The Middle
Jimmy Eat World
2001

So is this song a true Top 100 song of all time?  Probably not.  But it is most certainly a Top 100 song under these rules of engagement, and a great one at that. This is an instant pick-me-up, good mood song. And I love the message in the chorus, which certainly appeals to our middle and high school selves but they are great at any age!

It just takes some time
Little girl, you’re in the middle of the ride
Everything, everything’ll be just fine
Everything, everything’ll be alright, alright

And then there’s this absolute gem in the second verse:  “Yeah, just be yourself / It doesn’t matter if it’s good enough / For someone else.”

This is an underrated band, and Bleed American is a great album. Don’t just take it from me — the video for this bad boy has over 101 MILLION views!  (Ok, ok, that *might* be related to all the good looking people dancing in their underwear throughout.)  I always put this one on my happy playlist, and you should, too. 

Other Songs Considered:
No, but definitely check out the Bleed American album in its entirety