Top 10 Diane Birch Songs

Feature Photo: Blackfrances1, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our top 10 Diane Birch songs article presents a showcase of stunningly beautiful, heartfelt songs that, sadly, not enough people have discovered in this world. One of the reasons why I started this site, in fact probably the main reason I started this site about 12 or 13 years ago, was to present great music for people to discover. Discovering music goes way back to my teenage years, something we all share. Remember how you would find a new band or new album that no one in your school had ever heard of, and how much fun it was to play that record for your friends, watching their faces light up hearing music they had never heard before and being completely blown away by it. I did that with bands like Rush, Meatloaf, and so many others when I discovered these records for the first time in a record store, basically just because of a cover. Interestingly, it’s the same way I found Diane Birch in the 2000s—wading through one of those discount racks, finding her CD, looking at the cover, and thinking, “This is probably pretty good,” just a feeling.

So, this article is all about showcasing this incredible artist named Diane Birch, who writes music like it was 1973. But it’s not just about writing music in a particular style or genre; it’s about writing great music. Great is probably not strong enough for her—this is phenomenal stuff, from the lyrics, chord changes, melodies, to the astonishing vocal performances. Her first album, Bible Belt, will blow your mind. She hasn’t released a lot of music in the 20 years that she’s been recording, but what she has released is just stunning. If you’re going to discover her, the best place to start is her first album, Bible Belt, and then fill out the rest of your collection. But don’t just take my word for it—listen to the songs below, especially the last couple of songs on this list. This stuff is going to blow your mind.

# 10 – Pretty In Pain

We open our list of the ten best Diane Birch songs with the deeply emotional track “Pretty in Pain.” The song is from her album Speak a Little Louder, which was released on October 15, 2013. This was Diane Birch’s second studio album, a highly anticipated follow-up for fans of her debut. While Speak a Little Louder retains some of the ’70s vibes that captivated listeners on her first record, it is also noticeably darker. The death of her father in 2013 casts a shadow over this album, giving it a sadder, more introspective tone, though it still carries the soulful essence that defines her work. “Pretty in Pain,” written by Diane Birch and Betty Wright, was released as the sixth song on the album, and its title encapsulates the song’s essence perfectly.

In “Pretty in Pain,” Diane Birch expresses the struggle of dealing with heartbreak and loss while trying to maintain a sense of dignity. The lyrics capture a powerful juxtaposition: the desire to stay strong while feeling emotionally shattered. Birch opens the song with the lines, “I don’t know how I got here, but I’m here / I don’t know what I’m here for, but this is clear,” evoking a sense of disorientation that comes with grief. As she sings, “Some mountains have to be climbed / Some mountains have to be moved,” she alludes to the emotional challenges that must either be confronted or overcome in their own ways.

The chorus, “How does the heart go wrong / When you give it all you got, give it all you got? / I know you’re already gone / But I’m trying, I’m tryin’ to hold on,” reveals the difficulty of letting go, even when the relationship is clearly over. There’s a vulnerability in admitting that despite giving her all, she still finds herself at a loss. Birch’s raw delivery makes these lines particularly poignant.

The imagery in “I can make up a smile / Fool the crowd for a while / But the tears, they’ve left a stain” perfectly captures the theme of trying to keep up appearances despite the pain inside. The struggle of appearing composed while breaking down internally is something many listeners can relate to. The repeated phrase “But it’s hard to be pretty in pain” resonates throughout, emphasizing how difficult it is to appear put together while enduring heartbreak.

Birch’s emotional depth is further illustrated in the bridge: “Loving you baby is the cross I bear / You walk away and leave me hanging up there / I dress my tears in faithful grace / But you can see the heart breakin’ in my face.” These lines convey both a sense of devotion and the anguish of unrequited love. Even when she tries to maintain grace, the pain is unmistakable, and her efforts to mask it are in vain.

# 9 – Photograph

Next up on our list of the ten best Diane Birch songs is the track “Photograph.” The song was released on her debut album, Bible Belt. This album stands out as one of the most impressive records of the past forty to fifty years. It is remarkable that it didn’t achieve greater commercial success in the United States, which speaks to the shortcomings of the record industry’s promotional efforts. Bible Belt is a brilliantly soulful record, filled with songs that are utterly addictive, much like a classic Hall & Oates album or a timeless Laura Nyro record. The soulfulness of these tracks is simply striking, with all thirteen songs on the album being stellar—not a single weak link among them. We could have chosen almost any track from this album for our top ten list.

“Photograph” is a poignant song that explores the longing for a lost love and the struggle to move on. Birch’s lyrics are deeply heartfelt, as she opens with, “I put a photograph inside the frame of my heart / Forever you’ll be the better half watching the rest fall apart.” These lines capture a sense of devotion and nostalgia, with the photograph serving as a lasting reminder of a cherished memory. The chorus, “Waving tomorrow goodbye, a tear in my eye / Nothing can bring back that feeling,” conveys a sense of resignation and sorrow, highlighting the emotional weight of saying goodbye to someone who once meant everything.

The imagery in “Go on fade out the stars in my sky, I’m wondering why / No one can save me, the same way you do” suggests that without this person, the joy and brightness in her life have faded away. Despite this emotional heaviness, Birch introduces a glimmer of hope toward the end with the repeated refrain, “Little light, little light / Oh, we’re gonna make it right.” This repetition gives a sense of optimism—even in the darkest moments, there’s a belief that things can be made right again.

The soulful production of “Photograph” is equally captivating, blending piano, strings, and Birch’s emotive vocals to create an atmosphere that feels intimate yet expansive. The song is a standout example of Diane Birch’s ability to channel profound personal experiences into her music, making it relatable and moving for listeners. “Photograph” is an emotional journey through heartache, acceptance, and the hope that light will eventually break through the darknes

# 8 – This Corrosion

In the number eight spot on our list of the ten best Diane Birch songs, we present the only cover featured here: “This Corrosion.” While Diane Birch’s songwriting is undeniably brilliant, making it hard to deviate from her original work, this cover is a standout that deserves recognition. Looking back at the young career of this talented singer, we wanted to highlight various recordings that showcase her versatility and artistic vision. “This Corrosion,” originally written by Andrew Eldritch of The Sisters of Mercy, was released on an EP titled The Velveteen Age in 2010, which Birch recorded alongside the Phenomenal Handclap Band. The result is simply stunning music.

On the cover of The Velveteen Age, Birch wears a vintage Victorian wedding dress, exuding a sense of style and class that is rarely seen in pop music today. Her rendition of “This Corrosion” transforms the goth rock anthem into something uniquely her own, blending her soulful vocals with a haunting yet lush arrangement. The collaboration with the Phenomenal Handclap Band adds an atmospheric depth, making the song feel simultaneously nostalgic and fresh.

The original version of “This Corrosion” by The Sisters of Mercy is known for its grandiosity and dark, anthemic sound. Birch’s interpretation maintains the dramatic flair while adding her distinctive soulful touch. Her vocals convey a vulnerability and rawness that make the lyrics resonate on an emotional level, especially in the refrain, “Hey now, hey now now, sing this corrosion to me.” The repetition of this line emphasizes a longing and an almost hypnotic quality, drawing the listener into the song’s evocative atmosphere.

Birch’s version of “This Corrosion” stands out as a testament to her ability to take a well-known song and breathe new life into it. The haunting instrumental backdrop, combined with her emotive delivery, makes this track a memorable addition to The Velveteen Age. It demonstrates Birch’s knack for reinterpreting classic material in a way that feels both respectful to the original and distinctively her own. Including this cover on our list highlights her versatility as an artist, capable of both crafting brilliant original music and reimagining others’ work with style and depth.

# 7 – All The Love You Got

As we continue to showcase the artistry of Diane Birch, we once again turn to her second studio album with the emotionally resonant track “All the Love You’ve Got,” co-written by Diane Birch and Eg White. This song is one of the standout moments on Speak a Little Louder, an album filled with soul and introspection. Birch’s contributions to the album are immense, as she plays piano, keyboards, organ, Rhodes, tambourine, and even drums, all while delivering powerful lead vocals. The album also features notable musicians such as Nick Movshon on bass, Homer Steinweiss on drums and guitar, and a host of other talented instrumentalists, including Eg White and Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson.

“All the Love You’ve Got” is a haunting and introspective song that temporarily departs from the ’70s soulfulness that defines much of Birch’s work, instead drawing on the dark tones of ’90s alt-rock and the mystery of 2000s indie. The song explores the uncertainty and pain of love that falls short of expectations. Birch’s emotive vocals bring out the vulnerability in lines like, “Does she let you sleep / When she’s awake / Does she close her eyes and pay the asking price?” The lyrics convey a sense of longing and questioning, as she contemplates whether her former lover’s new relationship offers the same depth of emotion.

The chorus—”Does she know that’s all the love you got?”—is both a statement and a challenge. It suggests that the love her former partner is giving is insufficient, a hollow version of what real love should be. Birch’s raw delivery, combined with the atmospheric production, creates an emotional resonance that lingers long after the song ends. The arrangement is layered, with subtle guitars, synths, and Birch’s commanding piano driving the mood. The repeated line “That’s all the love you got” becomes almost hypnotic, emphasizing the hollowness and limitations of the relationship.

The instrumentation of “All the Love You’ve Got” further highlights the emotional weight of the song. The combination of piano and synths, alongside the rhythmic foundation laid by bass and drums, creates a dark, almost brooding atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrical content. Birch’s vocal performance is powerful yet vulnerable, adding an extra layer of depth to the song’s themes of disillusionment and emotional detachment.

# 6 – Fire Escape

As we mentioned earlier, it would have been easy to fill this entire top ten list with tracks from Diane Birch’s debut album, Bible Belt. It truly is an incredible record. For this entry, we showcase one of the standout tracks, “Fire Escape.” Diane Birch layers this song with a gospel-soulful feeling reminiscent of a blend between Aretha Franklin and Carole King. Listening to “Fire Escape,” you can’t help but wonder how it wasn’t a huge hit—something that could be said for many of the songs on this album.

“Fire Escape” is the opening track of Bible Belt, setting the tone for the entire album. The song captures a powerful blend of soul, gospel, and classic singer-songwriter vibes, which draws the listener in immediately. Birch’s vocal delivery is filled with longing and heartbreak, with lyrics like, “Goodbye my love / I’ll be seeing you when the lights go / When I put my head on the pillow / I’ll think of you.” The imagery here evokes a deep sense of loss, portraying the quiet moments of solitude after a love has ended.

The chorus—”Fire escape when all that I can do is ache / Since you’ve gone away, you’ve gone away”—resonates with anyone who has experienced the emptiness that follows a breakup. The metaphor of a “fire escape” suggests a desperate need to escape the pain, while the raw, emotional weight of Birch’s voice brings an authenticity that makes the listener feel every word. The instrumentation—featuring piano, lush organ, and a steady rhythm section—enhances the gospel undertones, giving the song a timeless quality.

The first time I came across this album, I remember stumbling upon it in a record store’s used discount bin. I saw the cover and, like so many times before, made the purchase on a hunch that it might be something special. And it was. Bible Belt turned out to be one of those rare finds that leaves a lasting impact, and “Fire Escape” is one of the many reasons why. The song’s soulful blend of heartache and resilience makes it an essential listen for anyone exploring Diane Birch’s work.

# 5 – Wind Machine

On April 12, 2024, Diane Birch released her third studio album, Flying on Abraham. It had been over eleven years since her previous studio album, Speak a Little Louder, which was released on October 15, 2013. For those who followed her career and enjoyed her music in the late 2000s and early 2010s, this release was truly special—a long-awaited return from an incredibly talented artist. And, as expected, Flying on Abraham did not disappoint.

Flying on Abraham leans more towards the style of Bible Belt than Speak a Little Louder. It is full of Birch’s ’70s soulful influences, although it is clearly impacted by the 2020s, giving it a modern touch. It’s another extraordinary album from an extraordinary artist, and representing the album on this list is the first single, “Wind Machine.”

“Wind Machine” was initially released in 2019, serving as a teaser for what was to come. The lyrics capture a sense of longing and reflection. The opening lines—”You looked away when I pulled the sheets from the bed / I never figured it out but baby one of us bled”—immediately set a tone of introspection and complexity. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, evoking moments of uncertainty and the passage of time, with phrases like “Epiphanies knock around like loose change in your pocket / You’re reading Ulysses but you just don’t get it.” The reference to Ulysses adds a layer of intellectual frustration, representing the difficulty of understanding both literature and relationships.

The chorus, “Blowin’ in a wind machine / Wind machine,” captures the fleeting, almost ephemeral nature of promises and moments that drift away like leaves in the wind. The line “Little promises like the orange leaves” paints a visual of autumn’s fragility, with promises that are as beautiful yet transient as fall foliage. The recurring imagery of the wind machine conveys the sense of being caught in something beyond one’s control, with thoughts, feelings, and moments swirling around without resolution.

The lyrics of “Wind Machine” suggest the difficulty of finding stability amidst change. Birch’s words evoke a sense of vulnerability and introspection, as she reflects on relationships, fleeting promises, and the passage of time. The repeated line “Wind machine” reinforces the idea of being caught in the turbulence of life, unable to fully grasp or control what is happening.

“Wind Machine” stands out as a poignant reminder of Diane Birch’s ability to craft songs that blend introspection with soulful storytelling. It showcases her growth as an artist while staying true to the core elements that have always made her music resonate so deeply with her listeners. The evocative lyrics and Birch’s captivating delivery make it a perfect representation of Flying on Abraham and a worthy inclusion on our list of her ten best songs.

# 4 – Valentino

From here on, we are going to continue showcasing songs from Bible Belt, as much of the reason for writing this article is not only to celebrate why we love Diane Birch so much, but also to share her music with people who may have never heard her before. And when you do something like that, of course, you want to show off some of her best material. Here’s another great one called “Valentino.”

“Valentino” comes with a wonderful, fun video that perfectly captures Diane Birch’s personality. The video is incredibly original, and its production reflects her distinctive artistic flair. The song itself is another example of Birch’s soulful, ’70s Motown-inspired style, with gospel influences and impeccable vocals. The background harmonies are rich and beautifully arranged, adding depth to the track, while the melody, chord changes, and evocative lyrics make “Valentino” a standout on the album. Take your time to listen to this one—you won’t be disappointed. In fact, you’ll find yourself wondering how you hadn’t discovered her sooner.

The lyrics of “Valentino” evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, as Birch sings about lost love and unfulfilled dreams. The opening lines—”Well, I passed the wishing well and I threw my penny in / Sent a prayer on up above that you would come my way again”—set the tone for the song’s yearning sentiment. Birch paints vivid images of running “circles through the graveyard throwing daisies in the air,” evoking a romantic yet melancholic memory.

The chorus—”Oh, oh, Valentino / Oh, oh, my tears don’t show / But oh honey they flow”—reflects the duality of appearing composed while feeling deep emotional pain. The use of “Valentino” as a name brings a cinematic quality to the song, making it feel like a story set against a dramatic backdrop. The second verse continues with this narrative flair, as Birch sings, “I crossed the lakes and mountains, ended up in Hollywood / Playing piano in that pink hotel just like you said I would.” The imagery of the pink hotel adds a touch of whimsy and nostalgia, while the mention of California sun and shades of blue enhances the song’s evocative atmosphere.

The lyrics, “So much for the promises / So much for them daisy chains,” convey a sense of resignation and disillusionment, recognizing that the dreams she carried may never come true. Despite the sadness, the song remains tender and hopeful, with the refrain “Oh, oh, Valentino” capturing the essence of unfulfilled love and the lingering hope that things might change.

“Valentino” is a perfect example of Diane Birch’s ability to combine soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating storytelling. It’s a track that stands out not only for its musicality but also for its emotional depth and Birch’s unique ability to convey longing and hope. This song, along with the others on Bible Belt, is a must-listen for anyone looking to discover Diane Birch’s incredible artistry.

# 3 – Fools

If you watch the video for “Fools,” there is a photograph of Diane Birch sitting on the windowsill that will remind you of Carole King’s Tapestry album. You can definitely hear Carole King’s influence on a song like this. The piano-driven arrangement, soulful basslines, and phenomenal singing perfectly embody the spirit of early ’70s music. This is genuine music written and performed by a real human being—unlike much of the synthetic, impersonal music prevalent today. It’s a shame that more artists aren’t releasing music like this, as it’s truly phenomenal.

“Fools” is such an extraordinary track that it almost makes it difficult to write about—it feels like words can’t fully capture its essence. The song is the third track on Bible Belt, and it stands out as one of the most soulful, heartfelt pieces on the album.

The lyrics of “Fools” speak to resilience and independence, as Birch rejects the pressures and lies of others in favor of staying true to herself. The opening lines—”Fools knockin’ on my door, calling out my name / Tellin’ me to change my ways but I know”—establish her defiance against those who try to dictate her path. She knows who she is and refuses to compromise, even if it means standing alone.

The chorus—”Why should I lay it on the line? / Everybody’s got a vision, everybody’s got a plan / You tell me lies, you look me in the eyes / But honey, I would rather stand out in the rain”—reinforces her determination to stay authentic, regardless of what others say. The imagery of “standing out in the rain” suggests vulnerability, but also strength in choosing her own path instead of conforming.

The second verse continues this theme, with Birch singing, “Fools lying in my bed, laughin’ in my head / Telling me my dream’s gone cold but I know.” Here, she acknowledges the naysayers but remains unfazed, holding on to her passion and dreams. The line “One city of angels, it ain’t gonna put out my flame” further emphasizes her resolve—no amount of doubt or negativity will extinguish her spirit.

“Fools” is a powerful statement of resilience, individuality, and self-belief, set to a timeless musical backdrop. The combination of Diane Birch’s heartfelt lyrics, soulful piano, and unmistakable vocal presence makes this track an essential part of Bible Belt. It exemplifies everything that makes her music so special—genuine emotion, a deep connection to classic influences, and a commitment to authenticity.

# 2 – Rewind

The next two songs on this list are hands down two of the most beautiful, soulful, and brilliantly written tracks released and recorded in the past forty to fifty years. These songs are truly special, and it’s a shame that not enough people have heard them. If there’s one thing this article can achieve, I hope it helps spread the word about Diane Birch’s phenomenal talent.

“Rewind” begins with a mesmerizing piano lick that sets the tone for a song deeply entrenched in an original-sounding melody and heartbreaking lyrics. It is the fifth track on Bible Belt, following up another incredible song that we just discussed. I can’t say enough how much any fan of good music should seek out this album—Bible Belt is an absolute must-listen. The album features some incredible musicians as well, including Cindy Blackman on drums, who now plays in Santana, the legendary Lou Marini and Lenny Pickett on saxophone, George Porter Jr. and Adam Blackstone on bass, and of course the phenomenal Lenny Kaye on guitar.

“Rewind” is a powerful exploration of loss, regret, and longing for the past. The lyrics convey an aching desire to relive moments with loved ones who have passed, capturing the emotional depth of trying to make sense of life’s inevitable separations. The opening lines—”When the sky breaks it rains / So just let the H2O splash upon the graves / Of all the souls I used to know but now have passed away”—immediately set a somber and reflective tone. The imagery of rain falling on graves evokes the sense of mourning and acceptance of the things that can’t be changed.

The chorus—”‘Cause everything is different now / I’d really like to tell you how / How I wanted you here by my side / I know what I said but I lied / It looked like I laughed but I cried / But I wish I could push rewind”—is especially poignant. It speaks to the vulnerability of wanting to go back and make things right, to say the things that were left unsaid, and to acknowledge the pain that was hidden behind a facade of strength. The repetition of the phrase “I wish I could push rewind” encapsulates the longing to undo the mistakes of the past.

The second verse continues this introspective journey, as Birch sings, “If I had minutes on my hand just like a timepiece / I’d turn the clocks back and maybe try to find peace / As well as my ID, so rewind me.” The lyrics express a desire to rewind not just time, but the experiences that shaped her, to rediscover who she was before loss and hardship changed her. The imagery of time moving relentlessly forward—”Time flies like Emmet Brown was in the driver’s seat”—captures the feeling of being swept along by life, unable to regain what has been lost.

“Rewind” is a deeply moving song, both lyrically and emotionally, that showcases Diane Birch’s incredible ability to convey raw emotion through her music. The combination of heartfelt lyrics, soulful piano, and the presence of accomplished musicians makes this track one of the most powerful on Bible Belt. It is a song that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of loss and the desire to revisit moments that have passed, making it an essential inclusion on this list of Diane Birch’s best songs.

# 1 – Nothing but a Miracle

We close out our Diane Birch song list with her phenomenal original recording, “Nothing But a Miracle.” If she had received any kind of support from a record company or promotional backing, this is a song that surely could have reached number one, likely on a worldwide scale. It is that strong of a tune. Anyone reading this who takes the time to sit down and press play on the video will be completely stunned by what they hear. We’ll just leave it at that—there’s no real way to describe this song other than to say, listen to it. You’ll be sending us your thanks.

“Nothing But a Miracle” captures the essence of emotional resilience in the face of heartbreak. The opening lines—”Gettin’ tired of livin’, livin’ for a moment / Gettin’ tired of hanging on the line”—reflect a weariness with a stagnant situation, where the protagonist struggles with holding on to a love that is long gone. Diane Birch’s voice conveys both strength and vulnerability, perfectly embodying the emotional weight of trying to move on from an absent love.

The chorus—”Just tell me, tell me baby why I’m holding on / When your lovin’s long gone? / I got a good mind so why don’t you tell me why / I can’t say goodbye”—reveals the inner conflict of wanting to let go but being unable to. The repeated questioning emphasizes the frustration and confusion that comes with clinging to something that no longer exists. Birch’s vocal delivery brings the lyrics to life, making the listener feel the pain of her struggle.

The second verse adds an empowering twist as Birch sings, “I gotta get myself together / Gotta stop telling myself that I can do no better / Gotta go out and maybe start meeting some new people.” Here, she acknowledges the need to move on, to take steps toward healing and finding herself again. The imagery of buying “one of those little black dresses” and getting tired of “cryin’ off all my makeup” gives a sense of reclaiming her own identity, stepping away from the heartache, and moving forward.

The bridge—”Oh, I can see it / Coming down the shadows / I can see it, it’s coming through / It’s coming through the windows”—evokes a sense of inevitability. The realization of the situation seeps in, unstoppable, like shadows creeping in through windows. The song reaches a climax as Birch’s voice soars, filled with emotion that leaves the listener feeling the depth of her longing.

“Nothing But a Miracle” is a powerful anthem of heartache and the desire for something that can no longer be. It is an honest portrayal of the struggle to let go, balanced with moments of empowerment and hope. Diane Birch’s soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and the song’s dynamic arrangement make it a standout track on Bible Belt, leaving an indelible impression on anyone who listens. It is the perfect conclusion to this list, showcasing Diane Birch’s extraordinary talent and reminding us of the power of genuine, heartfelt music.