Cornershop is a British indie rock band that has been active since the early 1990s. Known for their eclectic sound that combines elements of rock, Indian music, and electronica, the band has produced numerous critically acclaimed albums and singles throughout their career. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the top 10 best Cornershop songs of all time. From their early hits like “6 a.m. Jullandar Shere” to more recent tracks like “No Rock: Save in Roll”, we will be exploring the band’s most memorable and influential songs, and examining what makes each one so special. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the band or simply curious to learn more about their music, this article is sure to offer an engaging and insightful look into the world of Cornershop. So without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 best Cornershop songs of all time and discover what makes them such enduring classics of modern rock music.
1. Brimful of Asha
“Brimful of Asha” is Cornershop’s biggest hit to date, released in 1997. The song’s infectious melody and upbeat lyrics make it an instant classic, combining elements of Indian music with a catchy pop-rock sound. The lyrics pay tribute to the Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle, describing her as a “singing queen” and celebrating her impact on Indian music. With its blend of cultural influences and its feel-good message of celebration and unity, “Brimful of Asha” remains a beloved track that has stood the test of time. The song’s catchy chorus, “Everybody needs a bosom for a pillow”, has become a widely recognized pop culture reference, further cementing the song’s place in music history.
2. Sleep on the Left Side
“Sleep on the Left Side” is a groovy, upbeat track from Cornershop’s album “When I Was Born for the 7th Time,” released in 1997. The song features a blend of Indian and Western musical elements, with catchy guitar riffs and a bouncy drumbeat. The lyrics describe the importance of being true to oneself and staying authentic, while also poking fun at the idea of conformity and the pressure to fit in with society’s norms. With its infectious energy and memorable chorus, “Sleep on the Left Side” is a standout track in Cornershop’s discography, showcasing the band’s unique blend of cultural influences and their penchant for crafting catchy, feel-good tunes.
3. Natch
“Natch” is a funky, upbeat track from Cornershop’s 2009 album “Judy Sucks a Lemon for Breakfast.” The song features a lively, horn-driven melody with a driving bassline and a catchy chorus that urges listeners to “get up and dance.” The lyrics touch on themes of unity and togetherness, encouraging listeners to let go of their worries and embrace the joy of the moment. With its infectious energy and uplifting message, “Natch” is a standout track that showcases Cornershop’s ability to blend various musical influences into a cohesive, feel-good sound. The song’s fusion of funk, rock, and Indian elements creates a truly unique sound that sets it apart from other tracks in the band’s discography.
4. Good to Be on the Road Back Home
“Good to Be on the Road Back Home” is a lively and upbeat track from Cornershop’s 2002 album “Handcream for a Generation.” The song features a driving rhythm and a catchy chorus that celebrates the joys of coming back home after a long journey. The lyrics touch on themes of nostalgia, happiness, and the power of homecoming, with the band’s signature blend of Indian and Western musical elements adding a unique touch to the song’s overall sound. With its infectious energy and catchy melody, “Good to Be on the Road Back Home” is a standout track that showcases Cornershop’s ability to create feel-good, uplifting music that resonates with listeners on a personal level. The song’s positive message and upbeat tempo make it a crowd-pleaser that is sure to get audiences dancing and singing along.
5. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
“Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” is a cover of the classic Beatles song, originally released on their 1965 album “Rubber Soul.” Cornershop’s version was featured on their 2002 album “Handcream for a Generation,” and features a unique blend of Indian and Western musical elements that give the song a fresh and distinctive sound. The band’s use of sitar and other traditional Indian instruments, combined with their signature indie rock style, creates a dynamic and engaging cover that pays homage to the original while putting a new spin on it. The song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics, which tell a story of lost love and regret, resonate with listeners and add a touch of melancholy to the band’s upbeat sound. With its innovative approach to a classic song, “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” is a standout track that showcases Cornershop’s musical prowess and their ability to infuse their music with a variety of cultural influences.
6. Supercomputed
“Supercomputed” is a track from Cornershop’s 2018 album “England is a Garden.” The song features a funky, upbeat groove and a catchy melody that’s sure to get listeners dancing. The band’s use of electronic beats and synthesized sounds give the track a modern feel, while still staying true to their indie rock roots. The lyrics touch on themes of technology and artificial intelligence, questioning the impact these forces are having on society and the environment. The combination of the energetic music and thought-provoking lyrics make “Supercomputed” a standout track on the album, showcasing Cornershop’s ability to create music that’s both fun and meaningful. The song’s upbeat vibe and playful lyrics also make it a great addition to any dance party or workout playlist.
7. Candyman
“Candyman” is a cover song originally written and recorded by American blues legend Mississippi John Hurt in 1928. Cornershop’s version of the song, released on their 2009 album “Judy Sucks a Lemon for Breakfast,” features a modern, upbeat take on the classic blues tune. The band’s use of funky guitar riffs, bouncy bass lines, and electronic beats give the track a fresh, contemporary feel while still honoring the original melody and lyrics. The song’s catchy chorus and playful lyrics make it a fan favorite, with audiences often singing and dancing along at live shows. Cornershop’s cover of “Candyman” is a testament to their ability to reinterpret classic songs in new and exciting ways while still paying homage to the rich history of the blues genre.
8. Wog
“Wog” is a lively and energetic track from Cornershop’s 1995 album “Woman’s Gotta Have It.” The song’s title is a derogatory term historically used to describe people of color in the UK, but the band reclaims the word and uses it as a symbol of cultural pride and resistance. The track features a fusion of Indian and Western musical elements, with traditional Indian percussion and string instruments layered over a grooving bass line and rock-inspired guitar riffs. The lyrics celebrate diversity and multiculturalism, with references to Indian and British cultural icons and the shared experiences of immigrants in the UK. The song’s message is delivered with a sense of humor and irreverence, with singer Tjinder Singh playfully boasting about his own “wogginess” and cultural fusion. “Wog” is a standout track that showcases Cornershop’s unique blend of musical influences and their commitment to addressing important social and political issues through their music.
9. Born Disco; Died Heavy Metal
“Born Disco; Died Heavy Metal” is a playful and catchy track from Cornershop’s 1997 album “When I Was Born for the 7th Time.” The song features a mix of dance beats and rock-inspired guitar riffs, with humorous lyrics that poke fun at the music industry and the fickleness of musical trends. The title itself is a nod to the changing tastes of music fans and the constant evolution of popular culture. The song’s chorus features a catchy hook that references famous rock and pop stars, including Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, and Michael Jackson. The lyrics also touch on themes of cultural identity and the search for authenticity, with lines like “You can fake disco, but you can’t fake heavy metal.” Overall, “Born Disco; Died Heavy Metal” is a fun and infectious track that showcases Cornershop’s ability to blend different musical genres and create songs that are both catchy and thought-provoking.
10. St Marie Under Canon
“St Marie Under Canon” is a dreamy and atmospheric track from Cornershop’s 2009 album “Judy Sucks a Lemon for Breakfast.” The song features layers of swirling guitar, strings, and electronic beats, creating a lush and hypnotic sound. The lyrics are poetic and abstract, with references to mythology and nature, adding to the otherworldly vibe of the track. The chorus features a haunting vocal melody that is both beautiful and melancholic. “St Marie Under Canon” showcases Cornershop’s ability to create music that is both experimental and emotionally resonant. The track is a departure from the band’s more upbeat and dance-oriented tracks, but it is no less captivating. It is a standout track on an album that sees Cornershop exploring new sounds and textures while staying true to their unique musical vision.