M83 is an electronic music project formed in 2001 by French musician Anthony Gonzalez. The project takes its name from the spiral galaxy Messier 83, and is known for its dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes and intricate production style. M83’s music incorporates a wide range of influences, including shoegaze, post-rock, and synth-pop, and often features sweeping synthesizers, soaring vocals, and driving rhythms.
Over the years, M83 has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” (2011) and “Junk” (2016). The project is also known for its visually stunning live shows, which often feature elaborate lighting and stage design.
M83’s music has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements, and has influenced a wide range of musicians across genres. With their ability to create emotional and cinematic soundscapes, M83 has become one of the most respected and innovative electronic music acts of the 21st century.
Overall, M83’s dreamy and atmospheric sound has made them one of the most beloved and influential acts in the world of electronic music. Their ability to blend elements of different genres and create something entirely unique has earned them a dedicated fan base, and their music continues to captivate and inspire listeners around the world.
1. “Midnight City”
“Midnight City” is M83’s biggest and most well-known hit. Released in 2011, the song features a driving beat, pulsing synths, and a soaring saxophone riff that has become iconic in its own right. The lyrics are a reflection on the thrill of the night and the freedom it brings, with a chorus that repeats the refrain “The city is my church.” The song’s infectious energy and epic sound have made it a fan favorite and a staple of M83’s live shows. “Midnight City” is a standout example of the band’s ability to create cinematic and emotionally resonant music, and remains a beloved classic of the electronic music genre.
2. “Wait”
“Wait” is a hauntingly beautiful track by the French electronic music project, M83. The song features a slow and atmospheric instrumental arrangement, with a dreamy synth melody and a driving drum beat. The vocals, performed by Anthony Gonzalez, are emotive and evocative, conveying a sense of melancholy and longing that is characteristic of M83’s music. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, exploring themes of time, loss, and hope. “Wait” is a deeply affecting song that showcases M83’s ability to create emotionally resonant music, making it a standout track from their discography and a favorite among fans of electronic and ambient music.
3. “Outro”
“Outro” by M83 is a grand and cinematic track that builds to a climactic crescendo. The song begins with soft piano chords and atmospheric synths, gradually building with soaring guitars, epic drums, and a soaring choir. The track’s sweeping melodies and dramatic soundscapes evoke a sense of wonder and awe. The lack of lyrics allows the music to speak for itself, with the track’s dynamic energy and emotional intensity creating a powerful emotional impact. “Outro” is a perfect example of M83’s ability to create awe-inspiring and immersive music that transports listeners to another world.
4. “Kim & Jessie”
“Kim & Jessie” is a standout track from M83’s 2008 album, “Saturdays = Youth”. The song features a dreamy, nostalgic melody and ethereal vocals, with a chorus that repeats the refrain “Kim and Jessie, they have a secret world in the twilight.” The lyrics are a reflection on the power of youth and the bonds of friendship, and the song’s hazy, nostalgic sound perfectly captures that feeling of looking back on a time gone by. “Kim & Jessie” is a classic example of M83’s ability to create emotionally resonant music that transports the listener to another time and place.
5. “Reunion”
“Reunion” is an energetic and uplifting track by the French electronic music project, M83. The song features a driving and upbeat instrumental arrangement, with a pulsing synth bass and catchy synth melodies. The vocals, performed by Anthony Gonzalez, are passionate and anthemic, conveying a sense of triumph and empowerment that is characteristic of M83’s music. The lyrics are optimistic and celebratory, exploring themes of unity, love, and togetherness. “Reunion” is a high-energy and infectious song that showcases M83’s ability to create uplifting and inspiring music, making it a standout track from their discography and a favorite among fans of electronic and indie rock music.
6. “Steve McQueen”
“Steve McQueen” by M83 is a dreamy and nostalgic synth-pop track that showcases the band’s ability to create catchy and evocative music. The song features the band’s signature blend of shimmering synths, pulsing rhythms, and ethereal vocals. The lyrics speak of a desire to escape from the mundanity of everyday life and chase after something more exciting, with lines like “I wanna ride with you, Steve, in your car, down the hill, through the sea.” The track’s upbeat tempo and catchy hooks make it the perfect song for dancing and letting loose. “Steve McQueen” is a perfect example of M83’s ability to create infectious and immersive music that transports listeners to another world.
7. “Do It, Try It”
“Do It, Try It” is a standout track from M83’s 2016 album, “Junk”. The song features a mix of funky, upbeat instrumentation and dreamy, atmospheric synths, with Anthony Gonzalez’s vocals floating above the mix. The lyrics are a celebration of the power of spontaneity and experimentation, with a chorus that repeats the refrain “Do it, try it, do it, try it.” The song’s playful and experimental tone perfectly captures the spirit of the album, which is a tribute to the eclectic and innovative music of the 1980s. “Do It, Try It” is a prime example of M83’s ability to blend different genres and create something entirely new and exciting.
8. “Lower Your Eyelids to Die with the Sun”
“Lower Your Eyelids to Die with the Sun” is a mesmerizing and epic track by the French electronic music project, M83. The song features a sweeping and cinematic instrumental arrangement, with grandiose synth melodies and a driving drum beat. The track builds slowly and gradually, reaching a crescendo of soaring synth chords and explosive percussion. The song is entirely instrumental, conveying a sense of emotion and drama through the music alone. “Lower Your Eyelids to Die with the Sun” is a breathtaking and immersive song that showcases M83’s ability to create powerful and evocative music, making it a standout track from their discography and a favorite among fans of electronic and ambient music.
9. “We Own the Sky”
“We Own the Sky” by M83 is an uplifting and anthemic track that showcases the band’s ability to create dynamic and powerful music. The song features a pulsing beat, soaring synths, and anthemic vocals that create a sense of empowerment and triumph. The lyrics speak of seizing the moment and rising above adversity, with lines like “We’ll make it, you and I, we’ll own the sky.” The track’s energetic tempo and explosive chorus make it the perfect song for rallying and motivating. “We Own the Sky” is a perfect example of M83’s ability to create inspiring and uplifting music that uplifts the spirit.
10. “Go!”
“Go!” is a high-energy track from M83’s 2016 album, “Junk”. The song features a driving beat and anthemic synths, with a guest vocal from French singer Mai Lan. The lyrics are a call to action, with Mai Lan repeating the refrain “Go! Go! Go!” over and over. The song’s upbeat and danceable sound is a departure from M83’s more atmospheric work, and shows the band’s ability to experiment with different styles and genres. “Go!” has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows, with its infectious energy and catchy hooks making it a standout track from the album.
Edward Tomlin 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.
