Top 10 Pale Waves Songs

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Our top 10 Pale Waves songs list introduces us to a band celebrated for its indie rock sound. Originally called Creek, the band was founded by drummer Ciara Doran and vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie after they met in 2014 at BIMM Manchester. They initially teamed up with guitarist Ben Bateman and bassist Ryan Marsden. However, Bateman and Marsden eventually departed and were replaced by guitarist Hugo Silvani and bassist Charlie Wood. This lineup change solidified the band’s chemistry and helped maintain a consistent musical style. With these members, Pale Waves released demos that caught the attention of Dirty Hit Records. By 2017, the band had signed with the label, marking a significant step in their career.

Pale Waves made a significant impact with their debut single, “There’s a Honey,” released in April 2017 under Dirty Hit. The song garnered widespread acclaim, establishing the band’s presence in the music scene and earning them a dedicated following. Bolstered by their initial success and growing popularity, the band continued to release singles while also announcing plans for their debut album. Shortly after this announcement, Pale Waves was ranked fifth in the BBC Sound of 2018 poll, further highlighting their rising status.

Their momentum continued into 2018 when they won the NME Under the Radar Award and performed “There’s a Honey” at the award ceremony. In November 2020, Pale Waves announced their sophomore album, Who Am I?, accompanied by the release of the lead single “Change,” which was named Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World on BBC Radio 1.

Heather Baron-Gracie and drummer Ciara Doran have both spoken openly about LGBTQ+ identity, and those experiences played a major role in the band’s second album. Pale Waves’ music, while rooted in indie rock, also incorporates elements of indie pop, pop-punk, synth-pop, and dream pop. Baron-Gracie has cited influences from various artists, including The Cranberries, Madonna, Prince, Avril Lavigne, and The 1975, which have shaped the band’s distinctive sound.

Pale Waves released their third studio album, Unwanted, in 2022, followed by their fourth, Smitten, in 2024. In 2025, the band also released a studio cover of The Cranberries’ “Zombie.” Guitarist Hugo Silvani departed Pale Waves in February 2026, leaving Baron-Gracie, Doran, and bassist Charlie Wood as the remaining members. Here are the top 10 Pale Waves songs from across the band’s catalog.

#10 – Jealousy

We kick off our top 10 Pale Waves songs list with the dynamic tune “Jealousy.” This track, the third single released ahead of their album Unwanted, marks a departure toward a heavier and more aggressive sound compared to the band’s earlier work. “Jealousy” was released on June 28, 2022. Accompanying the song’s release, a music video directed by Vasilisa Forbes was also unveiled. Filmed in stark black and white, the video features the band performing against a minimalist backdrop. Notably, frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie is seen singing from behind a chain-link fence and swinging from chains, adding a dramatic visual element to the song.

#9 – The Tide

“The Tide” holds a special place in Pale Waves’ history as the first song Heather Baron-Gracie and Ciara Doran wrote together as Pale Waves when they were eighteen. Initially, the band moved on from the song after its early demo period. However, fans continued asking for it, and Pale Waves eventually recorded and officially released the track. It was included on the band’s 2018 EP All the Things I Never Said and has remained an important song in the group’s early history.

#8 – New Year’s Eve

There’s no better way for a music fan to ring in the new year than with a playlist full of New Year’s Eve hits. However, Pale Waves’ “New Year’s Eve” brings a unique twist to the typical celebratory tone, offering one of the most emotional takes on the holiday. Baron-Gracie based the song on a New Year’s Eve experience that stayed with her long enough that she wrote about it a year later. Featured on the band’s EP All the Things I Never Said, “New Year’s Eve” stands out for its heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery, making it a memorable addition to any New Year’s Eve playlist.

#7 – One More Time

Indie rock and indie-pop band Pale Waves included “One More Time” on their debut album My Mind Makes Noises. Known for its fast-paced rhythm and the distinctive visuals accompanying its release, this track captures the essence of the band’s energetic style. Drummer Ciara Doran heightened anticipation for the song with an Instagram story that featured handwritten lyrics, teasing its release. The lyrics of “One More Time” evoke the bittersweet memories of a fervent yet unsuccessful teenage romance, filled with longing and nostalgia. Interestingly, the song shares its title with Daft Punk’s 2000 hit “One More Time,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.

#6 – Eighteen

Number six on our top 10 Pale Waves songs list is “Eighteen,” a standout track from the band’s debut album. This song encapsulates the emotional intensity and wide-eyed wonder of first love, delivered through vibrant and colorful indie-pop sounds. From the initial synth beats that open the track, it’s clear that “Eighteen” represents one of the band’s most direct and substantial forays into indie pop. Its sound owes a nod to the synth-pop influences of icons like Depeche Mode, while also channeling the pop-punk energy of Avril Lavigne. This blend aids Pale Waves in their ongoing endeavor to craft hit-worthy choruses that resonate with listeners.

#5 – Heavenly

“Heavenly” stands out as one of Pale Waves’ most evolved tracks, having undergone significant lyrical transformations before reaching its official form. Heather Baron-Gracie played a pivotal role in those changes, explaining that at one stage much of the original lyric no longer resonated with her, prompting a rewrite. She later reconsidered some of those changes after recognizing how strongly fans had connected with the earlier version. The officially released “Heavenly” appeared on the band’s four-song 2018 EP All the Things I Never Said, highlighting Pale Waves’ willingness to keep refining their music while listening to the audience that had followed them from the demo years.

#4 – Kiss

“Kiss” is a standout track from Pale Waves’ album My Mind Makes Noises, written by Heather Baron-Gracie and Ciara Doran. The song began with music Baron-Gracie created for a university assignment involving a trailer for The Breakfast Club, which Doran encouraged her to develop into a full song. When “Kiss” was played on BBC Radio 1, it earned Hottest Record status. The track radiates with the band’s signature 1980s pop influences, shimmering with a nostalgic sparkle. Pale Waves demonstrates its knack for crafting infectious choruses, making “Kiss” a memorable addition to the band’s discography and a favorite among fans.

#3 – Noises

Another highlight from Pale Waves’ debut album My Mind Makes Noises is the poignant song “Noises.” This track is particularly noted for its candid exploration of mental health issues, body insecurity, and the personal struggles associated with low self-esteem. “Noises” effectively captures the album’s thematic essence, stirring emotions related to self-doubt and introspection. While not officially the title track, its lyrics embody the core message and emotional depth of the album, making it a central piece in understanding the band’s exploration of these complex themes.

#2 – There’s a Honey

“There’s a Honey” is a standout track from Pale Waves’ debut album, My Mind Makes Noises. Written by drummer Ciara Doran and lead vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie, the song explores the uncertainties of a partner’s commitment in a relationship. The track features sparkling soundscapes and a brilliant, festival-ready chorus, making it a crowd favorite. Anchored by a powerful riff, the song sets the stage for Heather Baron-Gracie’s captivating vocals. “There’s a Honey” showcases the band’s ability to blend infectious melodies with emotive lyrics, creating a memorable and engaging listening experience.

#1 – Television Romance

Number one on our top 10 Pale Waves songs list is the hit “Television Romance.” This standout track was a collaborative songwriting effort between drummer Ciara Doran and vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie, with Matty Healy and George Daniel of The 1975 handling production duties. The inspiration for “Television Romance” came from Baron-Gracie’s experience of rejecting someone who refused to understand that the interest was not mutual. The song features catchy melodies and sharp production, encapsulating the band’s signature sound while resonating with listeners through its relatable storyline. This track not only showcases Pale Waves’ musical prowess but also highlights the band’s ability to weave compelling narratives into its songs.