College was certainly a chapter of all-time. A period where I had to grow up alone and recognize who’ll have your back or simply toss you aside like garbage.
During my 3.5 years at the University of Idaho (graduated a semester early), I can tell you many tales of the good, bad, and ugly side of being a college student.
What I’ve decided to share here are the songs I enjoyed listening in that era. With a little twist, actually playing several of those memorable songs on-air.
While pursuing my degree in broadcasting, I was also a student radio disc jockey at KUOI-FM Moscow 89.3 for my entire tenure. I’ve hosted over a hundred episodes, played over 2,000 songs, and created several corny parody intros and cringeworthy skits.
The grandest takeaway from my time at KUOI were the memories I’ve made and the variety of artists I’ve discovered and falling in love with their craft.
More importantly, it became my safe space and escape from the vile rat race I had to endure. When I graduated in 2016, the biggest thank you I could’ve given to KUOI was hosting a 24-hour show and barely had enough energy to accomplish this feat.
Although part of me wishes I can still do this because of the many more acts I’ve discovered since 2016, I’ll always cherish this time period.
Forever my heart is locked tight on being a part of the station’s history and proudly represented KUOI with honor and dignity. Even when things didn’t felt that way elsewhere.
With this year being a decade removed from beginning my chapter at Idaho, I wanted to remember 100 songs that came to define my collegiate life.
As I do each year, I rank 100 songs I felt the vibe each year. This one is very unique because it’s not a specific year, but a time period with this focusing on 2013-2016.
No question, the 2023 edition will come out at the end of the month. You can expect my range of music being all over the place. But in this edition, it’s the “wild, wild, west” with my music tastes.
It certainly reflected what my radio show was all about. Playing what I was digging on-and-off campus, but also songs that deserved being discovered.
First, I’ll be highlighting three songs that deserved a mention. Great tunes I played a lot, but either the song isn’t on streaming services or it didn’t quite fit my list due to the odd nature of why I played it during my college days.
Honorable Mention: Jim Johnston – Rest In Peace (2004)
The song I played the most at KUOI was The Undertaker’s entrance music. Mostly for my alter ego, Stefan Montana.
A character that has some mannerisms of the Deadman, but with some human elements as evident with my series skit and stories of the man who is based on myself, Undertaker, Tony Montana (without the drugs and killing), and several action movie characters. A bad ass with a genuine bad attitude.
I would’ve put this in my top-20, but is it really a genuine tune I played elsewhere? Not really. Besides, what I do have in my top-20 that’s a wrestling theme made more sense to make my final cut in terms of who I was at Idaho.
Honorable Mention: Eduard Khil – I Am Very Glad, Because I’m Finally Returning Back Home (Live) (1976)
In case you’re wondering what was the actual name of the song that came out in 1966. It’s there for you, but we all remember it under its popular name. I felt like including it here because it brings genuine joy to anyone. Bummer it just missed my cut, but a mention is better than nothing.
Honorable Mention: The xx – Finally (2013)
It is criminal this song isn’t considered a gem for covers. The whole vibe of “Finally” bodies the one Kings of Tomorrow released in the 1990s. I’ve used this song as my radio show outro because it changes my mood for the absolute better. Love at first hearing when I discovered this tune at around 2014-15 and it’s still a song I go back and play every once in awhile.
This cover by The xx is definitely a go-to listen whenever I’m in Southern California area and always envisioned jamming to it at La Jolla. Speaking of La Jolla, I hope to go back there someday because I crave for some waves and golden hour in the area.
Sometimes, college can feel like a blur. So much, that songs will reappear into my mind that made bigger impacts.
Therefore, this blog will be updated. Any songs that originally made my cut will be bumped, but it’ll remain in this blog. It’s a good reminder of how many flashbacks I’ve had since its original publication on December 11, 2023.
Panic! At the Disco – Victorious (2016)
SONG WAS BUMPED OUT OF THE TOP 100 ON DECEMBER 28, 2023
WrestleMania 32 was awful, but the highlight package of the show certainly wasn’t. At the time, I liked the song for it’s catchy nature and it helped enhanced the rare WWE PPV/PLE outro. It was certainly miles better than the song before, which was that bore fest Flo Rida “house” song.
Bibio – Pretentious (2011)
SONG WAS BUMPED OUT OF THE TOP 100 ON JANUARY 9, 2024
The grand reason why I put this list together was pondering of obscure songs I listened to and played in Idaho. A lengthy, mellow trip of a record I played during my walks during freshman year. There’s some 80s new wave elements and most certainty, reggae traits. The outro drew me emotionally of how out of nowhere it sounded because you’d think the song was initially over. I still kind of like the tune after hearing it for the first time in over eight years. Good for the road.
Manu Chao – Me Gustas Tu (2001)
SONG WAS BUMPED OUT OF THE TOP 100 ON FEBRUARY 13, 2024
A song that goes back to my childhood came back into my life in high school. However, this legendary Latin song became a favorite in the genre in college. Should I ever do a motion picture (extreme pipe dream, just let me imagine for a second), I’d consider this track for a trailer. It’s honestly a timeless record that holds up.
HEALTH – Heaven (Narctrax Rmx) (2008)
SONG WAS BUMPED OUT OF THE TOP 100 ON FEBRUARY 13, 2024
Electronic dance music during college hits different! If I were to say which songs should be in Grand Theft Auto VI (maybe that should be my next blog), this would be one of many. Rockstar Games are notorious for having tracks people would ultimately fall in love. I’d like to think it’ll fit the bill for some adventurous mayhem.
“Heaven (Narctrax Rmx)” requires patience and shall be listened when you have a long drive ahead. It won’t work on a commute which is why I rarely listen to it now. Certain songs require appropriate settings and time.
Let’s not waste more time and dive into the 100 songs (few songs accompanied with different versions) I enjoyed at Idaho.
My sanctuary for 3.5 years was doing shows at KUOI-FM Moscow 89.3 and yes, I did play this particular album a lot. In large part of one song I fell in love for different reasons that I will discuss in this list. It would’ve been Iron Maiden’s The Number of the Beast, but it would go missing from the library not long after freshman year. What a sad tale!
100) Sigala – Sweet Lovin’ (2015)
UPDATE: ADDED ON FEBRUARY 13, 2024
How can I forget this song used as part of my dance course final in Spring 2016? It was a period of time where I felt like honing my dance craft by taking two courses at Idaho. No matter how many times I’ve heard this song, it’ll always hold a soft spot in my heart.
Plus, I can envision myself driving around Monaco in a V10 Formula One car while on the dance floor. I totally have some weird imaginations!
99) Sara Bareilles – Brave (2013)
I’m in the boat where Katy Perry’s “Roar” is extremely weak and inferior compared to “Brave.” Everything about this classic stood out graciously and one of a few songs I fell in love through my three years as a junior counselor at Mt. Triumph. You’ll see a couple songs here where music memories were made at camp which did fell in my college run.
Side note, I can see why Jack Antonoff is one of the top producers of music today. This checks out!
98) Cream – I Feel Free (1966)
During freshman year, I took a course on the history of rock music which was one of my three favorite courses I took at Idaho. I owe a lot of credit for that course expanding my musical horizons and appreciate the 60s and 70s a lot more.
Especially, now and days when I began appreciating acts like Joni Mitchell and sometimes the members from Cream. “I Feel Free” was one of those songs I found as a total bop in the beginning of college. As I branched out with my music taste (some years better than others), this song never really left me.
97) The Game & Skrillex – El Chapo (2015)
UPDATE: ADDED ON JANUARY 9, 2024
Remember when Conor McGregor was the hot shit in the combat fighting world? Pepperidge Farm remembers!
In a time where I was having a bit of an identity crisis, “El Chapo” hit like a truck in the most lit way imaginable. It became a small anthem of mine when I was just starting doing stuff for the school paper. I was the outcast, the outsider and a martyr to many.
Fittingly, this song McGregor used stuck with me for the latter half of junior year. I also remember a bunch of supposed skanks blasting this song in their car. Moscow was a vibe in 2016.
96) The xx – Try (2012)
The xx will appear a lot in this list with this being the first of 10 songs that stood out at Idaho. During Spring 2014, I was well into my xx phase and “Try” was one of a few songs I played on rotation at KUOI or while walking around Moscow.
It was a period in my life where the search for love and answers were extremely complicated. To the point where it drove me insane which I’ve long moved on from because the crap I was worried about became irrelevant over time. Especially, towards the end of my college run where I had other stuff to worry over ghosting, lust and trusting others.
95) Nazareth – Hair of the Dog (1975)
“Hair of the Dog” shreds and as a college junior, it gave off huge rock and roll energy or what people say today, “Chad” energy. The song needs no explanation as to why it’s such an underrated 70s rock record.
94) HEALTH – Lost Time (2007)
Haunting and chilling are the two words I best describe this track. It woke me up a time or two around sophomore-junior year at Idaho. I would let songs play as a way to fall asleep and something about “Lost Time” felt euphoric upon several listens.
Like the end of one act and entering a new one. In this case, the beginning of the final act. It’s what I felt in that time period and arguably became a symbol to where life was going back then.
93) Thompson Twins – If You Were Here (1983)
There was a period where I was heavy on my “crush phase” with someone from across the Palouse. It didn’t go far and we’re not on speaking terms since 2019. But I did associated this song with her and it stemmed from watching Sixteen Candles during break (2014-15). I was enamored by the lyrics and synths during my sophomore year and once that dreadful year ended, the song stayed there and moved on with other songs.
92) MVP – Return of the Ronin (2015)
In a period where I watched and talked about wrestling, there were very few songs I would play regularly. Even in my radio show, I wouldn’t play wrestling entrance music unless it was cool.
However, Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) put out a banger when he arrived at TNA IMPACT in 2015. I resonated with this track because I was initially going to transfer from Idaho to Houston, but those plans were scrapped.
Naturally, “Return of the Ronin” came out and knew it was going to be my new theme of my show. Implying to the critics and detractors that I’m not going away. Deal with it! Sure, I made an impact but far from a baller that’s for sure.
91) Charli XCX – Boom Clap (2014)
You can say Charli XCX was one of my quote-on-quote “it girls” in music (even today). I did like The Fault In Our Stars when it came out and “Boom Clap” was the highlight of the soundtrack. What she’s good at is creating earworm choruses and this was no exception.
While this song came into my life in the final month of senior year, this record became an instant favorite and this song was perfect for my magnum opus in terms of video content I’ve yet to surpass to this very day.
89) The xx – Crystalised (2009)
This song was when I realized this group was pretty popular to us college people. Mind you, this was in 2014-15 when they haven’t released “I See You” (came out in 2017).
“Crystalised” was definitely a highlight from their 2009 debut album which remains one of my favorite albums of all-time and you can say, an album you can play without skipping a track. You know your album is elite when each track are memorable in their own right.
88) Fey – Gatos En El Balcon (1995)
In early 2015, I rediscovered an artist I haven’t heard from since 1998-99 (give or take). Fey was one artist I used to listened to a lot in that period, I can see why. Once I heard Fey’s music again, I played several of her songs like “Gatos En El Balcon” from her debut album.
I forever associate this song when I played it one too many times on February 1, 2015. Fuck Super Bowl 49! Amazing song to this very day! The game I was watching that night, burn in hell!
87) Caribou – Sun (2010)
Another electro pop song I played frequently during random times. Especially, when I visited my aunt and uncle in San Jose in the years 2015 and 2016. I’d go there to seem them but also see the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma in June. Especially in 2015, when I left this song on repeat all night and into the morning. It became another euphoric song where it’s meant to be played under specific circumstances. Timing is everything.
86) Phil Collins – In the Air Tonight (1981)
Towards the end of freshman year and entering my second year as a junior counselor, I felt some tension with some folks and even my livelihood. As I’ve mentioned in “Try,” I had a lot on my mind.
This song canceled out those thoughts and made me think about Miami Viceand the 1986 Miami vs. Oklahoma opener from CBS. It’s a great track to simply focus on myself, but also treat stuff like I was playing college football for a top-ranked school.
Yeah, I used to have a weird “everything’s a National Championship Game” mentality that’s since long gone. Now, it’s “you live by the gig, you die by the gig.” Gotta love how life works sometimes!
85) Desiigner – Panda (2016)
I’m forever grateful for this “fuck all sense” record’s existence. Desiigner knocked the worst song of all-time (“Work”) off at No. 1 in the Billboard Hot 100. So yeah, this song was a banger and a personal favorite, bias be damned! Real talk, I heard this song at a party (never forget) in Spring 2016 and thought it was vibe. Little did I knew, this song would be a hit I’ll never forget.
84) Wilson Pickett – Land of 1000 Dances (1966)
What was the 1000th song I played during my radio career? You’re looking at it! I purposely chose this song for the milestone because of the number and it had to be a danceable record. Need I say more about this all-time classic?
83) Dum Dum Girls – Bedroom Eyes (2011)
Catchy, memorable and euphoric AF! Quite a time period college was when songs like this Dum Dum Girls track came into my life.
82) Silla – Marlboro Mann (2011)
Okay, how the fuck I discovered this song from a German rapper named Silla? I’d like to think it randomly popped up in my YouTube search some time in my dorm. Unfortunately, I can’t fully recall how I discovered it other than maybe I was watching Marlboro Man commercials and this song appeared? It’s a nice tune despite not being fluent in German.
Far from a smoker, I’ve always liked the Marlboro look from the logo to the amazing motorsports liveries. I even have a Marlboro team shirt. It’s an odd fandom to like and this song further fueled the fandom.
81) Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Rich (2003)
Another memorable hook and riff I liked. Found this song through an OSW Review video (no clue which one) for how fast and intense the snippet was used. Played it a lot during freshman year.
80) Romeo Void – Never Say Never (1982)
The full version of this provocative song makes it complete compared to the short version used in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and what I’ve previously heard in one of those 80s compilation hit CDs I played a lot in middle school. What’s funny about the full version is that I’ve never heard it in full until playing it over the radio. Yes, this album was available in vinyl and of course I played it. Was surprised there was a six-minute version and instantly preferred playing this one.
79) Limp Bizkit – Counterfeit (1997)
An underrated Bizkit jam! It’s build kick ass, well the whole song does. Great listen when you’re driving to Eastern Washington and into the Palouse. I don’t know why, but “Counterfeit” hits different in long, dry roads. More so when it’s in the afternoon. If I hear this song in such setting now, I’m playing it at full volume.
78) Avenged Sevenfold – Hail to the King (2013)
Great song fit for a king. A year removed from earning such crown at Homecoming, this record was relatable. But since it came out during freshman year, it was more of a nostalgia trip. Fast forward to 2016, I was near the end of my junior year and reconnected to this song. Thanks to the usage for the dreadful Triple H vs. Roman Reigns match at WrestleMania 32. The promo was awesome, but the match wasn’t and boringly predictable.
77) Jim Johnston – Posse (1999)
The intermission song of all intermission songs. Anytime I needed to take a break in my show or needing to find something, I would always play the Mean Street Posse entrance music. It’s chill, mellow, very GTA III like. An underrated track from the Attitude Era and you bet when this song comes on my Spotify shuffle, the swag level increases when walking in the streets.
76) Garbage – #1 Crush (1997)
If there was a song I would’ve loved to play on air during my freshman year, “#1 Crush” was on top of my list. However, since I didn’t have the precious 10pm-6am slot, I had to wait until the second half of my college career to play it. If I even did by that point. I do have scripts and songs I’ve played in each episode, so I should know.
Anyways, this erotic song stood out for it’s orgasmic opener and haunting vocals from Shirley Manson. Most importantly, during the peak of my wrestling fandom, that Beulah McGillicutty vignette from 1996. Beulah vignette’s played a role on a couple of songs I really enjoyed during my time at Idaho, for better or worse.
75) Our Lady Peace – Whatever (2002)
The one band Cody Rhodes likes, but Steve Austin haven’t heard of for some reason. If it’s for the obvious regarding who had this song as their entrance music, I can understand. If not, I’m surprised because when you heard this in WWE programming from 2002-07, you knew danger was ahead in the squared circle.
Whenever I wanted to ban topics in my show, the opening riff symbolized “GTFO” energy. I had a running gag where each time I’ve mentioned a certain artist I detested at the time, I’d have this track ready. I’ve grown up a lot since my college days, so I wouldn’t play “Whatever” in that capacity. It’s silly!
74) Cyndi Lauper – True Colors (1986)
A song I carry to heart when looking back at leadership camp, especially the cover John Legend did which made it more powerful. That said, Cyndi Lauper’s impact in music shouldn’t be ignored because she was more than the fun pop girl. When it’s serious business, you get a gem like “True Colors” which will go down as her legacy song.
73) Metallica – Fuel (1997)
In an era where I only knew six Metallica songs, “Fuel” remained as my favorite tune. In large part because it was the only Metallica album in the station’s music library. Since graduating, Metallica became so much more than six songs, but a go-to band when I needed to play a song to eliminate any sense of boredom away from my body.
72) Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls (1984)
I’ve had weird dreams where I was envisioning a crew of men and women encountering each other in a dark alley. Think Hey Arnold! but more grown up orientated.Once they paired up, each paired up and danced like they were in some Western ballroom. Cringeworthy AF, I tell you what!
Freshman year, I was in my GTA V phase that went away at around 2019, a couple years after graduating from Idaho. “West End Girls” is one of those definitive anthems from the game and you can’t say otherwise. Sure, the songs from the game were weak compared to previous installments, but this wasn’t one of those weak tracks. Far from it!
71) Rae Sremmurd feat. Gucci Mane – Black Beatles (2016)
The ultimate swan song was this number-one hit from 2016. I won’t discuss about the version Nicki Minaj put out! Hearing it twice while heading to Washington State University was awkward, especially when you had that person I genuinely disliked and such person genuinely disliked me.
Enough of that bullshit, “Black Beatles” was a rap tune of all-time. It seemed fitting that a moody tune capped off senior year for me. Couldn’t have it any other way because it was a year I’d like to forget, except for football camerawork, volleyball content, a woman, and the radio station.
70) The Smiths – This Night Has Opened My Eyes (1984)
The long walks I took while going from Point A to Point B is etched into my brain. I actually forgot to include it on my list and had “One” by Metallica at No. 68 instead. However, I realized this Smiths’ track was far memorable because of the adventures I took. Specifically, when I had to go from campus to an editor’s home for a staff meeting. How can I forget that saga?
69) Rudimental feat. Ella Eyre – Waiting All Night (2013)
Fast and chaotic! It was enough for me to enjoy it during my early days of college. It should be used more for highlight packages, which I’ve only seen done for soccer/football around that era.
68) Ennino Morricone – The Ecstasy of Gold (1966)
A true song to ride into the sunset and when I had my last show, I made sure this would be one of the last three songs to play on air. Even before saying farewell in 2016, this song was an enigma. Like I was entering the biggest battle of my life and once seeing the film scene associated to the song, it’s nothing short of brilliance.
67) Pantera – Fucking Hostile (1992)
“Hostile,” as I could only say on-air once I had the coveted timeslot (IIRC 8:30-11pm on Saturdays) within the 10pm-6am window. Typical kick ass shit you’d expect from Pantera! If you don’t get up and jam to this, I’m so sorry.
66) Motörhead – The Game (2001)
Triple H – enough said! Played the opening before really diving into what I would talk about throughout the show. Not only I associate this song with my show, but I constantly played it on my way to class (with my headphones of course) during freshman year. Like I was king shit or something! Even the live versions from WrestleMania X-Seven and 21. I was so into this track!
65) Hans Zimmer – Las Vegas/End Credits (1988)
I only cared for the “Las Vegas” portion of the song because of how intense Hans Zimmer’s tune went in the 1988 film Rain Man and later usage from CBS during its Daytona 500 grids (ex. 1990). However, “End Credits” is a solid tune in its own right, but I’ve always preferred the first tune.
Whenever I did starting grids for certain NASCAR races, I used this as background music. It only made sense for me to do so because Dave Grusin’s “The Electric Horseman” was so taboo to upload on YouTube, your choices are limited.
64) Black Sabbath – Planet Caravan (1970)
A question I ask myself was why “Planet Caravan” was my main song when I said some deep shit like many college kids would do at coffee bars. As if I was going to be the next voice of reason for society or something. If you’ve seen An Extremely Goofy Movie, you’d understand what I’m trying to say. I’d like to say the smooth, laid back instrumental played a big role and also being a song I liked tremendously during the Summer and Fall of 2012.
Even during my time at Idaho, this song was a whole vibe I wish I can go back because life was simpler when I could provide words of wisdom for anyone that wanted to listen. Plus, it’s a great song to fall asleep and fantasize about anything your heart desires.
63) Van Halen – Everybody Wants Some!! (1980)
Deep in the heart of the jungle comes David Lee Roth with his usual energy. I always felt this song fits for the vibes of George of the Jungle and Tarzan. This Van Halen jam is one of those situational songs where it fits during certain times of day.
For me, it would be golden hour sunrises in California or Florida. No wonder why my visions for certain songs are weird and cathartic.
62) The xx – Reunion (2012)
Whenever the band members reunite and make their fourth album, it’s going to hit different. All three (Oliver Sim, Romy and Jamie xx) have done solo projects since 2017, but before all of that, their sophomore album Coexist delivered! Songs like “Reunion” that leads into “Sunset” highlight their craft well.
What I liked about the song is the idea of reuniting with people and I was all about that lifestyle back then. The people I cared about were the ones that kept me going. Especially, the ones I had feelings for at the time or built an incredible bond. Mind you, I had more female friends than guys in this time period. It’s kind of shifted since December 2016.
61) Mad Season – River of Deceit (1995)
A short lived super group featuring Alice in Chain’s lead singer Lynn Staley brought us a strong song. I have a hard time as to who of the Big Four of Grunge (Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam) had the best vocalist. Songs like “River of Deceit” provide such challenge because it’s a genuine toss up and each (Staley, Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder) have their unique vocal traits.
Just like “#1 Crush,” an ECW vignette featuring Beulah introduced me to this song. I couldn’t find the exact clip I saw in 2015 to showcase why the song fit perfectly. It’s similar to the one featuring another grunge song where she spoke about boxes (more on that later). Anyways, an all-time gem in the world of 90s rock.
60) Taylor Swift – Shake It Off (2014)
This song shook the landscape of music until Lorde’s “Royals” came into the scene. Now, we refer to this as an SV (Stolen Version), but before all of that went down, Taylor Swift’s style of music changed with 1989, arguably her best album.
“Shake It Off” solidified her as a megastar and in a period where I didn’t fully follow her pop works, it was lit AF! Sure, the “sick beat” is cringe to many (ask one of my brothers), but this was one of the better No. 1 hits during my college era. If not, the best pop song of that time period.
Spoiler Alert: She’ll appear a lot in this year’s “100 Songs I Felt the Vibe” blog. That’ll be my one and only spoiler! Let’s get back underway with the remaining songs.
59) Metallica – Sad But True (1991)
Freshman year of college, I did hear the opening 50 seconds somewhere. Only to realize that Kid Rock’s “American Bad Ass” sampled one of my three favorite “Black Album” songs. In case you’re wondering, the other two are “Unforgiven” and “Wherever I May Roam.”
Anyways, this was a banger and recognized this was better than “American Bad Ass” by a mile. I still enjoy listening to both songs, but “Sad But True” rules. You can thank a wrestling video where someone said Kid Rock used a Metallica song for “American Bad Ass” as the reason I played it several times in Moscow, Idaho.
58) Drake feat. Wizkid and Kyla – One Dance (2016)
Was it because I was craving to let loose? Perhaps.
When “One Dance” came out, I knew this had a whole laid back vibes and instantly loved the track. More so when it was towards the bitter end of junior year, which was my favorite.
Now that I’m thinking about it, one of the two times I spent the night in Seattle in 2016 (the night before the 100th Indy 500), I remember this being played. I felt like I was coming around with who I am and finally connecting with people. Those were the days when life felt fun. Singing “Come On Eileen” with two people comes to mind.
57) Charli XCX – Stay Away (2013)
Sophomore year was dreadful that rivaled junior year of high school in terms of how bad it was. Looking back, I was a bit unhinged and an asshole. Oh wait, the latter is what everyone perceived me as, especially senior year.
Like Mick Mars said about Generation Swine, instead of referring to the album, that school year “fucked me up.” It genuinely did! “Stay Away” was one of the songs I thought about making a music video for a school project. Glad I never used it because I would’ve buried this tune to the depths of hell! It’s a great deep cut from Charli XCX.
56) Imagine Dragons – Monster (2014)
The only reason I liked this song was of course, professional wrestling.
Imagine Dragons after “Monster” fucking suck ass! Working in hell for 11 months will do a number on hating a group. Even as a college freshman, I just knew this group wasn’t it, chief! “Radioactive” was beginning to sound mid to annoying, thanks to be cucked by someone in the Tolo/Sadie Hawkins dance in early 2013.
“Monster” drew me emotionally because of how well placed the song was used in the Daniel Bryan video package leading up to WrestleMania 30. One of the better packages of the 2010s.
55) Massive Attack – Teardrop (1998)
I’ve never watched House. I can say this about many iconic television shows, so I apologize! In fact, I heard this song at the KUOI station some time around junior year and was enamored with the whole song. Especially, when I had this random vision of Ray Manzarek of The Doors owning the keyboards at the beginning.
Honestly, this tune should be used for open wheel racing openers because anything that doesn’t involve Jared Leto is doing god’s work!
Timeless classic! It took weeks to remember “Loud Places” being such an impactful song during the final two summers as a college student. An emotional, rather uplifting song that got me thinking about the people I’ve had feelings back then. Someday, I’d love to hear this song with the girl of my dreams and just live life.
52A) The xx – Missing (2012)
Certain songs strikes an emotional nerve in random places. “Missing” was one of those where it hit me like a truck and got me through tough times working for the school paper. Being an introvert and genuine loner in that environment wasn’t easy. Lo and behold, the only song I didn’t care for years ago, came back into my life and at the right time.
52B) The xx – Missing (Round Remix) (2012)
As I like to do with my top-100 songs, I like to include a remix or a live version. The remix also brought a unique energy that was inescapable, especially when it was the Summer of 2016. A lot of unknowns and wild feelings were realized with the remix being an anthem.
51) ABBA – Voluez-Vous (1979)
I’d like to think if this song was played at a dance room, my bum ass would jam to this ABBA classic! Like “One Dance,” this was a track I played heavily during the end of junior year and into the summer break. The bass breakdown is an absolute banger and tended to loop it many times.
50) Drake – Hold On, We’re Going Home (2013)
Every time I hear this song, I think about the Summer and Fall of 2014. Just thinking about several things, primarily the ladies I liked, and this track capsulated that time period well.
GOATed song, GOATed album! From the Scarface sample to the whole entire tale is elite AF! I’ll always have a soft spot for this track and glad it came into my life.
48) Calvin Harris – Acceptable in the 80’s (2007)
OSW Reviews! Main reason why it’s ranked very high on my list because I would watch their videos a lot during the first half of college. Specifically, during freshman year when I was into that sort of thing. I still watch their videos when time allows and the wrestling event in subject intrigues me.
47) Luke – I Wanna Rock (1992)
Another junior year track I played regularly because I thought this was a banger. I’m not sure how this song or any of Luke’s tracks would fare in today’s environment. It’s tame compared to the other rap songs that came out in college. Remember, WAP wasn’t a thing back then!
46) Three Days Grace – I Hate Everything About You (2003)
Taking it back to the days I would blast this through my headphones. It’s more than a song from NASCAR Thunder 2004, it’s a lifestyle when you dislike someone. I associate this song with sophomore year and Fall 2016 with different people. The latter in particular because of the animosity we had over stupid shit and it was. Even to this day, I associate the song with that person, but not while playing the aforementioned NASCAR game.
45) Selena – La Carcacha (Live) (1995)
The live version of one of my favorite Selena songs is a different mood! More so when it starts after “Techno Cumbia.”
44) The Human League – The Lebanon (1984)
For the same reason I explained about why I liked playing “Never Say Never,” there’s something about the full version that made the song much better. The LP had the whole song which caught me by surprise because I’ve only heard the single version from one of their compilation albums I played a lot in middle school. Exact carbon copy of what I said about “Never Say Never.”
43) Rage Against the Machine – Testify (1999)
The years 2015 and 2016 were an odd period for me. Not for the subject matter, but with my overall music choices. This was one of those tunes.
42) The xx – Unfold (2012)
During the latter half of my time at KUOI, I used “Unfold” as a symbolism song for a skit series. I took this character called Stefan Montana and inserted him into a love crime series that lasted four semesters. With “Unfold,” I made it as a love letter tune for him and Alina Montague Perry, Stefan’s love interest that went missing from 2001-2012.
Even before making the series, this track was a whirlwind of emotions. As was the case for the whole Coexist album. I think about SoCal sunsets on the beach and complicated drama stories when playing it back in Moscow.
41) Simple Minds – All The Things She Said (1985)
Freshman year was weird. What else did you expect from a guy who studied out of state?
This was a song I played tremendously from December 2013 through March 2014. Mostly because I dealt with my second ghosting in my life. I didn’t knew better what it was until I’ve endured many of those for the next decade, but I’ve also been doing the ghosting when it’s necessary.
No question, the Simple Minds record left me thinking about it more than it should. I’ve learned over time that this first encounter of ghosting turned into timing for the person. I always expect a few weeks before a response, so it’s all good. Better than most I’ve dealt with in my life.
40) Aerosmith – Dream On (1973)
The anthem of my senior year in high school became the very song I began my radio career in 2013. Fast forward to the end of my lovely radio career, “Dream On” was the very last song I played at KUOI. No brainer decision!
39) David Bowie – Heroes (1977)
I wish I can go back to the night I heard this song in a random GTA video in 2016. There was something amazing when I heard “Heroes” and wonder why I fell in love with this classic. It’s probably my favorite Bowie song and arguably, no song comes close. Like “Dream On,” I made sure this song gets played towards the end of the 24-hour show I did as a thank you gift for KUOI.
38) Audioslave – Be Yourself (2005)
More or less known in wrestling as Ashley Massaro’s entrance music, my first encounter of “Be Yourself” was the season she won the Divas competition. It became more than a song I heard from the entertainment world, but one of many mantras of the first half at Idaho.
It’s a powerful song in my book and why I battle as to who is the best grunge vocalist which I’ve already discussed when summarizing the impact “River of Deceit” had.
37) Gil Scott-Hero & Jamie xx – I’ll Take Care of You (2011)
You’d be surprised, I was shocked that I have heard a track from an xx member before 2013! Come to find out, Jamie xx was half responsible for why I related, loved and was attached by Drake and Rihanna’s “Take Care” back in junior year of high school (2011-12).
Fast forward to sophomore/junior year of college, it was a full circle moment to hear the original track. I prefer the OG than what Drake and Rihanna put out. That’s when I fully appreciated Jamie’s musical style and deserves his flowers. His style is top notch in my eyes.
36) Creed – Higher (1999)
If I had to choose what was my anthem during freshman year at Idaho, “Higher” will be right up there. Easy top-five anthem! More so when I played it a lot when I was still finding an accepting group of people to be a part of. It’s more or less why I liked the song in this time period.
35) Pharrell Williams – Happy (2014)
Hot take, “Happy” was one of the only real good number-one songs during my college period. It’s pure positivity that music needed and fun to play on repeat while playing NASCAR Dirt to Daytona at Welch Valley.
34) Pantera – Primal Concrete Sledge (1990)
Five words I’ll describe this Pantera classic: HARDCORE! EXTREME! WRECKFEST! SHREDS! CHAOS! There’s nothing else I can say as to why this kick ass song ruled!
33) Metallica – For Whom the Bell Tolls (1984)
Triple H’s WrestleMania 27 entrance music! Combine my favorite things and you can understand why Metallica’s first four albums are their best works. I really enjoy Ride the Lightning, but not until I graduated was when I fully listened to arguably my favorite album from the band.
During college, this song was motivation during the second half of Spring 2016. I needed that adrenaline rush and get back to my metal roots that was slipping away quite a bit. Incredible track to this very day! Cliff Burton’s riff is the stuff of legends.
32) Pantera – Walk (1992)
The first Pantera track I heard was this banger! The ultimate bad ass metal band!
Was it because of wrestling? Yes. Was it during freshman year? Yes. It was Rob Van Dam’s entrance music during his run at ECW aka his prime. What RVD was doing in ECW was revolutionary and nobody came close to him in the late 90s.
Having Pantera really helped him stand out and it led me to enjoy their work! Hopefully, I can finally see Pantera live in Seattle several months from now.
The guilty pleasure song from my college years! All I’m going to say about this song is “that night in Seattle” back in 2014 when I didn’t see Jeff Gordon win his final Brickyard 400. Nothing more to discuss because what happened that night, stays that night. But this song was a highlight!
30) The xx – Sunset (2012)
What a gorgeous track! It capsulated what I envision the Southern California college lifestyle would be like. Instead, all I had was the station and golden hours from my dorm to get full joy from hearing “Sunset.” Another reason why I loved The xx during this period.
29) Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz – Talk Dirty (2014)
Nah! Forget “Drunk in Love,” being the guilty pleasure song from college! “Talk Dirty” is the ultimate guilty pleasure tune!
For whatever reason, the “Chad” in me thought the hook would be perfect for my main ringtone in 2014! That’s when you know I was unhinged and tried too hard to edgy AF. Good bop, but definitely a track that’s dated.
28) Nirvana – Heart-Shaped Box (1994)
“The Beulah Trilogy” began with this Nirvana tune. Yes indeed, this was the song I went into full WCW (Women Crush Wednesday, when that was a thing) mode for Beulah. I’ll leave it there! As for the track itself, it’s a really good track from the group’s final album In Utero.
27A) Saliva – Superstar (2001)
Personally, I prefer the live version from WrestleMania X8 over the studio version! It’s still a great track, but I liked the live one much more due to its energy and how it sounded in my book.
27B) Saliva – Superstar (Live) (2002)
You decided which version is better! I’m sticking with this one nine times out of ten!
Speed and madness! Perfect for an rFactor run with the 90s Formula One mod, especially when it’s lights out and you’re rolling off 26th on the grid.
25) Iron Maiden – Run to the Hills (Live at Rock in Rio) (2001)
Another tune where I really enjoyed blasting the live track into my ears and airwaves! The crowd shouting the chorus is everything and an all-time favorite live track of mine.
24A) Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991)
Back in the day, there was a WWF Attitude Era video which had this song. However, it was in high pitched but made it even more powerful. Despite the slight change, Nirvana’s “magnum opus” (I disagree) was a common tune I played in the first two years at Idaho.
24B) Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit “(Live)” (1991)
Nothing beats this ultimate troll job by Kurt Cobain! Screw miming which is why “live” is under quotation! If the band wanted to rock, let there be rock dammit!
However, Top of the Pops wasn’t the show for pure live music. Nirvana decided to rebel on the miming idea and Cobain was in a Morrisey mood. It led to this iconic moment in music history!
23) Kid Rock – Bawitdaba (1998)
Before his name became taboo, this track wrecks! Absolute GET REKT vibes! I’ll never forget the usage of this classic in the ultimate flop that was WWE 2K15. Unfortunately, the song was only used in the trailer! Epic fail on WWE and 2K’s part!
The year 2014 will go down in history as the year where I realized I should never expect games to deliver when a trailer is too elite! The 2K trailer is one of the best ever, but the game with minimal features, fucking sucked…WWE 2K20 was way worse!
22) Selena – Techno Cumbia (Live) (1995)
The chorus and the sound production makes it majestic! I really don’t have to say whole lot because Selena’s singing and dancing tells the story! Personally, play this and “La Carcacha” back-to-back for full satisfaction.
An all-time East Coast joint I can play to set a certain winter mood! It hits different during the cold season, like most tunes from anyone that’s in Wu-Tang Clan. I would play this song in the background when one panel member from a wrestling review show spoke the hardcore truth about wrestling and society. Perhaps some of those people he wished they go to Hollywood.
20A) Within Temptation – Faster (2011)
Sharon den Adel is an underrated female vocalist! How this song came into my life boiled down to Formula One and it was everything I needed during the end of junior year and entering senior year. Trust me, I’ve been lied and cheated a lot at Idaho. Sometimes, certain moments felt like a fairytale and I had to escape from it fast. Whether or not I fully did is a mystery, but the song is powerful personified!
20B) Within Temptation – Faster (Acoustic) (2011)
Oh look! Another ranked song with an A and B labeled! I wonder why? Simply put, this stripped down version takes it to a different level. More so when things need to be slowed down a bit with my life. Sounds intimately charming!
19) Rage Against the Machine – Bullet in the Head (1992)
There was one college course I didn’t like, nor many people in such class, and I certainly didn’t like that professor.
If there was one saving grace, it’s this song being a subject matter. Considering how 2014 went, this Rage track was aggression personified! Full volume is required when hearing this tune.
18) Accept – Balls to the Wall (1983)
Another song highlight from freshman year! It made those climbs more adventurous! Even if most of those climbs were going from Point A to Point B. The Georgian chants is an enigma!
17) Fleetwood Mac – The Chain (1977)
A go-to tune in middle school. A go-to track in high school. A go-to track in college. A go-to track to this very day. It’s a tale old as time when this song is discussed in various media avenues.
“The Chain” peaked for me in this era because there’s something about the band’s only tune with all members credited as songwriters that resonated with me. Perhaps it’s the end of the song that I constantly played over and over again! That’s the nature of the beast when you’re a racing fan.
16) Peter Gabriel – In Your Eyes (1986)
For some reason, this girl who studied in the state of Utah brought immense feelings to me. During college, I thought about her when playing this song. I’ll admit, the odds of being more than friends was unlikely and by the time I graduated, I came to the realization that whatever magic I had with this girl evaporated over time. The track is really good though and I like to keep it that way.
15) Lebo M – He Lives In You (1995)
When those days of being a junior counselor were gone, a song I liked ages ago reappeared into my life. For some reason, I wanted to play the main song from The Lion King 2 and I understood why I liked it more than “Circle of Life.” Now that’s a hot take!
During the Summer of 2016, when I was spending a couple of weeks in San Jose, I played the tune regularly. I was thinking about the folks from camp who were entering their final year as JCs, just like I was the summer before. All of a sudden, I don’t know why I was visualizing Dale Earnhardt overseeing his son. As if this song has correlations to the 2001 Pepsi 400 at Daytona.
You see why my dreams are a hot mess? A Lion King song had me thinking about Earnhardt and the year 2001! I guess, you can call it “Summertime Sadness: Chad Edition.”
Anyways, I wished those people luck and missed them. Another song I played in the final hour of the final show I did at KUOI.
14) Lynyrd Skynyrd – Simple Man (1973)
Speaking of Earnhardt, “Simple Man” is the true Lynyrd Skynyrd anthem. It does make me think of the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, but there’s some similarities I had during junior year. I even used this song in my skit series as there were parallels to Stefan Montana and myself with what I was going through.
As I packed my bags to cap off junior year, I had this song on loop as I was sleeping and heading back home. Thinking about the highs and lows, except the fact I wasn’t having a son. Still don’t, but I do have a younger brother who was 11 months old when I returned home for summer break and online course. Good times! Wonderful music memories when I hear it now.
13) Robert Tepper – Angel of the City (1986)
UPDATE: ADDED ON FEBRUARY 13, 2024
Timeless! During my two years working for the school paper, I was an online site editor and had my proper desk in Spring 2016. I would place my 2001 Pepsi 400 Dale Jr. diecast and a 1994 Shawna Robinson diecast. But it was during this period when the algorithm suggested to play this song. I’ve only heard one song from Robert (“No Easy Way Out”), so I was curious and glad I was.
Criminally underrated 80s film tune that solidified why I was enamored by 80s music and the SoCal scene which remains stronger than ever today. So much, I had this as a ringtone for someone who truly epitomized what an angel was to me in SoCal. Priorities needed to be straighten out that’s for sure.
12) Dum Dum Girls – Coming Down (2011)
A true song that emotionally fucked me up! You can blame the song appearing in Orange is the New Black when Nicky Nichols (portrayed by Natasha Lyonne) was taken away.
From there, it became more than the song that appeared from my favorite show when I was in college. “Coming Down” became my go-to sad song! To me, it symbolized tragedy and regret. I don’t think I can say much other than those two words.
11) U2 – Walk On (2000)
Back in 2003, I had a VHS recording of the 2003 Ford 400. The bad news was my copy sped up everything like Speedy Gonzalez with the Chipmunks calling the race (Sample: I’m sorry). What stood out to me was the outro showcasing all the 2003 Winston Cup winners before capping off with Matt Kenseth as series champion.
Fast forward 10 years, I finally saw the outro how it was meant to be and “Walk On” was played. Instant classic that I shared it on my old Instagram account. Someone who ran U2’s official account thanked me when I posted that I was playing it as I was heading back home for winter break. Good times!
10) Alter Bridge – Metalingus (2004)
When you hear the line “You Think You Know Me,” shit was going down! It was my theme song for my radio show from 2015-16. When I needed to rebrand the show, it only made sense to go with Adam Copeland’s entrance music because I do feel a certain way.
People may think they know me, but they’re mistaken. Especially, the folks in college and those who’ve went the other way who I initially trusted back in high school. Lyrically, it’s my college mantra and I’ll always cherish it!
9) John Legend – If You’re Out There (2008)
The inspirational song of all inspirational songs. I could discuss about those summer years as a junior counselor at Mt. Triumph, but it’ll be the length of a book.
8) The xx – Intro (2009)
An incredible group with one of the best opening tracks on a debut album ever. It’s tough to compete with this one during this time period. While there’s several opening tracks from debut albums that I like more, “Intro” remains a top-10 opener in music history. It’s criminal that a song like this isn’t used in racing or major sporting events in general. Absolute criminal!
7) The xx – Angels (2012)
How this group followed up “Intro” with an even more mesmerizing album opener like “Angels?”
It’s a hard task for any artist who can follow up an iconic opening track from their debut album and follow it up with another gem for the sophomore effort! It may be the best sophomore album track opener ever. Right up there with Metallica’s “Fight Fire With Fire” which speaks volume on my musical taste.
6) Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – I Need to Know (1978)
There’s no tune that got my adrenaline flowing than this 70s gem! It’s a song that sounds so good on vinyl and a personal favorite to play on air when I felt like it deserved some love. This remains my favorite Tom Petty track to this very day.
5) The xx – Night Time (2009)
“Night Time” is a gorgeous, eye opening song and a great follow-up to “Infinity.” I’ve had many nights leaving this song on loop and waking up to it over the years. More so when I had my own dorm. It was an escape from the rat race.
But this song brought many dreams and fantasies, including a bizarre night venture with a girl in Seattle. This was when I fell head over heels on a girl I met in the Summer of 2013. Suddenly, such dream while this song was playing turned into “Bizarro World” because I had phone calls with different ringtones, but it was another girl. Yeah, this dream tale is like any dream involving love, stupid and weird.
4) Limp Bizkit – My Way (2000)
WrestleMania X-Seven is my favorite Mania of all-time. For the most part, the whole show didn’t fully skip a beat. Even the Gimmick Battle Royal was fine!
One of the reasons why it’s my favorite is because of the incredible theme used for the show. Especially, the GOATED video package of Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock for the WWF Championship, their second match of their Mania trilogy.
When I entered Idaho, “My Way” was my ringtone before changing it to “Talk Dirty” during “that” 2014 summer. Great jam and perhaps the band’s magnum opus. Everything clicks perfectly!
3) The Chain Gang of 1974 – Sleepwalking (2013)
The final song I downloaded into my iPod. I’ve not added nor removed any songs from it since entering Idaho because this song symbolized the dawn of a new chapter. It only seemed fitting that with this song used in GTA V, a lot of hype and memories were created that’ll last forever.
2) The Smiths – How Soon Is Now? (1983)
The most iconic intro in 80s music is “How Soon Is Now?” could be my biggest hot take in music. I frankly don’t care! Everything about it is euphoric, mysterious and mindboggling. At times, lustful because of a scene from The Wedding Singer which played this song. It’s an alarming song with deeper meanings beyond description.
1A) The xx – Infinity (2009)
This is why I fell in love with The xx’s music at Idaho. I learned they’re so much more than the group who had a song in The Great Gatsby soundtrack. It’s a grand vibe that swoons you and “Infinity” is the song I would recommend hearing! Emotionally driven, euphoric sounds and transcendent banter from a lyrical point of view.
Back in 2013, I overheard the song next to my dorm and knew it moved me that I must know who singed it. Once I found out it was The xx, my life changed and proved to be the sound and music of my college career. Songs like “Infinity” is why I make a valid case of xx being one of the greatest debut albums of all-time, but also the entire 2000s.
A group that defined my taste and thought there’s more music to explore that’s miles better than the mainstream. Without a doubt, this group is influential! It was a no-brainer putting “Infinity” as the song I felt the most vibes from 2013-16.
1B) The xx – Infinity (Live) (2010)
My big three Glastonbury tunes are “Falling” by HAIM in 2014, “99 Problems” by Jay-Z in 2008, and “Infinity” by The xx in 2010. The Glastonbury Festival always find ways to bring the absolute best out of an artist. This live version (honestly, their whole set) of “Infinity” took everything I loved about the song and made it a whole new experience. It’s hard not to cap off this blog with a live version of the song that defined my time at Idaho.
No matter how I feel about my time at the University of Idaho, those years molded my music taste. No time period can replicate the memories and discoveries I had with these 100 tunes. It’s why I look back at KUOI with fondness.
Even if several tunes were played a lot during summer away from campus and some that I never played on-air, it was a unique time period in my young life.
Hope you’ve enjoyed learning why those songs stood out and perhaps like those tracks.
Until we meet again, “doubt me if you insist, prove me wrong if I give consent.”
Hey there! Came across your post on the WordPress feed and couldn’t resist saying hello. I’m already hooked and eagerly anticipating more captivating posts. Can’t seem to find the follow button, haha! Guess I’ll have to bookmark your blog instead. But rest assured, I’ll be keeping an eye out for your updates!
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