Top 10 Lit Songs

Feature Photo: thisisbossi, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our top 10 Lit songs list looks at the body of work of an American band best known for its contribution to the revival of the pop-punk sound in the late ‘90s. Initially, the band pursued a metal-influenced career going under different names including Razzle and Stain. The band would eventually change its name to Lit, embracing pop-punk, a scene that was growing quite fast into mainstream popularity in the late ‘90s.

Over the years, the Orange County-born band has released seven studio albums all of which have showcased solid musicianship by its members. However, the stint under RCA Records remains the band’s most successful moment of its career—the two albums issued through the label made it to the UK Albums Chart and the top 40 on the Billboard 200. Bassist Kevin Baldes and the Popoff brothers, Jeremy (guitarist) and A. Jay (vocals), have constantly pledged their loyalty to Lit since its formation.

Lit’s Album Releases over the Years

After working on a new release for quite some time, Lit issued its debut studio album Tripping the Light Fantastic in 1997. Tripping the Light Fantastic was issued through Malicious Vinyl Records, a now-defunct subsidiary of the independent record label Delicious Vinyl. The album saw the band give us a blend of punk rock, grunge, and heavy metal influences. Unfortunately, Tripping the Light Fantastic never made it big in the mainstream or commercially. However, the album featured a few classics including “Bitter,” “No Big Thing,” and “My World.”

Lit signed a recording deal with RCA Records a move that resulted in the release of the band’s sophomore studio album A Place in the Sun. The album saw Lit take on a blend of power pop and pop punk sound influences. A Place in the Sun was engineered and produced by Don Gilmore, a recording producer best known for his work with Good Charlotte, Linkin Park, Tracy Bonham, and Hollywood Undead.

A Place in the Sun was a mainstream success, rising to the top of the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart. The album would later climb to position thirty-one on the Billboard 200. A Place in the Sun also made it to the UK Albums Chart, peaking at position fifty-two. The album was a commercial success, earning a gold certification in Canada, silver certification in the UK, and platinum certification in the US. “My Own Worst Enemy,” “Miserable” and “Zip-Lock” are some of the best Lit songs from A Place in the Sun.

The band returned in 2002 with its third studio album Atomic. Atomic would become the band’s final album released through RCA Records. The Don Gilmore-produced album served the band’s fans with a blend of alternative rock and pop-punk influences. Atomic made it to a peak position of number thirty-eight on the Billboard 200, rising to position one hundred and seventy-nine on the UK Albums Chart. “Lipstick and Bruises,” “Over My Head,” “The Last Time Again,” and “Addicted” are the most popular songs by Lit from Atomic.

In 2004, the band issued its fourth and eponymous studio album. Lit marked the band’s first record issued through the now-defunct label DRT Entertainment. Other bands that issued record(s) through DRT Entertainment include The Rasmus, Blindside, Seven Mary Three, 36 Crazyfists, and Powerman 5000 among others. The album Lit was fairly successful rising to position one hundred and thirteen on the Billboard 200. Some of the best Lit songs from the album include “Times Like This,” “Looks Like They Were Right,” “Too Fast for a U-Turn” and a cover of The Cure’s 1990 hit “Pictures of You.”

Eight years later, Lit returned to the music scene with its fifth studio album The View from the Bottom. The album was the band’s only release issued through Megaforce Records, a label (once) home to Metallica, Overkill, Ministry, Bad Brains, Meat Puppets, and Anthrax. The View from the Bottom was produced by Butch Walker, a singer best known for his successful solo career and stint as a member of the bands SouthGang and Marvelous 3. “Miss You Gone,” “You Tonight,” “She Don’t Know,” and “The Broken” are the top musical gems featured on The View from the Bottom.

These Are the Days, issued in 2017, marked the band’s sixth studio album. The album was issued through the band’s label Dirty Martini. These Are the Days saw the band issue a blend of alternative rock and country rock sounds. The album was produced by Corey Crowder, one of Nashville’s most sought-after songwriters/producers. Corey is best known for his successful work with Chris Young, Florida Georgia Line, and A Thousand Horses. “Fast” and “Good Problem to Have” are the best Lit songs from the album.

In 2022, the band issued its seventh studio album Tastes Like Gold through Round Hill Records. Other artists (once) affiliated with Round Hill Records include The Offspring, The London Souls, and Triumph. Tastes Like Gold was a fair release featuring some classics such as “Yeah Yeah Yeah,” “Mouth Shut,” “Kicked Off the Plane,” and a cover of The Cars’ 1979 hit “Let’s Go.” The band featured American Authors, Butch Walker, and Adrian Young of No Doubt and Dreamcar in this album.

Lit’s Legacy

Early releases by the band saw Lit join other acts such as The Offspring and Green Day in the revival of pop-punk in the late ‘90s. The musicianship and the bond between the Popoff brothers and bassist Kevin Baldes have been the pivotal pillars on which Lit established its success. Lit’s signature hit “My Own Worst Enemy” bagged the 1999 Billboard Music Awards accolade for the Modern Rock Track of the Year, beating songs from the band’s Everlast, Blink-182, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Let’s now have a look at the top 10 Lit songs of all time sampled from the band’s seven studio albums.

#10 – Miss You Gone

Our top 10 Lit songs begins with the fantastic hit “Miss You Gone.” The song is featured on the band’s fifth studio album The View from the Bottom. “Miss You Gone” was penned by the Popoff brothers in conjunction with the award-winning singer/songwriter Matthew Bair. Matthew is best known for his lyrical contribution to the hits “Clarity” and “Spectrum” by the singer Zedd.

Like most of the songs from the album The View from the Bottom, “Miss You Gone” is a radio-friendly hit best remembered for its ear-catching groove. While the song “Miss You Gone” might not have made it to the mainstream charts, it remains one of the most sought-after tracks released by Lit.

#9- No Big Thing

While the band’s debut album never made it big in the mainstream, songs like “No Big Thing” proved too good to be forgotten. The song would later be re-recorded and featured on the band’s sophomore studio album Tripping the Light Fantastic. “No Big Thing” feels a tad bit aggressive compared to other hits on our top 10 Lit songs list.

The song serves as the perfect emblem of Lit’s former musical pursuits before rising into mainstream success, featuring a blend of heavy metal, grunge, and punk rock sound influences. “No Big Thing” was later featured in the 2000 video game Jarrett & Labonte Stock Car Racing.

#8 – Looks Like They Were Right

The eighth spot on our top 10 Lit songs list goes to the energetic hit “Looks Like They Were Right.” “Look Like They Were Right” was issued as the first single of the band’s fourth eponymous studio album. The song features razor-sharp guitar riffs delivered by Jeremy Popoff. “Looks Like They Were Right” was a mainstream success rising to the thirty-fourth spot on the Billboard Alternative Airplay Chart.

#7 – Addicted

True musicianship by the band members (especially the Popoff brothers) can be felt in the fan-favorite pick “Addicted.” The song was the third and last single of the band’s third studio album Atomic. A. Jay Popoff showcases his vocal dexterity in this song with his imposing delivery. On the other edge, his brother Jeremy asserts his presence with flaming guitar riffs and a striking solo as the song approaches its climax/end. “Addicted” was a mainstream success rising to the twenty-third spot on the Billboard Alternative Airplay Chart.

#6 – The Broken

At the sixth spot on our top 10 Lit songs list is the ravishing hit “The Broken.” The song was issued as the second single of the band’s fifth studio album The View from the Bottom. “The Broken” is an arena-ready song that showcases the band’s endearing musicianship. Without a doubt, A. Jay’s vocals in this track are remarkable.

However, it is the vocal harmonies in the chorus that spice up the whole vocal delivery making “The Broken” quite an anthemic hit! Nathan Walker’s awe-inspiring drum licks make his presence quite conspicuous in this hit. Unfortunately, “The Broken” never made it into the mainstream charts.

#5 – Lipstick and Bruises

In the song “Lipstick and Bruises,” Jeremy Popoff proves to be a brutal shredder thanks to his energy-filled guitar riffs. This pulsating song is delivered in an upbeat tempo with a taste of melodic undertones. Adding to the song’s appeal is its impressive music video directed by Mark Gerard. Other artists who have worked with Mark Gerard include Steve Winwood, Queen Latifah, Everclear, D’Angelo, and Aaliyah among others.

“Lipstick and Bruises” remains the second most successful hit off the band’s third studio album Atomic. The song made it to the tenth spot on the Billboard Alternative Airplay Chart. “Lipstick and Bruises” graced the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart peaking at number twenty-eight. The song would later feature on the soundtrack of the 2001 comedy film Out Cold.

#4- Zip-Lock

“Zip-Lock” is yet another impressive pop-punk track off the band’s platinum-certified record A Place in the Sun. The song features a music video that pays homage to the opening of the successful 1984 hit “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister. Director Chris Applebaum went the extra mile to feature Dee Snider of Twisted Sister on the video playing a similar role to that of Mark Metcalf in their 1984 hit.

The end of the music video features a cameo by Travis Barker, Mark Hoppus, and Tom Delonge of the band Blink-182. “Zip-Lock” was the band’s second song to make it to the UK Singles Chart peaking at number sixty. The song also graced the Billboard Alternative Airplay Chart and Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart, peaking at number eleven and thirty-four, respectively. “Zip-Lock” was covered by the American pop-punk band The Wonder Years.

#3- Over My Head

The third pick on our top 10 Lit songs list is the splendid hit “Over My Head.” “Over My Head” was issued in 2000 as a single towards the release of the band’s third studio album Atomic. The song was used to promote the 2000 sci-fi film Titan A.E. Other artists whose songs were featured on the soundtrack of this 2000 film include Luscious Jackson, the Scottish band Texas, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, and Jamiroquai among others.

“Over My Head” was quite a successful song in the US rising to number twenty-two on the Billboard Alternative Airplay Chart. However, the song made it big in the UK mainstream, making it to position thirty-seven on the UK Singles Chart. This saw “Over My Head” become the third and final song by Lit to make it to the UK Singles Chart.

#2- Miserable

“Miserable” is yet another imposing hit off the band’s sophomore studio album A Place in the Sun. This pop-punk/alternative rock song was issued as the third and last single of the album. “Miserable” has its lyrics alluding to the feelings associated with craving for something so bad, not necessarily a person as mentioned by the band’s lead vocalist A. Jay Popoff in an interview.

The Evan Bernard-directed music video to this song stars actress Pamela Anderson. Video director Evan Bernard has also worked with other reputable artists including Green Day, Moby, Violent Femmes, Dixie Chicks, Basement Jaxx, and the Beastie Boys. “Miserable” made it to the third spot on the Billboard Alternative Airplay Chart, rising to the twenty-ninth spot on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. The song missed the entry into the Billboard Hot 100 by seventeen spots.

#1- My Own Worst Enemy

Number one on our top 10 Lit songs list is the energetic hit “My Own Worst Enemy.” The song was issued as the lead single of the band’s sophomore studio album A Place in the Sun. “My Own Worst Enemy” rose to become Lit’s signature hit to the band’s pop-punk and power pop musical ventures. Guitarist Jeremy Popoff revealed this song’s lyrics were the result of waking up only to realizing the mischiefs of the previous night.

“My Own Worst Enemy” boogied to the top of the Billboard Alternative Airplay Chart, rising to the sixth spot on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. The song is Lit’s highest-charting hit on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at the sixteenth spot, “My Own Worst Enemy” also made it to position fifty-one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was silver certified in the UK, earning platinum certification twice in the US.