13 Beats for the Week (1/20)

With a new decade on our hands, I thought it was only appropriate to give an ode to the music of my childhood: that of the late 90s and early 2000s.

1. “Miami” by Will Smith

Miami? Yes, please. After only one week back at Colgate, I’m ready for some warmer weather. Listening to this Will Smith classic will have you wishing you were teaching people how to dougie at an MTV Spring Break party.

2. “Hey Mr. DJ” by Backstreet Boys

Hands down, I was a Backstreet Boys fan. This song certainly transcends its time too. I expect to hear it at the Jug.

3.”Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani

This song definitely defined my middle school years. I always wished to have as much attitude as Gwen and her Harajuku girls. This shhhh is bananas.

4. “Hey Juliet” by LMNT

I distinctly remember hearing this song on Radio Disney in the car with my mom. As embarrassing as it may be, it still makes my workout playlist.

5.”Bringin’ Da Noise” by *NSYNC

Despite my continued devotions to being “Team Backstreet,” *NSYNC definitely had its high points. This song is definitely pre-game worthy.

6. “On the Way Down” by Ryan Cabrera

Unfortunately for Ryan Cabrera, after this hit single stopped gracing the airwaves he was on the way down. The last time I remember hearing about him was on an episode of “My Super Sweet Sixteen.” Despite his being a one-hit wonder, this song is still pretty good by teenage girl standards.

7. “Oops I Did It Again” by Britney Spears

A Britney classic. I’m personally a fan of the music video. Who doesn’t love Britney in a red leather suit in outer space?

8. “Upside Down” by A*Teens

The A*Teens were the best thing since … ABBA? How a group of four teenagers got to­gether and decided to remake a Swedish band’s music is beyond me, but I certainly reveled in it. “Upside Down” is basically your straightforward pop song but nevertheless is irresistible.

9. “S Club Party” by S Club 7

Not only did S Club 7 know how to party and make phenomenal music, but they had their own TV show. I like to think of it as a precursor to Jersey Shore. “There ain’t no party like an S Club party!”

10. “Wannabe” by Spice Girls

For having sold nearly seven million copies and spreading girl power among every pre-adolescent girl in the last decade, the Spice Girls certainly merit a place on this list. I’m just hoping for a final world tour so I can finally see them in concert.

11. “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson

This playlist would not be complete without a shout out to American Idol. Kelly proved herself as the first winner of the show, but surprisingly, nearly 10 years later, still puts out great singles. “Breakaway,” however, remains at the top of the list for her best work.

12. “Every Morning” by Sugar Ray

This song always made me think of California and made me want to rollerblade on Venice Beach. Or maybe it was just in that Mary-Kate and Ashley movie Billboard Dad.

13. “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin

The perfect finale to a defining decade: Ricky Martin. You haven’t lived if you haven’t sung this song at the top of your lungs at some point in your life.