Top 10 Nightwish Songs

Nightwish Songs

Our top 10 Nightwish songs highlight the journey of this Finnish band, which has become a powerhouse in symphonic metal. Founded in 1996 by keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and the then-vocalist Tarja Turunen, Nightwish initially came together to fuse classical music influences with metal. The band’s lineup was solidified following the release of their debut album, Angels Fall First. Although this debut saw moderate success in Finland, it wasn’t until their 1998 album, Oceanborn, that they achieved significant critical acclaim.

Nightwish’s major breakthrough came with the 2004 album, Once, which sold over a million copies in the US alone. The production of Once was notably expensive, costing over 250,000 euros, setting a record at the time for the most expensive recording in Finland—a record they would later break with the production of Dark Passion Play. The high production costs of these albums were reflected in the quality and complexity of the music, which was met with widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike.

The band embarked on a global tour, helping to solidify a devoted international fanbase. However, in the midst of their success, vocalist Tarja Turunen was dismissed from the band. The remaining members cited issues with her husband’s influence and her commercial interests, which they felt had negatively impacted her commitment to the band. Turunen contested these claims, marking a significant and controversial moment in the band’s history. Despite these challenges, Nightwish has continued to thrive, evolving their sound and lineup over the years while maintaining their status at the forefront of the symphonic metal genre.

After parting ways with Tarja Turunen, Nightwish recruited Anette Olzon, known for her work with Alyson Avenue and later The Dark Element, to take over as lead vocalist. Unfortunately, her tenure with the band was not without its conflicts, which eventually led to her departure. The band then chose Floor Jansen, a vocalist with a distinctively different style, to fill the role. This change marked a significant shift in the band’s vocal dynamics, as Jansen’s powerful range and stage presence differed markedly from Olzon’s approach.

Tuomas Holopainen, in an interview, noted that Nightwish emerged even stronger with Jansen as the lead. This evolution is reflected in our top 10 Nightwish songs, which showcase the band’s mastery of symphonic metal and their signature use of operatic female vocals. Through these tracks, the band’s rich orchestration and dramatic storytelling come to life, highlighting why Nightwish remains a pivotal force in the genre.

Photo: Olga Steckel / Shutterstock.com

# 10 – Sleeping Sun

Kicking off our top 10 Nightwish songs is the mesmerizing track “Sleeping Sun,” which was initially released as a maxi-single and later included on the band’s 1998 album, Oceanborn. The timing of its release on August 2, 1999, was strategically chosen to coincide with the total solar eclipse that occurred nine days later, adding a celestial significance to its reception.

“Sleeping Sun” showcases Tuomas Holopainen’s exceptional songwriting and lyrical talents, capturing the haunting beauty of the eclipse and the emotional depth of the music. Its profound impact and melodic intricacy have led to the song being covered by various artists and bands, including Iris, ApoVelation, and Maria Lund, further testament to its enduring appeal and influence within the symphonic metal genre.

# 9 – Over the Hills and Far Away

“Over the Hills and Far Away” is Nightwish’s cover of Gary Moore’s iconic 1987 song. The song tells the gripping tale of a man wrongfully accused of armed robbery, who chooses not to reveal his alibi because it would expose an affair with his best friend’s wife. The complexity of the story deepens as it’s revealed that the woman is deeply in love with him, writing him letters filled with promises of their reunion.

Nightwish’s rendition brings a unique symphonic metal twist to the original rock track, infusing it with their signature operatic and orchestral elements. This cover not only honored the original’s narrative depth but also resonated strongly with audiences, peaking at number one in Finland. Nightwish’s version stands out for its powerful delivery and emotional intensity, making it a memorable highlight in the band’s discography.

# 8 – Ghost Love Score

If you have a deep appreciation for classic progressive rock, “Ghost Love Score” from Nightwish’s 2004 album Once might hold a special place in your heart. This monumental ten-minute track is a testament to the band’s compositional prowess and embodies the grandeur of progressive rock with a symphonic twist. The song unfolds in several distinct sections, each contributing to a rich, evolving soundscape that enhances the narrative’s emotional depth.

Inspired by legendary bands like Jethro Tull, as well as a love for other prog-rock giants such as Yes and Genesis, Nightwish crafted “Ghost Love Score” to be a dynamic and immersive musical journey. The track’s orchestral arrangements and operatic vocals blend seamlessly with the traditional elements of progressive rock, creating a powerful and enduring piece that resonates with fans of the genre.

# 7 – The Islander

“The Islander” stands out in Nightwish’s discography, featured on their 2007 album Dark Passion Play. While Nightwish is predominantly recognized for their symphonic metal sound, this track showcases a different side of the band, embracing a more folk and acoustic metal style. The song is predominantly acoustic, embellished subtly with drums and keyboard effects, creating a serene yet melancholic atmosphere.

Marko Hietala, the band’s bassist and male vocalist, takes the lead on vocals, delivering a profound and moving performance that surprised and delighted many fans. Anette Olzon and Tuomas Holopainen provide harmonious backing vocals, adding depth to the song’s rich vocal layers. Additionally, Troy Donockley, a guest musician on this track, contributes his expertise on multiple instruments, enhancing the folk elements that give “The Islander” its unique character within Nightwish’s body of work. This song is a beautiful deviation from their typical style, demonstrating the band’s versatility and Hietala’s vocal brilliance.

# 6 – While Your Lips Are Still Red

Number six on our top 10 Nightwish songs list is “While Your Lips Are Still Red,” a poignant track composed by Marko Hietala and Tuomas Holopainen. Although originally crafted for the film The Matriarch, this song is unique as it is not officially categorized as a Nightwish track. However, Tuomas, preferring not to release any solo music, decided to release it under the Nightwish banner.

The song offers a softer, more introspective sound compared to the band’s typical symphonic metal anthems. It was first included as a bonus track on the “Amaranth” single and later featured on the band’s 2009 EP, Made in Hong Kong (And Various Other Places). The inclusion of this track in Nightwish’s discography showcases the band’s ability to diversify their musical expressions and highlights the lyrical and compositional strengths of its members.

# 5 – Wish I Had an Angel

“Wish I Had an Angel” is one of Nightwish’s most iconic tracks, featuring the dynamic vocal interplay between Tarja Turunen and Marko Hietala. This song, written by Tuomas Holopainen, is a standout on the band’s breakthrough album Once. Known for its driving rhythms and catchy chorus, “Wish I Had an Angel” gained significant popularity and was even featured on the soundtrack of the film Alone in the Dark.

The song achieved substantial commercial success, marking Nightwish’s highest-charting release in the UK by reaching number sixty on the UK Singles Chart. Its blend of symphonic metal elements with more accessible industrial tones helped broaden Nightwish’s appeal, making “Wish I Had an Angel” a favorite among fans and a frequent addition to the band’s live sets.

# 4 – Nemo

“Nemo” is a standout track from Nightwish’s album Once and is arguably one of the band’s most celebrated releases. The title, derived from Latin, means “Nobody” or “Unknown,” which poignantly reflects the song’s themes of isolation and the search for identity. Tuomas Holopainen, the band’s primary songwriter, crafted the lyrics to explore the profound feelings of being misunderstood and the existential quest to find and comprehend one’s true self in what often seems like an indifferent world.

Musically, “Nemo” combines Nightwish’s signature symphonic elements with a deeply melodic approach, creating a powerful and emotionally resonant song that resonates with listeners worldwide. Its success is underscored by its broad appeal, making it one of the band’s most recognized and beloved tracks.

# 3 – Élan

Featured on Nightwish’s album Endless Forms Most Beautiful, “Élan” stands out as an inspirational track written by the band’s visionary songwriter and keyboardist, Tuomas Holopainen. The song delves into existential themes, exploring the personal and varied perceptions of the meaning of life. Tuomas described “Élan” as an encouragement to embrace the unknown and to experience life fully without fear of uniqueness or failure.

The song’s lyrics inspire listeners to seize life’s moments with a sense of adventure and abandon. Accompanying the philosophical depth of the song, the music video for “Élan” draws inspiration from the poignant stories hidden within Finland’s abandoned houses, adding a visual layer of nostalgia and reflection to the song’s uplifting message. This blend of thought-provoking lyrics and compelling visuals helps cement “Élan” as a significant and memorable piece in Nightwish’s discography.

# 2 – Amaranth

“Amaranth” stands out as one of the most popular tracks from Nightwish’s album Dark Passion Play. Crafted by the band’s mastermind, Tuomas Holopainen, who has consistently played a key role in shaping the band’s lyrical and musical direction, this song marked a significant moment in Nightwish’s history. It was the second single to feature Anette Olzon as the lead vocalist, showcasing her ability to embody the band’s dynamic sound.

The song achieved considerable success, reaching number one on the UK Rock Chart and the Finnish Singles Chart, underscoring its widespread appeal. Musically, “Amaranth” features a compelling blend of symphonic metal elements with catchy, powerful choruses that have resonated with both long-time fans and new listeners. Its combination of memorable melodies, engaging lyrics, and strong vocal performance makes “Amaranth” a standout track in Nightwish’s discography.

# 1 – Bye Bye Beautiful

Topping our list of the top 10 Nightwish songs is the powerful recording “Bye Bye Beautiful” from the album Dark Passion Play. This track is notably sung by both Marco Hietala and Anette Olzon, providing a compelling vocal interplay that underscores the song’s emotional depth. Written by Tuomas Holopainen, the song is a poignant farewell to former vocalist Tarja Turunen, adding a layer of personal and historical significance to its lyrics.

“Bye Bye Beautiful” achieved substantial success, reaching number two on the UK Rock Chart. The song’s dynamic composition, combined with its direct lyrical references to the band’s past and its dramatic lineup change, resonates deeply with fans, making it a standout track in Nightwish’s extensive catalog. This song encapsulates the band’s ability to blend personal storytelling with their signature symphonic metal style, making it a deserving number one on our list.