TV on the Radio is an American indie rock band that has been creating innovative and genre-defying music since its inception in 2001. Over the years, the band has developed a unique sound that blends various elements of rock, post-punk, electronic, and soul music, which has made them one of the most influential and critically acclaimed bands of the 21st century. Their music is known for its introspective lyrics, layered instrumentation, and powerful vocals, which have earned them a dedicated fan base around the world.
With such a vast and diverse discography, it can be challenging to pick the best TV on the Radio songs. From their early experimental EPs to their more recent albums, the band has consistently produced some of the most memorable and thought-provoking music of the past two decades. Their songs have tackled a wide range of themes, including love, loss, social justice, and personal transformation, making their music accessible to a broad audience.
In this article, we will explore some of the best TV on the Radio songs, from their breakthrough hits like “Staring at the Sun” and “Wolf Like Me” to their more introspective tracks like “Will Do” and “DLZ.” We will examine the creative process behind these songs, analyze their lyrics and instrumentation, and discuss how they have influenced the indie rock and alternative music scenes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of TV on the Radio or a newcomer to their music, this article will provide you with an insightful and comprehensive guide to their best songs.
1. “Wolf Like Me”
“Wolf Like Me” is a song by the American indie rock band TV on the Radio, released in 2006 as the lead single from their album “Return to Cookie Mountain”. The song features a driving rhythm section, with propulsive drumming, pulsing basslines, and jagged guitar riffs. The lyrics describe a primal, animalistic desire for love and connection, with lead singer Tunde Adebimpe singing, “Say, say my playmate, won’t you lay hands on me?/Mirror my malady, transfer my tragedy.” The song’s title references the idea of embracing one’s inner wolf, and tapping into the raw, instinctual aspects of human nature.
The song is often cited as one of TV on the Radio’s most iconic and influential tracks, and has been covered by numerous artists, including Lorde and Glass Animals. The music video for “Wolf Like Me” features the band performing in a dark, atmospheric setting, interspersed with shots of werewolves and other supernatural imagery. The song has been praised for its powerful energy and infectious hooks, and is widely regarded as a classic of the indie rock genre.
2. “Province”
“Province” is a song by the American indie rock band TV on the Radio, released in 2006 as the second single from their album “Return to Cookie Mountain”. The song features a dreamy, atmospheric sound, with shimmering guitars and haunting vocal harmonies. The lyrics describe a complex relationship between two people, with singer Tunde Adebimpe singing, “I’m not afraid to keep on living, I am alive,” while his duet partner, Bowie collaborator David Bowie, responds with, “She’s afraid of what she might be, afraid of loving you.”
“Province” is widely regarded as one of TV on the Radio’s most hauntingly beautiful and emotionally resonant tracks, and has been praised for its intricate arrangements and delicate melodies. The song’s music video features dancers performing a choreographed routine in a desolate urban landscape, reflecting the song’s themes of loneliness, connection, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. “Province” showcases the band’s ability to blend various elements of rock, soul, and electronic music into a cohesive and innovative sound, and has earned its place as a classic of the indie rock canon.
3. “Dancing Choose”
“Dancing Choose” is a song by the American indie rock band TV on the Radio, released in 2008 as the lead single from their album “Dear Science”. The song features a frenetic, high-energy sound, with driving percussion, jagged guitar riffs, and a catchy chorus. The lyrics are a scathing critique of consumerism, mass media, and political corruption, with lead singer Tunde Adebimpe railing against a society that encourages mindless consumption and conformity.
“Dancing Choose” is widely regarded as one of TV on the Radio’s most politically charged and socially conscious tracks, and has been praised for its urgent message and electrifying performance. The song’s music video features a surreal and dystopian vision of modern life, with characters moving through a series of bizarre and unsettling tableaus. “Dancing Choose” showcases the band’s ability to combine political commentary with infectious hooks and innovative production techniques, and has cemented their reputation as one of the most thought-provoking and musically adventurous acts of the 21st century.
4. “DLZ”
“DLZ” is a song by the American indie rock band TV on the Radio, released in 2008 as a track on their album “Dear Science”. The song features a driving, bass-heavy sound, with pulsing synths, distorted guitar riffs, and a powerful vocal performance by lead singer Tunde Adebimpe. The lyrics describe a sense of disillusionment and frustration with the world, with Adebimpe singing, “This is beginning to feel like the dog’s lost her lead, and time marches on like a soldier.”
“DLZ” is widely regarded as one of TV on the Radio’s most intense and emotionally charged tracks, and has been praised for its dark, brooding atmosphere and haunting melodies. The song’s title is a reference to the television show “Breaking Bad,” and the lyrics are interpreted as a commentary on the show’s themes of moral ambiguity, corruption, and the consequences of one’s actions. The song has been used in various films and television shows, including “Person of Interest” and “The Blacklist,” and has become one of TV on the Radio’s most iconic and enduring songs.
5. “The Wrong Way”
“The Wrong Way” is a song by the American indie rock band TV on the Radio, released in 2004 as a track on their album “Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes”. The song features a brooding, atmospheric sound, with sparse instrumentation and haunting vocals by lead singer Tunde Adebimpe. The lyrics describe a sense of alienation and disconnection from the world, with Adebimpe singing, “I’ve been down that wrong road before, but I still keep coming back for more.”
“The Wrong Way” is widely regarded as one of TV on the Radio’s most haunting and emotionally affecting songs, and has been praised for its sparse, minimalistic approach to production and arrangement. The song’s melancholic atmosphere and introspective lyrics speak to themes of loneliness, regret, and the search for meaning in a world that can often feel overwhelming and confusing. Despite its dark subject matter, “The Wrong Way” is also considered to be one of TV on the Radio’s most beautiful and poignant songs, and has earned its place as a fan favorite and a classic of the indie rock genre.
6. “I Was a Lover”
“I Was a Lover” is a song by the American indie rock band TV on the Radio, released in 2006 as the opening track on their album “Return to Cookie Mountain”. The song features a complex, layered sound, with a driving beat, swirling synths, and soaring vocal harmonies. The lyrics describe a tumultuous romantic relationship, with lead singer Tunde Adebimpe singing, “I was a lover before this war, but then bombs shattered my pact with the force.”
“I Was a Lover” is widely regarded as one of TV on the Radio’s most innovative and musically adventurous tracks, and has been praised for its intricate arrangements and genre-defying sound. The song blends elements of rock, soul, and electronic music into a seamless and hypnotic whole, and showcases the band’s ability to push the boundaries of what indie rock can be. The song’s music video features a kaleidoscopic and surreal visual style, with abstract imagery and trippy visuals that match the song’s dreamlike quality. “I Was a Lover” is a testament to TV on the Radio’s creative vision and musical prowess, and has become one of their most beloved and enduring songs.
7. “Halfway Home”
“Halfway Home” is a song by the American indie rock band TV on the Radio, released in 2017 as the lead single from their album “Dear Science”. The song features a propulsive, uptempo sound, with driving percussion, swirling synths, and a soaring chorus. The lyrics speak to themes of perseverance and resilience, with lead singer Tunde Adebimpe singing, “Halfway home and my feet are tired, but I ain’t gonna stop now.”
“Halfway Home” is widely regarded as one of TV on the Radio’s most anthemic and uplifting tracks, and has been praised for its infectious energy and catchy melodies. The song’s music video features a surreal and colorful visual style, with characters dancing and moving through a series of whimsical and surreal landscapes. “Halfway Home” marks a return to form for TV on the Radio, and showcases their ability to craft powerful and emotionally resonant songs that connect with audiences on a deep level. The song has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows, and continues to inspire and uplift listeners with its message of hope and perseverance.
8. “Careful You”
“Careful You” is a song by the American indie rock band TV on the Radio, released in 2014 as a single from their album “Seeds”. The song features a sparse, atmospheric sound, with haunting piano chords, atmospheric synths, and a subdued vocal performance by lead singer Tunde Adebimpe. The lyrics describe a sense of vulnerability and caution in a romantic relationship, with Adebimpe singing, “Careful you, don’t lose your head. To the sights and sounds of the world spinning ’round.”
“Careful You” is widely regarded as one of TV on the Radio’s most intimate and emotionally resonant tracks, and has been praised for its delicate instrumentation and raw, honest lyrics. The song’s restrained and subtle approach to production and arrangement highlights the power of Adebimpe’s vocals, and allows the song’s emotional weight to shine through. The song’s music video features a surreal and dreamlike visual style, with Adebimpe and his bandmates appearing in a series of strange and otherworldly environments. “Careful You” is a testament to TV on the Radio’s ability to craft deeply affecting and emotionally powerful songs, and has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows.
9. “The Blues From Down Here”
“The Blues From Down Here” is a song by the American indie rock band TV on the Radio, released in 2006 as a track on their album “Return to Cookie Mountain”. The song features a moody, atmospheric sound, with pulsing synths, swirling guitar textures, and haunting vocals by lead singer Tunde Adebimpe. The lyrics describe a sense of confusion and disorientation in the face of personal struggles and societal pressures, with Adebimpe singing, “All the blues from down here are just scratching the surface, but you know that it’s so deep, that it’s bound to be endless.”
“The Blues From Down Here” is widely regarded as one of TV on the Radio’s most powerful and evocative tracks, and has been praised for its dense and layered sound. The song’s intricate arrangements and sonic textures create a sense of tension and unease, while Adebimpe’s vocals imbue the song with a sense of emotional urgency and intensity. The song’s music video features a stark and unsettling visual style, with distorted images and eerie, abstract animations that match the song’s brooding atmosphere. “The Blues From Down Here” is a standout track from one of TV on the Radio’s most critically acclaimed albums, and remains a powerful and thought-provoking song that continues to resonate with listeners.
10. “Young Liars”
“Young Liars” is the title track from TV on the Radio’s 2003 EP, which was their debut release. The song features a haunting, atmospheric sound, with sparse instrumentation, swirling synths, and delicate vocal harmonies. The lyrics speak to themes of youth, disillusionment, and personal struggle, with lead singer Tunde Adebimpe singing, “We’re all young liars, born to expire. But don’t get me wrong, I’m human, too.”
“Young Liars” is widely regarded as a standout track from TV on the Radio’s early career, and has been praised for its stark, minimalist production and emotionally charged lyrics. The song’s haunting melodies and introspective lyrics create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, and showcase the band’s ability to craft powerful and emotionally resonant songs even with limited instrumentation. The song’s music video features a surreal and dreamlike visual style, with abstract images and stark lighting that match the song’s ethereal quality. “Young Liars” is a testament to TV on the Radio’s early creative vision and musical prowess, and remains a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows.
April Johnson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
