Photo: Lunchbox LP, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Our Top 10 Songs from The Fray introduces us to an American rock band distinguished by its use of the piano as a lead instrument, a trait shared with bands like Keane and Coldplay. Unlike many bands that start their careers in clubs, the members of The Fray began by leading worship in their churches and Christian schools. In 2002, guitarist Joe King and vocalist Isaac Slade formed The Fray, later joined by their former worship band members, guitarist David Welsh and drummer Ben Wysocki. Joe and Isaac, being several years older, had to wait for Ben and David to finish their studies before the band could fully form. Initially, Joe and Isaac had to find temporary replacements for David and Ben, a decision that later caused internal strife when it came time to integrate the original members back into the band. This conflict inspired their hit ballad, “Over My Head (Cable Car).”
Success swiftly followed with the release of The Fray’s debut album How to Save a Life in 2005, which received global critical acclaim. Their second, self-titled album surpassed the first, debuting at the top of the Billboard Charts and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2010. The Fray’s lyrics, known for their ethereal, theatrical, and cathartic qualities, often explore themes of hardship. Drawing inspiration from successful bands like The Wallflowers and U2, The Fray has carved out a reputable niche in the alternative rock, pop-rock, and soft rock genres. Our top 10 songs from The Fray highlight the unique and enduring appeal of this band in the rock landscape.
#10 – All at Once
Leading our list of the top 10 songs by The Fray is “All at Once” from the band’s debut album How to Save a Life. This song delves into the complexities of decision-making, suggesting that sometimes the only solutions to our problems are the hardest ones to choose. This theme is likely relatable to many, as the pursuit of a better life is rarely straightforward. Along the way, tough choices are inevitable, and as the song implies, they are the necessary price for progress.
#9 – Run for Your Life
“Run for Your Life,” written by vocalist Isaac Slade and guitarist Joe King, stands out as one of the best tracks from The Fray’s album Scars and Stories. The song begins with a compelling narrative about twins, one surviving under circumstances that leave the other behind. This survival raises profound questions about fate and the purpose of the surviving twin. Through this track, The Fray conveys a powerful message: in the aftermath of the devastation, we must gather what remains from the ashes and move forward. The song metaphorically encourages us to run faster in life, not just to reach new heights but also to escape the demons of our past that threaten to hold us back.
#8 – Love Don’t Die
“Love Don’t Die” is a standout ballad from The Fray’s 2014 album Helios. The Fray’s lead singer, Isaac Slade, collaborated with the legendary songwriter Ryan Tedder to craft the lyrics for this captivating song. Ryan Tedder, a former schoolmate of Isaac Slade, is a prolific songwriter known for his work with iconic artists such as Beyoncé, Leona Lewis, and Kelly Clarkson. His significant contribution helped make “Love Don’t Die” resonate deeply with rock fans. In just an hour and a half, Slade and Tedder wrote this powerful ballad, affirming the enduring nature of love with the poignant declaration that “Love does not die.”
#7 – Heartbeat
“Heartbeat” from The Fray’s album Scars & Stories is a profound ballad crafted by Isaac Slade and Joe King. The song draws inspiration from a deeply personal experience of frontman Isaac Slade, particularly a period of inner turmoil during the summer of 2009. In “Heartbeat,” Isaac explores the dichotomy of his personality, caught between a people pleaser and a loner. This internal conflict, he reveals, led to a sense of dying inside as he struggled to meet others’ expectations. Complementing this narrative, Joe King contributes his own experiences to the song, reflecting on his first attempts at dating after his divorce. Together, these personal stories blend into a powerful and emotionally resonant track that explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
#6 – Look After You
Number six in our top 10 songs from The Fray is “Look After You” from the band’s 2005 album How to Save a Life. This song is about Isaac Slade’s profound love for the first girl he truly fell for—Anna, who would later become his wife. Isaac has openly expressed that with Anna, he felt completeness, a sentiment that profoundly influenced the lyrics and emotion of “Look After You.” This track is one of those rare songs that feels heaven-sent, beautifully capturing the essence of true love and commitment.
#5 – Heartless
Featured on their self-titled second album, “Heartless” showcases The Fray’s exceptional ability to reinterpret other artists’ work with their unique flair. Initially performed by Kanye West on his album 808s & Heartbreak, “Heartless” was a significant hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 10 on the UK Singles Chart. While the original version is a rap song characterized by its use of Auto-Tune and stark production, The Fray transformed “Heartless” into a compelling pop version. Their rendition strips back the production to highlight their signature piano-driven sound and passionate vocals, providing a fresh and poignant take on West’s introspective lyrics.
#4 – Never Say Never
“Never Say Never” is another standout track from The Fray’s self-titled second album, meriting a spot in the top 10 songs from The Fray. This hit delves into the tumultuous relationship between two people caught in a relentless cycle of breaking up and reuniting. Guitarist Dave Welsh has shared that the song partly reflects the personal challenges of managing romantic relationships while on music tours, where the distance and separation can intensify relationship strains. He expresses the difficulty of choosing between his commitment to music and his personal life, a sentiment that resonates deeply in the lyrics. Adding to its prominence, “Never Say Never” was featured as part of the soundtrack for the film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, broadening its reach and impact.
#3 – Over My Head (Cable Car)
Number three in our top 10 songs from The Fray is “Over My Head (Cable Car)” from the band’s debut album How to Save a Life. The song was inspired by the contentious rift between lead singer Isaac Slade and his brother, Caleb “Cable Car,” who was asked to leave the band in 2002. Contrary to what one might expect, this internal conflict didn’t tear the band apart; instead, it served as a crucial turning point, reinvigorating their collective career ambitions. The track resonated widely, achieving significant success by reaching number 19 on the UK Singles Chart and number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Over My Head (Cable Car)” not only marked a milestone in The Fray’s musical journey but also highlighted their ability to channel personal strife into compelling music.
#2 – You Found Me
Featured on the band’s second eponymous album, “You Found Me,” made a memorable debut during a commercial break of a TV show that had previously played a significant role in promoting The Fray’s debut album. The song originated in 2006 when lead singer Isaac Slade wrestled with the perennial question of why bad things happen to good people. This period of reflection was triggered by witnessing numerous crises among his close friends.
The inspiration for “You Found Me” came from Isaac’s vivid dream of encountering God on a street corner. In this dream, he confronted God, seeking answers to the suffering and injustices he saw around him. The song captures the intensity of this imagined conversation, filled with raw emotion and existential questioning. Whether or not Isaac found the answers he sought in his dream remains an open question that adds to the song’s depth and resonance with listeners who can relate to its themes of searching and finding amidst turmoil.
#1 – How to Save a Life
“How to Save a Life” is arguably the pinnacle of The Fray’s musical career so far. Featured on their debut album, the song stems from an impactful experience that lead vocalist Isaac Slade had while working at a camp for troubled youth. The lyrics echo the band’s roots in religious acts, incorporating references to religious texts and themes that subtly invoke God.
Despite not being marketed specifically as a Christian song, “How to Save a Life” resonated deeply within the Christian music community, climbing to number 4 on the Christian Songs chart. Its universal message of intervention and redemption appealed to a broad audience, making it a crossover hit that also achieved significant mainstream success. The song’s profound impact is underscored by its widespread use in various media and its ability to foster conversations about mental health and helping others in crisis.