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Our Top 10 LCD Soundsystem Songs introduce us to an award-winning American rock band whose musical style is a blend of dance-rock, post-punk, dance-punk, alternative rock, and indie rock. Founded in 2002, the band made their first releases under DFA Records, co-founded by James Murphy. Thanks to the hit “Losing My Edge,” the band gained music fans’ attention. From the very first hit LCD Soundsystem did, many of their songs have become dance favorites. The band would receive critical acclaim after they released their eponymous debut album in 2005. Their eponymous album received a Grammy nomination for the Best Electronic/Dance Album, while the single “Daft Punk is Playing at My House” received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording. However, it is songs that followed in other albums with a string of awards for the band.
After releasing their album This Is Happening, James Murphy revealed that it would have been a better album than their previous one. Murphy stated that the band would go on hiatus after stating that this would be their last album. However, the band would later have a string of high-profile music festivals in the UK and USA. December 2015 would mark the band’s reunion with a Christmas-themed hit, “Christmas Will Break Your Heart,” a song regarded by Murphy as a depressing song he had been singing to himself for quite some while. Thanks to the sublime vocals of the band’s frontman James Murphy and awe-inspiring instrumentals for their songs that LCD Soundsystem has gained quite some appeal amongst other rock artists. Here are the top 10 LCD Soundsystem songs that bring the best releases from the band’s four studio albums.
#10 – I Can Change
Ushering us to the top 10 LCD Soundsystem songs is “I Can Change” from the band’s 2010 album This is Happening. Here, Murphy uses an acid beat to brief his audience about his marriage breakup. He admits that he gave the song his best having him even try spice it up with a Jimmy Somerville falsetto. “I Can Change” is a song of desperation that proves that everyone possesses their full range of emotions unless they are sociopathic!
#9 – Losing My Edge
“Losing My Edge” was one of the few ballads that bring out the best of LCD Soundsystem’s debut album. The song holds a special and dear place not only in the heart of LCD Soundsystem’s fans but mostly to the band members since it was their debut single. “Losing My Edge” is an anthem to growing older while realizing that musical styles evolve with time and generations. Thanks to the inspirational message in the song that it received critical acclaim right.
#8 – American Dream
There was no greater way to reclaim their place in the hearts of rock fans than releasing a smashing album. “American Dream” was one of the band’s great songs from their 2017 self-titled album released slightly more than a year after they reunited. The song is a moody synth-pop ballad that finds Murphy recalling when he woke up from a one-night stand to piece together what went on that night.
#7 – Dance Yrself Clean
When you make a nine-minute ballad for an opening track for an album, it better be awe-inspiring! “Dance Yrself Clean” made the perfect opening track for the band’s third studio album, This Is Happening. The song is a blend of great instrumentals and transcendent vocals, delivered in the lengthy two-part ballad. You ought to love the shift between the first part of the song to the second. Notably, the second part of the song introduces us to some high notes that James Murphy reveals were too high and would barely allow himself to do such a song anymore. The song was featured in an episode of the series Transparent back in December 2015.
#6 – Call the Police
Number six in our top 10 LCD Soundsystem songs list is the hit “Call the Police” from the band’s album American Dream. The song drew comparisons to the works of David Bowie with Murphy’s vocals compare to those of David Bowie and the guitar riffs similar to those of David Bowie’s hit “Heroes.” “Call the Police” achieved quite a great reception having its peak at number 26 on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart even though critics have noted it to be post-punk.
#5 – All My Friends
Featured on the band’s album Sound of Silver, “All My Friends” is a great piano-led ballad graced with a disco groove. Peppered with melancholy, “All My Friends” finds the band’s frontman recalling his crazy youth, which was filled with excitement and, as you can guess, bad decisions too. However, there is quite a shift in priorities and change in friendship in middle age, having Murphy wonder where his former friends were at that time.
#4 – Tonite
Number four in our top 10 LCD Soundsystem songs list is an award-winning song, “Tonite,” from the band’s 2017 album American Dream. “Tonite” is an acid house-infused hit that finds James Murphy detecting existential crisis in the contemporary radio hits grinning out of the airwaves. However, the song is more of a sad use of the awareness of your mortality. “Tonite” won the 2018 Grammys Award for the Best Dance Recording.
#3 – Someone Great
Featured on the band’s album Sound of Silver, “Someone Great,” is a great ballad worth mentioning on the top 10 LCD Soundsystem songs list. The song is about a loved one dying, citing how we argue with our loved ones and they drive you crazy. But, then, suddenly they pass, and you miss them, including all the dumb things they did to you. Rumor had it that the song was inspired by the death of Dr. George Kamen, Murphy’s therapist.
#2 – Oh Baby
“Oh Baby” is an almost perfect song by LCD Soundsystem, thanks to its sublime lyrical content and great instrumental. The synth-filled ballad is a breakup song that serves the album American Dream right, bringing a sparkle to it. “Oh Baby” finds Murphy sadly recognizing the relationship is coming to an end. The song brings quite an aesthetic and emotional world of the 80s.
#1 – Daft Punk is Playing at My House
Featured in the eponymous album, “Daft Punk is Playing at My House” is the highlight of the band’s career. The song was inspired by Murphy’s idea for enlisting French music duo Daft Punk for a movie. “Daft Punk is Playing at My House” was nominated for the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. The song was also featured in tons of films, including Project X and The Limits of Co.
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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)
