The end of the school year is here, and with it comes a mix of excitement, reflection, and a touch of nostalgia. Students are wrapping up their classes, preparing for finals, and reminiscing on the moments that defined their time here at Roanoke College. For many, those memories are deeply tied to the music that shaped their experiences – the songs that played in the background during late-night study sessions, weekend hangouts, and everything in between. We polled students across campus to find out which music era stood out as the ultimate favorite.
Leading the charts was the 2010s, earning 14 votes. It’s no surprise as this decade brought us a wild mix of upbeat anthems and emotional bangers that defined growing up for many students on campus. “I do love the 2010s because recession pop hits are really iconic.” One student said, “Plus, Pitbull was so good, and I think we moved past that too fast. People gotta start listening to good music again.”
The 2000s followed closely with 11 votes, bringing back the memories of MP3 players and burned CDs. For many, it’s the soundtrack to their childhood, a time when discovering new music felt like an adventure.
Just one person voted for the current era – the 2020s. Maybe it’s too soon to feel nostalgic just yet.
Not far behind “Something older,” with 9 votes cast for eras before the 2000s. The music of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s continues to captivate the hearts of students. Whether it’s the classic rock, synth-pop, or grunge alternative sounds that defined these eras, these decades brought forward bold new sounds that shape the music of today. “I have a huge appreciation for the music of the 80s and 90s.” An anonymous student said, “I grew up with a lot of ABBA, The Cure, the Cars, the B-52s, Jeff Buckley, Tears for Fears, etc., so it’s become comfort music for me. Billy Joel and Queen were a staple in my house, so you can catch me knowing every word to every song that plays on the Classics station.”
As seniors prepare to walk the stage and underclassmen look ahead to their next chapters, these music moments serve as a reminder of how each era shaped their experiences. Good luck with finals, and may your next adventure come with an even better soundtrack.
Adriana Rose
Staff Reporter
