Young the Giant is a radio-friendly indie rock band based out of Irvine, California. So far, they have released two albums, a self-titled debut in 2011 and 2014’s sophomore album "Mind Over Matter." The band’s first album was met with extreme success because of its catchy rock tunes, but also its distinct style with lead singer Sameer Gadhia’s smooth timbre and beautiful harmonies. "Mind Over Matter" is a bit more experimental. The album has calm LoFi vibes with heavy synth work that is not present in the first album, giving the feeling as though the listener is floating through waves of the calm Pacific surf.

The two albums are very distinct and offer a variety of subject matter for all listeners, but here are, arguably, Young the Giant’s five best songs:

1. "Apartment"

The second single from the band’s debut was released in 2012 alongside the deluxe edition song "Typhoon" (see number 5). The song opens the album with slow, echoing vocals that gradually build to a crescendo in an explosion of vocals and guitars. The song becomes a rollercoaster as someone realizes that their relationship is falling apart, then has ended. It focuses on coping with the loss and feeling of uncertainty within both the individual and the entire relationship. The song is a great introduction to Young the Giant and their debut, as it focuses on indecision and confusion while having the same powerful vocals and California flair of their other songs. What makes it standout is the power and breadth of Gadhia’s vocal range, and the complete takeover of the song’s bridge. The listener is kept engaged by the relatable and repeated lyrics long after the song has ended: “I hit the sidewalk and this is how it starts / Hide in a raincoat when things are falling apart."

2. "Cough Syrup"

By far Young the Giant’s most popular song, the first single from their debut deals with the topics of depression, feeling lost, and being judged. The song got its main peak in popularity after being featured on the television show "Glee," but by no means is this track a “show tune." The song opens with the lyrics “Life’s too short to even care at all,” driving the song right from the start and making it a relatable track that is fast-paced and fun, while still exemplifying darker themes that everyone encounters.

3. "Daydreamer/Firelight"

These two songs are tracks six and seven from the band’s sophomore album "Mind Over Matter." The two tracks have to be listened to together as they embody the main theme of the album, which deals heavily with the dichotomy between physical action and mental processes. “Daydreamer” comes in first with heavy bass and lively guitar. With beautiful, memorable lines like “You’ll wake up someday and realize / You were dreaming of a life you forget,” it’s easy to experience the sadness and desperation Gadhia feels while trying to hold on to reality; because he knows this crazy, amazing world is all just a sham that will soon end. The song’s message can be summarized by the line “Eveything’s in its right place / But nothing in gold can stay” which alludes to the poem by Robert Frost about how nothing that is purely good and beautiful can remain. “Firelight” is the aftermath to “Daydreamer." It conveys a situation in which the love is gone and you are dazedly floating down from the height and are lost in yourself; when there is no longer the blissful high but sadness, loss, and confusion. Gadhia’s voice is haunting as the track continues through the bridge; the words “I don’t believe you / I’m in a parachute” echo through your head as the song fades out.

4. "Strings (Reprise)"

The original version put on the mass-produced debut album features a jazzy bassline and Hawaiian influences, giving the song a fun and catchy dance vibe of happy beachside times. "Strings (Reprise)" is the final track of the deluxe edition of "Young the Giant." This version is stripped down, without the same danceable qualities of the original. It starts slow and soft with only piano and Gadhia’s warm vocals. It's a sweet song about summer love, but also the complications that arise as summer begins to end. What is most beautiful about the song is the orchestration – the track features an amazing swelling cello that gradually crescendos as the song intensifies, making it feel like the ebb and flow of the sea. This strongly contrasts with jazz drum rhythms, adding a levity to the song and making it a wonderful blend of varying styles and melodies.

5. "Typhoon"

If you did not pay strong attention to the vocal tunes of “Typhoon," it could easily pass for a Fleet Foxes track. The song is only available on the deluxe edition of "Young the Giant." It is a beautiful layering of harmonious vocals over a pounding drum that feels as though you are in the throes of a storm. The song is about a passionate relationship where there are blissful calms, but an ever-present threat of unbearable fights. These tumultuous waves will force the couple apart, before they once again come back together. With its beautiful orchestration, the track leaves the listener feeling distraught, yet calmingly and reassuringly aware of the stress.