A weekly meme by Ginger of GReads! In the meme I'll talk about music and showcase it here each week. And this week, I'm going to talk about... songs that were on my playlist at 16.

So about nine years ago (this april), certain music was on the air waves in 2003. Pop was still good, punk-pop was at an all time high, and TRL was the "it" thing to watch on tv after school. And not just then but till I graduated in 2005, certain bands/artists were constantly on my radar. Now a few of these I shake my head at and ask "why?", while others were just plain awesome, which is how I've decided to call this "Dear Sixteen Year Old Me...", let's get the ball rolling with the first song.
"Hands Down" by Dashboard Confessional
This is my all time favorite song by this band and one of my top 50 favorite songs too. One big reason is was used for the definitive scene of the pilot episode for "One Tree Hill". Beyond that it's such an amazing song. The way it begins and then kick starts into an awesome chorus with really great lyrics. Plus if you've never seen this music video, you may want to check it out just for the cool effects that were used circa 2002.

"Swing, Swing" by The All-American Rejects
The first song that put this band on the map. I remember thinking these guys will be around for awhile. Ironically it's a great song about a break-up or being broken hearted long after a break-up. Gotta hand it to The All-American Rejects for creating a catchy tune while still symbolizing good rock music.

"Dead On Arrival" by Fall Out Boy
I was listening to the band long before "Under the Corktree" came out. This is the bands first single off their "Take This to Your Grave" album, which is the 2nd studio album as well. I first spotted this exact video on FUSE one day and couldn't peel my eyes away from the screen. I was captivated by the energy and fun fact they brought to the stage. Back then in circa 2002, they were the underground sensation in Chicago. Today everyone knows who they are when it comes to music (even my parents due to rolling stone).

"Last Train Home" by LOSTPROPHETS
I just remember hearing this on the radio one day and fell in love it completely. It also was blowing up the air waves left and right on my local rock radio stations too. What was great about this song was that feeling it built up inside you as it reached the chorus and the second verse. It made you wish that your life would be like a music video and just cool in that sense.

"Fatlip" by Sum 41
The great thing about this band, they were just about rocking out and having fun. It was the skater image that was seen a lot with punk-rock bands around this time, especially those that ended up on Warped Tour.

"The Rock Show" by Blink 182
I would have used "What's My Age Again", but then I remembered the guys are butt naked running down sunset blvd for the video lol so didn't feel that was too appropriate for here. Anyway, this song is great in general. First off: the music video. Hands down funny, crazy, and totally Blink 182. Second: how many rock stars wear glasses and pull it off in a video!?!? Not many, but Mark did lol. Third: the lyrics are just a reminded of how great being young was for anyone. And lastly, those lyrics you kind of have to laugh at because whenever there is loud music and you go to a concert, no one understands anything being said!

"What I Want" by Autopilot Off
I saved this for last for a few reasons. The first: One of my close friend's brother personally knew the band. Second? Still sad that they never made it big. They had such talent and the entire album is great. It's also one of my favorite albums from high school and holds a lot of memories too.

So I have a ton of other tracks that were amazing from that sort era of my life. So here is the rest listed below: