Music is at the center of most of our lives. We listen to it as we work and sometimes as we sleep. In the past ten years, music has evolved in quite a dramatic manner. Music has gone from long sweet ballads to catchy repetitive “bops”. Here are 5 of the most underappreciated gems of the last decade.

1. Angel Olsen- Intern

Maybe we should begin with an underrated song by an underrated artist. Angel Olsen is a ridiculously talented recording artist with five studio albums including My Woman, which “Intern” is featured on. Olsen’s “Intern” is a haunting ballad about the repetitive cycles of life and love. In both, you must go through the motions and continue no matter how embarrassing it may be.

1. Sam Smith- HIM

“HIM” is just one of those songs you have to listen to. Yes, it is that important. This song, released on Smith’s second studio album is a discussion between Smith and the “holy father”. In the important discussion, disguised as a song, Smith reveals to God that he is, in fact, in love with a man. The song is so immensely important because in religion there seems to be no room for those who are of the LGBTQ+ community and Smith challenges that. Even if you are not of the community, the song pulls on your heart strings leaving most who listen in tears.

1. Beyonce- No Angel

Even powerhouse acts like Beyoncé can have songs that seem to fly under the radar. Released on Beyoncé’s self titled fifth studio album, “No Angel” is an alluring song that includes deep bass and Beyoncé’s illustrious vocals. If that’s not enough to get you to listen to the song, you should watch the music video. The piece is a homage to Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston, Texas.

1. Lana Del Rey- The Other Woman

This song, although it happens to be a cover, is a gem. Lana Del Rey pays homage to one of her favorite recording artists, Nina Simone, by giving her own haunting rendition of the song. Simone’s song is about the other woman in a relationship. Although the other woman may have better looks and even a better smell, she still does not have the man she wants all the time. She is something different for him, but that is all. At the end of the night, the man always goes home to the woman he truly loves. The song reminds us that the life of “the other woman” is unfulfilling and lonesome.

1. Lady Gaga- Joanne

Last, but certainly not least is a song by none other than Lady Gaga. Released on the Joanne album, the song “Joanne” holds a special meaning to the artist. Gaga wrote the song for her late aunt, Joanne Germanotta, whom she is loosely named after. Gaga, although she never met her aunt, believes that Joanne is a very important figure in her life who not only inspired her creativity, but also inspired her to stop her drug use in 2010. Can you imagine allowing someone you have never met have that much influence in your life ?

There you have it, five of the most underappreciated songs of the last decade. Now that you know them, go on to YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, or however you listen to music and experience the genius of these songs.