Inspired by a recent article published to The Observer by Maggie Eastland, the John Adams Tower has curated a playlist that encapsulates the High School experience. Eastland’s article, titled “20 Songs About Age 20” caters to the College kid with freshly discovered independence and a naïve view of the economy and overall state of the world. While the people going through those experiences deserve a playlist, it is The Towers personal duty to bring another compilation for those who only think they know how the world works. 

The John Adams Tower presents: “Songs For When You Are An Age That Is In High School” (An age inclusive list so it doesn’t go out of date in a year). The following are some highlights from the playlist

Fifteen – Taylor Swift

With lyrics like “Feeling like there’s nothing to figure out” and “This is life before you know who you’re going to be, at fifteen,” it has to be placed on a list about growing up.

 The whole song is a testament to a teenage experience; making friends and stumbling through a love life you’ll regret not two years later. 

We’re Going To Be Friends – The White Stripes

Some might argue that the lyrics create a picture of younger children, perhaps in grade school. But The Tower argues that any age is the right age to be picking up bugs and having an adorable friendship with someone you walk home with. 

“And we don’t notice any time pass, We don’t notice anything.”

Stacy’s Mom – Fountains of Wayne

The Tower does not condone age-inappropriate crushes. But they do, however, condone blasting this song everywhere. 

Rock ‘n’ Roll High School – Ramones

It’s in the name and it’s in the lyrics. This is the punk high school anthem. 

Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani

Not everyone can relate to the angry cheerleader trope, but the song makes you feel like you could. Stefani makes everyone want to be a Hollaback Girl. 

School’s Out – Alice Cooper

School’s Out has created some of the most iconic scenes in high school movies like Dazed and Confused, but it can help recreate those feelings of rebellion in real life. If English class is becoming suffocating, Alice Cooper helps mend the sorrow. 

School Days – Chuck Berry 

Chuck Berry’s tune paints a picture of High School in the 50’s with early rock and roll blasting on the jukeboxes and everyone twisting and shouting and whatnot. It’s fun to dance to and has just enough relatability to make it on this list. 

Breaking Free – High School Musical

This has been somewhat reluctantly placed in the list because someone out there will appreciate it. It is pretty spot on with the theme, though, and deserves its place for the diehard disney fans out there in need of a little recognition. 

Getting Better – The Beatles

The final highlight will be this: a feel good song about getting through school and going through change with a positive outlook. 

High School is a period of time that needs a soundtrack, one that shapes who you’ll become. Through all the hardships of school life, hopefully this playlist will make you admit, things are getting better all the time.

Link to playlist here.