Songs From My Adolescence: The Middle School Years

Last week I did a post about my favorite bands during my middle school years (roughly ’01-’04). While I was compiling that list, I came across so many songs from random bands that I had to make a second post. I really wanted to focus on random songs that I really loved during this time, even if I wasn’t a big fan of that particular band or album—so none of these songs are from any of my top albums from last post. I hope you enjoy!

“Bouncing Off the Walls” – Sugarcult (01)

Sugarcult’s album Start Static almost made my top albums list. Sure, this song is about cocaine, but I didn’t know that back then. I just liked it because it was fun and loud.

“I’d Do Anything” – Simple Plan (01)

Honestly, I loved this song because Mark Hoppus from Blink-182 was doing vocals and showed up in the video.

“Sweetness” – Jimmy Eat World (01)

Jimmy Eat World was always so wholesome and fun, much more pop rock than anything else.

“Best of Me” – The Starting Line (02)

Before the days of playlists and Spotify, my sister and I used to get compilation CDs all the time. If we new a few songs on the album, we would buy it and this is how we discovered a lot of music. This was one of my favorite finds.

“Keep Fishin’” – Weezer (02)

I’m sorry, the Muppets? SOLD

“Still Waiting” – Sum 41 (02)

Sum 41 was so fun! During this time, they were kinda in the same category as New Found Glory and Good Charlotte—fun pop rock that wanted to be punk oh so bad.

“Everything is Alright” – Motion City Soundtrack (02)

This just makes me smile.

“We’ve Had Enough” – Alkaline Trio (03)

I always thought the lead singer had a really great voice—deep, but not too deep. Brought a lot of fullness to their music, especially this song.

“Drain the Blood” – The Distillers (03)

I love strong lady rockstars. A little bit of Hole/Courtney Love influence.

“Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes (03)

You want a loud show? Go back in time and see The White Stripes.

“Fall Back Down” – Rancid (03)

Mainstream punk like this just isn’t around anymore. Or maybe I’m just looking hard enough.

“Must Get Out” – Maroon 5 (03)

The Songs About Jane album is pretty great and probably the only songs I like from Maroon 5. We listen to this song in dance class once and it’s been a fave ever since.

“Ocean Avenue” – Yellowcard (03)

Can’t drive on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica without humming this song.

“Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy” – Fall Out Boy (03)

Not the biggest Fall Out Boy fan, but this song was always so cute. My friends and I would sing this song at the top of our lungs.

“Maps” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

I will never get sick of this song.

“Who’s Gonna Save Us” – The Living End (03)

Their big single “Prisoner of Society” came out a few years earlier, but I always liked this song best. The Living End was the opener on the Blink-182/No Doubt tour in 2004 and were really fun to see live.

“A Favor House Atlantic” – Coheed and Cambria (03)

I couldn’t tell you why I love this song so much, especially because it’s SO whiny and high pitched, but it holds a special place in my heart.

“Look What Happened” – Less Than Jake (03)

A little bit of ska influence that I love so much!

“Helena” – My Chemical Romance (04)

Growing up I was never a big MCR fan, they sounded a little emo for my taste, but I did love this song. A lot of that being for this beautiful music video.

“Beating Heart Baby” – Head Automatica (04)

This was my SONG! I was absolutely obsessed with this song and I thought I was the only one in the world who knew about it. It came on during morning announcements my senior year of high school and I almost had a fit in the middle of class.

“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers

If your party has hit a lull and you want to pump up your party guests, play The Killers, Most importantly, PLAY THIS SONG. I probably should have had this on my favorite albums list.