Music is definitely something I am passionate about. I am always interested in looking for new bands to listen to, new songs to play on repeat, and concerts nearby that I can attend and enjoy. For anyone who is just like me, I have compiled a list of songs and bands; some are well known bands with underrated songs, and some are underrated bands with great songs!
Green Day – Fashion Victim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDHBnkyCmUI
As many people know, Green Day is my absolute favourite band. Their 2000 album titled Warning is their least popular album, but is jam-packed with so many amazing songs that they rarely ever play live and that so many fans are unaware of. This is my favourite song on the album. It is about how consumed with fashion people are, and how, ultimately, it is brainless to judge people on clothes.
The White Stripes – Little Room
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJe9msZaGB8
I really wish this song was longer. I am also a big fan of the White Stripes and don’t really hear too many people appreciate this song. Although they have played it live, Little Room does not get enough love. The song is about someone in a minority position of some kind having a brilliant idea, but lack the means to make it happen.
Pink Ego Box – Muse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XE44Th-oU8
This is probably my favourite B-side by Muse, and out of all of the B-sides, I don’t think this one gets enough love. This song is written in the perspective of someone who believes they have met their soulmate online, but has no idea what this person looks like, where this person lives, or even who they are. With other Muse fans I’ve met, there seems to even be some confusion with the name of the song. Many North Americans refer to the song as ‘Instant Messenger’, even though that was never what the song was named. The “pink” in the title represents a “rose tinted view”, very optimistic. The “box” represents the instant message box between the two people. The “ego” represents the confidence and selfishness of the narrator of the song. This song also frequently gets banned on and off on Youtube, so I was happy to find a link available online.
She’s All I Really Need – Mac DeMarco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ujnwmGGxEI
It was really hard to pick just one song by Mac DeMarco. Despite his booming success, he is still an artist who many people haven’t heard of. The majority of his songs are some that people haven’t ever heard of. This song is one of my favourite songs off of his first album. It’s relaxing, simple, and very catchy.
Nails for Breakfast, Tacks for Snacks – Panic! @ the Disco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jaVUP0dvow
I feel like this song on their first album doesn’t get nearly as much love as it should. There is no real reason as to why I love this song so much, other than the fact that it’s so upbeat and the name of it is very clever.
Future Boy – Makeout Videotape
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut_ou4CZlNQ
Future Boy is one of my all time favourite songs to ever exist, and I wish more people knew about this song. Makeout Videotape is Mac DeMarco and Alex Calder’s old collab band that no longer make music together. On their final album, this song really strikes me. The lyrics are very simple but are truly relatable. I love this song so much that I use the name of it for most of my social media accounts. I hope everyone appreciates it as much as I do.
I Come from the Mountain – Thee Oh Sees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-e5M3EdjSc
I’m so happy to have recently gotten into this band. Thee Oh Sees is also a band that has a growing fanbase, but are still somewhat unknown. I love a lot of their songs, but this song holds a special place in my heart. I know quite a few TOS’s fans who really dislike this song, but to me, it’s underrated. I always get nostalgic while listening to their attempts at an old-fashioned rock and roll band.
Andy, You’re a Star – The Killers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQtXxgAAXEk
Hot Fuss is definitely an amazing debut album. Nearly every song on that album is well-known or a hit, but this song in particular is often neglected. I know many people dislike the “redundancy” or slow-feel of the song, but I find it easier to focus on the lyrics this way. The lyrics of this song are definitely the strongest part of it.
Homeshake – Michael
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmtY5P9CC-U
I am very excited to see this band live soon, and hope that they play this song. Although it has no lyrics, it is a song that fits nearly any positive occasion. It definitely gives me a bit of confidence when I listen to it early in the day, or before an exam or interview.
dan collins vs. the maryland judicial system – teen suicide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QD-hJVzsEM
I sincerely believe that a lot of people can relate to the lyrics of this song at some point of their lives. Picking a song by this band was difficult due to the fact that I don’t know many people who know of them. Their song Salvia Plath is quite popular, but no other song is. Besides Give Me Back to the Sky, this song is one of my favourite’s by them because of the lyrics and the angsty sound of the song.
August Moon – Gregory and the Hawk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noOQhN9TTVg
I do not know anyone who knows of this amazing artist, so please, check her out! If you’re into calm, indie music, you will definitely love all of her albums. This was the first song I ever heard by Gregory and the Hawk, and it will always have a special place in my heart.
You’re the reason I believe in ghosts – Starry Cat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7k3bNC5zrg
Again, this is another very underrated band I wish more people knew of. I love how, like teen suicide, the music this band produces is very homemade and original. It just goes to show that you don’t need to go over the top to produce something amazing. This song always makes me happy.
I was my own favourite tv show the summer my tv broke – Julia Brown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA1xPxv4vg4
Julia Brown is a band who also includes members of Starry Cat. Just like a few of the other bands on this list, they have a very homemade, simple feel to them. The song really reminds me of grade school summer memories…or even currently, since my TV has been broken since the summer.
Carlito – Alex Calder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXdFamy_xJY
Alex Calder is a cool artist who doesn’t get enough love. I truly love all of his songs because he is a really unique artist and offers something different in every album of his. I chose this song for this article because it has a sound to it that I have found most of my friends enjoy, even if they may not necessarily enjoy this style of music.
Lizzy Come Back to Life – TV Girl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg07KCIQKXI
I legitimately know one other person who have heard of this band, which saddens me, because TV Girl is a band that is very kind to their fanbase and is amazing live. I do not know another current band that has their particular sound. This is my favourite song of theirs.
Nose Bleed – Walter TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpKyGRFxN98
To me, this song and the other songs by this band reminds me of garage made 80’s feel music. I know it isn’t necessarily for everyone, but it is worth giving a shot! This song is my favourite off of this album, and this is my favourite album by then. Unfortunately, Walter TV was supposed to be coming to Detroit on the 10th of December, but their show got cancelled. I hope they come by again soon. When they do, check them out!
Hungry Hungry Models – The Network
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyqXkRv41RU
This song is probably the most popular by the Network, but since it’s so unheard of, I’d figure I’d share it. The Network is actually a side band by Green Day, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that by listening to this song in particular. Even their other songs do not have a punk-rock vibe. I think that this experimental album was an amazing idea and that music lovers can definitely appreciate it.
She’s A Saint, Not a Celebrity – Foxboro Hot Tubs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=halNmkmJWDA
This is another side band by Green Day. This song is seriously so underrated in comparison to their other songs and it saddens me because it is structured nicely and has great lyrics. Many Green Day fans do not even know about this band, but the ones who do, love this band.
Burndt Jamb – Weezer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo1zQAy85jg
This is my all time favourite song by Weezer! I know too many fans who dislike this song because they believe it sounds ‘forced’, but to me, it is beautiful. It deserves more love than it gets, because, in my own opinion, it is better than a lot of their singles.
Is this dust really from the Titanic? – Car Seat Headrest
https://carseatheadrest.bandcamp.com/track/is-this-dust-really-from-the-titanic
I unfortunately was unable to find a Youtube video for this song. This artist has actually increased his fanbase drastically since I have first heard of his music. This is the first song of his I’ve ever heard, and to my knowledge, it is a song that isn’t spoken of. Although it doesn’t accurately depict some of his newer work, I liked the levels in this song.
I’m Mad – The Dead Weather
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpvEt6tG1ms
The Dead Weather is a band by artist Jack White that many people still don’t know of. This song seriously reminds me of Kill Bill; especially because of the siren. Whenever I think someone is mad at me, I play this song in my head. The reason why I love this song so much is because it actually sounds somewhat angry and “out of it”.
Xxzxcuzx Me – Crystal Castles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gN3s03HnAQ
There are no words to describe my love for (old) Crystal Castles (with Alice Glass). Since they are Canadian, this band isn’t necessarily popular, but has a huge online following. They are notorious for their song called Doe Deer, which played in an episode of the British show, Skins. This song isn’t my favourite by them, but it is one that I listen to frequently. It is usually a song a lot of non-Crystal Castles listeners enjoy. The last lyric of this song always strikes me as important, as well.
My New Friend – fthrsn
https://youtu.be/876Xqovdx2E?t=7m19s
I do not know of any person who knows of this band. I don’t even know how to pronounce the band name, but I am going to go ahead and assume it’s ‘faith risen’. I stumbled upon this group accidentally online once and have their album downloaded. I quite enjoy their music, but I do tend to get a mysterious, eerie vibe from their music.
Hairspray Queen – Nirvana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWNjQD7FNXQ
This is definitely one of the most hated songs by Nirvana. A lot of Nirvana fans say it sounds obnoxious, but that was the intention of the song. There are speculations of the meaning of this song, but the most agreed upon one is that this song is in reference to an early Nirvana fan. After playing one of his first live shows, Kurt Cobain was down about the criticism from the audience about his music. A girl with very big, hairsprayed hair told him that she enjoyed his music.
Finger – Ty Segall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TOvLbOj6AQ
This is Ty Segall’s most popular song, and for very good reasons. He is another artist who is soaring in popularity because he puts on great live shows and has an interesting sense of sound. A lot of people who get weirded out by his album covers, but if they listened to the content on the album, they may learn to love everything about his work.
The Jester – Enter Shikari
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYa_Un5DrDg
Enter Shikari is a pretty popular band in the UK and has a solid fanbase in North America. It was really hard for me to pick a song by this band, so I chose to do my favourite song by them. I will admit, they are a band you will have to have an acquired taste for, but they do grow on you the more you listen to them. Plus, the lead singer’s accent is cute.
Decapaton – Le Tigre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SyBR-M2YvU
This song has a lot of views online, but I never hear anyone talk about this group. They somewhat remind me of a modern version of RRRiot Girl. As someone who hates dancing, I find this song makes me want to dance…that must be a good sign.
Luggage – Chapelier Fou
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oifEEOGtSA
This French musician comes up with the best instrumental music I’ve seen in a very long time. I adore everything about this song; the build up, the tone, the levels, the sound…every aspect is perfect. This hardworking artist does not nearly get as much recognition as he deserves.
Crown Victoria – Robbers on High Street
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOBS1WkQDak
Robbers on High Street was one of my favourite bands of all time, and I am sad that they no longer make music. In fact, I have no idea what happened to them. They truly disappeared out of the music scene and the face of the earth. Once all of their albums got removed off of the Canadian iTunes, I was depressed to never see any updates on them ever again. I have tried messaging the band members on Facebook, as well as their regular Facebook page. I have never gotten a reply. I do not know anyone else who knows this band, so I haven’t been able to find answers. I love the lead singer’s voice and their style of music. I really wish I knew what happened to them, and I wish they still made music. This is their only music video and this song is brilliant.
Holding Hands – CHARN
I was only able to find this song for free download on iTunes. CHARN is another band I know nothing about, other than the fact that they make great music. I wish they weren’t so mysterious and communicated with their fans more. This song was on repeat for about three months on my iPod when I was seventeen years old. It has a coffee house feel to it. Check it out!
Pictures – Sneaky Sound System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4zmkhuT4Zg
This female vocalist is strong and creative in her lyrics. If you are into funky beats and catchy songs that don’t leave your mind, you should definitely check out this band, because all of their songs are like this. This is my favourite song by them.
You Will Be a Hot Dancer – Incubus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qD2h–w-Cc
I feel like every song by Incubus is so underrated. They are one of my all time favourite bands as well. They are so creative, energetic, and passionate, and I believe they should be a lot more famous than they currently are. This song is the first song on their first album, and I think it was a perfect way to debut. There are two versions to this song, but this is the original. This song is about the lead singer being bullied for being in dance classes.
Parachute – Guster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V7whvWFEtQ
Coldplay is the band who gave this group a little bit more of the recognition it deserves, but it is still not enough. Guster has been around for a long time but are still considered an ‘opening’ band. If you’re into casual, feel good music, that occasionally hits you right in the feels, you should definitely check them out.
I Stand Corrected – Vampire Weekend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBZmIFQmHE8
I have really been into this band since their debut album, and they continue to impress me with their newer albums as well. Every song on this album is great, but I feel like this song is underrated. I feel like it perfectly captures how beautiful the lead singer’s voice is. On a really random note, it also reminds me a bit of Spongebob, for some reason…which isn’t a bad thing!
Teenage Lobotomy – the Ramones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ssoBUb2cJk
This song is actually pretty popular among rock and roll fans, but for people who only know one or two songs by the Ramones, you should definitely check out this song! It is my favourite song by them and for how good it is, I’m surprised the whole world doesn’t know of this song.
Take my Time – Junior Senior
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU-Z9qP6SWc
This is an old song by the B52’s. I absolutely love this music video and how relevant this song is now, even years after s it was produced. I am so shocked this song was never a hit when it was made, because I feel like many people would appreciate it if they just knew it existed.
Ebin – Sublime
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdSRHM5gXt4
This album by Sublime is probably the one that made them popular. Although Ebin is popular, it isn’t as popular as other songs on the album, it is still great to listen to. I don’t know why else I love this song, other than the fact that it sounds good!
The Stand – Mother Mother
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50LShhlkTfw
Mother Mother is a band that has been around for a while, but no one talks about. This is one of their more popular songs and it doesn’t sound like anything else I have heard of. They are a very diverse band in the sense that they incorporate many different types of sounds into their songs. If you’re into alternative music, this band is definitely for you.
Saskia Hamilton – Ben Folds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JP5lUN_4Eo
This song got a lot of attention once popular Youtuber Charlieissocoollike made a music video for it. It is originally by artist Ben Folds. To be honest, I do not know any of his other songs, but when I heard this one, I expected it to be a huge hit because of how great it is. It’s about writer Saskia Hamilton. If you’re into English Literature, you’ll definitely enjoy the literature terms used in the song.
Lost Control – Dog Party
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdUsY-DNs7s
I had no idea who Dog Party was until they opened at the Green Day show I went to last month. I had very low expectations of them and was shocked when they performed above and beyond what I imagined. I truly believe they actually sound better live than on any recording. This is a music video by them, but if you’re into female vocalists and punk rock, check out their other songs!
Book of Revelations – The Drums
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTWXX6_NHUA
I have just recently stumbled upon this band and I’ve become addicted to their music. I think they are clever, creative, and amazing writers. This song is supposedly about someone trying to see the good in someone, even though they are irrational and rude. It’s an important message to always try to see someone else’s point of view.
Baby Blue – Twin Peaks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv6I-0rAJyE
I enjoy the grungey, simplistic sounds of Twin Peaks. They are absolutely amazing live and they are extremely friendly with their fans, which is a huge reason why they deserve more attention! I love all of their songs, but I chose this one just because I think the music video is funny. Check out their other work.
Paper Tiger – Spoon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA7uEW56rCE
This band has finally made it to the radio scene, but still isn’t as well known as they should be. This is one of their more popular songs, and actually the first song by them I’ve ever heard. To me, they remind me of an alternative-coffee-house genre, if that even is a thing. I enjoy the majority of their songs and would love to see them live one day!
Let It Happen – Tame Impala
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ed6UeDp1ek
You’ve may have heard of this band before, and maybe this song, but it’s likely you didn’t know that this band created this song. That is usually what I find with most people. Tame Impala puts on amazing live shows, have a unique sound, relatable lyrics, and are a group that you can really sense the emotion in every song they put out. No matter your mood or where you are in life, you are likely to find a song by this band that fits the scenario or feeling that you’re going through.
Pepsi/Coke Suicide – Elvis Depressedly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMYsQfonus8
This band has a very similar sound to some of the bands on this list (like teen suicide, who they often tour with), but they truly do have witty lyrics and make great puns, which is what I think is enjoyable about them. If you’re into this type of music, they won’t disappoint you.
Sad Eyes – Mini Dresses
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tskq6u2g_M
This. Band. Needs. A. Bigger. Fanbase. They produce such original, emotion-provoking music. Their sound reminds me of a 60’s or 70’s band I remember listening to on my grandparent’s old vinyl player once. The vocalist has such a lovely, drawing voice and every time you listen to them, they grow on you more and more.
Still – Mood Dye
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up8-fNDYE14
If you like 80’s sounding vocals and upbeat songs, this band is definitely for you! This band is a bit more upbeat than some of the others on this list but still continues to keep a great 80’s vibe to them. This is my favourite song by them, although, they do have a lot of other great songs as well.
Feels Like We’re Dying – Johnny Goth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jej2f7tOsvI
I picked this song in specific because the lyrics are incredibly raw and relatable. I think anyone could relate to this song at some point in their life. A lot of their songs make me feel this way. This band has perfect songs for if you’re really sad (like this song in specific), and seems to always finds the words to explain something when I can’t.
Fan the Flames – Sheer Mag
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr2um9KXkgQ
Finally, another punk band to talk about! I have been trying to make this list not full of my punk-rock music, but I can’t help but include a few more to close off this article. Sheer Mag is a new band that is growing in popularity since being featured in popular punk rock magazines. They are modern, fresh, original, and include a female vocalist who is amazing and doesn’t hold back on hitting good notes. I am someone who is analytical of my punk-rock music and since I am so picky, you should take my word and trust me that this band is great!
I Hate the Weekend – Tacocat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhPdDvT3wHk
I am closing off with this band, because who doesn’t like tacos or cats? Tacocat is also a relatively new punk rock band. Again, they have a female vocalist as well; I don’t listen to too many groups with female singers. If you don’t either, prepare to be amazed by Tacocat! I love how they are a “fun” type of punk-rock and are so bubbly and creative with their work. I love all of their songs but this one has such a cute music video, I just needed to share.
I hope I’ve expanded your music collections just a bit!