Whenever I find myself in need of a burst of youthful vigor, I don’t reach for some magic, age-reversing cream; instead, I grab my iPod and turn up the volume! And it’s not just any music I crave—it’s those nostalgic anthems that transport me back to my carefree days of the late 1970s and ’80s, when joy was as simple as a treat from the ice cream truck. These tracks are not only catchy; they also evoke cherished memories. Here’s my list of the top 10 “Ooh, I Love This Song!” hits from my childhood:
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‘Our Lips Are Sealed,’ The Go-Go’s
Whenever this bouncy tune plays, I’m instantly reminded of racing down a steep water slide at the Jersey Shore, my younger sister eagerly waiting for her turn behind me. At just 10 years old, fear was a foreign concept as I splashed into the pool below, creating a vivid summer memory, sunburn and chlorine stinging my eyes notwithstanding! -
‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,’ The Police
This track was introduced to me by my cool cousin, sparking a lifelong admiration for Sting. My sister, a friend, and I would role-play as The Police—my friend and I gravitated toward the drummer Stewart Copeland and Sting due to our crushes on them. My poor sister, however, was always left with the guitarist Andy Summers, who didn’t quite hold her interest! I can still hear her quiet complaints. -
‘Don’t Stop Believin’,’ Journey
Cruising along the New Jersey Turnpike, this anthem played on repeat after I had it on loop with my cousins from South Jersey. As soon as I got home, I convinced my mom to buy me the album. I belted out this motivational classic alongside Steve Perry, swooned over guitarist Neal Schon, and even developed a crush on keyboardist Jonathan Cain, which led me to write my very first fan letter. The belief that small-town kids can find their happily ever after resonates deeply with me. -
‘I Want a New Drug,’ Huey Lewis and the News
At 12, I paired this album, Sports, with the Footloose soundtrack and the latest Sweet Valley High book (No. 10, if you must know). This catchy tune energizes me like the scene in its music video where Huey plunges his head into icy water. But during my hair metal and prog rock phases, Huey lost his cool factor in my eyes; I even left the album outside, only to see a neighborhood kid take it. I regret abandoning you, Huey Lewis—your songs will always have a place in my heart. -
‘I Feel for You,’ Chaka Khan
This song has an undeniable ability to lift my spirits. I often find myself teary-eyed, with goosebumps rising on my skin as I soak in the emotion Chaka pours into this track. -
‘Photograph,’ Def Leppard
My first foray into the world of Hair Metal moved me away from the easy-listening tunes I endured with my mom! The moment those opening guitar chords hit, I knew I was leaving behind the softer stuff. It takes me back to the early MTV days when I would only change the channel if my mom walked in, asking in her disapproving tone, “What is that?!” Thankfully, this video wasn’t risqué—just Joe Elliott in his ripped Union Jack shirt and leather pants, lamenting a Marilyn Monroe lookalike. -
‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,’ and ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,’ Michael Jackson
These tracks get my feet moving, and I can’t help but dance, even if it’s awkward. (A little liquid courage is all it takes to unleash my inner dancer.) -
‘Rock and Roll All Nite,’ Kiss
From a young age, I was captivated by Kiss. Their makeup and costumes both terrified and intrigued me, drawing me to their music, which always rocked—including this classic. In high school, my friends and I even dressed up as Kiss for a school lip-sync contest! -
‘Jack and Diane,’ John Cougar Mellencamp
I believe John is singing about a couple he truly knows, and I’m sure we all recognize at least one pair that fits this song, regardless of their current relationship status. The hand claps and vivid storytelling always get me singing along.
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In summary, these top 10 tracks from my childhood not only bring back fond memories but also capture the essence of the carefree days of my youth. The music continues to resonate, reminding me of the joy and excitement of growing up.