High school.

What’s there to say about that tumultuously grinding and cut-throat four-year period?

It’s certainly not the time period where I “peaked,” and I will not accept that era as my “peak.” Part of me felt I’ve yet reached my “peak,” but I’ve sensed folks have labeled high school as my “peak” period.

If you only knew, people. If you only knew that I’ve done a lot of great things since 2013 (or 2016, the year I graduated from college) and refuse to slow down anytime soon. Even if my career trajectory has changed this decade alone.

As many roadblocks folks, especially the detractors, have thrown at me since 2013, I’m not the same guy from that quote-on-quote “peak” period. There are far more worse cases out there, believe me.

There’s a lot of traits that’s been put down for the better! Honestly, I’d hate high school Luis, 100% percent! Sure, some parts of me I’d respect and still carry to this day, but the negative aspects of old me is obsolete.

What hasn’t become obsolete however, is my bizarre taste in music and that’s what I’m going to be focusing on. Many may know, music is something I’m as passionate or even more than motorsports at this rate.

Now what do I do that showcases my hot mess of tunes I feel the vibe or in this case, felt the vibe?

Compiling a list from my old iPod that still works, select nearly 500 songs on a word document and narrow it down to 200. Of course!

From there, rank those 200 songs, reflect why one song was more memorable in high school over another. When the dust settled, I ended up with 100 songs that symbolized my unpredictable personality from being the shy kid with a teacher’s pet attitude as a freshman to a prick student with an opinionated, ego-centric attitude as a senior.

Also, it so happens to be that we’re almost done with 2024 and I love doing these posts!

Since 2019, I’ve done rankings of each year along with tracks that defined my time at the University of Idaho. Below, you’ll find those blog posts and a description of why each song made the cut based on personal moments and all-around song craftwork.

TOP 100 SONGS: COLLEGE | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023

What will be different from previous posts is rather than posting where a song ranked in subsequent years, I’ll be highlighting which school year was the peak of hearing the song. Several tunes were heard all throughout high school, but I’ll concentrate on why they mattered to a particular period.

For now, let’s dive into the hellacious madness known as high school and ponder why several songs I played stuck with me during that time period I don’t like looking back fondly these days. When it comes to music, I do look back at most of these fondly and wonder why I either should be glad I’ve branched or ponder why I even liked these tracks in the first place.

Hope you enjoy a trip down memory lane as I look back at the 100 songs I felt the vibe as a teenager!

DISCLAIMER: Several songs and artists that made my cut is based on the time period of 2009-2013. Anything the artists have done that is resentful and resulted in tarnished legacies since that period won’t be mentioned. It’s important to know that yes, I don’t condone certain wrongdoings that made me stop listening to those tracks, this post is about their works. Keep that in mind while listening and/or reading my rankings.

100) Ricky Martin – La Copa De La Vida (Spanglish Version) (1998)

PEAK PERIOD: Sophomore (2010-11)

The first entry on my list was the hardest to decide because there were so many bangers (each their own, keep that in mind) I listened to in high school. When I finally decided to lock my 100 definitive tunes, unlike the college rankings as it constantly changed over time, I went with my personal favorite version of “The Cup of Life,” which remains the best FIFA World Cup theme of all-time in my book.

Nothing but pure hype from start-to-finish that really stood out during my personal favorite year in high school. It did help rehearing this track in one of the old video announcements during first quarter. I don’t think the videos from 2009-12 are around anywhere, nor I have the desire in needing folks telling me with the exception of one video that I’ll explain later.

Just a fun, all-around tune from Ricky Martin!

99) John Cena & Tha Trademarc – The Time Is Now (2005)

PEAK PERIOD: Sophomore (2010-11)

Back when I used to like John Cena before that fucking match with Damien Sandow on RAW in October 2013! From that point on, I’ve not cared about him once I began watching Bruce Blitz’s videos around that time until that run ended in 2019.

However, I’m curious how his final year in wrestling goes which apparently will be a full-time farewell tour in 2025. I don’t hate him like I used to, but the company has been better since going to Hollywood.

Far from the biggest fan of his acting material (Batista is better, but at least Cena tries branching out, unlike The Rock), but he didn’t ruin Greta Gerwig’s Barbie for me. He got screentime with the ever gorgeous Dua Lipa. That’s a W in my book!

However, what I’ll always say is his theme is legendary! Well before that meme blew up during college, I ate that shit up when I had alone time at home because the song pumped up all the time. I’ve always envisioned this song as a great walkout song to a football game, especially during a period where I thought the Atlanta Falcons-New Orleans Saints rivalry was all the rage. Still an underrated rivalry, but it doesn’t hit different anymore.

You’d had to’ve been there when the rivalry peaked in the 2010s when Matt Ryan (Falcons) and Drew Brees (Saints) were the QBs. Fun times, even if the Saints regularly won those matchups which stung!

98) Eminem feat. Rihanna – Love the Way You Lie (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: Sophomore (2010-11)

Here’s my hottest music take — red hair era Rihanna is the best Rihanna and the only period I actually liked her music.

Never been the biggest fan of any of her works between this era because her music hits a nerve that irks me too much! But in the early 2010s, she was GOATED!

Especially, the tracks where she collaborated with artists and those were gold! More often than not, Rihanna was a lock for the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. In large part of songs like this one with Eminem, who will appear quite a bit in this blog.

This was in a time period where I did see this song as a spiritual successor to the ever controversial song “Kim,” from The Marshall Mathers LP. Although it doesn’t quite go full “Kim,” this song was chaotically good and an alarming theme left and right.

As good my sophomore year was, it was every bit as frustrating, especially with several people I had personal beefs. This track allowed me to channel out those folks, but I will admit this wasn’t a good song to channel those people out. This is a pretty sadistic tune, but if there’s a takeaway from this classic — “life is no Nintendo game.”

97) Rihanna feat. Drake – What’s My Name? (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: Sophomore (2010-11)

There’s a saying Steve Luvender use to say — “IS THIS THE BIG THREE?”

Here’s a big three for you: Snoop Dogg, DMX and Rihanna

Why are they “The Big Three?”

All three had a track called “What’s My Name” of course and all three a dramatically different and I like all three in their own right.

One of my brothers hated this song so much because of the name. The same reason I detested The Jonas Brothers’ “SOS” because ABBA had a song called “SOS” that was far superior.

Okay, what about The Weeknd having a song called “Gasoline,” just like HAIM?

Of course, I’ll always pick the latter, but the former’s track of “Gasoline” is fine. I’m not picky like that these days and I’m certain my brother is that way these days either, but enough of that crap!

This version of “What’s My Name” was another tune I liked due to its romantic elements and the beat accompanied by it. In a time where the tensions of romance was kicking into high gear. Certain people I began to crush on pretty hard, like any high schooler in any era would feel.

All these years later, it’s an alright number-one single. Not a tune I’d go out of my way to play regularly as it tends to get reptetitive.

96) Beck – E-Pro (2005)

PEAK PERIOD: Sophomore (2010-11)

To this very day, “E-Pro” is etched into my core memory because of one particular video announcement that also marked the end of the “Golden Era” of high school.

This was the song that played after having the biggest gaffe until getting bulldozed by Louisville’s Mykasa Robinson after following a Caitlin Clark layup during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament in Seattle.

Several days ago, I was doing an epic entrance where I got out of one of the huge tractor tires. However, it had previously rained for a few days and it created a slippery spot. Once I did my epic spot, I was supposed to climb out of the tractor tire and move on my merry way.

It was in that moment where I fucked up and accidently slipped into the puddle. Nearly broke my ass and my pants were ruined, but the whole crew had a good laugh after finding out I was okay. Therefore, a decision had to be made with that clip and it came down to me as to whether or not I’ll let them use that clip. I didn’t care at all, I told them to run it!

Lo and behold, students saw the clip Friday morning and in one swril moment, my epic entrance with Ric Flair’s theme (aka the 2001: A Space Odyssey theme) became an afterthought. My fall was what everyone talked about because of it’s comedic effect.

After the fall, one person (no names will be mentioned in this post) said if I was okay. Seconds later, BAM! Cue “E-Pro!” It was the “roll credits” effect we’ve seen in movies over the past decade. Think of the MCU Spider-Man movies!

The fall was a resounding success, but I can’t remember if it was this video or a couple after where those video announcements were canceled for the rest of the 2010-11 school year. All because of that fucking 127 Hours “skit” where angry feelings was a huge understatement. People were pissed!

With that, the “Golden Era” was over. Yes, the quality of the videos drastically improved over time, but the strong momentum the crew had was killed.

Now, “E-Pro” is a track I see being a great tune for NASCAR hype videos, particularly the days when the All-Star Race was held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. I tried doing a starting grid video, but like many projects or visions, it was scrapped.

95) SisQó – Thong Song (1999)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

Senior year of high school is vastly overrated in my eyes!

What wasn’t overrated were the songs I loved during the 2012-13 school year. A lot of the tracks were thought provoking and primarily centered around one theme — lust.

This was one of many, many, many songs I had in mind playing once I had my driver’s license that wouldn’t come into fruition until Age 26. By then, “Thong Song” was a massive afterthought. Probably for the best because I can understand why this song wouldn’t fly in 2024 due to the subject matter.

Back then, this was a boss track and kicked those hormones into high gear. For the record, such subject matter will be vague because unlike a certain trio who wants a reboot, certain mindsets of a person should stay off-record.

That said, this was a fun tune to play regularly. More fun as the sun was setting down on a late winter/early spring afternoon in the state of Washington. Would’ve been a fun tune for a school dance, but it would’ve NEVER made the aux and that’s a fact!

I’d just began relistening to this classic about damn women’s underwear that Sisqó was so fucking passionate about. He poured his soul to this tune and my god, the violins will always be fire! Too fire than it should’ve been for a beat that was fully intended to win Michael Jackson over.

Yes, that Michael Jackson! This song led to Sisqó finally collaborating with “The King of Pop” under the condition of doing something more fire than “Thong Song.”

The story behind the song and what he had to go through, all in the quest of winning Michael Jackson over, is incredible. Even if it caused friction with Ricky Martin’s people that resulted in lost revenue.

A byproduct of its time, “Thong Song” was a unique masterpiece.

94) Mr. Mister – Broken Wings (1985)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City remains my favorite GTA game and you bet your ass I’m thrilled for GTA 6 taking place in Vice City.

On its own merit, “Broken Wings” is one of my favorite 80s songs of all-time. It’s a timeless tune that brings comforting yet cathartic memories.

Junior year of high school was an absolute mindfuck, but “Broken Wings” was a safe space tune where I can channel the hardships (90% self-inflicting) out of my mind and pictured myself elsewhere.

Just like one part of the music video, my vision was being on the dance floor with the “love of my life” and everyone else is watching us slow dance to the tune. Bright lights beaming us like the ending of Licorice Pizza (minus the drastic age gap) and it ends with a kiss.

Like many dreams in high school, it didn’t come true.

93) Nicki Minaj – Pound the Alarm (2012)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

There was something about the stigma of “good girl, gone bad” that was appealing to me back then. Like it makes certain women more attractive when there’s a sudden edge to a personality.

It’s the best way to summarize this blaringly obnoxious record I don’t go back and casually listen. These days, I’ve only heard this track after warmups during Silvertips games I do camerawork, but that was awhile ago.

For its time, it was a heelish diva tune that oozed glitter madness that would’ve made Sue from The Substance blush.

92) Bill Withers – Lean On Me (1972)

PEAK PERIOD: Sophomore (2010-11)

Night 5 at Mt. Triumph. The walk back to our cabins singing to this song, some beautifully sung. Not me though, I’m no singer.

By that point, it was slowly starting to hit me that we’re near the end game of what was a magical time that I’m blessed to have go back the following year. More so when I was a junior counselor after high school.

It’s an all-around amazing song — except the wannabe hip-to-be-cool garbage cover from the 80s. Commercialized gutterball!

91) Bonnie Tyler – Holding Out For A Hero (1984)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

“After five long years of crushing dominance, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series enters the Chase and once again, finds itself ‘Holding Out for a Hero’?”

Words from Brock Beard to describe an era where Jimmie Johnson conquered the sport like John Cena’s stranglehold of being the top guy in WWE during this time period.

Yes, I associate this song with Brock. Not Footloose, not Shrek 2, not even that shit cover used in Euphoria, but the 2011 GEICO 400 starting grid video!

One of the only positive tunes I heard during the 2011-12 school year. Makes me want to strap into a race car and just try to conquer “Super Jimmie,” so I can become the hero of NASCAR. You can say, that’s one way to have a little adrenaline in my soul.

90) Van Halen – Right Now (1991)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

One of two songs I had to fight for and technically succeeded of making it happen. “Right Now” was the perfect song for a basketball hype video that fit the tune known as the third annual Cat Fight.

The problem was getting the video onto the YouTube platforms because this was a period where WMG (and Viacom) were ruthless to anything that involved their property. I wanted the video to be a smashing hit, but it never made it to the platform.

A consolation prize was doing a dubbed version without “Right Now” that went as well as WWE Network’s dubs of the ECW video library. Not great!

In the end, the video was distributed to the staff and that’s it.

Small victory is better than no victory at all, especially as a high school junior.

89) Snoop Dogg – It’s D Only Thing (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: Sophomore (2010-11)

Another one of my crazy ideas was doing a FMV of this song with dozens and dozens of clips highlighting what made sports great in that period. More importantly, try matching the moments with Snoop’s lyrics.

The one line about the streets, slap in Ayrton Senna ferociously fending off Nigel Mansell in the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix. The other one about the NBA being the home of amazing moments, Michael Jordan’s “Layup” from the 1991 NBA Finals comes to mind.

To this day, I think this vision can work, but it’ll be even harder to choose clips. Since high school, we’ve had athletes such as Patrick Mahomes, Caitlin Clark, Simone Biles, and Shohei Ohtani who’ve changed the sports world. Adding onto the challenge are iconic plays like “The Block” from LeBron James, “The Hail Melon” from Ross Chastain, and who can forget “Kick Six.”

What makes this entry so special is hearing it on a plane. When we were heading back home after the Shell Eco Marathon held at Houston at the time, there was something euphoric about this song playing mid-air. Nothing but clouds as the David Banner produced beat was starting to kick in. Can’t beat that feeling!

These are the songs I love! Just for moments like that time in 2011.

88) Rigo Tovar – La Sirenita (1976)

PEAK PERIOD: SeNIOR (2012-13)

In my era (even now despite not living there in over a decade), I wouldn’t want to be caught hearing tunes outside the English-language that wasn’t reggaeton. It was that kind of town.

Therefore, I had to play this on the low and away from school. It’s a classic tune I heard a lot at the house, but it wasn’t until senior year when I began appreciating this record.

87) Pet Shop Boys – Always On My Mind (1987)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

Another record where the song tended to be a theme of romantic fantasies, highlighted by the iconic synths. Killer 80s tune, killer cover to an already incredible tune. Pet Shop Boys really brought the vibes here.

It was one of those fantasy tales where I thought it could’ve been a work of art, like straight out of a motion picture with this track being the focal point. Probably best it stays in the can in my opinion.

86) David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj – Turn Me On (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

This was around the time period I thought anything that sounded sexy and provocative was dance material. David Guetta had a couple of those tunes where it felt that way. Even if the beat was borderline minimalistic.

In late February and early March 2012, this was in my heavy rotation and I look back in that time wondering why I liked this tune? It’s probably because of what I said earlier, the idea of a person having a certain edge to their personality and associating it with a song that fits the bill. Bunch of bologna!

At the end of the day, there’s really nothing quirky or special about “Turn Me On” that wasn’t heard already on mainstream radio.

85) Taylor Swift – You Belong With Me (2008)

PEAK PERIOD: FRESHMAN (2009-10)

I’d put “Taylor’s Version,” but it didn’t exist yet back in high school.

I love that Taylor Swift still made tunes about high school all these years later. Figuratively (“Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” in 2019) and literally (“So High School” in 2024) speaking.

Like many people, I watched the 2009 VMAs live on television (the only time I did until 2024). You know what happened that night. This song is associated to that moment we all know involving her and Kanye West.

Unforgettable tune from her second album, Fearless. This song was one of a few tunes that I liked in middle school that carried onto high school.

“You Belong With Me” would return into relevance when I graduated from high school for a comedic reason that’ll stay off-record, but it was the 2009-10 school year where I associate this song. In large part of the 2009 VMAs because what’s somewhat lost in time is her amazing performance that made her a true star. Second best performance behind Lady Gaga. Nobody was gonna beat that bloody performance!

Remember, this was before she went pop and began racking up the millions and now billions of dollars. To me, Taylor Swift fully arrived that night with her VMA performance, but it’s not what people remember her in 2009.

By the way, I’ve always preferred this music video over Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” Corny? Duh! But I like the song accompanied with the music video and that’s a huge difference.

84) Los Del Garrote – La Cumbia Del Garrote (1999)

PEAK PERIOD: SeNIOR (2012-13)

What you hear is what turned out to be the actual version of the song. The one I heard during summer vacation in 2012 and throughout senior year was a slightly sped-up, high pitch version that was burnt into a CD my parents had. I prefer the one from the CD because it just sounds better and right.

Nothing wrong with the original tone, but it doesn’t hit different!

Senior year was a period where I was going back to my Hispanic roots and the music I listened to was no different.

Raunchy record when you think about it, like many cumbia tunes ended up being once I had a grasp of what the lyrics were about.

Is it about smashing? I’d say so. Borderline fucked up in a violent sense? I’d say so too.

Sick, mellow beat, especially the bass and I love me a sick bassline. But lyrically speaking, what the fuck?

83) The Bangles – Manic Monday (1986)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

Ever wonder what a quote-on-quote cool clique would look like in the middle of the city?

“Manic Monday” is that tune I think about when I associate those cool cliques, but as it turned out, cool doesn’t always equal noble folks.

Scrolling around social media when this song was playing on my iPod and it fit a group of people with ease because they were the classy yet mean cool clique.

Since the first time I heard this song at a random Spanish channel that aired a block of 80s music video, “Manic Monday” is a guilty pleasure tune I listen from time-to-time with my peak being junior year.

82) Cheap Trick – The Flame (1988)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

I’m glad this song doesn’t break me down mentally and emotionally. It used to as a kid (specifically 2002-04) because this was the track being played after every elimination from La Academia (Mexico’s answer to American Idol). More so when my favorite singers had their “tour ends here” (shoutout to Rock of Love with Bret Michaels) moment.

Fast forward to high school, I had a huge connection with the Class of 2011 and in the back of my mind, “The Flame” constantly played in my head. Knowingly, the connection was going to end after those group of people were going to graduate that June. All year long, I thought about this song and dreaded the “Moving Up Assembly” because to me, that was going to be the end of a nice little period in my life.

Fortunately, I held myself together and “The Flame” didn’t play in my head as I said my goodbyes left and right. Nothing was ever the same after the Class of 2011 moved on.

In the end, thanks to that show as a kid, “The Flame” holds sentimental value and probably will stay for the rest of my life. It’s an amazing song, but at times hard to sit down and play.

81) Jay-Z & Kanye West – Otis (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

When this song dropped, you had to have been there man!

Game-changing rap record in my eyes and loved that Otis Redding got his flowers. It still holds up to this day as evident when this made last year’s top-100 list and made the road back from Southern California tolerable.

At the time, my brother and I agreed this was one of the best rap songs of the 2010s due to its old school feeling. None of that trap music, autotune nonsense rap was getting a reputation in this time period.

80) Marilyn Manson – The Beautiful People (1996)

PEAK PERIOD: SeNIOR (2012-13)

Talk about a song I do want to run into a wall or drop some wrestling moves like it’s SmackDown from 2001-03. It’s not for everyone, but this song kicks all sorts of ass and definitely a tune I loved playing when I needed to put the bullshit in my rearview mirror.

Trust me, there was plenty of bullshit moments in my final year of high school. Bittersweet period I don’t like thinking about, even a year after the 10-year reunion.

79) Berlin – No More Words (1984)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

This “No More Words” is the one I was blasting my earphones. Sorry Jeff Hardy fans, who adore the theme with the same track title.

Berlin’s Terri Nunn was one of several female vocalists I really liked back in high school. Three songs come in mind, but only one stood out the most and that’s “No More Words” during my sophomore year. There was something about her fashion that rocked with this song symbolizing those feelings.

I’ve always pictured this song being perfect for a fictional town like Vice City or imaging myself in a 80s Winston Cup car storming around Daytona at speeds of over 200 mph. By the way, I wish this song makes the cut for GTA 6. I don’t know how you’d incorporate it, but “No More Words” oozes the 80s aesthetic.

78) Jay-Z – 99 Problems (2003)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Here’s another tale of one of my stupid ideas!

In this tale, it’s about doing a rap parody if I learned anything from that dreadful “Gasoline” parody I did about the 2023 Seattle Mariners, I should stay away from rewriting songs.

With “99 Problems” it was about the damn Falcons vs. Saints rivalry where I trashed talked about the Aints. There was a small possibility I was going to incorporate a music video with the parody. Something I ultimately ended up doing a year later for Spanish Class that I like to call “The Rodolfo Trilogy.”

Thank god I never went with the plan of butchering “99 Problems” with a parody. I didn’t have proper mic equipment back then because you didn’t want to hear what I was attempting to cook in 2011.

I was cooking garbage! Just like the one I ended up doing in 2023.

Despite having lyrics written, there will not be a 2024 Mariners elimination parody tune. It was going to be based on Twisted Sister’s “Burn in Hell,” in case you’re wondering what I was going for.

77) Mobb Deep – Shook Ones, Pt. II (1995)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

I really liked 8 Mile during this time period and Mobb Deep’s classic really solidify my reasonings behind the film being incredible. Total street anthem!

The song was all-around bad ass and full mean muggin’ energy in a time where I felt remotely cool. It’s stood the test of time and when I get the chance to play it, I’ll be blasting this tune at full volume.

76) Nas feat. Puff Daddy – Hate Me Now (1999)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

The song I played on repeat when I woke up before 3 a.m. to study for an AP test junior year. It didn’t go well and the extreme pressure of passing this course took a huge toll on me.

“Hate Me Now” screamed crunch time and hitting the books when I knew I was the worst student of such AP course. I know it was before we read and analyzed The Great Gatsby.

Anxiety was the word for that course and this track symbolized everything I was dealing junior year. Motivational, but definitely not a track I needed to play when the procrastination levels were at full song.

75) N.W.A. – Approach to Danger (1991)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

Already pissed off about a lot of things, still heartbroken and a reputation that was destroyed, the last thing I needed was what we refer to now as “ghosting.”

Prom was around the corner and after figuring out that I was ghosted, I took my anger and bitterness towards my family once the dance came and went. They didn’t fucking deserve any of the baggage I brought to them. Long story short, my mind was in a very terrible place and “Approach to Danger” was the tune that I associated such pittance.

This song is unofficially the anthem of the 1992 Los Angeles riots because it was placed on multiple documentaries that focused on the matter.

During that period, I did felt like Sting coming down the rafters, ready to attack the NWO. I was so over junior year and it led to a one-way ticket to the hospital because I didn’t handled my frustrations well. I kept it wrapped up in a ball and it broke me down, but I didn’t knew that in late April 2012.

74) The Doors – Wild Child (1969)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

During my first year competing in FBLA Regionals, there was a karaoke booth for those who wanted to sing. Mostly out of love for someone at the time, I decided to toss my name into the ringer and chose this song.

I held my own as I was trying to emulate Jim Morrison’s live performance of “Wild Child” at The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Killer track as you’d expect from The Doors.

How did I do in the competition? I placed fifth in Word Processing and qualified for State as a sophomore. The following year, I placed third in Word Processing II, and during senior year, I won the category.

How about your karaoke run? 2011 Regionals was the only time I did karaoke after an attempt to sing Billy Squier’s “The Stroke” at State was tossed in the trash.

I wouldn’t do karaoke until 2023 at the 10-year high school reunion where I performed Metallica’s “Seek and Destroy.” I did another performance at the Refuge Outdoor Festival, performing AC/DC’s “Back in Black” which wasn’t as good.

The only way you’ll ever get me to do karaoke is if I’m the right mood and the right people I’m surrounded by. Otherwise, three is enough for my liking!

73) Plain White T’s – Hey There Delilah (2005)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

In the Summer of 2011, “Hey There Delilah” was the song a few students at Mt. Triumph tried serenading the girls. It was a hit that I often think about after all these years.

From there, I truly appreciated this record and it carried into my junior year. In fact, I tried doing a serenade with this song to ask someone out to Homecoming, but I didn’t know how to play a guitar. Therefore, the song was scrapped and decided to learn Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” on piano instead. It didn’t go well because I ran my mouth and the word got out.

Should’ve quitted while I was ahead! If there was anything I was ahead of in the first place.

72) Lana Del Rey – Blue Jeans (2012)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

To me, there was nobody like Lana Del Rey when she came into the scene during my senior year. In fact, it was the summer leading up to my final year in high school where I first fell in love with her music.

Thanks through a VH1 countdown, she drew my attention with her sultry, unforgettable voice and Americana sex appeal. The tunes totally backed up those feelings with “Blue Jeans” being one of the first standout tracks from her brilliant career that carries on today.

She was the right artist at the right time for me when I needed to sense what the summer vibes was really about. Love tales man, it’s a total mindfuck that can be beautiful from time-to-time.

71) Camilo Sesto – Amor… Amar (1972)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

I was a troubled soul in 2012, particularly the first half.

This was an emotional tune about romance and during that period, I felt the impact that was hidden from the spotlight. Powerful ballad from one of my favorite Hispanic singers of all-time.

A tale of romantic agony like it was a glass case of emotions. Just the way I liked it back in the day.

70) Adele – Someone Like You (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

Those folks from Saturday Night Live summed up this song to an absolute tee and the fact Emily “Emma” Stone was in that skit was perfect looking back at it all these years later.

A powerful yet vulnerable song like Adele’s number-one single epitomizes everything I felt emotionally junior year for all the wrong reasons of course. My poor black heart resonated to the song and SNL’s depiction is mostly accurate because I wasn’t one of those that cried to the song. All I knew it was a super emotional track! I’ve said back then this is the most uplifting depressing song of all-time.

In reality, it’s one of the better number-one singles of the 2010s, a decade that didn’t have a five-star rating until Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” (the song came out in 2019) became number-one in 2023. Just one bit kept “Someone Like You” from earning a five-star rating from me and that was the ending, but who really cares if it’s a moving song!

69) Rihanna – S&M (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

The placing of this song was on purpose, but the position was also justified.

Seductive and pretty raw bop at the height of Rihanna’s prime, especially when it’s just her! I’m sorry, but the remix with Britney Spears which was the version that actually got credited as number-one, didn’t work for me.

Instrumentally speaking, it was a whole damn mood and a semi-fun tune to play while playing the old NASCAR Thunder games on the PS2.

68) INXS – Kiss the Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain) (1985)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Another record highly influenced for my love of GTA: Vice City and it’s probably my favorite INXS tune and they have a boat ton of bangers.

Quintessential 80s track in a period when the group haven’t yet become megastars around the world. This is another tune I like to fantasize myself going back in time and navigating around Daytona International Speedway on a warm February afternoon.

67) Kid Rock – American Bad Ass (2000)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

Senior year was the height of my wrestling fandom that was unlike any other period. It was when I was discovering the Attitude Era and when I saw The Undertaker come out to this song the RAW after Judgment Day 2000, I was pumped up.

This tune became my “heel” anthem when I was done trying to play nice on a lot of things. “American Bad Ass” (and Limp Bizkit’s “Rollin’,” which JUST missed my final cut) was the tune I associated my “heel turn” when I decided to get the design of Mike Tyson’s head on both sides of my head. It was an act of rebellion and a change of who I was as a person back then.

What made this track the anthem over the Limp Bizkit tune was the carnage I associated with The Undertaker from that show in 2000. That kicked ass and for a moment, wanted to be like “The American Bad Ass.” Key word, for a moment because ain’t no way I’d pull that crap off anywhere!

My fragile ego was a mess that year. No discussion.

66) Bob Dylan – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (1973)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

So good, yet so damn short!

During a very bad period in 2012, this became one of those “safe haven” records I played a lot to get myself out of my rut. But in turn, I did had feelings of death which wasn’t a healthy mindset and glad I was able to get out of that mess.

If you haven’t caught on, junior year fucking sucked!

65) Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer – Give Me Everything (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

A friend of mine from the racing world has mentioned a time or two that late 2000s and early 2010s club music was fun. They were simple tunes meant to create memories of having a good time, at least that’s the intention.

With this record, it was one of those tunes I felt good vibes every time I heard it towards the end of my sophomore year. It was my kind of music back then and while its sound is dated and the lyrics are silly, I can appreciate this era of club jams because it was fun.

I really don’t care for Charli XCX’s album Brat at this time and probably won’t for a long time due to reasons I’ll never describe here. Give me this era of mainstream club hits from high school!

64) Lady A – Need You Now (2009)

PEAK PERIOD: FRESHMAN (2009-10)

Formerly known as Lady Antebellum, “Need You Know” remains a timeless tune. The iconic piano notes and the chorus are unforgettable.

A perfect tune for prom season and I couldn’t understood why I felt that way. Probably of how it sounds was the reason. As I was thinking about it more, I remembered how impactful the song was in early 2010 in large part of the group performing this song at the 52nd Grammy Awards.

Initially, I thought my peak of my admiration of this song was as a sophomore, but it wasn’t. This was when I was slowly trying to get into the country scene in that period. Then and now, I’m willing to listen to female country vocalists because it’s tolerable for my musical tastes.

63) Eazy-E – Neighborhood Sniper (1992)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Unhinged chaos is the best way to describe a rather deep cut of Eazy-E’s works these days.

The moment the gun shots were heard on the track, the pedal was on the floor and Eazy never looked back. It’s unapologetic and raw all across the board, and as a sophomore, I needed a chaotic rap tune. You can say “Neighborhood Sniper” is a fine horrocore record because to me, the tale of the tune is graphic as it was intended to be.

Another tune I picture the instrumental being perfect usage to highlight a massive big one at a superspeedway track. For this song in particular, a big one that wiped out over 20 cars under the lights down the backstretch at Daytona. Live shots, onboard cams, replays, slow-mo shots and the aftermath as cars are taken to the rollback tow truck. Anarchy I tell ‘ya!

62) ERA – Mother (Remix) (2000)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

I’ll defend the 2000 film Driven, strictly for the scene when this song plays as the CART drivers prepare for war at Belle Isle. That scene was the best part of the whole movie and the one time you felt like it was cinema.

Every time I heard this song, it had me pumped up but also prepared for the challenge at hand. In high school, it consisted of exams, school dances, Battle of the Classes, and commentating basketball games. I had a mindset that every key moment in high school is like the National Championship, you had to go for it and deliver. More importantly, face the storm that lies ahead and go into it at full force and hope for a good outcome.

The remix of this song remained an everlasting tune that holds a unique place in my heart. All because of an all-around bad film! Hey, some bad films have its saving graces and for Driven, it was that scene.

61) The Notorious B.I.G. – Hypnotize (1997)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

In the wrestling dictionary, when you react a certain way, it’s called a “pop.” If a certain pop hits you to the absolute core that brings an emotional nerve beyond description, it’s called “marking out.”

That was me when this song played at Homecoming 2010, but it might’ve also been Tolo 2011. I believe it was definitely the former. Either way, I remember being around a group of people and as soon as the beat dropped (which was a sample of Herb Alpert’s “Rise”), I popped and marked out.

I was like, ‘Holy shit, guys! They’re fucking playing Biggie Smalls at a school dance!’ Okay, I didn’t say that, but you sensed how I felt when hearing this tune blasted on every speaker on the dance floor.

Unforgettable moment from sophomore year!

60) OutKast feat. Big Rube & Sleepy Brown – Stankonia (Stanklove) (2000)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

I’ll always be an unapologetic Stankonia stan!

From the name down to the tunes, OutKast’s masterpiece was this album!

The final track of this legendary album is long, but still a trip to say the least. Now I don’t do any illegal substance or recreational (legal or otherwise) stuff, but I can imagine what kind of vibe this song will hit during such situation.

Quite the unique love story OutKast put together and I was about finding love in high school which didn’t work out. Now, it was a sign that I was better off that not finding love then. I’m still looking for it, but time has changed in what I’m looking from a person which changes year-by-year.

59) Pitbull feat. T-Pain – Hey Baby (Drop It to the Floor) (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

When I first heard this song, I thought this was a revolutionary track. A brand new version of Pitbull that was going to dominate the 2010s. Personally, there wasn’t anything like this record and in a time where fist pumping was all the rage, you bet your ass I was one of those folks.

It felt like I found this brand new and innovative product that was going to change the world and at the time, I felt like it did change the world. Probably the only person who thought that way which is okay!

Okay, to me it felt like seeing a cool, brand new toy that was so futuristic.

Up until this song, Pitbull was (and even now for me) “Mr. 305,” but this was when he became “Mr. Worldwide” in the eyes of everyone. Kind of amazing one of my favorite artists in high school became a NASCAR co-owner. Therefore, this track has a sentimental value and it never fails to pump me up when it plays in my extensive playlist.

58) David Guetta feat. Akon – Sexy Bitch (2009)

PEAK PERIOD: FRESHMAN (2009-10)

Back in the day, especially as a freshman, the only way I was able to listen to music wherever I went was on a CD player. Good times!

When I got the latest Now That’s What I Call Music! CD (it was 32), “Sexy Chick” (as it was called on the CD — Track 12) was a vastly unique track compared to the rest of the compilation album. It stood out like a sore thumb as if I was walking into the foggy woods with neon lights adding life to the hallow scenic area.

Probably because I was listening to the song in the middle of the night during basketball season when my school went 0-20.

I don’t go out of my way to play this track today, but for it’s time, this was a jam I really liked just as I was adapting to the so-called high school life as I knew it.

57) Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg – Kush (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Me and one of my brothers were hyped for Detox around this time period. Unfortunately, Dr. Dre’s vision of the album never came to be and was ultimately scrapped years later.

I don’t recall my brother liking “Kush” that much compared to me. Not his strongest record, but the beat was pure Dre and I loved that shit in high school. It didn’t matter the era, it was a certified hood classic in my book.

It might be a good tune to learn on the keyboard sometime. Pretty simple to dabble, but will see if I do come around to memorize the keys.

56) Lady Gaga – The Edge of Glory (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Unlike Cheap Trick’s “The Flame,” Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory” was the one song that kinda hit an emotional nerve that sophomore year was coming to a close.

Knowing this song was about her late grandfather, she gave it her all here! Uplifting but also sad at the same time, the perfect recipe of what I was feeling towards the end of the 2010-11 school year.

How can I forget that beautiful sax solo towards the end of the track! Inject that shit into my veins.

Before Henry Solomon came along and added magic to HAIM’s “Summer Girl,” “I’ve Been Down,” and “Los Angeles,” there was nothing like this song where it utilized a sexy sax sequence to its absolute beauty.

God speed, Clarence Clemons. Your performance really made “The Edge of Glory” iconic AF and will forever be appreciated by me. I’m glad critics back then saw something from Clemons, who was already a legend with his works with Bruce Springsteen, that made this Gaga record among the best ever.

Everything that made early 2010s pop great can be summarized with this record because it damn sure ain’t Katy Perry’s drek tune called “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.).”

As amazing Lady Gaga is with some of her works since Born This Way, this is her magnum opus.

55) Foster the People – Pumped Up Kicks (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

One of three songs in this post I heard of well before it hit number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

During sophomore year of yearbook class, me and two senior students worked on a project and one of them decided to use this song for what we’re tasked to do.

I associated “Pumped Up Kicks” with that class project. It was an absolute surprise when I found out it topped the U.S. charts months later because it was a sleeper hit. Like, we heard it before it became cool and mainstream.

It earned that spot due to how unorthodox it sounded compared to the competition of mainstream hits. Kind of the same way Hozier’s “Too Sweet” felt when it topped the charts this year. But it pales in comparison to “Pumped Up Kicks” in large part of hearing it long before it became huge.

54) New Boyz feat. Chris Brown – Better With the Lights Off (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

This was around the time I envisioned myself with people I would’ve loved to have shared a dance in that era. Slow, into the moment and share a kiss. Such a motion picture mentality! Good grief!

It’s a decent track to hear riding with the family at night, especially during the summertime. I could’ve swear I saw a dead body laying on the street while playing this song during family vacation in San Jose. So yeah, that song stuck with me for those two reasons.

53) Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes – Home (2009)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Between some video announcements and just the people I tended to talk to, “Home” is an all-time classic in my eyes.

Quirky love story accompanied by its strong folk instruments and of course, the whistling. These are the songs I really appreciated as a teenager because it was out of my main genres I listen to. Unlike anything I heard at the height of my high school career.

52) Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

The second of three songs I heard before it blew up!

Compared to “Pumped Up Kicks” and one other song later, “Call Me Maybe” was the closest to not be a song I heard before it rose to the top of the charts. I think it was a couple weeks or months when it truly peaked.

During my second year advancing into the FLBA State competition, there was one or two girls who shared the music video because of how funny it ended up being.

There were some humorous moments, but it was a semi-corny video. However, I really liked the bubblegum pop chorus and the violins. When I heard just the violins as her line “I missed you so, so bad” echoed away, that was the highlight of the song. Bar none!

I’m happy Carly Rae Jepsen was able to have a really good career after her biggest hit and not be a one-hit wonder. In fact, many may see her as criminally underrated with her best works happening well after “Call Me Maybe” and I agree.

What a time to be alive!

51) George Thorogood & The Destroyers – Gear Jammer (1985)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Prior to sophomore year, “Gear Jammer” was a song I haven’t heard since 2004 when I played NASCAR 99 on the PS1 with my cousin. I always loved the FMV intro video where it showed the doors of each car number that appeared in the game. Kick ass intro that holds up alright today!

Once I rediscovered “Gear Jammer,” it was off to the races and played it a lot. More so after some secret admirer put me in those carnival jail bars and was stuck there for 25 minutes until I was finally let go. I have a feeling who did this, but it may be a coincidence as to why I thought about one person.

50) The Doors – When the Music’s Over (1967)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

There was one episode of my terrible, yet fun skit series I did at KUOI-FM Moscow 89.3 FM where I decided to use this song to describe a scary dream I had as a high school junior.

What was the dream about? About a fictional breakup.

The skit was called “The Meaning of Purpose” starring my alter-ego “Stefan Montana,” a then poorly fleshed out character I created in high school. In one episode, Stefan had an episode where he decided to murder his ex-girlfriend who wanted nothing to do with her and once he took her life, he violently buried her in the woods during a storm.

Not quite like “no body, no crime,” by definitely influenced by “Kim” and the scene where this Doors song played in Oliver Stone’s polarizing depiction of the band. Most notably, Jim Morrison.

It was a terrible idea, but at the time, it was important for his character development where his mental state wasn’t great. Stefan was really collapsing with his demons that it ate his dreams up.

This was a dream I had in high school and thought it was wise to use this song to illustrate the very dream I described. Again, my frame of mind wasn’t good that I was able to overcome ever since. My bad dreams these days are the ones that end abruptly without a definitive ending. Those suck!

49) Coldplay – Clocks (2002)

PEAK PERIOD: FRESHMAN (2009-10)

When this song played in ESPN’s “Images of the Decade,” an all-time classic from Coldplay was used as the torch bear to illustrate some of the big moments in sports from the 2000s.

Due to this, it became the main influence of doing the “NASCAR Decade of Memories” video to highlight the best moments of the sport from 2000-09. There were hardly any clips of NASCAR despite being broadcasted by ESPN and the decade where the sport peaked in ratings and mainstream appeal.

It’s a great song that symbolized my early years of watching NASCAR as NBC used “Clocks” as the song when they higlighted Davey Allison’s first Cup win at Talladega Superspeedway in May 1987.

That song stuck with me and because I made that “Decade of Memories” video towards the end of 2009, it ranks high on my list.

48) Fleetwood Mac – The Chain (1977)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

When I was a senior, there were times I felt the need of using creative control with what songs the video announcements should have. Especially, the ones I was working on and the vision I wanted. Music was one of those visions I wanted say when working on such videos I had creative control.

Among those videos was where one student had a camera placed to their car as they entered the high school parking lot. Knowing this, there was no question I had to use “The Chain,” the only song where all members of Fleetwood Mac got writing credits, and my favorite tune from them.

You can thank my fascination of this song being used during BBC’s Formula One coverage from 1979-1996. Throughout high school, BBC had come back to cover F1 and still used “The Chain” as their broadcast theme. The hype was definitely at an all-time high and couldn’t resist when it was decision time for what track I wanted to incorporate with the dashcam clip.

One of the few times I felt my creative control was useful and not shot down.

47) James Brown – Get Up Offa That Thang (1976)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

Tolo 2012, the dance where I decided to try this school dance DJ schtick!

I don’t remember why this song was chosen as all I had to do is make most of what was going to be played and hype the students up. Say some remarks to some songs, especially when a dance remix of a Whitney Houston song played where I talked about how we’ll always love her as she recently died.

During down time from being a DJ, I only danced a few songs because I didn’t have a date (0-4 in Tolo). This particular song, I felt like stealing the whole damn show and when you have the crowd at the palm of your hand, it’s the greatest feeling in the world.

My best dance work in high school that I look back at as probably rubbish. That’s what happens when you take dance courses in college. All about the craft!

If you were to tell me what was the highlight of my junior year which were very few and far, Tolo 2012 was among them. That and basketball season when we made the playoffs.

46) Black Sabbath – N.I.B. (Nativity in Black) (1970)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

There was something about the way Ozzy Osbourne said “oh yeah” that ruled during the Summer of 2012 that carried into senior year when I frequently played this song in either my phone or iPod.

Rough and raw, it’s a cool ass song to feel a bit relaxed because senior year had very little relaxation. Little time to escape from the school madness and enjoy some fine music that laid the foundation to the heavy metal scene.

When I was doing fantasy booking on WWE 13 Universe Mode, I used this song for a mixed tag team due to their love for classic rock. Pyro everywhere and just an act of respect from them. They ultimately broke up, just like many wrestling tag partners.

45) Mountain – Mississippi Queen (1970)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

I’ll always find the term “butt rock” music hilarious. Those who call it “butt rock,” would you consider “Mississippi Queen” among the best “butt rock” tunes?

I certainly do and the hell with Bart Simpson calling Homer’s taste in music as “stupid dinosaur bands,” especially that it was 70s rock music. What the hell do you know man?

Like “N.I.B.,” I took a liking of this tune and incorporated it in WWE 13 Universe Mode. Only this time, the song went to a female tag team that were the top stars in my fantasy booking. I also used this song for that same mixed tag team I talked about to showcase how popular they’ve become together.

Speaking of Homer, how he felt about this track is how I felt as a senior. Still do as a 30-year-old. Just none of that Jefferson Airplane lore.

44) Mariah Carey – Obsessed (2009)

PEAK PERIOD: FRESHMAN (2009-10)

Similar to “Sexy Bitch,” Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed” was another highlight from the NOW! 32 CD I listened as a freshman. This was played a lot on the radio and it was a no-brainer it’d made my rankings. Still sounds pretty good today.

Once I learned what the context of the song implied, I can see why this was a hot topic between MC and Eminem. Come on now, everyone with a brain could tell this is a diss track to “Slim Shady.” It was the first major beef I remember vividly hearing about in the world of music.

Pales in comparison to the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake saga, but there was a time one of the best female artists ever squared up with arguably one of the best male rappers ever. Weird times.

At least Mariah gave us a memorable music video and a decent remix with Gucci Mane. Like “S&M,” the solo version bodies the remix.

43) Lana Del Rey – Video Games (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

As far as I’m concerned, this was the definitive song I fell in love with Lana Del Rey’s music.

First off, the title intrigued me and it sucked me into a different universe like I was the person she was talking about. Color me blind, but it was a lovely fantasy dream which was nice to have in a period where I was about to graduate from high school.

When I visited the University of Idaho for the first time in Spring 2013, several weeks after being accepted at the place I ended up calling home for 3.5 years (I graduated a semester early), “Video Games” became my anthem.

Of all songs, a Lana Del Rey tune?

Picture this, it was super cold and snowy during the month of April. The song sounded so sweet under those night conditions. Just like that dream which was telling because I ended up choosing Idaho.

No matter how that chapter ended up, the sight and sounds of “Video Games” played a small role in choosing where I was going to study after high school.

42) Florence + The Machine – Blinding (2009)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

One gal on Facebook posted this song on their timeline and on a cold evening, I decided to give this song a listen as it was a Florence + The Machine tune.

At the time, I’ve only heard “Dog Days Are Over,” so I was curious what “Blinding” was about and it changed my life.

Okay, it changed how my junior year ended up. The song felt like a damn battle with Florence Welch’s amazing lyrics capsulating a lot of the tensions I caused or endured that year. Without recognizing this is a woman’s perspective because context wasn’t my strongest foray compared to now.

Powerful record that’s going to last the test of time for its all-around vibes.

41) Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) (1982)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

One of my favorite golden age (2006-12) YouTube videos of all-time was a video taking place in 1985 that shows a guy driving around the Los Angeles freeway. A video that was gone for a few years after high school before it resurfaced when I was in college.

There were three songs played at the freeway: “Perfect Kiss” by New Order, “Theme for Great Cities” by Simple Minds, and this very track also performed by Simple Minds.

Of the three, “New Gold Dream” stood out because it was unique and a good track to play anywhere that sounded uplifting compared to the other Simple Minds song which was hauntingly chaotic.

As junior year was finally coming to a close, “New Gold Dream” was the song I resonated a lot. Especially when the Class of 2012 graduated and felt like playing it on my iPod after the ceremony because another class was gone and we were next in line.

That ceremony began as a torrential downpour, but the weather improved as it continued. This was the reason it felt right playing this song afterwards.

40) Enrique Iglesias feat. Ludacris – Tonight (I’m Fuckin’ You) (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Another track that’s dated and wouldn’t fly all that much today. Enrique Iglesias’ song stood out from the rest of the pack as a sophomore for its raunchy nature which was pretty on par with several early 2010s club music.

I personally liked hearing this song if it’s a lengthy ride to the games and how in your face the song was. They made it very clear what they want out of their night with the ladies.

Maybe the Jersey Shore craze was meant to be a fad because that show really was the last golden age reality program. Songs like this one capsulated that era of programming where the club scene was the focal point. Nothing afterwards hit the same and reality TV was definitely watered down. Probably for the best.

39) Ice Cube – You Know How We Do It (1993)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

Ice Cube played a big role in why I like to travel to California as an adult. Not because of the subject matter of the tracks, but the mellow vibes.

Of all tracks he did, this is the pinnacle of what drew me back into the appeal of going there. More so that I can drive around SoCal whenever I get the chance to travel over there. Usually, it’s a couple times a year where I do go there for racing stuff or needing to get away from the madness.

Back in high school, I couldn’t wait to ride the freeways and dream at the day I got my license so I can drive in those California roads. Late at night was my craze and while the hype ended up being bullshit, at least it was a fun vision to have as a teenager. Just the idea of feeling independent was intriguing.

38) James Horner – End Titles (Apollo 13) (1995)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

Here’s another track I associate with Brock Beard. This was the track used in his narration of the three title contenders for the 2010 NASCAR Cup Series championship which were Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin that year.

However, I didn’t fully appreciate this song until the following year when I actually sat down and watch Brock’s video again. Might’ve been around the time I realized those starting grid videos were coming to an end and wanted to already reminisce of a glorious time as a NASCAR fan.

Annie Lennox’s performance carried this track which was only half of the track. The rest is good, but the first half is the highlight and beautiful as it can get.

37) Tyler, The Creator – Yonkers (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

Let’s get this out of the way. I totally understand why Tyler hates this song because there are better tracks he’s definitely made since. My brother can attest to this because he’s a big fan of his work.

You got to understand, when “Yonkers” came out, it saved hip-hop as I knew it in high school. There wasn’t a rapper that was raw, unfiltered and politically incorrect in quite a long time. A lot of the rappers who were known for it had watered down their storytelling.

Tyler came in and broke the walls down. What made this song great for me was the people he dissed because I didn’t like Bobby Ray (B.o.B.). Couldn’t stand his songs and “Airplanes” sucked because of him. The only good thing about “Airplanes” was Paramore’s Hayley Williams, who I didn’t knew much about her because Paramore’s style of music wasn’t my cup of tea at the time.

When I heard Tyler use that track and attacked the two, it left me stunned. Bruno Mars also caught strays in the most violent way imaginable. I knew in that moment, the game was changed.

Get this, I only heard the music video version of the song. I didn’t knew there was another part to the song until gym class as a senior. That last part was even more insane and politically incorrect. All of those reasons are probably why Tyler hates “Yonkers.”

This song left an impact with me because rap was back!

36) Van Halen – Humans Being (1996)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

If there was a song I associate those long nights decorating stuff for school dances, Cat Fight and Battle of the Classes, this Van Halen jam is the one.

My sophomore year was the greatest example of how chaotic decorating was that went deep into the night. For some events, into the next morning that a timelapse of decorations, particularly BOTC, it would’ve been cool to have seen made. Memories were made, but dammit! We were glad once the final product was finished.

What might’ve been the last Van Halen tune that kicked ass with Sammy Hagar as the front man, it’s an adventure anthem. The perfect song to capsulate the challenge lying ahead in the 1996 classic Twister, one of my favorite action films of all-time.

35) Eminem – Role Model (1999)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

A couple of times as a junior, my family and I would go to a park on Sundays. The parks would alternate pending on our moods and what we were doing after church.

After seeing a clip where Eminem talked about a shovel, I had to find the track behind the remark and in came “Role Model.” Sarcastically dark because ain’t no way I would want 1999 Eminem as a role model because his lyrics are the anthesis of one.

The beat is the driving force of walking around playing this song on repeat, especially when it was cold and gloomy. It fit the scene perfect and sometimes, it takes a certain scene and song to become compatiable.

34) Jim Johnston – Rest In Peace (2004)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

RAW 1000 is the reason why The Undertaker became my favorite wrestler when I was getting into the product. He brought such an aura with his entrance music being perfect.

By that point, I did felt like The Undertaker because rose up from a disastrous junior year and nothing was going to stop me as a senior.

If you’re wondering how the “Stefan Montana” character came to be, it’s because of The Undertaker and his entrance music. I knew this guy was special and shit was about to go down when he came out.

Oftentimes, I do feel like rolling up at a venue with this song blaring at full volume and go face-to-face at certain people. No, this isn’t a song I’m going to toy on choosing if and when I ever find the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Let’s get that out of the way!

Little did I knew back in the Summer of 2012, this wouldn’t be the only wrestling theme I played a lot as a senior.

33) Eminem – Not Afraid (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Really loved this song when it came out, but stopped listening to it once I was fearing for my life.

Before Tony Khan made “fearing for my life” a thing, I got into hot water with people and thought the end of days were near. This was the song I played several times in my parents computer and with that fear lingering my head, I stopped playing the track.

Nothing happened, but it left severe trauma that I can’t fully go on and play it in full without thinking about it.

Nevertheless, when I didn’t “fear for my life,” “Not Afraid” ruled.

32) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Can’t Hold Us (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

This is the third and final song I heard before it became big and topped the Hot 100 charts.

At a road basketball game junior year, one of the teams played this track during warmups. I was digging the verses and at first thought Nate Dogg was doing the chorus. Looking back, I would’ve chosen Aloe Blacc over Nate.

Had to understand the lyrics and then Google it. This was the song that came up in my search result where it matched what I heard. Instantly loved this song and learned that Macklemore was from Washington. Made me play the song even more in the coming months.

Fast forward to 2013, it became the top song in the country. Granted, “Thrift Shop” helped him gain mainstream notoriety that led to “Can’t Hold Us” gaining momentum. But nothing was going to beat this record at the time and Washington found its new big artist.

31) Kesha – Blow (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

This is my favorite Kesha tune from that particular era. It was unapologetically empowering that if I were to do a “100 Songs I Felt the Vibe in 2011,” it would’ve been my number-one song. If not, a top-10 track.

I don’t know why I really liked the chorus, but I did when I was 16. Like it brought a mood that I just wanted to wave my freak flag (learned the term a year ago). The amount of times I played this song while playing NASCAR Thunder 2002 is criminal.

The song lost its luster after the Victorious episode Kesha appeared. It was a sign to move on from that kind of pop music as evident with the songs I played a lot as a junior and senior year. There was a massive shift in my music tastes, but for a period of time, “Blow” was that song on the low.

30) Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull – On the Floor (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

In a similar way “Blow” was played so many times while playing video games, “On the Floor” was my go-to song when I played Studio Liverpool/989 Sports’ Formula One 2001.

This particular song screamed late 90s and early 2000s F1 in terms of its glamour, liveries and guys like Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen fighting for wins and championships. If this song came out in that era, it could’ve been an even bigger hit.

The exact reason why I chose this song as my go-to when playing the 2001 F1 game was the song played at the main menu. It’s slight similarity and style of euro-dance pop sounds attracted me to “On the Floor,” especially the chorus.

Of course, the chorus came from Kamoa’s 1989 megahit “Lambada” which was influenced by the 1982 song “Llorando se fue” by Los Kjarkas. Not knowing the true inspiration, I instantly thought of the Formula One 2001 menu music.

I tried making this song danceable, but I couldn’t. Just like the very next song on my list!

29) Rihanna – Only Girl (In the World) (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

There’s one moment that’s stuck with me after all this time. Some pop songs aren’t danceable, no matter how hard a person tries.

This Rihanna tune was one I couldn’t get the right moves to make it danceable despite being played at Tolo 2011 (give or take). Shit felt like straight out of a movie when I tried making it work, but in reality, it just didn’t click.

Frequently played as a sophomore and I still rest my case this era of Rihanna is the best.

28) Black Sabbath – War Pigs (1970)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

Personally, I played the live performance from Paris in 1970 a lot more than the studio version. The same can definitely be said about “Iron Man,” but with “War Pigs,” it’s what made me appreciate Black Sabbath a lot more and were more amazing tracks on Paranoid.

Definitely the highlight of the song is the ending when they break it down. It pumps me up every single time! So much, it was one of my favorite tracks I listened to as a senior.

Again, the Paris performance hits different because of how raw and rough sounding it was! I like it that way sometimes.

27) Akon – Locked Up (2004)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

When you live at a certain town for a period of time, but way less compared to your other classmates, you often get that “locked up” feeling.

Similar to how I discovered Lana Del Rey, I first heard Akon’s “Locked Up” on VH1 when the network aired the Behind the Music episode of T-Pain where he got his break after making a song called “Fucked Up” which came from “Locked Up.”

That beat was boss AF! Like it was ready to steal someone’s lunch money for fuck’s sake and it resonated with me so well. There were times that being couped up in my house at a small town was like being “locked up.” I was simply ready to go out of state and study elsewhere to prove a point that I’ve made it somewhere.

It was my mentality as a teenager and was hungry to get there. I ultimately did, but at what cost you know?

26) Todd Rundgren – I Saw the Light (1972)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

Here’s another freeway jam I enjoyed hearing in my parents van because leaving the house on a weekend felt like an event.

I’ll admit, I love the old button copy highway signs you’ll still find in California. There’s a couple on I-5, particularly in Snohomish County, but you’ll definitely need to pay attention where those are.

Due to my love for the retro signs, my appreciation for 70s rock began to grow with songs like “I Saw the Light” which is a good road trip tune.

25) Joe Cocker – With A Little Help from My Friends (1968)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

The Wonder Years from 1988-93 was my safe space program in high school.

Such an amazing show, even though as you get older, you realize how much of an asshole Kevin Arnold was compared to his father Jack Arnold. A timeless classic that really comes to life when Joe Cocker’s cover of The Beatles track plays.

It don’t hit the same on streaming services because it doesn’t play this version of the song.

This show and this particular cover came at a perfect time in my life because it was one of the last things I got to do with my brother before graduating high school and went my separate path. I recorded all of the episodes aired on The Hub (remember that network?) via DVR.

When my day at school was done, I simply looked forward in watching episodes of The Wonder Years and see what’s next. Amazing memories I’ll cherish forever.

24) Eminem – Cinderella Man (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

When I was putting this list together, I learned that “Cinderella Man” got a lyric video not long ago and I was so glad. If there’s a deep cut from Recovery, I’ve always thought this song was the best one out of the album.

Motivational to the max! The beat was immaculate! Eminem was batting well with this record!

This was further validated in the comments section where many people shared similar sentiments 13 years later.

Always pumped me up playing “Cinderella Man” before taping the games and add my commentary down to even getting on the bus for the next basketball game.

Forget “Kingdom,” this is my “adrenaline in my soul!”

23) Wiz Khalifa – Black and Yellow (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

I ponder why my dumb ass thought “Black and Yellow” screamed T.I. when it was reaching airwaves.

In case you noticed, this isn’t a T.I. track, it was from Wiz Khalifa. He made the anthem for Pittsburgh during a time we didn’t like the Steelers because of Super Bowl XL.

Don’t hate them these days by the way, that honor goes to the hacks known as the Los Angeles Rams.

When this song came out, who didn’t like this rap record?

If people didn’t, it must’ve been a small majority of people not counting the three AFC North fanbase.

What made this song even better was the countless of parody tracks that came out, including a Seahawks version following “Beastquake.” I miss those fucking days when the Seahawks were great and could’ve been a dynasty!

Fuck Super Bowl XLIX! I don’t hate Malcolm Butler, but dammit! I hate that Super Bowl so much!

Some birthday present it must’ve been for those folks on February 1, 2015!

Anyways, hearing this song live at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2023 was a trip and another instance were my high school heart was running wild!

22) Jay-Z & Kanye West – N***** In Paris (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

For the life of me, who really started “Ball So Hard” University?

Another track that you had to have been there when it first came out. Love how they incorporated Blades of Glory into a rap record that became so iconic.

Like that one live performance, I played this song again and again as a junior.

If it wasn’t “Otis” or “Yonkers,” then this is the song that changed the landscape of hip-hop music in 2011. Take your pick on which was the rap record that changed the game that year.

21) Drake – Find Your Love (2010)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Following the week of my life at Mt. Triumph, it was back to reality at the house. However, there were a few times that summer where my father and I went to some hosue to clean and fancy up.

During one of those days, I heard the fourth Drake I ever listened to and it blew “Best I Ever Had,” “Forever,” and “Successful” out of the damn water!

Not in a ‘this shit is way better’ kind of way, but of how contrasting it was. This was the first Drake ballad I liked with the production being the big reasons.

In a period where I was coming out of my shell and made a name for myself, “Find Your Love” rung my head all summer long and into my sophomore year. The ending of the song is an adrenaline rush and oftentimes kinda lit.

A couple of girls stood out when hearing this song and what it told me is that Drake was here to stay. That was until 2024 came along and Kendrick buried his ass! Oh well! Eat that L, Drizzy!

20) Motörhead – The Game (2001)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

During Homecoming season, I had to figure out which song I wanted to come out to for the assembly because I was nominated for Homecoming King senior year.

Added by the fact, I was responsible in putting a playlist together and edit the nominee songs at a certain length. I still have those edited tracks in an SD card.

Ultimately, I chose “The Game” because I was about wrestling in that period. I even tried doing Triple H’s pose before he spit out the water at the ramp. Not the iconic water spit when he’s in the ring. That wasn’t going to happen at a high school assembly.

What I did do is bite the rose like college football players did when they knew their next stop was the Rose Bowl.

Quick 15 minutes of fame coming out to that song, but what made “The Game” special was the fact it was a song that got me motivated to do anything that year.

Without fail, I’d play this song everywhere I go. Didn’t matter the situation I was in, “The Game” was always played on my iPod. That carried with me into college as well, the song just kicks ass.

19) Dr. Dre – Stranded On Death Row (1992)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

There was a phrase said by a group of students whenever they wanted to roll out and go somewhere. I’m not going to say what it was, but such saying fits this song.

Had I gotten my license as a teenager, “Stranded on Death Row” would’ve been that song I played at full volume. But I didn’t really have a proper social life outside of school events, so such concept of rolling out and going somewhere while playing this tune was obsolete.

For my final video of “The Rodolfo Trilogy,” I did a Spanish rap with the instrumental of this song because the loop was sinsiter and memorable.

It was a shit rap about the demise of Rodolfo, but I wanted to do one more Spanish video just for fun to complete the trilogy.

18) Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me) (1985)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

In my last ditch effort for creative control as a senior, I knew I had to do a closure after doing video announcements for three years. There was simply no way I wasn’t gonna end my high school career without doing a proper send-off. Battles were had until something agreeable was made.

There’s a reason why I would’ve hate my high school self if I crossed paths with him! This was some Shawn Michaels crap if there ever was one!

I did a parody of the letter from the final scene of The Breakfast Club. Replace certain words to fit our high school theme with my voice being heard. Got my closure, but it was an uphill battle.

As for the song, there was no perfect time period to hear this than my final days in high school. Knowing this is what the direction was going for video announcements, I began hearing this a lot. Another timeless song I go back and listen. Even did a mashup of this track with HAIM’s “Little of Your Love” a couple years ago.

Had it gone bad, I wouldn’t bother listening to this track. But since it didn’t ended up being bad, I can still enjoy this song no matter what.

17) Electric Light Orchestra – Fire On High (1975)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

The year was 2012. It had been nine years since I last heard a haunting yet epic instrumental at a school bus in San Jose.

The first 90 seconds of the song gave my scary visuals of an abandoned house that’s been in severe ruin and a dead corpse is talking to the person invading the home.

Suddenly, such ruined house burns into flames with orchestra music playing. Once the house burns down to the ground, that portion of the song ends.

Picture certain scenes from Midsommar, X, and Ready or Not and you get an idea of what visuals I was thinking of back then.

As for the rest of the song, it was super epic! Like you were ready for an epic showdown where it only ends until someone dies.

After not hearing it for a long time, one classic rock station we listened to began playing “Fire on High,” but I still couldn’t figure out who made this song. It was my destiny to find this track and settle this mystery once and for all as a junior!

Hunting high and low, I made it a mission to find that very instrumental song from the 1970s. Took me days finding any trace of 70s instrumentals. Found some gems I ended up liking such as Jeff Beck’s “Freeway Jam,” but ultimately, I found a video that said “Fire on High (Instrumental).”

My mouth opened because I had finally found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! That haunting song I heard as a kid was done by Electric Light Orchestra and there was no turning back!

I was so happy to find the track and artist ID because it was a pain in the ass! It still is when finding certain songs I like and just want to hear the rest. Two songs this year took me forever to find and I can promise you, those will make my 2024 rankings, so stay tune as to which songs were a pain to find, but worth the wait!

16) Coolio – Gangsta’s Paradise (1995)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Part of me thought if another movie focusing on high school chose this song, it would’ve been super epic. A film that followed several students who were seniors, but each had their highs and lows with some tales being tragic.

You have your intorverted guy who wanted to win the girl, the super athlete who had it rough at home, and a popular student who was battling for his life after an accident, and so on.

“Gangsta’s Paradise” felt like the perfect song to capture those moments. Even though this very song was from the movie Dangerous Minds.

I reguarly played the film’s intro because it added another epic element to the song. Well before orchestra versions became the norm everywhere. An already amazing song accompanied by my personal favorite school year, you get magic!

15) Eminem feat. Nate Dogg – Till I Collapse (2002)

PEAK PERIOD: FRESHMAN (2009-10)

Over the past seven years, I’ve heard this song many times because of one of my jobs. Fortunately, it still gets me hyped rather than annoyed like many songs I’ve heard.

As a freshman, it was another track I never knew the name, but recognized both Eminem and Nate Dogg’s voice. This was a time when apps like Shazam wasn’t a thing, so you had to find it the hard way. That’s what I did and once I did, it was the greatest feeling.

Basketball season always comes to mind when hearing this song at certain road games. Good memories because this is the ultimate Eminem hype song! Of all the songs I heard during the 2009-10 school year, this one resonated with me the most and it ended up being the freshman anthem of all freshman anthems.

Like several songs, this would make for a killer racing hype video for its time! It can still work now, but networks tend to use current tunes over gems like this deep cut from The Eminem Show.

14) M83 – Midnight City (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

Prom was my WrestleMania, my National Championship, my Daytona 500. It was the school dance of all school dances and “Midnight City” became my personal theme for my senior prom.

Of course, I don’t mean this song played during prom, but when I thought about it back then, this beautiful eletrionic pop tune fit the bill. To me, it capsulated the rather overrated elements of the dance we’ve had etched into our brains based on shows and films.

Towards the end of the song, it did felt like I was in one of those forms of entertainment accompanied by a narrator telling how the rest of prom went like it was the greatest night of my life. More so when the song began fading away.

There’s a scene from Paper Towns that nearly fit that vision I had from time-to-time when I was listening to “Midnight City” as a senior.

It was a beautiful tune which for some reason, someone’s gym CD playlist had this track. Between Kendrick Lamar’s “Don’t Kill My Vibe” and this track, it’s off putting and so random because it wasn’t a track I associate with workouts.

In reality, my prom went good. Nothing fancy and definitely didn’t end up like the dream I just described.

13) Lana Del Rey – Young and Beautiful (2013)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

Believe it or not, this is the only song on this list that came out in my graduation year of 2013.

This was when some of the pop songs I liked were starting to sound mid to awful and began going back to my roots with classic rock, but kept my classic rap roots alive. Trust me, it got real bad in college, especially in the year I graduated from college in 2016.

Several of the top hits from 2013 were songs that had come out the year before which is what I choose when highlighting the year. Plus, I was growing up and reflecting heavily on life as a student.

“Young and Beautiful” earned a spot on my list because it was a gut-punch feeling song from Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 movie The Great Gatsby.

After reading and analyzing the novel the year before in AP, the film intrigued me and I wanted to see it with the girl I took to prom. When we arrived at the theater, we encountered a few people that were in that AP class when we read the novel. It was a full circle moment.

I’ve already heard Lana’s track and was curious where the song would fit in the film. I wasn’t disappointed on the song’s placement. By the way, it was this movie that introduced me to The xx, my favorite band when I went to college.

Back to Lana, the lyrics hit home because I was hellbent about my reputation and looks. More so on the former as I was pondering if the admiration I held dear would continue beyond high school.

Would I be loved as I get older? Was high school as good as it was going to get in terms of my reputation?

These were the topics I had in mind as graduation was less than a month away. I even played this song in my AP course with one of the students who saw the film in theaters with me saying that I’ll always be loved.

11 years later, I don’t think about it anymore because we’ll all age eventually and what matters most is yourself and whoever your true loved ones truly are. It’s something it’s taken me a real long time to grasp, but I’m getting there.

This is Lana Del Rey’s magnum opus. Several songs come close, but this one hit deep to say such opinion.

12) Lil Jon feat. Ying Yang Twins – Get Low (2002)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

If there’s one song I liked as a kid back in 2002-03, “Get Low” was one of those tracks. Not having a clue what the song was saying back then, I certainly got that wake up call in high school when I really understood what the hell this song was about.

Of all the “classic” songs, “Get Low” became our thing at every school dance. When this song played, shit was going down and everyone hit the fucking floor. The one song that bent the rules as it was the dirty version of the son being played, not the radio edit and on the rare occasion the edit was played, the students shouted “motherfucker” like it’s nothing.

Cringeful nostalgia!

11) Metallica – The Memory Remains (1997)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

I didn’t see WrestleMania 28 because the true start of my wrestling fandom was in the Summer of 2012. As I’ve said earlier, when I was diving nose deep into the history of wrestling, I did learned how big the “End of An Era” match between Triple H and The Undertaker was.

From watching the promos and video packages for the match, there was one song that played a lot. It’s Metallica’s “The Memory Remains” from ReLoad. Especially, the ending of the song where you hear backup vocalist Marianne Faithfull owning that shit.

The song hit deep that it was the very last song I played before ringing the new year that was 2013. There was no song I wanted to hear in that moment!

Amazing song to hear live and once I heard the S&M ’99 version, there was no going back! As much as people crap on post-Black Album Era Metallica, this track was one of the memorable highlights.

10) Phil Collins – In the Air Tonight (1981)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

The other song I wanted to use in my Cat Fight hype video in 2012 was this all-time classic by Phil Collins. Compared to Van Halen’s “Right Now,” this wasn’t terribly hard to include in my quest of getting my video on YouTube.

I chose this song because I was so obsessed with CBS Sports’ intro of the 1986 college football matchup between the Miami Hurricanes and Oklahoma Sooners.

Everything about the intro down to Brent Musburger’s words is what I wanted to capture for the hype video. It turned out decent, but I knew that I couldn’t replace this song in any capacity. Not gonna happen!

If I did, everything that I was going for was going down the damn toliet! This was one battle I wanted to win and successfully did. As a junior, it was one of the only victories I proudly had. Still bummed it never went up, but it is what it is.

9) Flo Rida feat. Sia – Wild Ones (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

I want you to look at the music video thumbnail for a second! Notice the annotation is included? Yeah, remember the old days of YouTube when that was a thing before the permanently disabled that feature?

Pepperidge Farm remembers!

I’d like to say “Wild Ones” was the last great dance tune I loved from that era. Sia’s vocals were powerful and what may be Flo Rida’s best verses that didn’t annoy me nor thought it fucking sucked. Never was a big fan of Flo Rida, but even acts like him can put out one or two good tracks.

This was a dance jam I wished I had my moment to dance, but I never did because it didn’t make the rotation during school dances. At least that’s what my memory remembers.

High schoolers are indeed the wild ones, particularly in my era and I can only speak for my era.

8) Black Sabbath – Planet Caravan (1970)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

Around summertime 2012, before I entered senior year, “Planet Caravan” was a heavent sent record. There’s always that one song that hits people deep because of its sound where you feel like the quote-on-quote hippies and stoners movies like to portray.

As I’ve previously said, I’m not into that stuff, but this was the song I envisioned myself feeling like that. For me, it’s just staring at the nightly skies or the roof of a bulding before going falling asleep. I felt free, free like a hummingbird and thought life was great.

This song was so great, I thought this was a perfect background music when spitting out motiviational shit on air in college. But in high school, it was all about the views and dreams man. Even when I was texting or replying on topics with certain people, it was a eurphoric mood. It made me less stressful which wasn’t a bad feeling at all. I wished I had more of that back then!

7) The Verve – Bitter Sweet Symphony (1997)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

Here’s another dream story I had from high school!

A wild dream about having a shit ton of golden roses and rose petals. Something straight out of The Bachelor where the girl of my dreams was walking down the isle as I was going to ask her out to the prom.

Once I saw the girl in an incredibely gorgeous dress, that’s when the song really picks up and was able to get a yes from her.

What was wrong with me back then?

As for the song itself, I loved it as a sophomore and it carried into college when this song was the theme for “Stefan Montana’s” love interest. I even used the lyrics of this song for an analysis in that AP course junior year. That’s how impactful this record was and it was over a damn dream!

6) OutKast – B.O.B. (2000)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

This is the B.O.B. I acknowledge!

Due to the full name of the song, I played this on the low but how can you not be amped up with this nonstop action track. It’s an adrenaline rush from start-to-finish and my favorite song from Stankonia and probably my favorite OutKast tune of all-time.

Extreme to the max!

5) Michael Jackson – Man in the Mirror (1987)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

No matter if I was 15, 16, now 30 or when I turn 50, this song will always hold a special spot in my heart. All because of Mt. Triumph and it was my second year going there when I truly felt the Cispus Magic at full speed.

There was a dance we learned at camp that will always stick with me. It held such significance, it was used at a wedding I went to years later.

It’s very hard to explain in words or to anyone in general as to why that place meant so much as a teenager and into young adulthood.

In a period where making a difference was paramount, “Man in the Mirror” was the perfect song to feel that way.

4) Drake feat. Rihanna – Take Care (2011)

PEAK PERIOD: JUNIOR (2011-12)

Of all tunes from any of the The xx members, the usage of Jamie xx’s “I’ll Take Care of You” with Gil-Scott Heron was the best sample usage I heard from a mainstream artist during this period.

But I didn’t knew that tidbit until college, so back in the 2011-12 school year, I thought this was an original beat. Everything about this song created anexiety and uncertainty in a period where I faced both of those at full song.

For what? Over a girl? That’s the mind I had during a dark period in my life.

Anyways, I was a sucker for piano notes and the breakdown of Heron’s vocals felt epic before it went back to Rihanna reprising the first verse. To me, the lyrics was what I was going through which in reality, it was the most one-sided shit of all-time.

This was the song I listened to the most as a junior and it so happened to be the last great collaboration song involving Drake and Rihanna. This is a hill I’m willing to die on because that collab from 2016 was absolute ass!

3) Phil Collins – Another Day In Paradise (1989)

PEAK PERIOD: SOPHOMORE (2010-11)

I’ll keep this one vague because the story behind hearing this song was amusing.

Long story short, I was wondering who made this unique record during Leadership class as a sophomore. I asked who it was from and got my answer, but at the same time all eyes were outside. This was during prom season so you can paint the rest of the tale as to why folks looked at the windows during class.

The girl, who was one of my most inspirational people as a teenager, said yes to the guy.

After that moment, my mind shifted to that song and in the one iPod playlist I ever created, it was the very first song it plays. It’s a sad tale and I associate such tale with a happy moment.

The last number-one song of the 1980s is one of the best top hits of an incredible deade for music.

2) Kenny G – Songbird (1987)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

When it played in the 2006 movie Cars, this song went over my head. Of course, it was “pretty music,” but I thought this is “lose my virgnity” music years later.

By the way, I really love how “Songbird” became a pivotal plot point in the Gran Turismo movie last year. It was funny, but hey! It’s not a bad song to get yourself into the zone.

Like I’ve said about “Another Day In Paradise,” “Songbird” was on my iPod playlist as the final song. Smooth and sexy tune to hear while going to sleep. It’s totally a night tune if you ever want to get the full experience of how moving this song is.

I’d recommend playing it at high volume, up to 11 if you insist!

1) Aerosmith – Dream On (1973)

PEAK PERIOD: SENIOR (2012-13)

The song that truly ruled over the rest of the pack. The song I associated my senior year. The song that became my mantra for the rest of the 2010s.

How did “Dream On” became the very song I felt the vibe in high school?

Sports of course!

One of my all-time favorite video packages in sports is the one ESPN did in 1999 to highlight the most memorable moments in sports of the 20th century. Best known as “Images of the Century,” Linda Cohn (who does stuff on the Kraken Hockey Network as of this year) hit the nail on the head!

“Aerosmith never sounded so good.”

Someday, I hope to do something like ESPN nearly a quarter century ago, but in the world of racing. Hell, WrestleMania would be nice as well! It’s so damn good, it’s oh so absolute cinema!

It seemed fitting this song would be my anthem as a senior when I had those dreams I’m blessed to live, but there’s always that push for more. Something I continue to pursue and fight for 11 years after graduating from high school.

SONGS PER DECADE:

• 1960s – 3
• 1970s – 13
• 1980s – 14
• 1990s – 19
• 2000s – 19
• 2010s – 32

SONGS PEAK PER GRADE LEVEL:

• Freshman (2009-10) – 6
  • Top Song: “Till I Collapse” (No. 15)
• Sophomore (2010-11) – 38
  • Top Song: “Another Day In Paradise” (No. 3)
• Junior (2011-12) – 31
  • Top Song: “Take Care” (No. 4)
• Senior (2012-13) – 25
  • Top Song: “Dream On” (No. 1)

SONGS THAT’VE MADE PREVIOUS RANKINGS (12):

• “Dream On”
  • COLLEGE (No. 39)
• “Bitter Sweet Symphony”
  • 2019 (No. 22)
• “Planet Caravan”
  • COLLEGE (No. 62)
• “In the Air Tonight”
  • COLLEGE (No. 84)
• “The Memory Remains”
  • 2019 (No. 21†)
• “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”
  • 2023 (No. 30)
  • 2022 (No. 92)
• “The Game”
  • COLLEGE (No. 64)
• “The Chain”
  • COLLEGE (No. 17)
  • 2019 (No. 58)
  • 2023 (No. 97)
• “Mother (Remix)”
  • 2019 (No. 48)
  • 2018 (No. 78)
• “The Beautiful People”
  • 2019 (No. 51)
• “Otis”
  • 2023 (No. 21)
• “Right Now”
  • 2018 (No. 38)

†Indicates a live version of the same song was ranked

If there’s one word to describe my top-100 songs from high school, it’ll have to be provocative.

Honestly, it’s the best word to describe my musical tastes as a teenager. Lot of hardcore rap, dated AF electropop, and memory choking tales.

After graduating from high school, my range in music drastically changed and opened Pandora’s Box in what I’ve either been missing or appreciate the craftsmanship of a musician.

I’ve since become more of a metalhead who also enjoys indie pop and rock music as evident with my love for acts such as Metallica, HAIM, Van Halen, The xx, and The Warning just to name a few. Back then, I was all about Eminem, Ice Cube, Pitbull, Snoop Dogg, and The Doors. Still listen to those artists, but not as consistent.

It’s quite amusing looking back to my teenage days and how my tastes have evolved. Perhaps is why I’m passionate about music and why it matters to me.

When my 2024 rankings come out, I encourage you to compare this top-100 to the one coming by year’s end. You’ll be amazed how I’ve evolved or devolved based on your personal preference.

To this day, I still enjoy a lot of the songs, but I truly love my evolution of songs I felt the vibe on an annual basis. We were all young at one point, but as we grow older, so does our tastes.

At the end of the day, music is art. Above everything else, a vibe.

Until we meet again, doubt me if you insist, prove me wrong if I give consent.

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Care enough to follow my journey? Give me a follow on these social media platforms! Until we meet again, have a great Holidays!

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