From Alice Cooper to Lizzo, not forgetting the classics: a selection to throw your hair up in high style
A billboard elected the 23 best graduation songs of 2023. Whether at school or college, the moment to throw your hats in the air is always remarkable for those who conquer it, so why not pack the party in high style?
For the list of songs, the publication went from the most classic options, to hits from this decade. Starting with some anthems like “Graduation (Friends Forever)”, by Vitamin C, which talks exactly about this moment, or “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”, by Green Day, which talks about saving the good times.
The list also includes classics like Queen, with “Don’t Stop Me Now”, a song that exudes high spirits. And Kool & The Gang, with “Celebration”, perfect track, as the name says, to celebrate.
Now with more recent hits: “About Damn Time”, by Lizzo, winner of the Grammy for Song of the Year in 2023, talks about turning up the sound and dimming the lights to feel the moment. “Good Life”, by OneRepublic, talks about having hope and remembering the good times. “Good Old Days”, by Macklemore featuring Kesha, says that one day lives change and that good times are missed.
“Firework”, by Katy Perry, moves like an anthem of self-esteem. Kid Cudi, in “Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)”, says not to care what others think and do whatever you want. “We Are Young”, another Fun classic. and Janelle Monae, exalts youth.
In “my future”, Billie Eilish brings a little fear of the future. Bill Withers in “Lovely Day” talks about the importance of having someone to encourage and support you. Post Malone and Quavo extol the victory in “Congratulations”.
Nicki Minaj and Drake talk about defeating obstacles and toasting achievements on “Moment 4 Life.” On “Long Live” Taylor Swift sings about gratitude for hardship.
Maroon 5, with “Memories”, says to toast to memories. Lorde, in “Ribs”, talks about the fear of aging. Benny Blanco and Juice WRLD bring graduation back to the lyrics in “Graduation”. And Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow sing about not giving up on “INDUSTRY BABY.”
The most rocky chords come from Alice Cooper in “School’s Out”, and from Panic! At The Disco on “Hey Look Ma, I Made It”. SZA, turns the long-awaited prom into music with “Prom”. And finally, Ye and T-Pain, narrate the importance of persevering in “Good Life”.
See the complete list below:
- Vitamin C, “Graduation (Friends Forever)”
- Green Day, “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”
- Queen, “Don’t Stop Me Now”
- Lizzo, “About Damn Time”
- OneRepublic, “Good Life”
- Macklemore feat. Kesha, “Good Old Days”
- Katy Perry, “Firework”
- Kid Cudi, “Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)”
- fun. feat. Janelle Monae, “We Are Young”
- Billie Eilish, “my future”
- Bill Withers, “Lovely Day”
- Post Malone feat. Quavo, “Congratulations”
- Nicki Minaj feat. Drake, “Moment 4 Life”
- Taylor Swift, “Long Live”
- Kool & The Gang, “Celebration”
- Maroon 5, “Memories”
- Lord, “Ribs”
- Benny Blanco and Juice WRLD, “Graduation”
- Lil Nas X feat. Jack Harlow, “INDUSTRY BABY”
- Alice Cooper, “School’s Out”
- Panic! At The Disco, “Hey Look Ma, I Made It”
- SZA, “Prom”
- Kanye West and T-Pain, “Good Life”
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
