It’s that time of year again, when we are back to school! What better way to get ready for school than have some school-inspired songs to add to your back-to-school playlist?

“SIGNAL” - TWICE

A staple concept of K-Pop is to always have a school boy/girl concept. TWICE has dabbled with this concept a couple of times. While we all know that “CHEER UP” is the iconic school-themed (mixed with other pop cultural references) music video, “SIGNAL” is another release from the girl group that is centered around the school girl concept with a supernatural twist. “SIGNAL” is one of those songs at is perfect to play while getting ready for school or if you’re thinking about your crush and wanting to make an impression on the first day of school. If catching your crush’s attention doesn’t work out, you can try catching them outside of school in a more casual setting (after finishing homework of course), just like TWICE did in the music video. Regardless, “SIGNAL” is a fun and addictive song that will evidently get stuck in your head as well as make your day a little brighter.

“Boy In Luv” - BTS

Now, we couldn’t just pass up on highlighting BTS’s school boy era with “Boy In Luv” which showcases the popular boy group donning school uniforms and trying to catch the attention of their love interest throughout the music video. “Boy In Luv” is another great song to pump yourself up in between classes or to blast in your car while you’re on the way to class. Released in 2014 off their Skool Luv Affair album, “Boy In Luv” showcased a much younger, baby-faced BTS that will ensure some squealing in nostalgia. Whether it’s the tough-guy persona, the quiet yet charming, or the boy next door type, BTS tackles it all with their school concept, which for many fangirls out there, fulfills their fantasy of getting their crush to notice them. “Boy In Luv,” like their other releases, is such an iconic and catchy song that you can’t skip it. It goes to show the amount of growth and how far BTS has come in terms of musicality and concepts. It’s great to look back at songs like “Boy In Luv” and reminisce on classic releases.

“Pick Me” - Produce 101 (Season 1 Version)

“Pick Me” is not technically a school-themed release but the ladies who participated in Produce 101 did have school uniforms on, which counts to an extent for this week’s Throwback Thursday. “Pick Me” is one of those songs that you just have to put on and play on full blast, regardless if you’re hanging with friends in the parking lot before/after school, or walking to class. “Pick Me” is a perfect song for instantaneously lifting your mood and putting a smile on your face. Part of any extracurriculars? This is one of the best bops to put on while either working out or working on stuff with your club. You can’t deny the power of “Pick Me” and that when it comes on, everything must be stopped and you have to dance along to the iconic dance.

“Mansae” - SEVENTEEN

We close out this week’s back-to-school throwbacks with SEVENTEEN’s “Mansae.” Similar to BTS, all the SEVENTEEN members are seen in a school setting (clad in uniforms) all vying for their crush’s attention. “Mansae” is another upbeat and fun song off this week’s throwbacks, that once it comes on, you’ll find yourself either dancing or singing along. The plot of “Mansae” is relatable to all as we have had moments of wanting to make a huge impression on our crush (often not successfully) and wanting their eyes on us. Whether you’re in college or grade school, you can relate to feeling that nervous yet exhilarating feeling of having a crush on someone. Also, get ready to be taken on another nostalgia trip as “Mansae” features younger SEVENTEEN members, who are just breaking out into the smoldering men they are now. Lastly, “Mansae” is the perfect addition to your back-to-school playlist and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get you through the rest of your day filled with classes and studying.