Looking Back on 2012’s Biggest Hits (Part Two)

Glad You Came by The Wanted

Although the title probably doesn’t seem super familiar to you, I guarantee that you have heard this song and that it will most likely warrant a visceral reaction. Would that be a good or bad one? It’s all a matter of correct and incorrect taste (guess which is which 🫠).

Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson

Still blaring through the car radios of every single Powell soccer mom to this day, this song can only be likened to a cockroach, for neither can die. I like this song, so I don’t know why this was so scathing, but I suppose it just gets a tad bit monotonous after the 367459th replay.

We Found Love by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

I’ve never really liked this song; I’m not sure why. Rihanna is an icon—not Carly Rae Jepsen level, but close—and people in 2012 loved it. Oh well, life is too short for this song. 

Starships by Nicki Minaj

Although this song was super iconic and campy, Nicki Minaj is just so problematic, and problematic enough to just not listen to her music.

What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction

This song reminds me of my experience with “Call Me Maybe” (ignoring the part where I became obsessed with Carly Rae Jepsen). I HATED it when I was younger, but now listening back, it is just a nice, heartwarming song that we all just need.