Photo: Jason Persse, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Our top 10 Foster The People songs list looks back at the great rock and roll pop songs from a band formed in the late 2000s in L.A. It has been more than a decade since Foster the People released their debut track, “Pumped Up Kicks,” which created significant buzz in the pop music scene as well as getting a lot of airplay on KROQ. The track also went on to be featured as a soundtrack on popular TV shows such as Homeland and Gossip Girl, as well as a host of other commercials. The group was clearly inspired by The Beach Boys although they definitely have a more modern sound that tilts in the Maroon 5 direction.
When Mark Foster founded Foster the People, he had initially thought of it as a solo project. However, he completed the lineup with the addition of his longtime buddy Cubbie Fink who was on the bass, and Mark Pontius, who became the drummer. Over the years, the band has released three albums and has been nominated for various accolades, including the Grammy Awards and the UK Video Music Awards. If you want to listen to a band that has mastered the art of pop songs, you have to listen to Foster the People. Here are the ten of the best Foster the People songs ranked.
10. Doing It for the Money
By the time Foster the People were releasing the album Sacred Hearts Club, they seemed to have gone a little more mainstream, so yes, it’s safe to say that they were doing it for the money. This track has a satirical tone in it since their sound changed, just like most pop artists did. The track is catchy, and the message is brilliant.
9. I Would Do Anything for You
“I Would Do Anything for You” is the sixth track off Foster the People’s 2011 debut studio album, Torch. The love ballad was a dedication to Foster’s lover to whom he had entrusted his emotions and life with. The track features some beautiful lyrics, and it outlines Foster’s real feelings for his lover with a different style from other songs in the album.
8. The Truth
This song details a conversation between Mark Foster and his God, who he refers to as “The Truth.” In the song, Mark Foster acknowledges that you cannot rely on people for your needs since they lack direction and are often confusing, but God has all the answers. The song could also be interpreted to point out how the mainstream media controls the information they feed us to suit their narratives rather than tell us the truth. “The Truth” is the tenth track from the band’s 2014 album, Supermodel.
7. Call It What You Want
“Call It What You Want” is the third song from the band’s debut album, Torches. In the song, Mark Foster criticizes the mainstream music culture describing it as judgemental, before pointing out that his music will always remain the same no matter how it is labeled as. The track took 14th position on the Triple J Hottest 100 poll and is a soundtrack for the EA Sports game FIFA12.
6. Don’t Stop
Most Foster the People diehards will argue that this track should have featured higher on the list primarily due to how catchy it is. The track has been featured in several TV ads, most notably for the Nissan Versa. It is also featured in the videogame Forza Horizon and in the trailer for the movie “Turbo.” The track uses a childhood theme to make comparisons in his relationships with a girl.
5. Helena Beat
You will struggle to find songs written about heroin and with a catchy chorus than this track. “Helena Beat” is the second single from the 2011 album, Torches, and it is a good feeling song with a great intro that is accompanied by great lines such as, “I took a sip of something poison, Took a sip of something poison, poison.” The track was ranked position 15 on the Triple J Hottest 100 poll and was the most played track on Triple J Radio Station in Australia.
4. Houdini
Coming in at number four is the famous soundtrack for episode 88 of the hit series Gossip Girl and the soundtrack for the 2012 snowboarding game, SSX. Mark Foster wrote this song while he was working as a jingle writer for Mophonics. In the song, he describes his fears of rejection and a dilemma of whether to experiment with different styles in his music or just stick to what his fans love him for.
3. Coming of Age
This song features some simple yet reflective lyrics with Mark Foster questioning society’s values as he “comes of age.” In his context, the coming of age is not about how old he has grown but rather the lessons he has learnt from his past mistakes in relationships and life in general and a realization that he now needs to become a man. “Coming of Age” is the lead single from the band’s 2014 album, Supermodel. The song peaked at position 41 on the Billboard US Hot Rock Songs and position 2 on the Billboard US Adult Alternative Songs.
2. Waste
“Waste” is another emotional classic love song from Foster the People. The song features a great beat and an incredible chorus to go with. This catchy song details the struggles of a guy who has a mentally deficient girlfriend but always shows lots of sacrifice and love to her despite her condition. Going by the title of the song, you would never think that “Waste: could be the title of a love song.
1. Pumped Up Kicks
More than a decade after its release, we can comfortably say that “Pumped Up Kicks” is Foster the People’s greatest song ever. The song was the ultimate breakthrough for the band, which turned Mark Foster’s fortunes from a jingle writer based in Los Angeles to one of the most promising rock artists. “Pumped Up Kicks” was the band’s debut single which was later added to their 2011 album, Torches. The song details the thoughts of a youth who has given up on life. In the song, mark Foster brings about several themes, including gun violence and mental illness. The track became an instant hit on radio, with many critics praising it. It was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category for Best Pop Duo /Group Performance, and it remains Foster the People’s biggest hit to date.
Top 10 Foster The People Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
