Top 10 Vertical Horizon Songs

Feature Photo: Mira Hartford, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our Top 10 Vertical Horizon Songs list looks at the catalog of an American band revered for its melodic alternative rock sound. The band was formed in 1991 by guitarists and vocalists Matt Scannell and Keith Kane while they were students at Georgetown University. Scannell remains the only founding member to appear throughout the band’s history.

Vertical Horizon began as an acoustic duo, performing at local venues, college parties, and coffeehouses while building its sound around Scannell and Kane’s harmonized vocals. After graduating, the two musicians continued touring and recording before gradually expanding the group into a full rock band.

Vertical Horizon signed with RCA Records in 1998 and moved from its acoustic beginnings toward alternative rock, post-grunge, and polished pop-rock production. The shift paid off when the band’s major-label debut, Everything You Want, became a double-platinum success and produced the number-one title single.

Vertical Horizon has released seven studio albums. Four of those records reached the Billboard 200. The band’s most recent full-length studio album remains The Lost Mile, released in 2018. In February 2026, Vertical Horizon returned with the new single “Last Night of Our Lives,” while announcing that additional music was in development.

Vertical Horizon’s Albums

Vertical Horizon’s early albums may not have reached the large mainstream audience the band later found, but they played an essential role in shaping the musical partnership between Matt Scannell and Keith Kane. Fresh from college, the duo issued its debut studio album, There and Back Again, in 1992. Scannell and Kane performed, produced, and engineered the acoustic-rock record themselves. “Trying to Find Purpose,” “On the Sea,” and “Prayer for an Innocent Man” are among the album’s memorable songs.

Running on Ice, issued in 1995, marked the duo’s second studio album. The record featured guest musician Doug Derryberry on keyboards and Carter Beauford of the Dave Matthews Band on drums. Derryberry also participated in the album’s production with Scannell and producer John Alagia, who later became known for his work with John Mayer, Herbie Hancock, and the Dave Matthews Band. “Heart in Hand,” “Japan,” and “The Man Who Would Be Santa” are among the best-known songs from Running on Ice.

After signing with RCA Records, Vertical Horizon’s independent releases were reissued through the label. The band then released Everything You Want in 1999. Often regarded as Vertical Horizon’s breakthrough record, the album moved the group firmly into alternative rock, post-grunge, and pop rock. Mark Endert, Ben Grosse, and David Bendeth handled production work on the album. Endert later worked with artists including Maroon 5, The Fray, Miley Cyrus, and Madonna.

Ben Grosse has worked with artists including Sevendust, Depeche Mode, and Marilyn Manson. David Bendeth is known for his work with Asking Alexandria, Bring Me the Horizon, Jeff Beck, and Breaking Benjamin. Everything You Want reached number three on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and number 40 on the Billboard 200.

Everything You Want was certified Gold in Canada and double Platinum in the United States. “You’re a God,” “Everything You Want,” “Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning),” and “We Are” became the album’s best-known songs.

In 2003, Vertical Horizon returned with its fourth studio album, Go. The alternative-rock and pop-rock album marked the band’s final release through RCA Records. Go was produced by John Shanks, a songwriter and producer known for his work with Sheryl Crow, Westlife, Take That, Jon Bon Jovi, and Miley Cyrus. Although it did not match the commercial success of Everything You Want, Go reached number 61 on the Billboard 200. “Forever,” “I’m Still Here,” “When You Cry,” and “Goodbye Again” are among the album’s strongest songs.

Burning the Days, issued in 2009, marked the band’s fifth studio album and its first release through Vertical Horizon’s Outfall Records. Additional musicians included drummer Blair Sinta, singer-songwriter Richard Marx on piano, and Rush drummer Neil Peart. Peart played drums on three tracks, including “Even Now,” for which he also wrote the lyrics. The album reached number 158 on the Billboard 200. “Save Me from Myself,” “All Is Said and Done,” “Even Now,” and “Back to You” are among its memorable tracks.

The band returned in 2013 with its sixth studio album, Echoes from the Underground. Once again, the band featured former Rush drummer Neil Peart, who played on “Instamatic” and “South for the Winter.” The album reached number 164 on the Billboard 200. “Song for Someone,” “Broken Over You,” “You Never Let Me Down,” and “Frost” are among its best-known songs.

The Lost Mile, issued in 2018, is Vertical Horizon’s seventh studio album. Pop-rock singer-songwriter Richard Marx contributed backing vocals to “I’m Not Running.” Other strong selections from The Lost Mile include “Save Love,” “Lighthouse,” and “I’m Gonna Save You.” The following list presents our ten favorite Vertical Horizon songs.

# 10 – “When You Cry”

“When You Cry” is a track from Vertical Horizon’s fourth studio album, Go, released on September 23, 2003. The album followed the band’s double-platinum breakthrough, Everything You Want.

“When You Cry” is a heavy tune fueled by the emotional vocals typical of the band’s best work. The song and the album faced commercial challenges because RCA Records provided limited support during a period of major restructuring.

“When You Cry” was released as a later single from Go. It did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but it reached number 35 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. Listen to the guitar line at the end of the song, which sounds as if the instrument itself is crying. That is cool stuff.

# 9 – “Even Now”

“Even Now” is a significant track from Vertical Horizon’s 2009 album Burning the Days. The song stands out because of the remarkable collaboration that brought it to life. Matt Scannell wrote the music, while Neil Peart, the legendary drummer and lyricist of Rush, wrote the lyrics and played drums.

The recording of “Even Now” took place during the sessions for Burning the Days, a period of creative renewal for Vertical Horizon. Scannell worked from his home studio and released the album through his own Outfall Records label, giving him greater freedom over the writing and production.

Scannell invited Neil Peart to play drums on the song after Peart had written lyrics specifically for Scannell’s voice. Peart recorded “Even Now” and two additional songs for the album. The collaboration with Neil Peart brought a distinctive rhythmic foundation to the recording.

The song’s themes revolve around introspection, regret, and the passage of time. Peart’s lyrics and Scannell’s melody fit together naturally, while the performance demonstrates the respect that existed between the two musicians.

“Even Now” remains one of the most important collaborations in Vertical Horizon’s catalog. It also stands as a testament to the powerful results that can emerge when musicians from different areas of the rock world find common ground.

# 8 – “Goodbye Again”

“Goodbye Again” is a track from Vertical Horizon’s fourth studio album, Go, released in 2003. The song explores the emotional complexities of parting and the difficulty of accepting that a relationship has reached its end.

The recording of Go marked an important transition for Vertical Horizon. Matt Scannell remained at the center of the songwriting, while the band’s polished alternative-rock sound continued to develop beyond the success of Everything You Want.

“Goodbye Again” captures Vertical Horizon’s ability to turn complicated emotions into direct, melodic rock. Scannell’s lyrics and the band’s arrangement create a performance that is polished without losing its emotional weight.

# 7 – “Broken Over You”

“Broken Over You” is a track from Vertical Horizon’s sixth studio album, Echoes from the Underground, released in 2013. The song was selected as the album’s first single and was written by Matt Scannell.

The recording of Echoes from the Underground marked another period of renewal for Vertical Horizon, with Scannell leading the creative direction and production. The album combined the band’s melodic-rock identity with new textures and atmospheric elements.

“Broken Over You” stands out for its emotional resonance. Scannell’s lyrics examine the aftermath of a relationship that continues to leave damage behind, while the arrangement blends acoustic and electric elements around a memorable chorus.

# 6 – “We Are”

“We Are” marked Vertical Horizon’s first major step into the mainstream as the opening single from Everything You Want. The track introduced a broader audience to the band’s combination of alternative rock, polished production, and introspective lyrics.

The recording took place during the Everything You Want sessions with producers Mark Endert and Ben Grosse. The lineup featured Matt Scannell on lead vocals and guitar, Keith Kane on guitar and backing vocals, Sean Hurley on bass, and Ed Toth on drums.

“We Are” did not achieve the same commercial success as the album’s later singles, but it reached number 21 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart and helped establish Vertical Horizon’s presence at alternative radio.

# 5 – “Forever”

Go, the band’s fourth studio album, is home to the fifth pick on our Top 10 Vertical Horizon Songs list, “Forever.” Matt Scannell wrote the song and explained that it concerns people who have entered and left his life. The lyric reflects the wish to hold onto the memories that remain after losing someone.

“Forever” became a successful adult-radio single, reaching number 18 on Billboard’s Adult Top 40 chart and number 17 on the Adult Contemporary chart.

# 4 – “Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)”

“Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)” is a poignant and introspective track from Vertical Horizon’s highly successful album Everything You Want. The song was the final single released from the album.

The lyrics describe a man looking back on a relationship with someone he loved deeply. Even after the relationship has ended, he remains convinced that she was the best he ever had.

“Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)” reached number seven on Billboard’s Adult Top 40 chart and number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Country singer Gary Allan introduced the composition to a new audience when he covered it in 2005 under the shortened title “Best I Ever Had.” His version demonstrated how naturally Scannell’s songwriting could move from alternative rock into country music.

# 3 – “I’m Still Here”

“I’m Still Here” is a poignant track from Vertical Horizon’s album Go. The song reflects resilience and persistence, themes that have connected strongly with listeners.

The recording came during a period when the band was facing significant changes, both internally and within the music industry. RCA Records was undergoing restructuring, which limited the support given to Go after its release.

Matt Scannell played a central role in developing “I’m Still Here” as a songwriter, singer, and guitarist. The arrangement combines emotionally direct lyrics with the polished melodic-rock sound associated with Vertical Horizon.

“I’m Still Here” reached number 17 on Billboard’s Adult Top 40 chart. Its success demonstrated that the band continued to connect with listeners even without the promotional support that had surrounded Everything You Want.

# 2 – “You’re a God”

“You’re a God” is a standout track from Vertical Horizon’s breakthrough album Everything You Want. Written by Matt Scannell, the song examines idealization and the way people sometimes place another person on a pedestal while diminishing their own worth.

The recording took place during the Everything You Want sessions, with producer Mark Endert helping shape its polished and radio-friendly sound. The lineup featured Scannell, Keith Kane, Sean Hurley, and Ed Toth.

“You’re a God” reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Adult Top 40 chart. The single further established Vertical Horizon as one of the most successful melodic alternative-rock bands of the period.

The song remains one of Vertical Horizon’s most beloved recordings because of its relatable lyrics, memorable melody, and dynamic performance.

# 1 – “Everything You Want”

“Everything You Want” is both the title track and the centerpiece of Vertical Horizon’s third studio album. The song marked the band’s transformation from a successful independent touring act into a mainstream rock success.

Written by Matt Scannell, “Everything You Want” captures the pain of unrequited love and the frustration of being everything another person claims to need while still not being the person that individual chooses.

The recording took place with producers Mark Endert and Ben Grosse. Matt Scannell, Keith Kane, Sean Hurley, and Ed Toth created a performance that sounds expansive and polished while remaining intensely personal.

“Everything You Want” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Top 40 charts. Billboard also identified it as the most-played single of 2000. Its combination of emotional tension, memorable guitar lines, and an unforgettable chorus makes it the clear number-one selection on our list.