A Collaboration by IG Staff, Introduction by Draven Copeland, Managing Editor
Who wants to live in 2026 when life peaked a decade ago? Back when Zootopia and Captain America: Civil War were killing the box office, a 12-pack of Coke was under $5, and the radio was always bumping something good. With major releases from artists from all genres, 2016 was a huge year for music, giving us tracks that we’re still listening to to this day. Whether you’re looking for a fun throwback or a peek into what makes the Imaginary Gardens team feel nostalgic, we present this collection of modern classics for you to dig into.
Addison Chrivia, Editor
“Trouble” by Cage the Elephant
Now, was I listening to Cage the Elephant at the age of nine? No, I listened pretty much exclusively to Disney villain songs, unless I was feeling crazy and brought out the Kidz Bop CD. But I love Cage the Elephant now, and “Trouble” is a truly fantastic song. Like all of Cage the Elephants songs, it has a more alt-rock vibe, but unlike their other songs it’s a lot slower and the vocals are a lot softer. The overall tone is more melancholy, the lyrics reflecting on the struggles faced throughout life, eliciting a feeling of nostalgia for lost love.
Bean Gast, Editor
“Ribs” by Lorde
All the songs I added are directly from my “indie” Spotify playlist I created in 6th grade, most of which are now purely nostalgic, except for one: “Ribs” by Lorde. This song has traveled with me past middle and high school, and now into early adulthood where it continues to bring me just as much joy as the first time I heard it. “Ribs” is the song that never gets old, and often reminds me of reminiscent memories of freeing moments experienced in the wind. The song is best played in the car on max volume, with the windows down and your head fully out the window.
Draven Copeland, Managing Editor
“Roses” by The Chainsmokers featuring ROZES
Back in 2016, I was 13-14 years old and I was homeschooled at the time. I rode everywhere with my mom – from homeschool co-ops an hour away to the grocery store, to the movie theater, and anywhere she needed to go while I wasn’t very busy. We always had the radio playing whenever we didn’t put in a Twenty One Pilots or Gwen Stefani CD, and this song came on the pop radio a TON when it came out in 2015. Although The Chainsmokers continued their success in 2016 with their song “Closer,” effectively catapulting both themselves and their featured artist, Halsey, to greater commercial success, “Roses” played whenever the station was burnt out on their newer stuff but still wanted to play them. For whatever reason, this song always brings me back to those early teenage years more than the song that actually came out in 2016, and I still listen to it whenever I’m feeling nostalgic… it’s still a banger 10 years later.
Jackie Ayala, Editor
“Riptide” by Vance Joy
Back in 2016, I was a very shy 10 year old kid who rarely put in much effort to make friends. Mostly I spent my time watching One Direction funny moments, drawing the same eye on my paper over and over again, and with my nose stuck in my book. Admittedly, I was a chronically online kid who was heavily into and influenced by the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series. And if there was one song that resonated with that series, it was “Riptide.” If I was given a ukulele at that age I am positive I would’ve been one of those kids who only knew how to play this one song. “Riptide” brings me back to a time where the only thing I was worrying about was when Percy and Annabeth would admit they liked each other and when One Direction would be coming back from their “break.”
Emma G. Harrison, Editor-in-Chief
“Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry
Ten-year-old Emma was certainly jamming out to this ‘08 classic in 2016. I think it sparked a rebellious side in me, having a whopping total of one curse word. Alas, I kept coming back to it, keeping it on repeat for a solid portion of my young childhood. My older sister and I would often ask my dad to play it in our 2013 Jeep Wrangler while cruising through the Smoky Mountains. I knew every word and sang them until my little brother begged to play something more his speed, like “Harlem Shake” by Baauer. Safe to say I still hit play on “Hot n Cold” when driving my little brother to school for the good vibes…and maybe to annoy my little brother too.
James Cochran, Photo Editor
“Bang Bang” by Green Day
2016 was a really important year for my music taste. It was the first full year I spent collecting CDs, got sick of listening to Journey’s Greatest Hits all the time, and started to expand my music taste from 70s and 80s power pop and classic rock with more contemporary music. Although I always knew of Green Day thanks to my mom, I didn’t really get into them until that same year. With its raging guitars and a dark theme about public gun violence, “Bang Bang” was one of the songs that I repeatedly blasted through my headphones in 2016. I admittedly still don’t listen to much music post 2001, but this song and the Revolution Radio album did pave the way for me to realize that there are some good tunes that have come out the past 25 years.
