You've heard their songs over and over again. You are absolutely sick of the way they sing, their lyrics, and just their general presence in your life. You are ready to give up on ever liking this artist, no matter what anyone else says. But wait! There are a lot of good songs out there by popular artists, friend. Sometimes you have to dig deeper to find a song you can really connect with or can jam to. So, don't go away: here's my list of 10 of the best lesser-known songs by well-known artists. DISCLAIMER: I don't necessarily think that these are the best songs by these artists. Simply put, this is what could be in store for you if you do more digging. Enjoy!
1. "Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy" by Fall Out Boy
Here’s a little trivia: this song was actually FOB’s first “hit,” even before “Sugar We’re Goin Down.” This track features a more pop-punk sound than their newer music, showcasing heavy and fast guitar parts. Also, it has peak what-is-he-saying Patrick Stump vocals, which I count as a plus. It’s just an overall great song, and if you’re not a fan of their more recent releases then you need to listen to this one.
2. "Gold Rush" by Ed Sheeran
This light, fun acoustic song will definitely get stuck in your head. The simple strumming gives this track a feeling that just reminds me of fall and hanging out with friends. The song has a sweet message, too, because Mr. Ed Sheeran knows how to flatter a girl (and steal my heart, honestly).
3. "Last of the American Girls" by Green Day
This is the epitome of an empowering song. One of the reasons this track isn’t that well-known is probably because it was on the same album as “21 Guns” which, let’s be truthful here, is hard to compete with. But this song makes me proud to be (one of) the last of the American girls. The recurring guitar line is one that I like to sing more often than I’d like to admit.
4. "I'll Be Waiting" by Adele
This song builds from the very beginning to an amazing burst of piano and horns, with Adele pulling every listener in. There were so many hits from 21, but this is probably one of my favorites. The chorus just makes me want to nod my head, in the vein of “YES, Adele, preach”. If you like “Send My Love”, you’ll love this one.
5. "Surf Wax America" by Weezer
“Surf Wax America” showcases the best aspects of Weezer’s first-album sound. The opening catchy guitar riff repeats as the song goes on, and the drums really kick the frenetic energy up a notch. What’s cool about this track is that once you learn the lyrics, you can scream-sing the rest. Huge plus. (YOU TAKE YOUR CAR, I’LL TAKE MY BOARD.)
6. "Strawberry Swing" by Coldplay
This is probably one of the most relaxing songs I have ever heard. I always listen to it when I have a bad day or just need a pick-me-up. The guitar sounds so unique, and the light drums in the background make it feel like everything is just going to be okay. Chris Martin repeats “It’s such a perfect day,” and this track really makes it seem that way.
7. "The Love Club" by Lorde
It’s kind of weird to think that there’s a Lorde song that people don’t know, because it seems like she’s always on the radio. The ethereal sound to this one in combination with the strong beat make this one a frequent addition to my Spotify playlists. This was actually one of the first songs I heard by Lorde, and it’s still my favorite.
8. "Underdog" by Imagine Dragons
Another one of my rainy-day favorites, this song just radiates positivity. The whole thing just kinda sounds like a sunny day, what with the marimba notes in the background and the underlying bass. The lyrics insist “I get the short end of it/ Oh I love to be, I love to be the underdog” in an infectious, happy way. Throw some “hey”s in there and this one is perfect for when you feel like nothing is going your way.
9. "Wake Up Call" by Maroon 5
Maroon 5 is definitely one of those bands that never seems to disappear. They’ve been pumping out songs for years now, and this is one that flew under the radar. It’s understandable, considering the heavy content of the song (a guy’s girlfriend cheats on him, and, spoiler alert, it doesn’t end well for the other dude). Despite this, it’s a catchy tune, and worth a listen.
10. "Addict With A Pen" by Twenty One Pilots
You’ve heard “Stressed Out” and you’ve heard “Ride.” You just might be sick of this band. But you have to give “Addict With A Pen” a chance. This is from the band’s first album, and is a big reason why they hooked people in the first place. The lyrics tell a deep, emotional story, and carry meaning. It just sounds so different from a lot of music that’s out now—even their recent hits. This song is a journey, and it’s worth it.
