When you think about throwback songs, those tunes you heard as a kid and listened to in your youth are often the first ones that come to mind. These songs may mainly be from a decade that you loved.
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This list of the best throwback songs will take you back to early memories when you were happy, and more often than not, they help many get through some rough days. So listen to our list of the 10 best throwback songs that will surely take you back to a time when life was easier.
Turn up the volume, enjoy these tunes, and be prepared to have an earworm for the remainder of the day.
“No Scrubs”- TLC
What better way to start this list than by reminding you about TLC’s most famous song, “No Scrubs”?
Based on the lyrics, “scrub” means a broke guy who, unfortunately, thinks he is great. The ladies of TLC condemn these broke men, insisting they would not date anyone who cannot afford a house or car on their own but rather uses others’ wealth for their gain to get women.
This song became an instant hit, garnering a lot of fame and recognition for its relevance in society, not to mention one of the best throwback pop songs.
“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”- Backstreet Boys
Where were you in 1997? If you are an old millennial, you likely joined the debate for the best boy band: Backstreet Boys or *NSYNC?
The Backstreet Boys made many catchy love songs in the 1990s, making them one of the best-selling boy bands.
Their song, “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” still lingers to date for its iconic thriller themes and its intriguing repetitive yet catchy hook. Listening to this song will take you back to the times when times were a little fun and easier.
“I’m a Slave 4 U”- Britney Spears
Britney Spears’ career started at a high note in the late 1990s. However, it is quite mind-blowing that “I’m a Slave 4 U,” one of her most famous songs, was released in 2001, placing it on the 2000s throwback songs list.
This song has a lot of sexiness and sassiness to it. Barely out of her late teens, Britney Spears wanted her audience to see her as this sexually liberated woman, not just a little innocent girl portrayed in her previous songs.
The lyrics describe the plea of a young lady wanting to feel liberated and seek independence, and it may just help many ladies to find their identities. The song is catchy and enjoyable.
“Ice Ice Baby”- Vanilla Ice
The 90s served us numerous classics. With the increasing popularity of hip hop in the 1980s and 90s, Vanilla Ice released “Ice Ice Baby,” proving that Caucasians could also rap.
The song is a boastful rant about having an epic party. Thus, it can make you stand up and dance any day. Also, consider playing it on loud around your friends and family and see how many people can remember the lyrics to this best R&B throwback song.
“U Can’t Touch This”- MC Hammer
“U Can’t Touch This” is one of those songs you may have heard at every party or jam session you went to in the late 90s or early 2000.
MC Hammer came up with this funky dance, where all the lyrics challenged people to prove if they could dance or move as well as he could. The song was an encouragement for people to dance and have fun.
Because of its recognizable song hooks, rhymes, and chorus, you must add it to your hip hop best throwback songs playlist.
“You’re Still The One”- Shania Twain
“You’re Still The One” remains one of the greatest country music songs ever released.
The song is about a couple whose love for each other remains strong, affirming that they are still each other’s soul mates despite the ups and downs in life.
Earning many awards, including a Guinness world record for topping the US Country Album charts for 50 weeks, this song has been a worldwide sensation.
Many use this as a wedding song to confirm the couple’s love. Thus, if you need to remind your partner how much you love and care about them, consider adding this piece to your love songs playlist.
“Waterfalls”- TLC
“Waterfalls” is a classic TLC signature song released in 1994.
The song is a reference to the AIDS crisis. The band warns their audience to avoid drugs and indulge in unsafe sex to lessen the chances of getting AIDS and living a better life.
Though only two ladies from TLC remain, Rozanda Thomas and Tionne Watkins, the song is remembered and enjoyed by millions of fans decades later.
“Bye Bye Bye”- NSYNC
Talk about one of the hottest and coolest boy bands; *NSYNC made girls swoon with every song they released. If you are Justin Timberlake’s fan, you may know that he was in NSYNC before pursuing a solo career.
Their song “Bye Bye Bye” is about a guy who has discovered how his girlfriend is such a terrible person. It’s about him deciding to leave her before he gets hurt.
The song’s central message is for people in relationships to be weary of terrible, selfish, or disrespectful partners. Leave that relationship if it feels toxic. The video’s choreography makes “Bye By Bye” one of the best throwback songs to dance to.
“Say My Name”- Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child is a girl group that needs no introduction. With singing sensations Beyonce, Michelle Williams, and Kelly Rowland, Destiny’s Child became one of the most successful girl bands.
“Say My Name” is arguably the group’s most notable song. It is about a woman who suspects her boyfriend may be cheating; thus, she wants him to mention her name.
Besides its reflective message, the song has great beats that many still choose to listen to.
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”- Aerosmith
It is only fitting that we finish this list of best throwback songs with Aerosmith.
Their song, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” is based on sentiments about treasuring every moment spent with a loved one.
It tells the listener to enjoy and use every moment they have with their partner.
Final Thoughts
Whether you like country, pop, rock, or RnB, you can find some of the best throwback songs in these genres. The catchy tunes and choruses will have you reminiscing about the good old days.
Moreover, since they are part of the current pop culture, they may unlikely fade from existence or memory. So, whether you are having a bad or good day, there is always a throwback song that could cheer you up.