A Killer Student Soundtrack: Why We Love ‘Mr. Brightside’
Did you know?
‘Mr. Brightside’ is reportedly one of the first songs ever written by The Killers. It is what’s known as a sleeper hit: a piece of entertainment that goes relatively unnoticed on its initial release but attracts popularity and success later down the line.
One of the UK’s most popular songs, it’s small wonder it made such a big impact on YSJ Replay…
Every party, every nightclub, everywhere.
Class of 2008
How Did It End Up Like This?
After nearly a year of gathering your musical memories, we have arrived at the end of our YSJ Replay and Ripon Rewind campaign! Thank you for all your entries. We now have a musical history of York St John and Ripon College starting from way back in 1948 and running right up to last year’s graduating class.
There was a massive variety in the songs and artists you selected to represent your student days – and certainly some interesting and unusual choices. But there were some stand-out favourites, too.
I’m Mr. Brightside
Some songs have their moment and then fade from our memories, but others stay in our hearts and our nightclubs for years and years. The musical subject of this blog is a perfect example.
Since its inclusion in The Killers’ debut album Hot Fuss in 2004, our top YSJ Replay entry made its way into your most formative student memories in nearly every following year.
And despite the fact it’s now over 16 years old – nearly old enough to be going to university in its own right – we don’t appear to ever get sick of singing our hearts out to ‘Mr. Brightside’ at the end of the night.
Destiny is Calling Me
Since the song featured so strongly in your time of YSJ, we thought it was only fitting to give it the attention it deserves and celebrate your memories here.
For the Class of 2006, Mr. Brightside was a common presence during any night out.
“Nights out at Ikon and Diva, Toffs and my personal fave: the basement of Gallery Nightclub.”
“Killing it on the dance floor with my friends. We had the most amazing time at YSJ.”
By the next year, the song was only extending its influence.
“First year, couldn’t go anywhere without with it being on at some point.”
“2004–2007, this song was absolutely EVERYWHERE. Lost my voice many a time, even had a little dance routine worked out.”
Taking Control
We were truly in love with The Killers’ seminal rock ballad, and they say that true love lasts a lifetime.
“The Killers’ album ‘Hot Fuss’ seemed to be played everywhere when I was at York St John, every party, every nightclub, everywhere.” (Class of 2008)
Whether it was mid-week bonding in hastily-put-together fancy dress with friends…
“This reminds me of sports and societies nights on a Wednesday night!” (Class of 2011)
…Or belting out those lyrics we have permanently committed to memory in the SU.
“Students’ Union karaoke nights with Kev and Jordan!” (Class of 2014)
Sick Lullabies
For many of us, no matter our music tastes, ‘Mr. Brightside’ was the social glue that could bring together a whole room in a three-minute, life-affirming outpouring of joint passion.
“The one song we always requested as a group of friends to get up and dance to. Was like the theme song of many of us on our course.” (Class of 2014)
And through the power of our music memories, ‘Mr. Brightside’ will always take us back to YSJ, wherever we are.
“Erasmus 2019! This song was always on!”
The Ultimate Playlists
Keep an eye out for the finalised, ultimate YSJ Replay and Ripon Rewind playlists and find out the song chosen to represent your student days!
You can check out all of the entries, grouped by decade, on our Spotify playlists.
If you have any questions or comments about YSJ Replay or Ripon Rewind, we would love to hear from you.
