10 Best Candlebox Songs Of All Time

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Originating from Seattle, Washington, Candlebox emerged as a prominent force in the American rock scene with its inception in 1990. Over the years, the band has enriched the music industry with eight studio albums, numerous singles that have climbed the charts, a compilation, and a CD+DVD set, showcasing their enduring talent and creativity.

The band catapulted to stardom with their eponymous debut album in July 1993, which featured standout tracks like “Change,” “You,” “Far Behind,” and “Cover Me.” The album’s success was monumental, with “Far Behind” securing a spot in the Top 20 and the album itself achieving quadruple platinum status, according to the RIAA. Following this triumph, Candlebox released Lucy in 1995, which also received gold certification, and Happy Pills in 1998, further cementing their place in the rock genre. However, by 2000, internal conflicts and record label disputes led to the band’s hiatus.

The hiatus ended in 2006 when the band reunited and went on to release five more albums: Into the Sun (2008), Love Stories & Other Musings (2012), Disappearing in Airports (2016), Wolves (2021), and their eighth and final studio album, The Long Goodbye, in August 2023.

Candlebox began with the band forming in November 1990, featuring Kevin Martin, Peter Klett, Bardi Martin, and Scott Mercado. Their rise to fame was fueled by their dynamic live performances and a pivotal eight-song EP that caught the attention of Maverick Records, making Candlebox the label’s first major success. Their debut album’s overwhelming popularity earned them slots alongside music giants like Rush, Metallica, and a performance at Woodstock ’94.

Despite facing challenges and lineup changes over the years, Candlebox’s commitment to their music remained unwavering. The band’s ability to evolve while maintaining their unique sound is evident in their later works, culminating in The Long Goodbye. Although the band extended its farewell tour through 2024, the goodbye did not ultimately end Candlebox’s touring career. The band officially announced its Can’t Quit You Tour for 2026, continuing its lasting impact on the rock music landscape and dedication to its fans.

# 10 – Punks

We open up our Candlebox songs list with something red hot from their most recent studio album, The Long Goodbye. The album marked Candlebox’s final venture into the studio. It was released on August 25, 2023. Following the album’s release, Candlebox embarked on a farewell tour, although the band later returned to touring. Kevin Martin, the band’s lead vocalist, attributed the original farewell decision to the diminishing support within the music industry and the escalating financial demands of touring.

The album features the talents of BJ Kerwin on drums, Adam Kury handling the bass guitar, Kevin Martin’s distinctive vocals, Brian Quinn on both acoustic and electric guitar, and Island Styles contributing on guitar.

# 9 – My Weakness

Continuing with our Candlebox songs list, we turn to the band’s Wolves album. The recording of the album took place from late 2019 into the early months of 2020. However, its release was deferred owing to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, just like everything else that got delayed because of that nightmare. This is a powerful song that is simply captivating.

# 8 – Into The Sun

It’s interesting how this one opens up. The solo guitar lick sets up a haunting mood that flows into a groove that falls somewhere in between ’60s psychedelia and ’90s grunge. The bass pattern is hypnotizing. The song is the title track to their 2008 studio album Into The Sun. I really dig this one. The verse is creepy, but the chorus just explodes with hope.

# 7 – Cover Me

The sound of the early 1990s resonates deeply with this track. The echo of that acoustic guitar, the feel of the drums and bass all surrounding those mesmerizing vocals of Kevin Martin. If you were a teen or twenty-something during this period, you had to love these guys. “Cover Me” was the fourth and final single released from the band’s debut album entitled Candlebox, released in 1993.

# 6 – Believe in It

I love the way this one opens with those slick power chords. This is a grooving Candlebox. The group sounds very different on this track than they did on their early 1990s stuff. It’s a combination of a changing musical landscape and the simple fact that these guys were a lot older on this album than they were on their debut. The song “Believe In It” was released on the band’s album Love Stories & Other Musings. “Believe In It” was the first and only single released from the album.

# 5 – Vexatious

This is pretty interesting stuff. Most of the original members of the band are gone on this one, with only founding member Kevin Martin still steering the Candlebox train. The song was released on the album Disappearing in Airports. The album was released in 2016. Former Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen helps knock this one out of the park with some great drum solos that fill in perfectly within the song.

# 4 – Simple Lessons

Now this is a killer tune. “Simple Lessons” was released on the band’s sophomore album Lucy. One can easily hear that the grunge sounds of the band’s debut still resonate, but there is something else happening here. The band sounds like they have more in common with The Black Crowes than Pearl Jam on this rocking tune.

# 3 – Sometimes

As we get close to the number one spot on our Candlebox songs list, we present one of the sweetest songs the band has ever released. This is a breathtaking song that will catch your attention right from the start with that sentimental acoustic guitar strumming that glides into a groove and melody that you just can’t forget. The guitar work on this one by Peter Klett is outstanding. It’s one of his best moments as a member of Candlebox. And once again, Kevin Martin just blows your mind. We love the ending of this one as the band takes an unexpected musical turn in the coda.

# 2 – You

What I love about this song is that every member of the band Candlebox stands out on it. It’s mixed so perfectly that we can easily hear the off-the-charts talents of every member. Of course, the song itself fuels the interplay between band members. Bardi Martin’s bass playing is sharp and intense, matching the killer groove that Scott Mercado lays out on drums. Peter Klett’s guitar attacks the tune, blasting in and out, creating an air of excitement that is all brought home by the passionate vocals of Kevin Martin.

# 1 – Far Behind

“Far Behind” was the third single from the band’s self-titled 1993 debut. It is one of the band’s most popular songs. It featured the band’s original lineup of Kevin Martin on lead vocals, Peter Klett on guitar, Bardi Martin on bass, and Scott Mercado on drums. These guys were all great players, which you can really hear on this smoking track, especially in the middle and end sections of the song. The song is one of several songs written during the era as a tribute to Andrew Wood of Seattle band Mother Love Bone, who died of a heroin overdose.