Some songs take you down memory lane. They could be about an experience or event that is significant to you or just take you back to an old moment associated with that song. There is something special about songs that bring back feelings of nostalgia.
They are refreshing to hear and can even make your heart flutter due to good memories. Some of them can stir precious emotions. Whatever the result, song makers have made numerous tunes that leave a mark on our hearts!
This article has compiled a list of some of the most nostalgic songs that can move your soul. Let’s go through it one by one and enjoy the music.
Contents
- 1. “Take On Me” by A-ha
- 2. “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith
- 3. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
- 4. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
- 5. “Summer of ‘69” by Bryan Adams
- 6. “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye feat. Kimbra
- 7. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
- 8. “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees
- 9. “Waterfalls” by TLC
- 10. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
- 11. “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus
- 12. “Somewhere I Belong” by Linkin Park
- 13. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen
- 14. “Photograph” by Nickelback
- 15. “Chandelier” by Sia
- 16. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
- 17. “TiK ToK” by Kesha
- 18. “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” by Panic! At The Disco
- 19. “I Knew I Loved You” by Savage Garden
- Final Thoughts
1. “Take On Me” by A-ha
This upbeat song has a very catchy intro and you will find yourself grooving to the beat from the get-go. We can hear a shy guy expressing his romantic feelings in this beautiful song. The phrase “Take on me” is his way of offering himself and confessing his love. The love interest isn’t really into him but he is determined to pursue his love anyway.
![a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [Remastered in 4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/djV11Xbc914/maxresdefault.jpg)
2. “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith
One of those songs that will definitely take you back in time, this one was included in the original soundtrack of the hit movie Armageddon. A rock song that talks about strong feelings of love, this track has a very moving melody. The lyrics imply how the protagonist cherishes every moment spent with his loved one. This song will make you miss someone special in your life and you will end up feeling nostalgic.
3. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
This alternative rock song took the 90s by storm. It is even noted as one of the best British songs of all time. Wonderwall means a special person you are always thinking about. They make you feel wonderful. Whether it be infatuation or love, your Wonderwall inspires you. The song tackles the difficulty of confessing too. Some circumstances hinder it but then the path of love was never easy, was it?
4. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
This alternative rock song was inspired by a real-life experience. The main protagonist caught his girlfriend in a compromising position with another man. He witnessed the scene which means there was no way the girl could deny cheating on him. Pretty ironic that a song about cheating and infidelity became a hit track. One reason could be that lots of people could relate to this one!
5. “Summer of ‘69” by Bryan Adams
This song instantly transports you to fond memories of youth. A fun rock song, Bryan Adams shares his memories about getting the first guitar and learning to play it. Anyone can relate to the fact mentioned in the track – you play enthusiastically and then your fingers hurt. Adams also talks about how hard it is to start a band but as long as you continue to be passionate, it will thrive.
6. “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye feat. Kimbra
This tune is about two people falling out of a relationship. The lyrics imply that one party has moved on while the other has not. The one clinging on the memory sadly contemplates that their ties are gone. The song is melancholic as it discusses the lady changing her phone number to avoid the man. However, the guy consoles himself that he does not need it anymore. Anyone who has been ghosted will relate to this song.
![Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8UVNT4wvIGY/maxresdefault.jpg)
7. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
This lovely song is all about freedom and independence. Gloria Gaynor’s powerful vocals and energy made this track phenomenal. It is all about realizing your strength after a breakup. The melody implies that no matter how hard it seems, one can survive a heartbreak. The high notes in this memorable track are impressive and listeners cannot help but envy the singer’s prowess.
8. “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees
This tune from the Bee Gees is one of their most iconic songs and you will catch yourself doing the hand movements as you listen to the song. The structure of the song is upbeat and catchy. The lyrics give a message of hope. Things can be difficult in life and you will seek help from others. But no matter the situation, as long as you have the willpower, you can survive. And that is what staying alive really means. It’s all about mindset so you can receive the best.
9. “Waterfalls” by TLC
This soulful song by the fantastic trio has captured the hearts of many. It talks about different memories of separate situations. The recollections are not happy endings. Due to poor judgment, people meet their demise. The lyrics encourage listeners to learn from the examples shared – don’t be hasty with decisions or things can fall apart.
10. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
This song is one of the most memorable hits of Whitney Houston. This tune shows the versatility and prowess of her vocals. It is mellow and very dramatic and you can feel the intensity of her emotions in delivering this melody. Fans of the diva have this on their playlist for sure. It talks about moving on from a relationship and carrying only good memories.
11. “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus
In life, there are instances where you will meet someone who sweeps you off your feet. There are such things as a whirlwind romance. But then emotions settle down and so do feelings. This might lead to a breakup that can be hard to recover from. This concept is discussed in this intense track. The tempo of the melody is slow but then escalates to express a point making this song very emotional and relatable.
12. “Somewhere I Belong” by Linkin Park
Every individual has struggles. The way to cope with it can be different. However, no matter how much a person is hurting, they all want to heal. The song talks about how to overcome this negativity. The best way is to find acceptance and find where you belong. The song is a reminder for everyone that you can only move forward after making peace with yourself.
![Somewhere I Belong [Official Music Video] - Linkin Park](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zsCD5XCu6CM/maxresdefault.jpg)
13. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen
This catchy song talks about a girl’s crush on a person she met. The protagonist recalls when she first met the man and how she was deeply infatuated. In an attempt to get close, she offers her number and hopes he would call. However, the guy did not seem interested and made no moves to call her. This led the protagonist to express how she misses the guy.
14. “Photograph” by Nickelback
This rock song opens with a moving guitar intro. The opening line talks about a photograph that the protagonist is observing. The picture made him remember his youth. He recalls the things he did in school, a former girlfriend, and some fun times with friends. The images managed to stir his emotions and make him reflect on how he could have lived better in the past. The lyrics are beautifully woven together and you will find yourself remembering your youth too.
15. “Chandelier” by Sia
This mellow song is mesmerizing. The catchy drumbeat will capture the listener’s attention and then the shift in volume will take you on an emotional high. Sia’s vocals are versatile and intense. The song talks about a person who wants to have time for themself to reflect on things.
16. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
This rock song has become an anthem of the youth. This coming of age song gives examples of how people try to understand themselves. It talks about your explorations in life and how life experiences are the best teacher. The guitar riffs on this track are very impressive.
17. “TiK ToK” by Kesha
This song has an upbeat structure equipped with a hypnotic opening. It will make listeners want to move. A great party dance song, the lyrics reflect the same thoughts and feelings. The protagonist recalls how much fun she had partying and how she wouldn’t mind doing it all over again.
18. “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” by Panic! At The Disco
This song has a lively vibe and a lot of interesting sounds. A xylophone seems to be in the mix. A guest at a wedding can be heard gossiping about the personal history of the bride. However, despite the stories, it is implied that the groom does not mind and the wedding moves forward despite the negative comments. This song appreciates the dignity with which the couple carried on despite bad vibes from those around.
![Panic! At The Disco: I Write Sins Not Tragedies [OFFICIAL VIDEO]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vc6vs-l5dkc/maxresdefault.jpg)
19. “I Knew I Loved You” by Savage Garden
This intimate love song talks about love at first sight. The protagonist sees a woman and feels as if he had known her all his life. It is like he met his soulmate and fell in love with her. The melody is sweet and can send your heart fluttering. It makes you want to think that somewhere there is someone for you.
Final Thoughts
Nostalgia is that pleasant feeling you get when you think of a memory, whether positive or negative. It takes you back to a place in time and makes you reflect on how to grow further as a person. Which of these songs made you nostalgic and took you to a place that moved your emotions and somehow made you a better individual.
