Complete List Of Glass Animals Songs From A to Z

The group’s earliest output came in the form of a self-released EP that quickly caught the attention of producer Paul Epworth, known for his work with Adele and Florence + the Machine. This connection led to a contract with Wolf Tone, Epworth’s label under Caroline International. In 2014, the band released their debut album Zaba, an atmospheric and texturally rich record heavily influenced by jungle sounds, abstract lyrics, and immersive production. Driven by the breakout single “Gooey,” Zaba helped the band build an international fanbase and earned platinum certification in the United States.

Two years later, in 2016, Glass Animals released How to Be a Human Being, a sharp contrast to their debut in tone and content. Where Zaba was mystical and abstract, How to Be a Human Being was narrative-driven and rooted in character sketches inspired by real people the band met while touring. The shift in style paid off. The album received critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. It also won two Music Producers Guild Awards in 2018, further cementing the band’s growing reputation for artistic innovation and technical execution.

Tragedy struck in July 2018 when drummer Joe Seaward was involved in a serious cycling accident in Dublin, suffering a fractured skull and a broken leg. The incident forced the band into a hiatus while Seaward underwent surgery and rehabilitation. Bayley, in turn, used the time to reflect and write what would become their third and most personal album. Drawing from childhood memories, trauma, and self-examination, Dreamland was shaped by vulnerability and nostalgia, wrapped in vibrant electronic textures.

Released in August 2020, Dreamland marked a commercial and artistic high point for Glass Animals. The album debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart and reached number seven on the Billboard 200 in the United States. Its success was propelled by the single “Heat Waves,” a track that slowly gained momentum through word of mouth, gaming streams, and viral TikTok trends. Though initially released in 2020, “Heat Waves” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 2022—an extraordinary rise that took over a year and a half to complete. It also topped charts in Australia and appeared in multiple year-end rankings.

The slow-burning success of “Heat Waves” made it one of the defining pop-rock singles of the early 2020s. Its aching lyrics and hypnotic production resonated across genres and generations, a rare feat for a band initially known for its psychedelic soundscapes. By 2022, the song had broken records for the longest climb to number one on the Hot 100 and the longest run ever on that chart at 91 weeks. It also helped the band earn their first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and nominations at the 2022 Brit Awards.

In live performance, Glass Animals are known for their dynamic stage setups and Bayley’s commanding energy, often incorporating visual elements that mirror the surreal, dreamlike aesthetic of their albums. Their tours have taken them across Europe, North America, and Australia, selling out major venues and festival appearances. The success of Dreamland transformed them from cult favorites into a stadium-ready act.

Beyond music, Bayley has expanded his creative reach by collaborating with artists such as Joey Bada$$ and Denzel Curry and by producing for other musicians including 6lack and Khalid. His production sensibility—defined by intricate layering, unconventional rhythms, and emotional depth—has become a signature, attracting artists from across the musical spectrum. Glass Animals have also contributed remixes and covers for charity compilations and participated in benefit concerts, reflecting a willingness to engage with causes beyond their own platform.

What sets Glass Animals apart is their meticulous attention to sonic detail and their ability to reinvent themselves without abandoning their core identity. Each album stands as a self-contained world, complete with its own color palette, narrative voice, and rhythmic architecture. This has enabled them to grow artistically while expanding their audience with each release.

Their use of multimedia and visual storytelling has also contributed to their impact. From the VHS-saturated nostalgia of Dreamland to the exotic jungle motifs of Zaba, the band crafts not only songs but fully realized sensory environments. Their music videos, cover art, and stage designs are all tightly integrated with the emotional themes of their work, showcasing a rare level of conceptual unity.

Even as they achieved mainstream success, the band has maintained a strong connection to their fanbase through creative digital engagement. From interactive websites to video diaries and personal messages during the pandemic lockdowns, Glass Animals made a point of staying accessible, even as their fame skyrocketed.