After getting caught up in favorite songs and albums of this generation, sometimes we forget how good some of the older music was.

For the teenagers of today, artists like Beyoncé, Drake, The Chainsmokers, and Ed Sheeran are the best of the best. But with those who have older parents or siblings, older music was probably introduced to you at a young age.

While music has come a long way, and continues to get better and better, we should not neglect these older songs.

“Beautiful Soul” – Jesse McCartney

After being released as McCartney’s debut single in 2004, this track was certified gold in the United States and platinum in Australia.

McCartney later released the album “Beautiful Soul,” with the track as the lead single.

Junior Kaylee Hill is shocked at the age of this song that was released in 2004.

“It’s almost unbelievable,” Hill said. ” I still listen to that song whenever I’m feeling nostalgic.”

“No Scrubs” – TLC

This song was released in 1999, and was written for the group’s third album, “FanMail.”

“No Scrubs” became TLC’s third No. 1 single.

Senior Neil Kagerer believes his mother introduced him to this older song.

“She would always sing songs sang by divas who experienced heartbreak,” Kagerer said. “I would say that the song is so relevant because it is so relatable to many people today, as well as a lot of old things (that) are trending nowadays.”

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” – Green Day

Written by the band and released on Nov. 29, 2004, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” won both a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year.

Senior Wiliam Spielmaker remembers constantly returning to the song after its release.

“It is a very catchy song,” Spielmaker said. “It is very versatile as well. It is a sad song, but it has a nice beat so everyone can enjoy it.”

“Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down” – Fall Out Boy

First released in 2005 and put on Fall Out Boy’s “From Under the Cork Tree,” this punk rock song played a part in some students preteen years.

Kagerer enjoys this older punk rock song and its relatable meaning.

“The song is great,” Kagerer said. “If you listen to the lyrics, it basically is saying how two teenage kids are doing bad things and trying to get away with it, which is so relatable to nearly every teenager.”

“Fireflies” – Owl City

Owl City released “Fireflies” in 2009. This synthpop single can be found on their album “Ocean Eyes.”

Hill remembers playing this song on repeat when she was younger.

“As a kid, I never really thought about the lyrics, but the beat behind it made me always want to dance,” Hill said. “Also the name was fireflies, and who didn’t like staying out late during the summer to catch some?”

“Bye Bye Bye” – *NSYNC

The boy band *NSYNC released this single in 2000. To this day, this is a well-known song.

Spielmaker attributes the popularity to the band.

“I think a lot of it came from the band itself. It felt like everyone loved *NSYNC,” Spielmaker said. “So regardless what the song was, everyone liked it. Also, that song is very catchy and easy to dance along to if you’ve seen the music video.”

“Allstar” – Smash Mouth

After being released in 1999, “Allstar” was used in multiple movies, including the animated film “Shrek.”

The song is used within the first few scenes of the film and is easily recognized from its catchy lyrics and beat.

Kagerer appreciates the throwback song and its meaning.

“I do still enjoy this song every time I listen to it. It reminds me of going on road trips with my friends and jamming out to music, and it also sends a positive message to kids.”

“Follow Me” – Uncle Kracker

Uncle Kracker released this single in 2001, and it was put on the album “Double Wide.”

It is considered country pop and rock, so its popularity is most likely from parents passing it down to their children.

Spielmaker remembers specifically when he first heard this song.

“In the summer of 2005, it was playing at a beach restaurant in Florida,” Spielmaker said. “It is very easy to get stuck in my head. Every time I hear it, I sing it the rest of the day.”

“Hollaback Girl” – Gwen Stefani 

“Hollaback Girl” was released by Stefani in 2005 and used on her debut solo studio album “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.”

Hill isn’t sure how the song remains so popular.

“I am pretty sure that it is just one of those songs that can’t be forgotten.”

Through the constant release of new music in this century, it can be difficult to keep up, but let us never forget the oldies.

The featured image is from Flickr.