Top 10 Songs By The Vaccines

The Vaccines Songs

Our top 10 songs by The Vaccines list looks at the songs of a stunning English rock band fueled by a 60s retro feel that sounds incredibly modern. The Vaccines was formed back in 2010 by vocalist Justin Young guitarist and Freddie Cowan, brother to The Horrors keyboardist Tom Furse. Justin and Freddie soon be joined by bassist Arni Arnason and drummer Pete Robertson to form a complete lineup.

The Vaccines would later make its first release, “If You Wanna,” through YouTube in August 2010. After all, this was a perfect platform where the band would market itself globally. Amazingly, the gamble paid off with the YouTube upload of the hit “If You Wanna” showered with positive remarks. The band capitalized on the positive feedback from fans, building the momentum for its ground-breaking first studio album.

Great musicianship and a steady lineup have seen the band remain relevant in the indie rock scene for over a decade now. Drummer Pete Robertson is the only original member to have departed from the band ever since it was formed. His departure in 2016 saw the band welcome Yoann Intonti to take on the drums and percussion. Timothy Lanham was also added to the band to play additional guitars and keyboards.

The Vaccines’ Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

The band welcomed fame after the release of its demo hit “If You Wanna” in 2010. “If You Wanna” went on to be included in the band’s debut LP, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? The band’s debut album went on to peak at number four on the UK Albums chart. What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? went on to become 2011’s best-selling debut LP in the UK by a band.

Vocalist Justin Young is credited to have penned the lyrics to all the songs from the album. The singer cited different songs by Descendants, Jonathan Richman, and The Beach Boys as his inspirations for his lyrical themes in the band’s debut album. What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? also made it to number one hundred and ninety-seven on the Billboard 200. “If You Wanna,” “Nørgaard,” and “Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)” are some of the biggest hits from The Vaccines’ debut album. The album is the only release by the band to achieve Platinum certification in the UK.

The Vaccines’ Album Releases over the Years

After the success of the band’s debut album, its members returned to the studio in the hope of releasing a greater album than What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? The band’s efforts paid off, having it release its second LP, Come of Age, the following year. Come of Age blended the band’s usual indie rock sound with garage rock, surf rock, power pop, and post-punk revival sonic influences.

The album saw The Vaccines receive its first chart-topping release after it topped the UK Albums chart. Come of Age also topped the Scottish Albums chart but failed to make it to the Billboard 200. Some of the musical gems from this Gold-certified album include “Teenage Icon,” “I Always Knew,” “No Hope,” and “Bad Mood.”

After three years, The Vaccines returned with its third LP, English GraffitiEnglish Graffiti was preceded by the band’s 2013 EP, Melody Calling, which peaked at number sixty-two on the UK Albums chart. The album settled on Dave Fridmann as the producer of the album, owing to his excellence in his work. Dave Fridmann has released successful albums for Number Girl, The Flaming Lips, Creaming Jesus, and Mercury Rev.

English Graffiti peaked at number two on the UK Albums chart, receiving a Silver certification in the UK. “Handsome,” “20/20,” and “Dream Lover” are some of the best songs by The Vaccines from English Graffiti. Vocalist Justin Young cited songs by Shin Jung-Hyeon, Gorillaz, and Arthur Russell as his influences in penning the lyrics to songs on this album.

Later in 2018, The Vaccines returned with its fourth LP, Combat SportsCombat Sports came after the departure of drummer Pete Robertson. It marked the first album for drummer Yoann Intonti and keyboardist Timothy Lanham as members of The Vaccines. This twelve-track album peaked at number four on the UK Albums chart. “I Can’t Quit,” “Put It on a T-Shirt,” and “Your Love is My Favorite Band” are some of the best songs by The Vaccines from Combat Sports.

The Vaccines released its fifth and most recent LP, Back in Love City, in September 2021. Back in Love City went on to peak at number five on the UK Albums chart. The album was the band’s first LP to be issued through the AWAL after it was dropped by Columbia Records. Back in Love peaked at number three on the UK Independent Albums chart. “Headphones Baby,” “Alone Star,” and “Back in Love City” are some of the best The Vaccines songs from the album.

The Vaccines’ Accolades and Legacy

The Vaccines has managed to create a name for itself as a reputable indie rock band of modern times in the UK since its debut LP in 2011. Its debut album saw the band enjoy mainstream and commercial acclaim after its album was Platinum-certified in the UK. What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? is still the best album by the band to date.

In 2011, The Vaccines won the Brit Awards Best New Band accolade. The band also won the Best Foreign New Act the same year at the Sweden GAFFA Awards. The Vaccines went on to bag the XFM New Music Award the following year.

The band has conducted multiple tours playing with other acts, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, The Rolling Stones, Arctic Monkeys, and Imagine Dragons. Over its career, The Vaccines have sold over two million records globally. Here we present the ten biggest songs by The Vaccines.

#10 – All My Friends Are Falling In Love

Opening our list of the top 10 songs by The Vaccines is the striking hit “All My Friends Are Falling in Love.” The song was issued as a stand-alone single in 2018. “All My Friends Are Falling in Love” stands out thanks to its magnificent electric and acoustic guitar riffs. The lyrics to the song find the singer taking on the rough ride he takes as he fights to mold a perfect love-based relationship.

This is unlike his friends, who don’t even seem to break a sweat to get the love they all desire. “All My Friends Are Falling in Love” was premiered on BBC Radio 1. The song was a success on the Belgium Ultratip Flanders and Ultratip Wallonia charts, where it peaked at number twenty-four and forty, respectively.

#9 – Dream Lover

“Dream Lover” is not only one of our best songs by The Vaccines but also Justin Young’s best pop song ever penned. Of course, this catches many by surprise why the song features at number nine. However, it is without a doubt that the fans have resonated with other songs better than “Dream Lover.” The song is featured on the band’s 2005 studio album English Graffiti.

“Dream Lover” finds the singer crooning about going home with someone but wishing that he was with someone else. One thing that stands out about this hit is its aesthetic video. However, this is not meant to discount “Dream Lover”’s instrumentation and vocal quality.

The song went on to peak at number one hundred and fifty-five on the UK Singles Chart. Justin went on to rule out critics’ words about the song’s tonal resemblance with “Do I Wanna Know? By Arctic Monkeys.” What do you think about this?

#8 – I Can’t Quit

Our number eight song on the ten best songs by The Vaccines list is the ravishing hit “I Can’t Quit.” The song is featured on the band’s LP, Combat Sports. “I Can’t Quit” was the first release for The Vaccines after signaling about its forthcoming 2018 LP. Justin Young revealed that the song finds The Vaccines returning to some rock and roll-influenced sonic vibes.

“I Can’t Quit” came after the band had a tough time coping with the loss of Pete Robertson from the band’s lineup. Young and Freddie had even got into a fight in the studio, reflecting how much the band had multiple internal battles to fix. Songs like “I Can’t Quit” helped the band trace its spark once more into one of the English indie rock bands.

#7 – Wetsuit

“Wetsuit” is one of the greatest songs by The Vaccines from the band’s debut LP, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? The song had its lyrics penned by vocalist Justin Young, who also makes a rip-roaring vocal delivery for this hit. “Wetsuit” finds The Vaccines’ vocalist a little nostalgic about the aging process like most human beings.

Through the song, Justin expresses his wish about being young and making the most of life at a tender age- including all those fun and injudicious things! “Wetsuit” was produced by Dan Grech, best known for working with other artists, including George Ezra, Moby, The Kooks, Liam Gallagher, and Scissor Sisters. The song peaked at number one hundred and sixty-four on the UK Singles Chart.

#6 – No Hope

Number six on our top 10 songs from The Vaccines is the spirited hit “No Hope.” The song is the first single off the band’s sophomore LP, Come of Age. “No Hope” was by Justin Young, who revealed that the song’s lyrics allude to aging. The song’s angst-filled tune is inspired by the tough days vocalist Justin Young experienced during his twenties (times someone told him were the most confusing). “No Hope” peaked at number thirty-seven on the UK Singles Chart.

#5 – Handsome

English Graffiti brings us to yet another great song by The Vaccines, “Handsome.” From a cinematic accompanying music video to the great musicianship exhibited in this song, “Handsome” is worth its spot on our top 10 The Vaccines songs. The song’s lyrics allude to Justin Young’s gratitude to God for his handsomeness. “Handsome” peaked at number seventy-four on the UK Singles Chart.

#4- Nørgaard

Unrequited love and affection are always hard-hitting topics that most singers wish to bring to record. The Vaccines were not left behind, having the hit “Nørgaard” tell of a seventeen-year-old lady who failed to requite Justin Young’s affection. Justin penned the song after going on a double date with Amanda Nørgaard, a Danish model.

The song is featured on the band’s debut LP, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? “Nørgaard” went to peak at number eighty-four on the UK Singles Chart. The song is one of the best-selling songs from The Vaccines, achieving a Silver certification in the UK after selling over two hundred thousand units.

#3- I Always Knew

Our third pick on our ten best songs by The Vaccines is the impressive hit “I Always Knew.” The song is featured on the band’s LP, Come of Age. “I Always Knew” has been lauded by most of the band’s fans, thanks to its wistful tune. The song is one of the best love indie rock ballads of all time by the band. “I Always Knew” might not have charted high in the UK (peaked at number one hundred and sixty-nine) but received a great reception in Belgium. It peaked at number seventeen on the Belgium Ultratip Flanders.

#2- Teenage Icon

“Teenage Icon” is yet another great song from the band’s chart-topping sophomore LP, Come of Age. The song was penned by the band’s vocalist Justin Young. “Teenage Icon” is a stunning anthemic hit whose lyrics allude to self-confidence. This introspective ballad finds Justin professing his displeasure at being named a teenage icon. He goes on to say that he is nothing close to Frankie Avalon, a musical giant renowned for his pop influence in the ‘50s. “Teenage Icon” went on to peak at number thirty-nine on the UK Singles Chart.

#1- Tie –  If You Wanna

Number one on our top 10 songs by The Vaccines is the alluring hit “If You Wanna.” The song was the band’s first song ever released (as a demo, though). The Vaccines took advantage of the internet, uploading the demo version of the song on YouTube. This saw the band attract some following, helping it start its career on a high note.

Justin Young penned the lyrics to the song. “If You Wanna” went on to be featured on the band’s debut LP, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? The song finds the singer telling his lover that if she wishes to make up with him, it is fine with him. Desperation (or true love and affection probably) by the singer is evident in the lyrics to the song. “If You Wanna” peaked at number thirty-five on the UK Singles Chart. The song was Platinum-certified in the UK for selling over six hundred thousand copies.

Top 10 Songs By The Vaccines article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022

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