Top 10 Filter Songs

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Our top 10 Filter songs list shines a spotlight on the band’s remarkable influence in the industrial rock scene. Richard Patrick, once part of Nine Inch Nails, and Brian Liesegang joined forces to create Filter, quickly capturing attention with their debut album, Short Bus. Contrary to the typical slow start of many bands, Filter hit the ground running, particularly with the contentious track “Hey Man Nice Shot,” which quickly became a critical favorite. This song, often misunderstood to be related to the tragic public suicide of politician Budd Dwyer or mistakenly associated with Kurt Cobain’s demise, nonetheless secured the band’s commercial breakthrough, featuring prominently in the 1995 movie soundtrack for Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight.

Despite achieving early success, Filter faced several challenges, including Patrick’s battle with substance abuse, which led to the band taking a break. Creative divergences also emerged between the founders, with Liesegang leaning towards electronic influences while Patrick preferred a more guitar-centric approach. Despite these obstacles and the fluctuating band lineup, Patrick’s commitment to Filter’s original vision helped steer the band through turbulent times and contributed significantly to its resurgence.

# 10 – Jurassitol

Kicking off our top 10 Filter songs list is the impactful track “Jurassitol,” which garnered widespread critical acclaim upon its release. The song exemplifies the band’s raw, industrial intensity, symbolic of their iconic status in the genre. Richard Patrick’s delivery of power and emotion elevates “Jurassitol” to the level of a masterpiece. The band recorded and produced a music video for this track, contributing to the soundtrack of The Crow: City of Angels. The lyrics poignantly address the theme of generational disconnect, highlighting the indifference of the older generation toward the futures of their younger counterparts.

# 9 – Happy Together

Featured on their 2009 album, The Stepfather, is a distinctive cover of “Happy Together,” a song originally performed by The Turtles. Despite what the title “Happy Together” might suggest, the song delves into the theme of unrequited love rather than a blissful romantic union. Songwriter Gary Bonner disclosed that the song narrates the story of a man caught in the throes of one-sided affection. It begins with him wistfully coaxing the object of his affection to envision a future together. Yet, as he comes to terms with the stark reality that their relationship will never progress beyond a superficial level, he resorts to mundane conversation as a means to mask his deep-seated disappointment and sorrow.

# 8 – What Do You Say

“What Do You Say” is a captivating track from the band’s 2013 album The Sun Comes Out Tonight. Co-written by Richard Patrick, Jon Radtke, and Bob Marlette, the inspiration for the song stemmed from their appreciation of Kasabian, a renowned British rock band. Patrick explained that “What Do You Say” reflects on the pervasive din of contemporary society. The song’s lyrics were influenced by a discussion between guitarist Jon Radtke and producer Bob Marlette, focusing on the pressing issue of global warming.

#7 – No Love

Filter’s 2010 album, The Trouble With Angels, features several standout tracks, including the compelling “No Love.” The band is known for its adept use of lyrics and expressions, often exploring themes like temptation and seduction. Contrary to what one might expect, “No Love” is not a celebration but a warning. The song delves into the perils associated with lust, anger, and resentment, painting a picture of how these emotions can spiral into the more sinister aspects of power and eroticism.

#6 – One

Featured on Filter’s album, Title of Record, is their rendition of “One,” originally penned and performed by the American singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson. Numerous artists have covered this song, but it was the version by Three Dog Night that notably soared to number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Filter brought their unique take to this classic for the 1998 film The X-Files: Fight the Future, aiming to stand alongside the memorable interpretations that came before them.

#5 – Welcome to the Flood

The ballad “Welcome to the Flood” can be perfectly encapsulated by two words: melodic and heavy. This track is irresistible for those who appreciate a robust instrumental backdrop that complements Richard Patrick’s passion for industrial rock. His vocals on this song are particularly powerful, marking a departure from his well-known screams or growls to a more refined, smooth singing style. The guitar riffs imbue “Welcome to the Flood” with an authentic rock essence, solidifying its place among Filter’s top songs.

#4 – The Best Things

Following in our list of top 10 Filter songs is “The Best Things,” a standout track from the album Title of Record. This song intriguingly uses the metaphor of spotlights to convey the feeling of stagnation in life, symbolizing the frustration of unfulfilled dreams and ambitions. It paints a vivid picture of life’s journey where success appears just down the road, yet, metaphorically, our cars are stalled, leaving us unable to reach our desired destinations. Despite its somewhat melancholic message, “The Best Things” resonated widely with audiences, making it a hit during its time.

#3 – Where Do We Go From Here

“Where Do We Go From Here” stands as one of the band’s most successful releases, reaching impressive positions of number 11 and 12 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks and Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks Charts, respectively. Featured on the album The Amalgamut, this song articulates a poignant lament, capturing the essence of young individuals’ perplexity regarding the paths they should embark on and the decisions they must make. The song delves into the societal pressures that leave those in pursuit of their destiny battered and bruised. Yet, it suggests that the answer to these challenges is not found in giving up or resorting to drastic measures but in persevering through the adversities.

#2 – Take a Picture

Featured on the album Title of Record, “Take a Picture” stands out as Filter’s most iconic track from this release. Richard Patrick has shared that the song was inspired by a personal incident where he became unruly on a flight due to excessive drinking. In his inebriated state, Patrick undressed and became combative with the flight attendants as they attempted to manage the situation. This event, among others, led to a temporary pause in the band’s career as Patrick addressed his issues with alcohol and drug abuse.

#1 – Hey Man Nice Shot

Topping our list of the top 10 Filter songs is “Hey Man Nice Shot” from the band’s 1995 debut album, Short Bus. This song delves into the tragic story of Budd Dwyer, a politician embroiled in charges of conspiracy, bribery, and fraud, leading to his public suicide during a press conference. Richard Patrick, in an interview, described “Hey Man Nice Shot” as a peculiar yet distinctive approach to discussing suicide. Despite receiving a mix of criticism and praise, the song stands out as the band’s most significant release, leaving a lasting impact on their legacy and the music industry at large.