Austin

Back Where You BelongForeigner · Double Vision (Expanded Version) (1978)

Incredible vocal composition of the pre-chorus and chorus. Maybe it’s considered more of a power pop song in that way. Overall a fun sound

My MuseLeon Thomas · PHOLKS (2025)

Perfect neo-soul, Motown-inspired jam. I feel the influences of Carl Carlton ("She's a Bad Mama Jama"), but also the Bee Gees at times. Sort of following in Lenny Kravitz's footsteps with this track ("Honey"). And there's sort of a Doobie Brothers groove to this one. Strange to hear the vocals of Victorious's Andre reach such commercial success but I'm happy for him, he's so deserving and so talented.

So Easy (To Fall In Love)Olivia Dean · The Art of Loving (2026)

Perfect Bacharach inspired song. Very romantic lyrics that end up looking a lot more densely packed when you put it down on paper. I love how each chorus seems to build in tension and emotional importance. Feels like the type of song the main character of a musical would sing while strolling down the sidewalk (or sharing a walk in Central Park).

SomedayThe Strokes · Is This It (2001)

As the years go on this is one song that gets closer and closer to bringing me to tears. It was on the soundtrack of MLB 2k8, which I would play on the Wii with my brothers. It was the soundtrack to my summers for a few years, and my introduction to The Strokes. The opening lines of the song "In many ways, they'll miss the good old days" basically say it all. It sets the tone for all of the nostalgia-driven story about to be told.

Say Anything (Else)Cartel · Chroma (2005)

This song will always feel like 2006 embodied. It was on the soundtrack of Madden 07, which I played for hours on end during winter breaks growing up. Reminds me of good old days when my Bears went to the Super Bowl. While this all might be the reason I feel a bias toward it, I still feel like it is an *actually* good song. The pre-chorus section with the lyrics "Oh, I'm here to say that you're the star you want to be..." were the first thing that seven year old me had ever heard like that. It left quite an impression on me and stuck in my head throughout the year after football season was over...until the next fall came along and I would boot up Madden 07 to play again.

Be YourselfAudioslave · Out of Exile (2005)

This is probably the first song I would play for someone who had never heard Chris Cornell's voice or music before. Perfect range of his more grungy sound during the chorus, but a great mix with the softer side and falsetto during the pre-chorus. Tom Morello's signature sound on the guitar solo is unmistakable.

Turning Japanese (Non Stop Edit)The Vapors · New Clear Days (1980)

I wish this song wasn’t as problematic as it is because it has a great sound beyond the “oriental” riff. Feels like it could fit on The Cars’ “Shake It Up”. And as an aside, this song is featured in one of my favorite Bryan Cranston moments in Malcolm In The Middle.

Hungry HeartBruce Springsteen · The River (1980)

My parents never listened to a lot of Springsteen so I didn’t inherit a love for his music. There’s just a lot of friction keeping me from fully loving all of his “sound” but I do love his Christmas songs, in addition to this one. It feels so sonically different from the rest of his stuff. While it is quite formulaic, that might be the special sauce. The vocals could be mistaken for Billy Joel, and it’s got sort of a melancholic melody that feels more like the Gary U.S. Bonds songs The Boss wrote.

BabooshkaKate Bush · Never for Ever (1980)

"Wuthering Heights" and "Running Up That Hill" get all the credit but this Kate Bush song has the coolest atmosphere to me. Sort of an eerie feeling around it with a tense build up to an explosion of a chorus. Lyrics kind of tell the evil/dramatic version of "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)"

Slow RideFoghat · Fool for the City (Remastered) (1975)

This song will always be iconic to me solely because of its inclusion on the Guitar Hero game I played circa 2006. The verses of this song are better than the chorus; "I'm in the mood, the rhythm is right..." combined with the dancing guitar riff is infectious.

My Old SchoolSteely Dan · Countdown To Ecstasy (1973)

Two things stand out about this song: the incredibly distinct lyrics which, are so easy to memorize even if by accident, and tell a story so succinctly, and second- the jazzy guitar solo that is almost over before you realize you’ve been inside of it for so long. Perfectly put together tune

Sea of Love (Remastered)Phil Phillips · Sea of Love (Remastered) - Single (1959)

As much as I love the Honeydrippers version I have to give my perfect 10 to the original. Truly feels like one of the Original Songs floating in the air of the universe just waiting for someone to write it. Great backing vocals on this one, too.

The First Time We Fall in LoveThe Kinks · Schoolboys in Disgrace (1975)

Opening feels like a song of the soundtrack of GREASE, but it becomes more of an odyssey by taking a couple detours you don’t expect. The different sections of this song put it in the echelon of “A Day In The Life” and “Band On The Run”.

No Matter What (2010 Remaster)Badfinger · No Dice (Expanded Edition) (1970)

The delivery of the line “knock down the old gray wall” might be the greatest five seconds of music. Euphoric tune that rivals even the best of the Beatles. The harmonizing even tricked my younger self into believing it *was* the Beatles.

Excitable BoyWarren Zevon · Excitable Boy (1978)

The perfect lyrical-musical ironic juxtaposition. A tale of a terrible young man who does terrible things, for whom everyone continues to make excuses and brush off. The cheery sing-along tune urges the listener to look past his “idiosyncrasies” and just enjoy the music.

Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)The Delfonics · The Delfonics (Remastered) (1970)

Immaculate diegetic song usage in JACKIE BROWN (1997). Raw, emotional, beautiful tune. The horn sound at the start is iconic; I'm sure I can recognize this song before 1 second. The key change later in the song elevates it to a new level. Transcendent.

Something WickedKiwi jr. · Something Wicked - Single (2026)

The chorus channels "I Can't Explain" by The Who (and covered by Scorpions) but tweaks it just a little and makes something new. Jeremy Gaudet has such unique vocals I can now recognize Kiwi jr. instantly, yet he evokes the sound of Old 97s' Rhett Miller. Super catchy song that feels all wrapped up with a bow on top by the end.

PharmacistAlvvays · Blue Rev (2022)

Molly Rankin and Alvvays pull off a magic trick when marrying the vocals and music of this song. So many words and lines slip through the cracks and you have to go back and listen a couple times to understand the meaning. It winds up a really emotional song with the sonic peak being the repeated "you know it happens all the time" which seemingly serves as assurance to the listener that these feelings of drifting apart from someone are far from uncommon.

CancelledBorn Without Bones · Baby (2013)

Incredible harmonizing in the chorus, reminiscent of Fountains of Wayne. Sort of a hidden gem that tried to nudge its way into the harder rock corners but doesn't quite commit all the way. Maybe more of a power pop song at times but it still goes hard.

Big DipperBuilt to Spill · There's Nothing Wrong with Love (1994)

A song that makes it really easy to memorize the lyrics. The straining vocals as the song goes on adds to the aesthetic of the song. Really fun dramatic conclusion of each chorus. "Jack thought it twice and thought that that had made it true" is a strangely addicting line with the back-to-back usage of the word "that" (albeit correctly).

The HookStephen Malkmus · Stephen Malkmus (2001)

Such a beautifully simplistic song it feels like it was floating in the just waiting to be written. Malkmus' vocals work so well for each line. He creates such a vivid story that you almost forget about the sublime melody of the chorus.

circle the drainSoccer Mommy · color theory (2019)

Almost hard to put into words how much this song feels like the early 2000s. It feels like I am four years old again hanging out at the mall and I'm just a passenger on a nice summer day; so nostalgic. Incredibly beautiful vocals with a nice tame chorus. "Hey I've been falling apart these days" is delivered so deadpan it feels humorous. Songs that center a "round and around" always stick with you for a while.

Here TonightGene Clark · Roadmaster (Expanded Edition) (1973)

Incredible twang-y guitar sound that pushes this song over closer to a country song in some ways. It creates such an incredible campfire vibe that just feels safe. "It just seems so insane to strike out in the rain" is the line that sticks with me after every listen.

Your Love Is My DrugKesha · Animal (Expanded Edition) (2010)

Even though this is the first song on the album, it plays second fiddle (at best) to "TiK ToK", which is a shame because this has one of the best pre-choruses of the 2010s. "What you got boy is hard to find.." echoes through my mind every now and then - such a catchy line and delivery.

MannerismCat Ryan · Mannerism - Single (2020)

Infectious tempo that feels like an irish jig. The instrumental solo perfectly channels Tears For Fears (think "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"). A momentary reprieve of the instrumentation with the repeating "I hate how you have control over me" creates a great statement of the thesis of this song. Easy song to put on repeat

DefectionNixon Mask · BBQ Downer (2017)

Hidden gem from a band I have not heard out outside of this song. Such a great wind-down or campfire song. The melody evokes such nostalgia, even if you'd never heard the song before. The guitar pulls off the trick of basically singing the words alongside Brendan Smith. By the time the chorus back around it feels like so much pent up energy is earned through the song and it just explodes through the speakers. Really easy song to listen to

JunaClairo · Charm (2024)

Such a relaxing tune it feels like you can sink into the ground when you listen. Clairo's mouth trumpet is so creatively innovative for a song like this and the transition into the horns is sublime. A very romantic track overall

Everything You've Done WrongSloan · One Chord to Another (1996)

Evokes pure nostalgia bottled up in every note. But once you listen to the lyrics you feel the bittersweet twinge associated with having to "pay the price". In that way it feels like a spiritual successor to The Zombies' "Care of Cell 44". Great guitar solo in this one too that is immediately followed up by a trumpet solo. On repeat in the hot summer months for me.

Silver LineSheer Mag · A Distant Call (2019)

Incredible vibe created by the combination of instrumentation here. It feels very much like a 70s or 80s song at times. The vocals are so unique and memorable, “Now I’m striking for nothing with no contract” is one of the first lines of the song that feels like it grabs you by the shoulders and tries to tell you what the message and meaning of the song is, put plain and simply. Great tune

Kokomo, INJapanese Breakfast · Jubilee (2021)

Musical arrangement that feels like a Beatles ballad at times. Zauner crafts incredible lyrics that fit perfectly into the crevices of the instrumentation. I love when songs utilize a string section. Great song about knowing in the moment you’ll never be able to return to that place and time and be with those people in the same way ever again.

Start Choppin'Dinosaur Jr. · Where You Been (1993)

I think this song best displays the crispness of J. Mascis’ voice while also showing the range through falsetto. The perfect earworm of a guitar riff. Underrated key change right before the first guitar solo. Quintessential Dinosaur Jr.

Take My HeartFlorry · The Holey Bible (2023)

Florry fits perfectly into the niche carved out by Waxahatchee and Wednesday. This song gets your attention from the first note and doesn’t let up. Perfect vocal deliveries across the board.

Do It FasterMilitarie Gun · Life Under The Gun (2023)

Their best song in my mind. Really upbeat and keeps building to the chorus by keeping the energy. It's so easy to sing along with the chorus right away. It feels harder rock than it actually is but it's quite accessible. Love the signature "OOH" sound they got going. Strangely reminds me of the Ned's Declassified theme song.

Have You Seen Her FaceThe Byrds · Younger Than Yesterday (Reissue Edition with Bonus Tracks) (1967)

One of my favorite sections of a song is the down-half of the chorus right after they say "have you seen her face". They are seemingly singing in a monotone, conveying a strange eerie feel almost. This song also basically has two separate sections that are both choruses. It makes the song go so much faster as you keep waiting for reprieve. The Byrds were such a cool band.

Baby You Got ItBrenton Wood · Baby You Got It (1967)

Brenton Wood has such a lovely approachable sound that still feels timeless. There is a perpetual hum coming from the organ(?) in this song that actually feels like Someday by Sugar Ray in some ways, adding to the timeless allure of this tune. What a voice too

Do You Remember the First Time?Pulp · His 'n' Hers (Deluxe Edition) (1994)

I'm not sure why I took so long to get into Pulp, but I think this is the song I landed on as my favorite. It starts off sounding sort of like U2's "With Or Without You" but transforms into something that I'd never heard anything like. The guitar does something so unique and interesting where it sounds like it is trying to produce vocals of its own like it's Peter Frampton. Such an easy song to get stuck in your head-in a good way.

LilacsWaxahatchee · Saint Cloud +3 (2021)

Waxahatchee has a whole slew of songs that could be the best song in the catalog of many other groups and they certainly have a signature sound but this one hits a sweet spot I don’t notice in the others. The chorus is simply transcendent. It feels like it almost resembles the rhythm of Shakespearean iambic pentameter the way the syllables jump up and down in emphasis: “if I’M a BROken RECord, WRITE it IN the DUST babe…”. Truly an infectious song.

Touch and GoThe Cars · Panorama (1980)

It took me a while after I first heard this song to consider it one that I actually enjoyed. I used to be impatient with the stubborn repeating synthesizer, but eventually as I got older it just kinda clicked for me. Ocasek is sort of building up your impatience and using that as a tool to make the melody of the chorus hit even harder. Once that part actually does come around it feels like it starts dancing off the ridges of your brain like Tom Hanks in the piano scene of Big. Great song off an album that didn’t have as much success as the predecessors.

Can't Take My Eyes Off YouFrankie Valli · Frankie Valli Solo (1967)

Ultimate romantic song. A sort of “put it all on the table” feel to this that is hard not to love. You can feel the explosion of the chorus just building up with each line of the verses and pre-chorus. One of the great line deliveries when the first “I love you baby” hits. Music gold.

A Long DecemberCounting Crows · Recovering the Satellites (1996)

One of those songs it feels like the artists named incorrectly. I would always search for a song called something like “One More Night In Hollywood” when this would pop into my head before I committed it to memory. Regardless, this song is great. The accordion sort of makes it because of how it sets the tone and mood. Accordions in songs always make me feel like I’m at some outdoor dining at an Italian restaurant. He hits the hook hard in this song- feels like a great tune to put in a movie soundtrack

Killer QueenQueen · Sheer Heart Attack (Deluxe Edition) (1974)

One of the first non-Beatles songs I (inadvertently) learned all the words to. Who wouldn’t attach on to a song that says “dynamite with a laser beam”?Soundtrack of car rides with my family on vacations, to-and-from school, to T-ball, or just driving around town. So formative for me— I remember knowing this song in Kindergarten! Love the guitar in this one- star of the show

Livin' ThingElectric Light Orchestra · A New World Record (1976)

I remember first hearing this song on re-runs of Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 and being fixated on the recurring statement of the lead singer “taking a dive”. That grabs you and kind of sticks with you just because of how strange and *different* it is. Of course, the rest of the song is great too. It is so theatrical in nature, it’s got such a power chorus, and you can feel the emotional build-up towards it too. Gosh what a tune. Top three for me for sure

This Charming ManThe Smiths · The Smiths (1984)

This has become my favorite Smiths song. It hits you with the perfect opening riff and follows with a jangly pop melody you know is gonna get stuck in your head. To top it all off he throws some truly strange lyrics at you that make you question what a “jumped-up pantry boy” actually means. Banger.

LaughingThe Guess Who · Canned Wheat (1969)

Burton Cummings delivers probably his best vocals the second time he sings “the best years have come and gone”. You can just feel the pure and raw emotion. Plus I love the dramatic build up to the chorus which then gets somewhat flattened met by a somewhat simple chorus. One of the rare songs I like the pre-chorus and verses better than the actual chorus and hook of the song. Great song.

SheThe Monkees · More of the Monkees (1967)

The harmonization of the chorus in this song is just sublime. Maybe the best vocals Micky ever delivers. It just delivers a pure punch of emotion with a perfect periodic interjection “hey!” from the backing percussion of Davy and Peter. My favorite Monkees song.

Beyond the SeaBobby Darin · That's All (1959)

Perhaps the ultimate Big Band-Pop song. It infuses such a sense of nostalgia to me, probably because of its inclusion in Finding Nemo. Nevertheless, Bobby Darin’s vocal delivery of this one is undeniable.

Midnight Train to GeorgiaGladys Knight & The Pips · Imagination (Expanded Edition) (1973)

My first two most formative early exposures to this song were firstly: Paris Bennett’s rendition on season 5 of American Idol- which didn’t quite stick for me, as I was only 6 years old, but then secondly as a renaissance after hearing it in an episode of Modern Family as sung by Haley Dunphy with backing vocals by Luke and Manny, which for some reason made it really *click* for me. It’s a masterpiece. Perfect person and voice for this song. “I’d rather live in his world than live without him in mine” will always be the line that sticks with me from this song because of how simple it is, yet for a young child hearing this for the first time it is so thought-provoking to consider one’s place in the world and how it relates to others. Putting yourself first and settling for an easier alternative than venturing into the unknown.

That's How Strong My Love IsOtis Redding · The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads (1965)

Perfect soul/blues song. You can hear how modern artists like Leon Bridges have pulled from Redding’s influences when you hear a track like this. One of those “blueprint” songs.

Boys Don't CryThe Cure · Greatest Hits (2001)

They really found the perfect jangly guitar riff and nothing beyond that really mattered. To me, this could be a perfect song even without the lyrics. Yet, they found a way to elevate the song and add another layer of emotion with a nice raw emotional message

I Predict a RiotKaiser Chiefs · Employment (2005)

Normally I consider it lazy songwriting to fill space with excessive “la’s” or “ah’s” where real words could be but this song does one of the best renditions of it. The Kaiser Chiefs create a real spooky and mysterious vibe that gets immediately backed up by premonitions of a riot(??). Killer song.

Be My BabyThe Ronettes · Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica (1963)

Brian Wilson was so right about this song. There is not a single instant of this song I don’t want to condense into a little box and keep in my pocket forever. One-of-a-kind transcendent song.

davina mccallWet Leg · moisturizer (2025)

Starts out like a Smashing Pumpkins song (maybe 1979) but hits another gear at the chorus and turns into something totally different. Wet Leg creates a really sweet and nice tune out of this one.

Darlin'The Beach Boys · Wild Honey (1967)

My favorite Beach Boys song. The verses perfectly scratch an itch I didn’t know I had. Carl hits all the right notes and crafts the ultimate romantic summer song.

Only Loving YouEsther Rose · You Made It This Far (2019)

Hidden gem that could be mistaken for a song from as early as the 60s. Esther Rose has a beautiful voice that really makes this song.

So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)R.E.M. · Reckoning (1984)

For some reason I loathed R.E.M. before I even dug into most of their discography. I think seven-year-old me just couldn’t stand Shiny Happy People and Everybody Hurts, but this song is just wonderful. The harmonizing backing vocals make you lose track of everything around you for a truly transcendent moment.

Only You KnowDion · Born to Be with You / Streetheart (1976)

Strangely enough I was first introduced to this song on The Bear but now it feels like a tune I’ve known forever. Dion’s voice is so strong and smooth it feels a song perfectly crafted for him.

Lady Picture ShowStone Temple Pilots · Tiny Music...Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop (1996)

It feels like they plucked this one right out of the mind of Paul McCartney. The chorus feels like you are swinging from a pendulum along for the ride that the Stone Temple Pilots are taking you on. I often find myself craving a listen of this when I haven’t in a while.

TowniesWednesday · Bleeds (2025)

Really emotionally charged song about a topic rarely flat-out stated in popular music. This one grabs you by the first line and doesn’t let you go before it’s too late to understand what the song’s even about. Hartzman might be the best rock vocalist right now and you could argue she’s an even better songwriter.

Trying Your LuckThe Strokes · Is This It (2001)

Maybe the only song in competition with “Someday” for my favorite of theirs. To me, all of the songs on this album share the same DNA and feel like a long string of the same song but this one has a little extra juice that makes it stand out. I think the melody just creates such a desperate air crying out for connection that resonates when paired with the lyrics. An all-timer.

D'yer Mak'erLed Zeppelin · Houses of the Holy (Remastered) (1973)

Incredible reggae-inspired classic. Not many can deliver vocals better than Robert Plant. Hard to believe they were making music like this in the early 70s.

Morning ZooRatboys · The Window (2023)

My personal favorite Ratboys song. Feels so timeless it could have existed since the invention of music. Impeccable instrumentation and musical arrangement. The angelic backing vocals of the chorus lift the standing of an already great tune.

The Great PlainsEaves Wilder · Little Miss Sunshine (2026)

Really cool power pop song. Eaves Wilder has a super unique voice that is hard to fine tune and match with the music but she just kills it. Hard to miss the emotion tied to her delivery of the chorus and the feeling of just wanting to break free.

KissesTchotchke · Playin' Dumb (2025)

From the very first note this song doesn’t give you a chance to NOT think about the song. It keeps pulling you back in, feeling like you are spinning around the room to the point of almost dizziness. I also love the backing vocals in the chorus that almost evoke the feeling of a canon. Tchochke’s truly a hidden gem.

Sit Down I Think I Love YouBuffalo Springfield · Buffalo Springfield (1966)

I love when lyrics use the final word of one line to start the next. The guitar in this song really matches the tone conveyed by the self-described “desperate guy” feel. This song makes every correct decision from lyrics to musical arrangement.

And Your Bird Can SingThe Beatles · Revolver (1966)

Probably the best song of all time. Lennon hits the exact right notes, the double tracked vocals are immaculate. Maybe the perfect display of lead guitar melody. One of those songs that makes you forget about everything else around you for a few minutes.

Wants For EveryoneSlippers · Slippers 08 (2026)

This is one of my favorite songs of 2026. The moment right before the chorus evokes the feeling of an old arcade video game machine being unplugged, but it follows it up by leading right back into the killer melody that rivals an early Strokes tune. You know you have a good hook when I find myself thinking about the song in the background of my own thoughts at random times just while working, reading, or writing. Truly transcendent stuff.

StarbursterFontaines D.C. · Romance (2024)

I love songs that feel hypnotically cyclical. The chorus of this song feels like jump-roping a double dutch that you can’t find your way out of. I love the usage of an exhale as lyrics, which not many songs make usage of outside of The Beatles’ “Girl”. This song feels tailor-made for a James Bond movie with a mysterious yet somehow sinister vibe at times. Fontaines D.C. are on the cusp of super-stardom.

I CARETurnstile · NEVER ENOUGH (2025)

One of the most infectiously fun songs I’ve heard in a while. Reminds me a lot of “Spanish Bombs” by The Clash. Also evokes the same upbeat feelings as Boys Don’t Cry and This Charming Man. Brendan Yates unleashes such an emotional delivery of the chorus, followed by an impeccable final chord that leaves you wanting more. Great tune.