The School Run Soundtrack

The songs that defined our teenage years

If you were a teenager in the late 80s or 90s, the school run had a soundtrack. It might have been your mum’s Fiesta with the volume already up, your mate’s battered Nova with one working speaker, or your own pride and joy once you finally passed your test. Either way, the music mattered.

This was the era of recording songs off the radio and praying the presenter did not talk over the intro. It was rewinding cassettes with a biro. It was arguing over who got control of the stereo. And it was discovering your identity through whatever blasted out of those speakers.

For some, it was the polished pop of Madonna or the swagger of George Michael. Others leaned into the guitar anthems of Oasis and Blur as Britpop took over playground debates. And if you were into your RnB, you probably had TLC or Boyz II Men on heavy rotation.

The school run was more than just a lift. It was where friendships were formed, crushes were analysed, weekend plans were made and lyrics were learned word for word. That one song could define an entire year. Even now, hear the opening bars and you are straight back there, staring out of the window, thinking about exams, Saturday jobs or that person you hoped would sit next to you in double maths.

Today’s school run might involve Bluetooth and playlists, but the feeling is the same. Music still sets the mood. It still wakes you up. It still gives you that little boost before the day begins.

So here is the question. What was your school run anthem? The one track that instantly takes you back?

Tell us your memories and keep it locked to Atom Radio for music you want to hear, whether you are on the road, working from home or already at your desk.