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Playlist “Sweet 6Teen: 16 Teenage Songs” features music courtesy of Drake, Katy Perry, Khalid, My Chemical Romance, and Nirvana among many others.

Question: “Do you remember when you were young and wanted to set the world on fire?” That’s what Laura Jane Grace asks on “I Was a Teenage Anarchist,” one of many, MANY captivating teenage-themed songs. No, “I Was a Teenage Anarchist” didn’t get an official spot on this list of songs all about teens, but just think of how many great, rebellious, adolescent standouts are omitted, sigh. Still, Sweet 6Teen: 16 Teenage Songs features some great songs courtesy of Drake, Katy Perry, Khalid, My Chemical Romance, and Nirvana among many others.

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1. Jorja Smith, “Teenage Fantasy”

Lost & Found • FAMM • 2018

“You weren’t the boy I thought I knew…You were the topic of my lunch times… [I’d] get upset when you didn’t text back.”  The first verse of the soulful “Teenage Fantasy” accurately covers the plight of teenage love, sigh. Rising British R&B artist Jorja Smith wrote “Teenage Fantasy” when was 16.

She sums up the fantasy on the chorus:

“We all want a teenage fantasy
Want it when we can’t have it
When we got it we don’t seem to want it.”

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2. Madison Beer, “Teenager in Love”

As She Pleases • Access • 2018

“You call me queen / You’re in ripped jeans / And you just pulled up to a love song.”  On “Teenager in Love,” 19-year old Madison Beer is infatuated to the nth degree.  Everything about her suitor is perfect on this vintage sounding pop number, exemplified on the memorable chorus.

“You make me feel like a teenager in love
And you make me feel like I'll be forever young
And I don’t want no, nobody else
I don't want no, nobody else.”

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3 & 4. Khalid, “American Teen” &“8TEEN”

American Teen • RCA • 2017

“American Teen” opens American Teen bubbly and exuberant in sound.  The single borrows from 80s pop and urban cues as its basis. Set in major key, the optimism is formidable.  Vocally, while Khalid is firmly invested, without forcing things. Lyrically, the vibes are positive, as Khalid explores life and the great opportunities ahead of him.

“‘Cause this is our year
So wake me up in the Spring
While I’m high off my American dream
We don’t always say what we mean
It’s the life of an American teen.”

Ultimately, the opener sets the tone for the album. “8TEEN” is a welcome change of pace for Khalid, following a trio of brokenhearted songs on American Teen. This feels like a companion cut to the aforementioned title track, embracing a similar overall sound.  On the bright, synth-driven “8TEEN,” he reflects on being young and dumb.  The signature line comes on the chorus: “So, let’s do all the stupid shit that young kids do.”

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5. Lady Antebellum, “Teenage Heart”

Heart Break • Capitol Nashville • 2017

“We were circus lights and cannonballs / We were way too high to ever fall.” Sigh, to be a teenager again.  Hillary Scott,Charles Kelley, and Drew Haywood reminisce back to being young and fearless on the energetic and exuberant “Teenage Heart.”  Specifically, Lady Antebellum reminisces back to a youthful, teenage relationship, where “We thought that we would last forever / Thought our love would never fade.” Ultimately, those teenage years only last so long.

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6. Infinite bisous, “Teen Sex”

W/ Love • tasty morsels • 2017

Alternative musician Infinite bisous leaves little to the imagination in regards to the title of his entry onto this list, “Teen Sex.”  Even though the title suggests explicitness in terms of, well coitus, that’s not particularly the case lyrically.

The first verse looks a little something like this:

“Downstairs there’s a party,
Won’t you stay for me?
We’re safe for the moment,
Love for you.”

The chorus simply reiterates the title, while verse two, similar to the first, is much more innocent and simple than expected.  Ultimately, the phrase “teenage sex” is uttered 16 times.  That’s a lot of sex. Instrumentally, the vibe is indeed sexy.

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7. Drake, “Teenage Fever”

More Life • OVO Sound • 2017

“I met someone new last night and we kicked it / And I’m going back there tonight / And you know what’s on my mind, this time.” “Teenage Fever” represents one of Drake’s smoother moments on his playlist-album, More Life.  Drizzy sings about his feelings about her. “Out of body / That’s just how I feel when I’m around you, shawty.” Clearly, he’s infatuated, feeling ‘some type of way’ to the point he sings, “This shit feels like teenage fever.”

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8. Blink-182, “Teenage Satellites”

California • BMG Rights Management • 2016

Blink-182 gets into the teenage action with the cleverly-penned “Teenage Satellites.”  While it is clever, it’s also quite familiar.

“We are a slow descent
Forgotten astronauts
We are an avalanche
We’re just an afterthought”

What makes “Teenage Satellites” familiar isn’t the song itself, but the fact that the teenage plight is inspiration once again. In other words, this is an enjoyable, successful number that probably won’t boggle many minds.

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9. Neon Trees, “Teenager in Love”

Pop Psychology • Island • 2014

“There was a point of no return / And I never looked back ‘til I was holding your hand.” Ah, teenage nostalgia.  Beyond the reminiscent vibes of yesteryear, “Teenagers in Love”exemplifies the consistency of Pop Psychology, the 2014 album by alternative collective, Neon Trees.  The quick-paced gem finds frontman Tyler Glennsounding absolutely marvelous, thanks to his gifted set of pipes and top-notch vocal production.

“He’s a teen, a teenager in love
He’s a teen, a teenager in love
What a tragic attraction
What’s the point of romance?”

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10. Lorde, “White Teeth Teens”

Pure Heroine • Republic • 2013

“We wouldn’t be seen dead here in the day / I guess you’re lucky that it’s dark now… take a shot now…”On “White Teeth Teens,”Grammy-winning musician Lordetranscends the literal, making references to battle, such as the aforementioned excerpt from verse one, as well as “I like your reckoning, but we got our methods / And there’s nothing here to stop…” from verse two.

 

The bridge confirms that the battle is social:

“I’ll let you in on something big
I am not a white teeth teen
I tried to join but never did
The way they are, the way they seem is something else, it’s in the blood
Their molars blinking like lights, in the underpass where we all sit
And do nothing and love it.”

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11. Neon Trees, “Teenage Sounds”

Picture Show • Mercury • 2012

“Too all the cool kids on my block / Where’s the original thought.” Sigh, before being a “Teenager in Love”, Neon Trees, specifically frontman Tyler Glenn, were making “Teenage Sounds.” “Teenage Sounds” is the second song on the band’s sophomore album, Picture Show, an LP that features one of their most popular hits, “Everybody Talks.”  Don’t get it twisted though – “Teenage Sounds” is a bop!  Glenn is fed up, asserting on the second verse, “I’m sick of always operating out of fear / I’m sick of being called a fag because I’m queer.” Preach on T.G.!

“Oh yeah you never heard us
Don’t ever try to turn us down
We’re making all the noise
We’re making teenage sounds
It’s the same old song and dance
We’re sick of everybody trying to be famous.”

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12. Katy Perry, “Teenage Dream”

Teenage Dream • Capitol • 2010

“Let’s go all the way tonight / No regrets, just love / We can dance until we die / You and I, we’ll be young forever.” Katy Perry opened her third studio album (second pop album), Teenage Dream with a bang.  To describe title track “Teenage Dream” as merely a good opening cut would be an understatement. Dr. Luke delivers strong production, while Perry compels with her breathy vocals on the verses, and assertive, powerful pipes on the catchy chorus. “Teenage Dream” is the exemplification of the type of pop track that suits Perry perfectly.

“You make me feel like I’m living a teenage dream
The way you turn me on
I can’t sleep
Let’s run away and don’t ever look back
Don’t ever look back
My heart stops when you look at me
Just one touch
Now baby, I believe this is real
So take a change and don’t ever look back
Don’t ever look back.”

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13. Alicia Keys, “Teenage Love Affair”

As I Am • RCA • 2007

“Another secret meeting / On the fifth-floor staircase / I’m gonna give you this letter / Of all the things I can’t say.” “Teenage Love Affair” as among the gems from As I Am, the third studio album (fourth overall) by Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Alicia Keys.  Although among the elites, “Teenage Love Affair” didn’t quite achieve the same glory as “Superwoman”, “No One,” or “Like You’ll Never See Me Again.” Nonetheless, the ‘feels’ – the nostalgic, soulful vibe – is irresistible.  Keys is in love, rendezvousing with the man of her dreams.

“Nothing really matters
I don’t really care
What nobody tell me
I’m gonna be here
It’s a matter of extreme of importance
My first teenage love affair.”

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14. My Chemical Romance, “Teenagers”

The Black Parade • Reprise • 2006

“All teenagers scare the living shit out of me.” Ah, a classic, iconic line from one of the best songs from 00s standouts, My Chemical Romance. After growing exponentially in popularity following “Helena” (Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge), The Black Parade was definitely a big deal. Besides “Teenagers,” The Black Parade features gems such as “Welcome to the Black Parade” and personal favorite, “Cancer” (not the godawful disease of course).  Essentially, Gerard Way captures the disgruntled teenager to perfection.

“They’re gonna clean up your looks
With all the lies in the books
To make a citizen out of you
Because they sleep with a gun
And keep an eye on you, son
So they can watch all the things you do.”

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15. Marilyn Manson, “Disposable Teens”

Holy Wood • Interscope • 2000

“You said you wanted evolution / The ape was a great big hit / You say you want a revolution man / And I say that you’re full of shit.” Hmm… For the 15^thsong on this playlist, “Disposable Teens”, two mass murderers, Columbine High School perpetrators Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold serve as the inspiration. Musical influence was questioned in regards to the Columbine massacre with Marilyn Manson being the chief artist blamed. While ultimately it was myth, Manson responded with a song that Loudwire included in its list of Disturbing Songs People Love.  Author Graham Hartmann asserts that Manson was “likely commenting on the events aftermath, along with referencing George Orwell’s ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four.’” There’s nothing ‘warm and fuzzy’ about “Disposable Teens.”

“I want to thank you mom
I want to thank you dad
For bringing this fucking world
To a bitter end
I never really hated the one true God
But the God of the people I hated.”

Lyrically, Manson is always captivating.  Here, he seems to be repudiating the actions of Harris and Klebold, whom he was blamed for influencing.

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16. Nirvana, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Nevermind • Geffen • 1991

“Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry, “Teenagers” by My Chemical Romance, and even  “Disposable Teens” by Marilyn Manson are incredibly popular teen songs.  But perhaps the most famous of them all, or at least the most iconic, comes courtesy of Kurt Cobain and Seattle grunge band, Nirvana.  “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is undoubtedly the band’s crowning achievement, and still resonates to this day. It’s an example of a transcendent, timeless record – something that’s often strived for but rarely attained.  Besides the assertive, gritty vocals by Cobain, it’s the clever lyrics that take “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to the next level.

“With the lights out, it’s less dangerous
Here we are now, entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now, entertain us
A mulatto, an Albino
A mosquito, my libido, yeah.”

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Photo Credits: Access, BMG Rights Management, Capitol, FAMM, Geffen, Island, Mercury, OVO Sound, RCA, Republic, tasty morsels, RCA, Reprise

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