If you are like me, you may sometimes be stuck when trying to find new music to listen to. In my infinite journey through the musical world, I have come across many different types of songs that are not played on the same radio station five times a day.
So, if you are ever looking for some new stuff to listen to, here is a list (in no particular order) of ten underrated and unique songs you should give a chance.
1. “Can’t Get Away” - Third Eye Blind
This is an upbeat, fun song from Third Eye Blind’s third studio album called “Out of the Vein”. This track really accentuates lead singer Stephen Jenkins’s unique voice. He almost raps as he sings the verses to this song, but the end of the song sounds like his own little free-style rap. It’s one of my favorite songs to drive around to with all the windows down in my car. There is a little bit of a comical and light-hearted edge to the song as well as Jenkins sings, reminiscing about the past.My favorite phrase from this song is “feeling like a ‘have’ in the land of ‘have-nots,’ sleeping on cots, wishing that I had some tater-tots.” With a distinct beat that stands out, the puzzle-like lyrics flow perfectly together to create an extraordinary song.
2. “Could Be Anything” – The Eames Era
So, I actually heard this song for the first time in the background of an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. I immediately was drawn to the drumbeat as the episode began. It is the type of song that just makes you want to go outside and take a walk. Each time I listen to it, I am automatically put into a great mood. It’s fun to sing along to, and even more fun to bob your head to.
3. “What’s the Matter Here?” -10,000 Maniacs
Yes, I am aware this was released as a hit single in the late 80’s BUT I would like to draw the attention of my generation toward it. Though the tune is for the most part upbeat, there is such a melancholy ambience through the song in both the lyrics and instrumentation. Natalie Merchant, the lead singer, sings a narrative about child abuse. Yes, child abuse. She portrays a woman who has realized her neighbors are abusing their son, a child she seems to deeply admire. The song reflects on her inner conflict about whether or not she should speak up. Merchant sings, “I’m tired of the excuses everybody uses; ‘he’s their kid, I stay out of it.’ But who gave you the right to do this?” It’s a song that tells a story; maybe one that you can resonate with. By the way, the guitar riff right before the bridge of the song is sure to give you chills or at least make you smile.
4. “There She Goes” – The Wombats (Cover)
Originally written and performed by The La’s, The Wombats present a different approach to this popular song. You may have heard the original song in the movie The Parent Trap, but if you have not heard this particular cover of the song, you should definitely check it out. The English rock band puts their own spin on this song, making it sound more like an admiration/love song, than what the song is really about: heroine. I guess it is open for interpretation, but when I listen to this version, I get more of a romantic vibe. Either way, the lyrics of the song are mysteriously beautiful, and the instrumentation of The Wombats’ cover really compliments them.
5. “Letter to Me” – Brad Paisley
God, where do I even begin with this one? This song is sure to make you cry, if not externally, then internally for sure. Brad Paisley sings what he would say if he could write a letter to his seventeen-year-old self. Oh, the nostalgia! It really gets you thinking about what you might say to yourself if you could go back in time. With any generation, I think the lyrics that will stand out the most are “oh, you’ve got so much going for you, going right. But I know at seventeen, it’s hard to see past Friday night. Tonight’s the bonfire rally, but you’re staying home instead. “Cause if you fail algebra, Mom and Dad will kill you dead.” Man, remember when you couldn’t go out because you bombed that test you took, and your parents were so disappointed in you? Honestly, it was one of the worst feelings in the world. You got through it, though. What seemed so important to us then, really wasn’t the end of the world, even if it felt like it. That’s what this song talks to us about. It’s all part of growing up.
6. “You Won’t See Me” – The Beatles
As one of the lesser-known songs from The Fab Four, “You Won’t See Me” is a gem off of their sixth studio album, Rubber Soul. It’s both sad and relatable. It’s your typical break-up and rejection song, but the story is calmingly told through Paul McCartney’s lovely voice. Besides that, what other convincing do you really need? It’s a Beatles song, dude. Go listen to it!
7. “Tomorrow Never Knows” – Our Lady Peace (Cover)
Originally a Beatles song, this cover is the opening to the 1996 movie The Craft. Our Lady Peace gives an edgier, grittier take on this psychedelic jam. The cover was made to sound a little bit more gothic, I think, because of The Craft being a movie about teenage-girls practicing black magic and witchcraft. As a huge Beatles fan myself, I am extremely picky about Beatles covers, but this is one that I listen to often and really enjoy. This is a bad-ass take on a classic song.
8. “Hero” – Nickleback
Yes, yes, yes…I put Nickleback on this list. Before you say anything, hear me out on this. “Hero” is an extremely underrated song. I first heard it while watching my Spiderman VHS during the end credits. First of all, the lyrics in the chorus have a powerful message, depending on which way you look at it: “And they say that a hero could save us, I’m not gonna stand here and wait." I mean, c’mon. It’s a song about not waiting around for someone else to help you. It’s about taking initiative and being brave. Call me corny, but I think that’s a pretty motivational concept. If you’re going to listen to any song on this list, take a few minutes and listen to this one.
9. “Demons Inside” – Eminem
This is an unreleased song from the very talented, darkly creative, “Rap God,” Marshall Mathers. At only one minute and forty seconds, we can really hear the lyrical genius that Eminem is. With Halloween coming up, this is a fun but twisted song to listen to as a way to get you in the holiday spirit. There are subtle references to classic horror films including The Sixth Sense and The Shining. The song ends in ominous mood after Eminem enters the Norman Bates Motel. He walks in, sees a woman covered in dry blood, and tells us “she gave me the keys to the best suite and a bag a cess and told me that's just for starters; Satan will be in to see me later, to see if I'm interested in being partners.” The song ends on that line and the music slowly fades out, leaving listeners to their own thoughts of what would have happened next in the narrative…how chilling! I will leave the rest of the song for you to interpret.
10. “Magnificent” – U2
First of all, U2 is a great band. So even if you do not like them, listen to this track. You’re missing out if you don’t. The music in this song really gets under my skin. Some people look at it as a religious song, others look at it as a love song and how a person can make a huge impact on your life forever. Again, it is open for interpretation. The song was released in 2009, which just goes to show how U2 maintains their style even after all these years. “Magnificent” is a powerful song, and just the first thirty or forty seconds will have you intrigued. Starting off quietly, the track erupts into an emotional array of instrumentation. It can make you feel cheerful, sad, confused or even adventurous. Also, Bono’s vocals in this are more than satisfactory, per usual. There is something almost haunting when he sings, “only love can leave such a mark.”
Now, go listen!!!