Our top 10 Pale Waves songs introduce us to a band famed for its indie rock music. Originally, the band went under the moniker Creek, a name given to the band by its founder members drummer Ciara Doran and vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie. The two formed the band in 2014 after meeting in BIMM Manchester, a music institute, tagging along with former guitarist Ben Bateman and former bassist Ryan Marsden. However, Ben and Ryan left, having them replaced by guitarist Hugo Silvani and bassist Charlie Wood. Since then, the band has maintained this lineup, which has helped the band maintain a consistent musical style. With this lineup, Pale Waves released demos that had them attract the attention of the record label Dirty Hit. The band would later sign with the record label in 2017.
Pale Waves released its first single, “There’s a Honey,” in April 2017 under Dirty Hit. The song received widespread acclaim making a name for the band while gifting it quite a cult following. Motivated by the incoming success and rising popularity, the band released even more singles announcing about recording a debut album. After the announcement, the band was ranked fifth on the BBC Sound of 2018 poll a few days later. The band went on to win the 2018 NME Under the Radar Award performing “There’s a Honey” at the ceremony. Later in November 2020, the band announced its sophomore album Who Am I? The announcement came along with the release of the album’s lead single “Change,” which went on to be recognized as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World.
Vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie and drummer Doran are proud members of the LGBTQ+ community. Something they wished to capture in the band’s sophomore album. Besides indie rock, Pale Waves’ music possesses some indie pop, pop-punk, synth-pop, and dream pop vibes. Vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie revealed that the band has its music influenced by acts/artists such as The Cranberries, Madonna, Prince, Avril Lavigne, and The 1975. Here are the top 10 Pale Waves songs from the band’s two studio albums.
#10 – Easy
Ushering us into the top 10 Pale Waves songs is the ballad “Easy” from the band’s album Who Am I? Vocalist Heather has described the song as a hit about how love can transform your perspective on life. “Easy” release followed Pale Waves’ comeback song “Change,” which received a positive reception. The song is released in an album that acts as the band’s manifesto, inspiring self-discovery, and inclusivity.
#9 – The Tide
“The Tide” has been recognized as the first song that Heather and Ciara wrote together. Vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie revealed that this song was brought back from the dead, having them possess no intention of re-releasing it or even performing it. However, after fans found “The Tide,” they fell in love with it, prompting Pale Waves to record it. The song was included in the band’s EP All The Things I Never Said, becoming the band’s favorites from live performances.
#8 – New Year’s Eve
There is absolutely no perfect way to usher in the new year as a music fan than having quite a huge catalog of New Year’s Eve hits with you. However, Pale Waves’ version of “New Year’s Eve” will change the mood a bit, having it be one of the most emotional New Year’s Eve hit songs. Who wants to be alone on such a night? You can hear the sentiments of a soul fearing to be alone on such a special night in the song’s chorus. “New Year’s Eve” is featured on the band’s EP All The Things I Never Said.
#7 – One More Time
Indie rock and indie-pop quartet Pale Waves released “One More Time” for their debut album My Mind Makes Noise. “One More Time” is best known for its fast-paced rhythm and distinctive use of new visuals. Drummer Ciara teased the song’s release in an Instagram story by sharing the handwritten lyrics to the song. The song’s lyrics allude to memories of a passionate but failed teenage love with longing and nostalgia. Daft Punk had in 2000 released a song with a similar title which went on to be nominated for a Grammys for the Best Dance/Electronic Recording.
#6 – Eighteen
Number six on our top 10 Pale Waves songs is the hit “Eighteen,” featured on the band’s debut album. The song carries the emotional weight of first love, all delivered in color and wide-eyed wonder. From the song’s opening synth thuds, you can tell that the song is one of the band’s biggest and direct indie-pop releases. It is undeniable that “Eighteen” is indebted to synth-pop gods such as Depeche Mode and Avril Lavigne, helping the band continue its creative routine of penning chart-mingling choruses.
#5 – Heavenly
There is no song from Pale Waves that has undergone more changes than “Heavenly.” After all the lyrics changes, the song ended up becoming one of the best Pale Waves songs—credit to Heather Baron-Gracie, who revealed that the song’s old lyrics failed to resonate with her anymore. While the sounds might be quite similar to the 2015 demo, the reworked release features new synth sounds and harmonies. “Heavenly” is now featured on the band’s four-song EP All The Things I Never Said.
#4 – Kiss
“Kiss” is a splendid release written by frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie for the band’s album My Mind Makes Noises. The song was leaked on Spotify a few weeks prior to its release. When the song was aired on BBC Radio 1, it went on to win the Hottest Record title. “Kiss” shimmers in the sparkle of the band’s 1980s pop vibes, with Pale Waves building the ability to compose catchy choruses.
#3 – Noises
Yet another teaser from the Pale Waves’ fourteen-track debut album My Mind Makes Noises is the ballad “Noises.” The song is best known for its fearless addressing of mental health and insecurities of low self-esteem. “Noises” serves as the album’s theme right, having it stimulate emotions bred out of self-doubt. The song is the album’s unofficial title track, as depicted by the lyrics.
#2 – There’s A Honey
“There’s A Honey” is yet another great song from the band’s debut album, My Mind Makes Noises. The song was written by drummer Ciara and singer Heather with its lyrics alluding to doubting a partner’s commitment in a relationship. “There’s A Honey” possesses sparkling soundscapes and a brilliant festival-ready chorus. Its juggernaut riff prepares you for Heather Baron-Gracie’s killer vocals which she fully exploits in casting an outright bewitching spell.
#1 – Television Romance
Number one on our top 10 Pale Waves songs list is the hit “Television Romance.” The song brought drummer Ciara and singer Heather Baron-Gracie on the songwriting having Matthew Healy and George Daniel of The 1975 work on the song’s production. “Television Romance” was inspired by an incident in which Pale Waves’ singer Heather had to brusquely rebuff an optimistic suitor who was ignorant of her disregard.
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Top 10 Top 10 Pale Waves Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
