Feist is a Canadian indie pop project fronted by singer-songwriter Leslie Feist, who formed the project in the late 1990s. Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Feist initially began her music career as a member of the Calgary punk band Placebo (not to be confused with the UK band of the same name). She released her debut solo album, Monarch (Lay Your Jewelled Head Down), in 1999, followed by five more studio albums: Let It Die (2004), The Reminder (2007), Metals (2011), Pleasure (2017), and Multitudes (2023). Feist also released several live albums and compilations, including the notable Open Season (2006), which features remixes and collaborations.
Feist has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. Her breakthrough album, The Reminder, earned her four Grammy nominations and won the 2007 Polaris Music Prize. The single “1234” from the same album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK Singles Chart. Over the years, Feist has been recognized for her contributions to music with several Juno Awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Her backing band members have included Gonzales (Jason Beck), Mocky (Dominique Salole), and Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas), among others. Feist’s music is known for its eclectic mix of indie pop, folk, and alternative rock elements.
FEIST STUDIO ALBUMS
Monarch (Lay Your Jewelled Head Down)
Released 1999
Feist’s debut album Monarch (Lay Your Jewelled Head Down) showcases her early exploration into indie and folk music, blending delicate vocals with intricate guitar work. The album was recorded in Toronto and features a raw, intimate production style that highlights Feist’s burgeoning songwriting talents. Although it did not chart on Billboard, it remains a favorite among her early fans.
The album featured Feist on vocals and guitar, with contributions from musicians such as Dan Kurtz on bass, Andrew Whiteman on guitar, and Alex Lifeson on guitar. The album was produced by Dan Kurtz and recorded at Chemical Sound Studios in Toronto, Canada, between 1998 and 1999.
CD Track Listings:
- “It’s Cool to Love Your Family” – 3:30
- “The Onliest” – 3:53
- “La Sirena” – 4:52
- “One Year A.D.” – 4:06
- “Monarch” – 4:59
- “That’s What I Say, It’s Not What I Mean” – 4:35
- “Flight #303” – 3:33
- “Still True” – 4:15
- “The Mast” – 3:36
- “New Torch” – 4:25
Let It Die
Released 2004
Let It Die is Feist’s second studio album and marks her breakthrough into the mainstream indie music scene. The album combines elements of folk, pop, and jazz, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. It was recorded in Paris, France, between 2003 and 2004. Let It Die peaked at number twenty-one on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart.
The album featured Feist on vocals and guitar, with Gonzales on piano and arrangements, Mocky on bass and drums, and Renaud Letang on production. Additional musicians included Julian Brown on bass and Jesse Baird on drums.
CD Track Listings:
- “Gatekeeper” – 2:16
- “Mushaboom” – 3:44
- “Let It Die” – 2:55
- “One Evening” – 3:37
- “Leisure Suite” – 4:07
- “Lonely Lonely” – 4:08
- “When I Was a Young Girl” – 3:08
- “Secret Heart” – 3:51
- “Inside and Out” – 4:17
- “Tout doucement” – 3:55
- “Now at Last” – 3:16
The Reminder
Released 2007
Feist’s third studio album, The Reminder, solidified her place in the indie music world, featuring a blend of folk, pop, and alternative rock. The album was recorded in various locations, including La Frette Studios in Paris, France, and a house in the woods outside of Toronto, Canada, between late 2006 and early 2007. It reached number sixteen on the Billboard 200 chart and was nominated for several Grammy Awards.
The album featured Feist on vocals and guitar, with Gonzales on piano, Mocky on bass and drums, and production by Renaud Letang and Feist. Other contributing musicians included Jamie Lidell on backing vocals and Bryden Baird on trumpet.
CD Track Listings:
- “So Sorry” – 3:12
- “I Feel It All” – 3:39
- “My Moon My Man” – 3:48
- “The Park” – 4:34
- “The Water” – 4:46
- “Sea Lion Woman” – 3:38
- “Past in Present” – 2:54
- “The Limit to Your Love” – 4:21
- “1234” – 3:03
- “Brandy Alexander” – 3:36
- “Intuition” – 4:36
- “Honey Honey” – 3:27
- “How My Heart Behaves” – 4:26
Metals
Released 2011
Metals, Feist’s fourth studio album, is a darker and more introspective work compared to her previous albums. It features a mix of folk, rock, and orchestral elements. The album was recorded in Big Sur, California, in a custom-built studio during the winter and spring of 2011. Metals debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart.
The album featured Feist on vocals and guitar, with Gonzales on piano, Mocky on bass and drums, and production by Feist, Mocky, and Gonzales. Other musicians included Dean Stone on drums and Charles Spearin on horns.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Bad in Each Other” – 4:44
- “Graveyard” – 4:23
- “Caught a Long Wind” – 4:52
- “How Come You Never Go There” – 3:25
- “A Commotion” – 3:54
- “The Circle Married the Line” – 3:23
- “Bittersweet Melodies” – 3:56
- “Anti-Pioneer” – 5:33
- “Undiscovered First” – 4:59
- “Cicadas and Gulls” – 3:48
- “Comfort Me” – 4:07
- “Get It Wrong, Get It Right” – 3:42
Pleasure
Released 2017
Pleasure is Feist’s fifth studio album and marks a return to a more stripped-down, raw sound, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The album was recorded in Stinson Beach, California, and Toronto, Canada, between 2016 and 2017. Pleasure reached number eleven on the Billboard 200 chart.
The album featured Feist on vocals and guitar, with contributions from musicians such as Mocky on drums, and production by Feist and Mocky. Other musicians included Gabriel Lambert on guitar and Robbie Lackritz on engineering.
CD Track Listings:
- “Pleasure” – 4:46
- “I Wish I Didn’t Miss You” – 4:18
- “Get Not High, Get Not Low” – 4:57
- “Lost Dreams” – 5:18
- “Any Party” – 5:22
- “A Man Is Not His Song” – 4:41
- “The Wind” – 4:35
- “Century” – 5:52
- “Baby Be Simple” – 6:21
- “I’m Not Running Away” – 3:23
- “Young Up” – 4:58
Multitudes
Released 2023
Multitudes is Feist’s sixth studio album, characterized by its rich, layered sound and introspective lyrics. The album was recorded in multiple locations, including a remote cabin in British Columbia, Canada, and a studio in Paris, France, during 2022 and early 2023. Multitudes debuted at number fifteen on the Billboard 200 chart.
The album featured Feist on vocals and guitar, with production by Feist, Mocky, and Renaud Letang. Contributing musicians included Todd Dahlhoff on bass, Amir Yaghmai on violin, and Paul Taylor on drums.
CD Track Listings:
- “In Lightning” – 3:45
- “Love Who We Are Meant To” – 4:02
- “Hiding Out in the Open” – 3:58
- “The Last Waltz” – 4:37
- “Of Womankind” – 3:29
- “Borrow Trouble” – 4:44
- “Song for Sad Friends” – 5:06
- “Last in Your Love” – 3:52
- “Save Me” – 4:25
- “Redwing” – 4:18
- “Morningside” – 5:03
Read More: Top 10 Feist Songs