Entertainment

Songs You Listened To When You Had A Crush

by Tracy Dye

There aren't many things that compare to the feeling of butterflies whirring around in your belly when you first realize you have a crush on someone. I was quite the shy girl during my middle and high school years (today, people have to constantly tell me to "keep it down"), so all of my infatuations tended to go unrequited and — often times — completely unbeknownst to the object of my affection. As I scurried home after school, I would race up to my bedroom a la Brandy during "Sittin' Up In My Room," leap toward my boombox (which is what we used to play music back then), and cranked up my favorite romance-laced track of the moment. Nothing helps amp up some daydreaming about a crush like a blissfully sweet soundtrack, and the 1990s was chock full of them.

Other than the aforementioned song by Brandy (which is amazing), there were a slew of other tunes that we could all relate to when enveloped by that giddiness that comes with early infatuation. In order to continue down this lovely road of nostalgia, I've compiled a list of 11 songs that were the perfect accompaniment when we found ourselves feeling so many feels over a crush.

Savage Garden, "Truly Madly Deeply"

I mean, I didn't actually want to bathe with anyone in a sea, but you get the point.

Jessica Simpson, "I Think I'm In Love With You"

The lines "I get kind of crazy in my head for you" and "I get kind of shaky when they mention you" pretty much describe my feelings toward every crush I had up until my high school graduation. OK, I still get "kind of shaky" around a crush — don't judge me!

Backstreet Boys, "As Long As You Love Me"

When you're feeling a lot of feels, you'd find nary a better remedy than a 90s boy band hit.

Britney Spears, "(You Drive Me) Crazy"

Thinking about a crush is definitely something that has a tendency to keep you "up all night." Thanks for this classic, Britney!

Mariah Carey, "Fantasy"

I have a greater affinity toward adorably awkward men than those that spend their nights "talking sweet." Still, this song was definitely my jam in 1995 when daydreaming about a crush.

Seal, "Kiss From a Rose"

Did I mention I also had a crush on Val Kilmer when Batman Forever came out in 1995? Yeah, I did.

Goo Goo Dolls, "Iris"

So. Many. FEELS!

Boyz II Men, "End Of The Road"

The passionate quartet known as Boyz II Men never failed in offering me a ballad to perfectly articulate my feelings.

Aerosmith, "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing"

I definitely didn't "want to miss a thing" when it came to passing one of my various crushes in the hallway.

98 Degrees, "Because of You"

To be honest, I had a crush on every member of 98 Degrees. Actually, I think I still do.

'N SYNC, "(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time On You"

I officially need someone to slow dance with me prom-style after re-listening to this ballad from one of my favorite boy bands of all time. Hey, 'N SYNC, I think it's time for another reunion — the VMAs were just a tease. Oh yeah, I have a crush on all of you guys too.