Second (Assist) Opinion: Five Songs Guaranteed to Bring You Back to Your High School Days

There are fewer things in life that instantly bring a smile to my face than hearing a jam that takes my mind back to the days of high school, or, more specifically, any point in time between 2001-2007. Ask any one of my closest friends and they will tell you this period of time was not only my prime in terms of looks and athleticism, but also the golden age in music and will remember these songs forever. Didn't matter what type of music was playing on our car stereos (or actual stereo system for that matter), simply because we didn't know any better. Hearing a song that came out during that time period today brings a sense of nostalgia that is unrivaled to any other feeling and will most-likely drive myself down a rabbit hole of YouTubing similar songs I used to blare in my 2001 Toyota Camry. Here is where productivity suffers...

That being said, I decided to release my list of top-five songs that will instantly bring my mind back to the worry-free days of high school, when life's most important responsibilities included not being late to the bus leaving for hockey practice and figuring out where to get beer for the upcoming weekend. Since all my buddies and I listened to was punk/alternative rock (ie. Senses Fail, Brand New, etc.) this list is heavily of this genre, no disrespect to Ludacris, Petey Pablo, Lil Jon and others. Whether you agree or disagree (and if you watched FUSE every morning before school like I did, you will probably agree), I guarantee you'll go searching for some old burned CD's:

Honorable Mention: Buried A Lie - Senses Fail

All I can say about Senses Fail is what the hell happened to these guys? When the Taste of Chaos tour came to Portland back in 2006 you couldn't find an extra ticket anywhere (except in the pockets of the Scarborough High School hockey team because we had a game that night). If I need an instant pick me up or playlist to accompany me at the gym, Senses Fail was featured 99% of the time. Was a major fan of their first two CD's but have zero interest in anything they've put out since.

5. Until the Day I Die - Story of the Year

Fuse, Fuse, Fuse. I can't tell you how many times I've watched this music video before school on the Fuse network. By the way, each view of this video was completely voluntary. Why? I'll tell you why: that dude's guitar flip at the end of the video. You know how difficult it is to do an air-guitar flip without looking like a moron? I mean, I pulled it off, but still...

4. A Decade Under the Influence - Taking Back Sunday

Ah yes, the ultimate sing-a-long song on repeat while driving to school. I say this because this was an every day occurence sophomore year and still brings so much nostalgia and good vibes whenever it gets played. Had the opportunity to hear this live on a few occasions and this is a true jam that I am convinced will never get old.

3. Ohio is for Lovers - Hawthorne Heights

The biggest screamo jam there ever was. Enough said.

2. The Taste of Ink - The Used

A lyrical masterpiece, if I do say so myself. I can't tell you how many times the opening line "Is it worth it, can you even hear me?" has been shouted throughout the locker room or inside my best friend's 1990 Volvo station wagon.

1. Seventy Times 7- Brand New

Brand New will forever have a special place in my heart as the number one band that brings me back to my high school days, with this track leading the way 100% of the time. Like TBS, I had the privilege of attending a few Brand New concerts and nothing gets the crowd going like ole Seventy Times 7.