student, thinking about the future terrifies me, but this song is extremely reassuring. It reminds me that no matter what happens in the future, I will always have myself, and for that I am extremely grateful. This song is absolutely incredible; Billie and Finneas are some of my favorite lyricists of all time. I highly recommend giving my future, as well as the entirety of Happier Than Ever a listen!