Suzanna Wojnowski One of my favorite downtime activities is exchanging songs with friends. This is a great way to expand your own playlist as well as to put on great songs to others.
While my favorite music changes all the time, there is a selection of songs that I constantly think need to be listened to by more people.
You may have heard of some of the artists below, but most of these songs I would say are “underground”, in that I haven’t heard anyone else listen to them but myself (until I played them for my friends).
The genres that these songs/artists fall under are included but not limited to indie, pop, alternative rock, and dance. Even if these aren’t your typical styles of music, I think they’re still worth the listen.
So without further ado, here are my top 10 underrated songs, along with a mini summary for each tune!!!
#10: “Floated By” – Peter Cat Recording Co.
I like that it has an “old” sound but it’s from a modern-age artist. It has a very hoppy tune that just makes you want to bop around to it. I would consider it to be a “feel good” song. The trumpets add a very jazzy style to the song as well, which is what I think makes this tune stand-out so well. I also get a hint of the 80’s with the synthesized sound on the keyboard. The rhythm is so catchy I find myself humming it throughout the day.
#9: “Salad Days” – Mac DeMarco
Whenever I hear “Salad Days”, I get the sudden feeling of nostalgia, I don’t know why, but it does. The “la la la la la’s” in the background are such a great touch because it’s hard not to sing along with it in your head. This song makes me feel like this person is going through a change and they have an “I don’t care” attitude. The serious lyrics compared to the dysfunctional sound of the piece makes it seem chaotic, but calm at the same time.
#8: “Bones n Bricks” – Bootleg Rascal
If I could go back and listen to a song for the first time, this would definitely be up there. There are so many things going on, that each time I hear it, I notice a new piece of the song. Definitely a unique tune, but you’ll realize how good it is when you play it.
#7: “Hot Tea” – Goose
Honestly, picking just one song from Goose is hard. However, I’ve noticed that every couple months or so, I go through a phase of listening to “Hot Tea”. Their sound is very jammy and groovy, somewhat like the Grateful Dead. The smoothness of the song makes it an easy listen, which is good for people who just want to vibe with the music.
#6: “Tangerine” – Glass Animals
If you want a song that just makes you feel happy, then this is it. The rhythm of “Tangerine” is addictive because it hits every time. “Tangerine” is also one of the most versatile songs that I’ve found in a while. No matter what, I am always in the mood to hear it, which is rare for a song. It is definitely a silly song with the playful sounds and noises, but in my opinion it makes the song novel.
#5: “Live Well” – Palace
“Live Well” is the type of song to scream-sing in the car, while speeding on the highway. There’s something about the song that just makes you feel free, which is hard to emulate in music but somehow Palace did it. The lyrics are definitely a strong aspect of the song as well, and paired with the tone of the piece, you might feel some tug on the heart strings.
#4: “Moments/Tides” – Goth Babe
This is one of my all-time favorite songs by Goth Babe. “Moments / Tides” is a perfect blend of electronic and indie which are of some of my favorite genres. I love this song because it really just resonates with me and makes me feel like I can conquer the world. Something about it induces a feeling of adventure, which is something I always crave doing more of.
#3: “Crazy Dream” – Tom Misch feat. Loyle Carner
“Crazy Dream” gives off funky and care-free vibes, which is perfect since the weather is warming up. I feel like up-beat songs just hit differently when it’s nice out. Both of the singers, Tom Misch and Loyle Carner, have such smooth voices and it makes it so satisfying to listen to.
#2: “Playground” – Steve Lacey
In the beginning, “Playground” makes me feel like I’m in an old school video game with all of the cool sound effects. My favorite aspect of the song is the bass guitar. It’s what carries the song, and in my opinion, it’s the driving factor of the music. If you like songs that don’t sound at all like other songs, then I think you’ll thoroughly enjoy.
#1: “Heavy Hearted” – The Jungle Giants
“Heavy Hearted” is a blend of alternative and dance music. I put this song at #1 because every time I listen to it, it doesn’t fail to pump me up. I also really like that at certain times it’s slower and then at others it’s fast-paced. It makes you anticipate the climaxes, which makes it impossible to press skip.
Including only 10 songs made it so hard to choose, but I’m confident that at least one song will resonate with you.
If you like the kind of music I shared, feel free to give my Apple Music account a follow @suzannawoj!
