The Bauhaus was an iconic British rock band that formed in Northampton in 1978. The band’s music is characterized by a mix of post-punk, gothic rock, and art rock influences, with a unique sound that has influenced countless bands in the years since their initial success. With a legacy spanning over four decades, it’s no surprise that fans have compiled their favorite songs to determine the top 10 best Bauhaus songs of all time.
The list of the top 10 best Bauhaus songs of all time features some of the band’s most iconic and memorable tracks. From their early hits like “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” and “Dark Entries” to later classics like “The Passion of Lovers” and “Kick in the Eye,” this list covers the breadth of Bauhaus’s career. Each song on the list showcases the band’s unique sound and highlights their incredible talent, cementing their place in the pantheon of rock and roll greats. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the band’s music, this list is the perfect place to start exploring the incredible world of Bauhaus.
1. She’s In Parties
“She’s In Parties” is one of the most popular songs by the British rock band, Bauhaus. The track was released in 1983 as a single from their album “Burning from the Inside.” It features a driving beat, haunting guitar riffs, and lead singer Peter Murphy’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics are filled with dark imagery and explore themes of decadence and excess, making it a favorite among fans of goth and post-punk music. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable hooks have helped it to endure over the years, and it remains a staple of the band’s live performances. “She’s In Parties” is a must-listen for fans of Bauhaus and anyone who appreciates powerful, atmospheric rock music.
2. Stigmata Martyr
“Stigmata Martyr” is a dark and brooding track by the British rock band, Bauhaus. Released in 1980 as part of their debut album “In the Flat Field,” the song features frontman Peter Murphy’s distinctive baritone vocals and atmospheric guitar work from Daniel Ash. The lyrics delve into themes of pain, sacrifice, and martyrdom, with references to religious iconography and mysticism. The track is propelled forward by a driving bassline and a pounding drumbeat, adding to its sense of urgency and intensity. “Stigmata Martyr” is a standout track on an album that helped to establish Bauhaus as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the post-punk era. Its haunting melodies and evocative lyrics make it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
3. Rose Garden Funeral of Sores
“Rose Garden Funeral of Sores” is a haunting and atmospheric track by British rock band Bauhaus. Originally written by John Cale, a founding member of the Velvet Underground, the song was covered by Bauhaus in 1982 and released as a single. The track features Peter Murphy’s signature vocals, which are complemented by the eerie and ethereal guitar work of Daniel Ash. The lyrics are cryptic and surreal, touching on themes of mortality, decay, and transformation. The song’s slow, deliberate pacing and moody instrumentation create a sense of foreboding and unease, making it a standout track in the band’s catalog. “Rose Garden Funeral of Sores” is a haunting and mesmerizing piece of music that showcases Bauhaus at their very best.
4. The Passion of Lovers
“The Passion of Lovers” is a beautifully melodic track by British rock band Bauhaus. Released in 1981 as a single, the song showcases the band’s ability to blend post-punk and gothic rock influences with a pop sensibility. The track features Peter Murphy’s soaring vocals, which are supported by lush and layered instrumentation from the rest of the band. The lyrics touch on themes of love, longing, and obsession, with a sense of dramatic intensity that is typical of the band’s style. “The Passion of Lovers” is a standout track in Bauhaus’s catalog, and remains a fan favorite to this day. Its infectious melody and poignant lyrics make it a perfect introduction to the band’s music for newcomers, and a beloved classic for longtime fans.
5. Silent Hedges
“Silent Hedges” is a haunting and atmospheric track by the British rock band Bauhaus. Released in 1982 as a single, the song features Peter Murphy’s signature baritone vocals, which are complemented by Daniel Ash’s evocative guitar work. The lyrics are cryptic and surreal, touching on themes of isolation, despair, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The track is propelled forward by a driving bassline and insistent drumbeat, which lend a sense of urgency to the proceedings. “Silent Hedges” is a standout track in Bauhaus’s catalog, and one that perfectly showcases the band’s unique style and sound. Its haunting melodies and enigmatic lyrics make it a must-listen for fans of post-punk and gothic rock music.
6. Who Killed Mr Moonlight?
“Who Killed Mr. Moonlight?” is a haunting and mysterious track by British rock band Bauhaus. Released in 1980 as a single, the song features Peter Murphy’s distinctive vocals, which are set against a backdrop of atmospheric guitar work and moody, pulsing rhythms. The lyrics are enigmatic and surreal, touching on themes of death, mystery, and the supernatural. The track’s slow, deliberate pacing and brooding atmosphere create a sense of unease and foreboding, making it a standout track in the band’s catalog. “Who Killed Mr. Moonlight?” is a must-listen for fans of post-punk and gothic rock, and remains a beloved classic in the Bauhaus discography.
7. Kick In The Eye
“Kick in the Eye” is a driving and energetic track by British rock band Bauhaus. Released in 1981 as a single, the song features Peter Murphy’s signature vocals, which are set against a backdrop of pulsing basslines and propulsive drumbeats. The lyrics are surreal and enigmatic, touching on themes of power, violence, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The track’s frenetic pace and driving energy make it a standout in the band’s catalog, and a fan favorite to this day. “Kick in the Eye” is a perfect example of Bauhaus’s unique style and sound, and a must-listen for fans of post-punk and gothic rock music.
8. Crowds
“Crowds” is a haunting and atmospheric track by the British rock band Bauhaus. Released in 1980 as part of their debut album “In the Flat Field,” the song features Peter Murphy’s signature baritone vocals and eerie guitar work from Daniel Ash. The lyrics touch on themes of alienation, isolation, and the search for meaning in a world filled with chaos and confusion. The track’s slow, deliberate pacing and haunting melodies create a sense of foreboding and unease, making it a standout track in the band’s catalog. “Crowds” is a must-listen for fans of post-punk and gothic rock, and a testament to Bauhaus’s ability to create evocative and memorable music.
9. Bela Lugosi’s Dead
“Bela Lugosi’s Dead” is a seminal track by British rock band Bauhaus. Released in 1979 as their debut single, the song is considered by many to be the birth of gothic rock. The track features Peter Murphy’s haunting vocals, which are set against a backdrop of atmospheric guitar work and ominous basslines. The lyrics are inspired by the horror movie icon Bela Lugosi, and touch on themes of death, decay, and the supernatural. Clocking in at over nine minutes, the track is a tour de force of atmosphere and mood, and a testament to Bauhaus’s ability to create music that is both dark and mesmerizing. “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” is a must-listen for fans of gothic rock and post-punk music, and remains a beloved classic in the Bauhaus discography.
10. All We Ever Wanted was Everything
“All We Ever Wanted Was Everything” is a haunting and melancholic track by British rock band Bauhaus. Released in 1982 as a single, the song features Peter Murphy’s signature vocals, which are set against a backdrop of atmospheric guitar work and sparse, minimal instrumentation. The lyrics touch on themes of longing, emptiness, and the search for meaning in a world where material possessions are all-consuming. The track’s slow, deliberate pacing and mournful melodies create a sense of longing and melancholy, making it a standout track in the band’s catalog. “All We Ever Wanted Was Everything” is a must-listen for fans of post-punk and gothic rock, and a testament to Bauhaus’s ability to create music that is both beautiful and haunting.