50 More of My Favorite Songs of All Time
Did you really think I’d be able to stop with just 50 songs?
As I compiled my 50 favorite songs of all time, I quickly realized that for every song that made it onto the list, I’d have to pass over two or three other songs. Such is the nature of lists, of course. However, that just didn’t seem right, because there was nothing wrong with those “rejected” songs; they were beautiful, memorable, and inspiring in their own right. And so — because this is my site and my 50th birthday, and I can do what I want — I put together this list containing 50 more of my favorite songs.
Each one of these songs could have appeared on the original list, and for all of the same reasons. All of these songs have spoken into my life over the decades, shaping my notions of truth and beauty and what it means to be a good human being. They’ve carried me through dark times, gave expression to things for which I couldn’t find words, and in some cases, are just straight up bangers that will never, ever grow old.
“Charlotte Sometimes” by The Cure (1981)
Inspired by Penelope Farmer’s novel, this single is gloomy, surreal, and captivating.
“Blue Monday” by New Order (1983)
The best-selling 12-inch single of all time originally began as a joke — and an excuse to play with fart sounds.
“Black Planet” by The Sisters of Mercy (1985)
Driving through a post-apocalyptic world in the Monkeemobile.
“Shout” by Tears for Fears (1985)
One of the greatest hits of the ’80s is further elevated by a soaring guitar solo.
“Whales Tails” by Cocteau Twins (1986)
One of Cocteau Twins’ most atmospheric songs, thanks to Elizabeth Fraser’s glossolalia and Robin Guthrie’s scintillating guitars.
“Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS (1987)
The song’s music video, shot in Prague’s mist-filled streets, imbues its romanticism with an exotic mystique.
“I’m Torn” by Lifesavers Underground (1987)
The cry of every faithful believer who’s honest about their own spiritual struggles.
“Searching” by Pieter Nooten and Michael Brook (1987)
An unsung classic from 4AD’s golden age.
“Walk to the Water” by U2 (1987)
More experimental and intimate than the usual U2 fare, but that’s precisely what makes it so interesting and beguiling.
“Ashes in the Brittle Air” by Black Tape for a Blue Girl (1989)
The standard by which I measure every darkwave and ethereal goth song that I hear.
“Down in It” by Nine Inch Nails (1989)
Absolute catnip for my inner angst-ridden high schooler. (Yes, he’s still in there.)
“Dreams Burn Down” by Ride (1990)
One of the most bracing songs from shoegaze’s first wave.
“Bring tha Noize” by Public Enemy and Anthrax (1991)
Maybe we need a song like “Bring tha Noize” to bridge the gap and get everyone into the mosh pit.
“Sad but True” by Metallica (1991)
The heaviest riffs that Metallica has ever written.
“Soon After Christmas” by Stina Nordenstam (1991)
The Swedish singer sounds like she’s on the verge of tears in this heartache-filled ballad.
“Wisteria Time” by Dance House Children (1992)
A reminder of the power of youthful ardor, which feels so pure, honest, and simple at the time.
“Helpless” by Sugar (1992)
Bob Mould’s hook-filled songwriting is absolutely on point and worth academic study.
“Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star (1993)
Hope Sandoval’s voice is still intoxicating even after all these years.
“Bright Wings” by Mortal (1993)
Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poetry meets a Beastie Boys beat.
“Through You” by Seefeel (1993)
It channels something from a whole ’nother universe of subtle chill.
“#3” by Aphex Twin (1994)
Arguably the most affecting song in Aphex Twin’s considerable repertoire.
“Blade Runner Blues” by Vangelis (1994)
Vangelis’ dreamy, hazy synths perfectly evoke the sense of a vast, advanced-yet-decrepit city that never sees the sun.
“Rutti” by Slowdive (1995)
A meditative piece that makes you feel increasingly mindful with each passing minute.
“Serpentskirt” by Cocteau Twins and Faye Wong (1996)
It’s nigh-impossible to tell where Elizabeth Fraser’s voice ends and Faye Wong’s begins.
“Pico” by Labradford (1996)
A subtle take on post-rock that possesses its own unique quiet power and cinematic effect.
“Over the Ocean” by Low (1996)
Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker’s voices fit and flow together as perfectly as anything in God’s creation.
“The Angelic Appearance” by vidnaObmana (1996)
Immediately places you into a contemplative state of mind that’s perfect for communing with the sublime
“Lime Tree Arbour” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (1997)
Life may indeed be suffering, but the love of a good woman can make it a bit more bearable and worthwhile.
“Let Down” by Radiohead (1997)
The song that nearly tore Radiohead apart features one of Thom Yorke’s most heartbreaking performances.
“Sunken Anchor” by Roadside Monument (1997)
One of Roadside Monument’s more straightforward songs still feels like the epitome of late ’90s emo to my ears.
“Miss Modular” by Stereolab (1997)
There’s no denying that “Miss Modular” absolutely swings in the funkiest and grooviest manner.
“Waitin’ for a Superman” by The Flaming Lips (1999)
A somber and heartbreaking ballad from the folks who’d previously given us “She Don’t Use Jelly.”
“Ohio” by Damien Jurado (1999)
Damien Jurado uses humble folk arrangements to tell tales that are heartbreaking in their twists and turns.
“Goodbye Enemy Airship” by Do Make Say Think (2000)
Jazz, krautrock, and psychedelia combine to create an inexorable groove filled with intricate arrangements.
“Take Me Somewhere Nice” by Mogwai (2001)
The post-rock titans temper their volcanic sound into something subtler and more delicate.
“In Your Room” by Airiel (2003)
Chicago shoegaze filled with shimmering guitars aplenty, heartfelt vocals, and solid pop sensibilities.
“The Recluse” by Cursive (2003)
Lyrical self-loathing aside, this is quite the earworm thanks to spidery Cure-ish guitars.
“Subtext” by John Foxx and Harold Budd (2003)
Quite possible the definitive Harold Budd song. Which, considering his catalog, is really saying something.
“Ica” by Manual (2004)
Sparse yet intimate, and filled with gentle cascades and shimmering pools of ambient sound.
“The Soviet” by mewithoutYou (2004)
Aaron Weiss sings with an undeniable conviction that’s further enhanced by his bandmates’ post-hardcore maelstrom.
“To Make a Ring” by Wovenhand (2004)
Wovenhand sings that old time religion, filled with conviction, fear, awe, and a real sense of mystery.
“Ashes in the Snow” by Mono (2009)
Post-rock rarely gets this climactic or emotional.
“Between Two Mysteries” by Mount Eerie (2009)
A gentle ballad that evokes something beyond this world, a dark mystery that makes existence bearable.
“The Village Is Asleep” by Epic45 (2011)
Some of the loveliest music that Rob Glover and Ben Holton have ever committed to tape.
“Midnight City” by M83 (2011)
Bursts forth with massive synths, arena-sized drums, and wide-eyed vocals.
“Serenity” by Bvdub (2012)
Ambient techno that reaches euphoric heights thanks to soulful vocals and sweeping, evocative synths.
“The Game of Love” by Daft Punk (2013)
A strikingly melancholy ballad that feels like the lament of a heartbroken robot.
“Sunset” by The Midnight (2016)
Sounds like the end credits theme for a long lost ‘80s cult film.
“ISAE” by ISON (2019)
A moody masterpiece filled with the melancholy longing of someone cast adrift between the stars.
“Fur / Ticker Tape” by Luxury (2024)
Deeply spiritual post-punk about maintaining hope in the face of a world going to hell in a hand basket.
You can listen to (most of) these songs via these Apple Music and Spotify playlists.
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