Camp + Music = A Fun But Painful Death

Yes, I realize I haven't blogged since July 16, and it's August 2 (cough cough, slacker). But I have good reason. Having spent two weeks at camp, with only a twenty-four hour period to recuperate, I got a full blast of what camp music is all about. So, of course, I'm going to blog about it.

Camp is truly a joyous place. You can be your self, rather that's silly or goofy or quiet or a little strange or somewhere in between. One thing I love about camp is the diversity; not really in race or ethnicity, but in personality. No matter who you are, trust me, you'll find someone to be friends with. Then you'll love them. These people are called camp friends.

But enough about that, you're here for the music. Camp is an interesting place for music. Truthfully, they play what the kids want to here. And they play it often. Here are some songs that are truly, "stuck on replay."

"Replay" by Iyaz- This hit for this brand-spankin' new artist made him some big bucks. Iyaz, who's real name is Keidran Jones, signed up with Beluga Heights Records. This strapping twenty-two year old, originally from the British Virgin Islands has got quite a career ahead of him if he keep his fire going. "Replay" was number two on the Billboard charts just last year.

"Airplanes" by B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams- This song wraps up everything camp loves- stars and wishes and all that gushy stuff. I actually don't mind this song, but I don't know if that's because I've heard it so many times or because I actually like it. B.o.B popped out of North Carolina with the hit "Nothin' On You". "Airplanes is more camp-appropriate though, so it's wildly loved on. "Airplanes" is number four on the Billboard charts right now.

"Break Your Heart" by Taio Cruz featuring Ludacris- Hello Linda, this song gets on my nerves. That repeating line ("I'm only gonna break break, yo, break break your heart") over and over again makes me want to pull out my hair. It is catchy though, and the kiddies love it like no other. Cruz came from London, England and signed with Island Records. "Break Your Heart" is number nineteen on the Billboard charts right now.

"Baby" and "Eenie Meenie" by Justin Bieber- We all knew this was coming. The funny thing is, you'd expect all the girls to swoon over JB's songs and all the guys to hate it, but at camp, well, anything can happen. I've seen whole cabins of boys belt JB's songs, so I guess that theory is wrong. These songs, however, are staples at camp and whenever they are played camp becomes an instant dance party. "Baby" was number five on the Billboard charts earlier this year and "Eenie Meenie" was number fifteen in May of this year.

"Don't Stop Belivin" by Journey- There is hope yet! Amazingly enough, I have seen nine-year olds sing this song, word for word, without pause. This song is a classic and, let's face it, it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, especially when you're singing it with good friends. Journey is an older band that started in the seventies, but they made their mark on music. "Don't Stop Belivin" was number nine on the Billboard charts in 1981. If you haven't heard this song already, look it up. It's amazing.

"Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) by Shakira. This is probably the most loved song at camp right now. It's played everyday without fail and I can't count how many times I heard a kid scream out happily, "I LOVE THIS SONG!" I get it, I love this song too! The catchy beat that is a blend of South Africa and the Caribbean makes this a treat for your ears. Fun fact: this song was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa" is number sixty-nine on the Billboard charts right now.

All I can say is, this is camp. This is madness. This is life at it's best.

-Whitni