13 Throwback Songs For A Millennial's First Crush

Oh, to be young and in "love" again. Growing up as a millennial meant growing up in both the '90s and the early 2000s, and, as a result, growing up with the music and music videos of the times that never failed to express exactly how you were feeling. Like any regular kid or teen of the '90s, odds are you had songs you would listen to on your walkman that you dedicated to your crush. You can admit that. And, if not, then I'm sure there were songs that came on the radio that you ever-so-subtly assigned to someone in your head. Having your first crush is no laughing matter, and now you can relive all of the awkwardness of it all over again through an array of totally nostalgic '90s and '00s songs. Because every millennial had a few songs that remind them of their first crush.

Whether the song you dedicated to your first crush revolved around your dilemma of getting them to notice you, how you assumed your future together would pan out, or even just the broad range of your very important feels, there was something for everyone in the '90s and '00s. Get out your notebook and pen. After listening to these songs again, you're almost sure to be doodling hearts in every available spot that you can.

1. "Crush" — Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore couldn't have been any more blunt with this catchy tune, and now it will be stuck in my head all day.

2. "Dear Diary" — Britney Spears

Need help writing that diary entry about your crush? Britney was there to help.

3. "(You Drive Me) Crazy" — Britney Spears

This song just gets it. Having your first crush and just not understanding love really could drive a person crazy.

4. "A Thousand Miles" — Vanessa Carlton

Looking out the window on long car rides with your parents, wanting to be with your crush instead, and being the over dramatic pre-teen that you were? This was the song for that.

5. "Sk8er Boi" — Avril Lavigne

OK, this song probably still applies to your crush. Was your first crush the one that got away? Did you and your first crush never date because you hung out in different cliques? Thanks, Avril.

6. "Beautiful Soul" — Jesse McCartney

Whether Jesse McCartney was your first crush, or this song just perfectly described your deep feelings for that kid you've known since childhood, this was just the soulful rendition you needed.

7. "Baby It's You" — JoJo

How many of you went to local fair just to "accidentally" run into your crush? JoJo's got the reality of the times down pat.

8. "Thinking Of You (I Drive Myself Crazy)" — *NSYNC

First crushes are ones you just can't shake. No matter how hard you try.

9. "Say My Name" — Destiny's Child

Bumping into your crush in the hallway like, "Say My Name, Say My Name." And letting the cheating realities of the song blow right over your little head.

10. "My Heart Will Go On" — Celine Dion

This song might be a little over dramatic. But, if you went to see Titanic, you and your crush were Rose and Jack in your mind. Admit it.

11. "Sittin' Up In My Room" — Brandy

Too real. Everything about this song and music video is just too real.

12. "I'm All About You" — Aaron Carter

Such dedication coming from someone who was so small.

13. "Stacy's Mom" — Fountains of Wayne

And sometimes your first crush wasn't always who you thought it would be.

Suddenly every childhood crush I ever had is on my mind again. Those were the days.

Images: MandyMooreVEVO/YouTube