All photos courtesy of Spotify.

Music

Class of 2024: Songs That Remind You of Your Last Four Years at Boston University

A playlist curated for the Class of 2024. If you know, you know.

Music has a unique ability to connect people on various levels, both emotionally and socially. While it connects people, music also acts as a time capsule that can send you down memory lane. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to recall a moment with a certain song. It’s an enjoyable way to reminisce.

Although I wouldn’t consider myself a music expert and I understand that everyone has their own taste, I think it was easy for me to identify songs that describe our past four years at Boston University. With some help from friends, here is a list of songs that capture the essence of our time at BU. Here is our playlist, Class of 2024:

First Year

1. “Doses & Mimosas”—Cherub 

This one takes me back to my first college “group hangout” in Warren Towers. We were all following the COVID protocols, ensuring that only eight people were in the room. Then this song would play in the background as we wondered what to do that night. Although the pandemic had us down, the music brought the vibes.

2. “The Thrill”—Wiz Khalifa, Empire of the Sun 

This song has been a classic college party song all four years. Somehow, I’ve never played this song on my own, but since we have collectively played it, I remember the lyrics. It’s one of those songs where no one has any idea what it is called, but when it starts playing, you know exactly what it is.

Sophomore year

3. “As It Was”—Harry Styles

When Harry Styles came out with this song, we were all enjoying Boston’s April sunshine after a long, cold winter. This song was a perfect wrap-up to our sophomore year, back in 2022. Its melodic rock vibes were a great preview for what was to come.

4. “Kiss Me More” (feat. SZA)—Doja Cat, SZA 

I don’t think anyone can forget the infamous TikTok dance that went along with this song; it was a cannon event. Naturally, after hearing this song hundreds of times on social media, it became ingrained in the brains of many of us. I distinctly remember moving into my StuVi double with my roommate at the time, stressing about moving in by ourselves. Every time this song plays, I’m instantly sent back to 2022.

Junior Year

5. “Kill Bill”—SZA

Ahhh, the long-awaited SZA album during sophomore year. It was when we were all collectively feeling stressed about impending final projects/final exams, but SZA dropped this and that’s all that mattered. At least we could be sad with SZA.

6. “Calm Down” (with Selena Gomez)—Rema, Selena Gomez

I swear this plays anywhere and everywhere I’ve gone since it came out. It’s subtle, fun, and probably will get played at every single function we attend for the next few years.

Senior Year

7. “FE!N” (feat. Playboi Carti)—Travis Scott

As an occasional Tavern in the Square attendee, I realized that there is a special bond with the crowd when this is played. This is the only song that has been played this year where everybody seems to gain a lot of energy. It sounds like a fire alarm, just more catchy!

8. “Rich Baby Daddy” (feat. Sexyy Red & SZA) 

Does this song even need an explanation? This is another “classic” that carried us through senior year. If this song is played right now, anywhere, a group of Gen-Zs would be found going all out for it.

Many songs have yet to be added since I definitely missed some and you likely have differing opinions or taste. So we’ll leave the comments open so you can recommend your favorite tunes, Class of 2024. Please suggest songs that evoke memories of your time at BU.

I’ve already begun the list, so the tough part is done. Now, it’s time for you to get creative!

Hopefully, we can return to this playlist in 10 years when we are telling our children about how “we were alive before AI.” A few “those were the days” may slip out when these songs play, and you’ll instantly feel young again.