Dead Sara are probably one of the most underrated hard rock bands of the last decade. The band hails from Los Angeles and is composed of three members. Emily Armstrong is the band’s lead singer and is quite popular among the band’s fans for her intense yet incredibly powerful vocals. On the other hand, Siouxsie Medley handles the lead guitarists, and Sean Friday is the energetic drummer who completes this amazing rock act. Emily Armstrong and Siouxsie Medley met through a mutual friend and began writing songs together in 2003. The duo often cites Stevie Nicks, who wrote the song “Sara,” as one of their major influences. The band released their self-titled debut album in 2012 and have since released two more albums and an EP. Here are the top ten Dead Sara songs that you have probably never heard of.
10. Radio One Two
Much like their 2012 hit song, “Weatherman,” which makes it clear that the band doesn’t care about what anyone thinks of them, “Radio One Two” is not subtle either. The track is quite energetic and aggressive with lyrics such as the first line where Emily goes like, “They say what they want, I don’t care.” Sean Friday, who is quite an underrated member of the band, comes alive in this track with impressive drumming.
9. Hands Up
The number nine song in our list of the top ten Dead Sara songs is a song that is best suited for an audience. This explosive rock song features a video that contains the band members performing in a show and the group having fun driving and skating around the streets. According to Emily Armstrong, the track was written in a day. The title of the song can be interpreted as when a manipulative person throws their hands in the air to make you sound stupid/crazy, and you feel absolutely helpless.
8. Unamerican
The number eight song in our list is a song where we see Dead Sara display their punk rock skill a notch higher. Although the song comes out as a political commentary going by the lyrics, Emily Armstrong stated that it was inspired by the energy she and the band felt within them during the height of the election period and top stories revolving around ISIS. The song’s lyrical style is similar to that of “Radio One Two,” although it is also quite subtle. The song has a brilliant message, and if you don’t agree with the message, then most likely, you are “Unamerican.”
7. Losing My Mind
When Dead Sara released their 2021 album, Ain’t It Tragic, it showed us what we should expect of the band in the future and since they remained true to their style, the band was sure that it would leave a lasting impression in the minds of their fans. “Losing My Mind” is the last track from the album, and it is an alt-rock track with a more suspenseful aura. The track features a beat that is slightly slowed down, and great screaming vocals from Emily as Sean Friday’s melancholic tune plays out.
6. Sorry For It All
Emily Armstrong has such an incredible voice. From the first note to the last, this track is probably my personal favorite Dead Sara song. “Sorry For It All” is contained in the band’s 2012 self-titled album, Dead Sara.
5. Childhood Courtesy
Coming in at number five is a lullaby-esque song from Dead Sara’s 2008 EP, The Airport Sessions. The song is about how mothers always try to do what is right in front of their children. In the track, we get to see how capable Emily Armstrong and Siouxsie Medley are at singing soft and beautiful music. Listening to this song will make you feel grateful for being blessed with parents that care — which isn’t the case for everyone else. “Childhood Courtesy” is one of the most beautiful early tunes from the band.
4. Good Times
Dead Sara’s 2021 album, Ain’t It Tragic was a new batch of hard rock that showed how the band had evolved during the years. “Good Times,” is the second track from the album, and it is a song that you should play loud because it is so good despite it being a breakup song. The track features outstanding vocals from Emily Armstrong and an equally impressive hammering guitar by Siouxsie Medley. The duo keeps you engaged with the amazing lyrics and excellent delivery, and you might find yourself constantly pressing the volume buttons.
3. Lemon Scent
In the song’s video, Dead Sara are not lovers but are fighters who play it out in a boxing ring. The video features Emily Armstrong and Siouxsie Medley brawling in a boxing ring. The band’s soundtrack plays in the background amidst an excited crowd who offer up their bets before turning on the duo. Emily displays her vocal range throughout the track, and the band compliments each other through impressive harmony.
2. Mona Lisa
Emily Armstrong is often referred to as the female version of Kurt Cobain, and it’s easy to see why. Her amazing vocals combined with Siouxsie Medley’s guitar melodies give this song a unique edge. The song starts off with some finger-snapping alongside a distinct hum before Emily continues with her amazing vocals. “Mona Lisa” is the third track from Dead Sara’s second studio album, Pleasure To Meet You.
1. Weatherman
It is important for us to take an anti-authoritarian stance sometimes and fight for what we believe in. “Weatherman,” the third track of the band’s self-titled 2012 album, is all about that and is arguably the band’s most popular song. The song’s significance to the band cannot be underestimated since it is probably the first song that most people had from the band. The track features a commanding guitar riff and Emily’s aggressive vocals that make the song quite powerful yet uplifting. The track has been used as a soundtrack for some famous releases, such as the action-adventure video game “Infamous Second Son” on Playstation 4.
Photo: GabboT, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
