Billboard Top 100 lists “Gangnam Style,” “Begin Again,” “Diamonds,” and “Thrift Shop” as the most popular songs for the 2012-2013 year. In a Dial poll, Hackley students similarly include “Thrift Shop” and “Gangnam Style” as favorites, but add unique hits to their top songs for this year.
Whether it’s a relatively relaxing song to listen to while doing homework, or a pump-up song to listen to before a big game, students have found a way to incorporate music into all aspects of their daily lives.
“I love listening to music when I study because it helps me concentrate,” said freshman Emma Fetner. Sophomore Russell Heller shared a similar opinion. “I listen to music when I’m really stressed, it really helps,” explained Russell.
Student favorite songs include songs from Justin Timberlake’s comeback album such as “Suit and Tie.” The catchy lyrics and verse featuring beloved rapper Jay-Z have made the song a hit.
Maroon 5’s album Overexposed was released this summer and many songs on the album made an immediate impact, but it was not until the middle of the year that their song “Daylight” became a hit.
Two of the most popular songs this year took students and society by surprise because of their eccentricity. Korean pop star PSY broke records and shocked listeners with his song “Gangnam Style.”
Rapper Macklemore had a similar effect with his song “Thrift Shop,” and can enjoy singing along. The strange topic mixed with lyrics that could be easily memorized made this song one of this year’s most catchy.
With its chorus exclaiming “I don’t care, I love it,” Icona Pop’s song “I Love It” is a party favorite, and can easily stick in one’s head.
Another favorite among students is the song “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons. The indie rock song with elements of electronic rock and dubstep was heard on radios and televisions alike during the school year.
One of the most acclaimed songs of the year doubled with a very memorable album is “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift, which is featured on her fourth studio album Red.
