Squeeze is a British rock band that rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with their distinctive blend of new wave, pop, and rock music. Known for their catchy hooks, witty lyrics, and innovative songwriting, Squeeze has become a beloved and influential band, inspiring generations of musicians with their unique sound and style. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Squeeze songs of all time, celebrating the band’s legacy and impact on the music world. From early hits like “Cool For Cats” and “Up the Junction” to later classics like “Tempted” and “Black Coffee in Bed,” Squeeze has consistently delivered memorable and engaging music that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their music, this list is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great songwriting and dynamic performances. So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the top 10 best Squeeze songs of all time, and celebrate the enduring legacy of one of Britain’s most beloved and innovative bands.
1. Black Coffee in Bed
“Black Coffee in Bed” is a classic Squeeze song released in 1982 that showcases the band’s signature blend of pop and rock with clever lyrics and catchy melodies. The song features a driving beat, jangly guitars, and soaring vocals that tell the story of a failed relationship and the pain that comes with moving on. The chorus is a memorable hook that will have you singing along in no time, and the song’s emotional depth and complexity make it a fan favorite to this day. “Black Coffee in Bed” remains a testament to Squeeze’s songwriting prowess and ability to craft timeless music that resonates with listeners across generations.
2. Tempted
“Tempted” is one of Squeeze’s most iconic and beloved songs, released in 1981. The song features a distinctive piano riff, catchy chorus, and soulful vocals that tell the story of a man struggling with temptation and desire. The lyrics are both poetic and relatable, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the allure of forbidden love. The song’s production is masterful, showcasing the band’s ability to blend different genres seamlessly, including pop, rock, and soul. “Tempted” has become a classic of the 80s era, featured in numerous films and TV shows and covered by countless artists over the years. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Squeeze’s songwriting and musicianship, and its legacy as one of the band’s greatest hits is well deserved.
3. Hourglass
“Hourglass” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Squeeze, released in 1987. The track features a stripped-down, acoustic arrangement that highlights the band’s songwriting and vocal harmonies. The lyrics are introspective and melancholy, exploring the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The song’s emotional intensity builds gradually, culminating in a powerful chorus that will stay with you long after the song is over. “Hourglass” is a testament to Squeeze’s ability to craft deeply personal and relatable music that resonates with listeners on a visceral level. The song has become a fan favorite and remains one of the band’s most beloved tracks to this day.
4. Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)
“Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)” is a lively and upbeat song by Squeeze, released in 1980. The track features a catchy melody, funky bassline, and playful lyrics that celebrate the joys of youth and freedom. The song’s title refers to a popular British seaside activity of collecting mussels from the beach, and the lyrics paint a vivid picture of carefree summer days spent by the sea. “Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)” is a quintessential Squeeze song, showcasing the band’s ability to blend humor, wit, and infectious pop hooks into a perfect package. The song has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows, with audiences singing along to the catchy chorus and bopping to the infectious rhythm. Overall, “Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)” is a classic of the 80s era and a shining example of Squeeze’s songwriting prowess.
5. Up the Junction
“Up the Junction” is a poignant and evocative song by Squeeze, released in 1979. The track features a wistful melody, acoustic guitar, and poignant lyrics that tell a bittersweet story of love and loss. The song’s title refers to a railway junction in south London, where the narrator meets a woman and falls in love with her. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the couple’s relationship, from the early days of romance to the eventual breakup and heartache. “Up the Junction” is a masterful piece of songwriting, with its vivid imagery and powerful emotional resonance. The song has become one of Squeeze’s most enduring hits, beloved by fans and critics alike. Its evocative lyrics and melancholic melody continue to captivate audiences to this day, making “Up the Junction” a true classic of British pop.
6. Sunday Street
“Sunday Street” is a beautiful and introspective song by Squeeze, released in 1981. The track features a gentle acoustic melody and poetic lyrics that explore themes of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. The song’s narrator reflects on the passing of the years and the memories of a lost love, conjuring images of lazy Sunday afternoons and the sights and sounds of a bygone era. “Sunday Street” is a deeply affecting piece of songwriting, with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics capturing the essence of the human experience in a way that is both universal and deeply personal. The song is a testament to Squeeze’s skills as storytellers, with its vivid imagery and emotional resonance creating a powerful and lasting impact on listeners. “Sunday Street” is a true gem of British pop, and a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting.
7. Another Nail in My Heart
“Another Nail in My Heart” is an upbeat and catchy song by Squeeze, released in 1980. The track features a driving rhythm and infectious guitar riffs, with playful lyrics that explore the ups and downs of relationships. The song’s narrator laments the difficulties of love, with each new disappointment feeling like “another nail in my heart”. Despite the song’s melancholic subject matter, “Another Nail in My Heart” is an exuberant and joyful track, with its irresistible hook and sing-along chorus making it a fan favorite. The song is a testament to Squeeze’s ability to craft memorable and catchy pop songs that resonate with audiences around the world. “Another Nail in My Heart” remains a classic of the new wave era, and a timeless example of the power of great songwriting to connect with listeners on a deep and emotional level.
8. Labelled With Love
“Labelled With Love” is a poignant and bittersweet ballad by Squeeze, released in 1981. The track showcases the band’s ability to write beautiful and evocative songs, with melancholic lyrics that explore the complexities of relationships and the pain of loss. The song’s narrator tells the story of a woman who has been left by her lover, and who turns to alcohol to ease her pain. Despite the sadness of the subject matter, “Labelled With Love” is a powerful and moving track, with lush instrumentation and heartfelt vocals that convey the emotional depth of the lyrics. The song’s chorus, with its haunting refrain of “labelled with love”, is especially memorable, and has become a beloved part of the Squeeze canon. “Labelled With Love” is a testament to the band’s songwriting prowess, and their ability to create music that resonates with audiences on a deeply personal level.
9. 853-5937
“853-5937” is a catchy and upbeat pop rock song by Squeeze that tells the story of a man who falls in love with a woman he meets through a wrong number call. The song is driven by a lively guitar riff and features clever and playful lyrics that paint a vivid picture of the man’s pursuit of the woman, including leaving messages on her answering machine and trying to impress her by pretending to be a high-ranking official. The chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to, with the repeated digits of the phone number becoming a memorable hook. The track showcases the band’s knack for crafting infectious pop tunes with a playful twist, and is a fan favorite among Squeeze’s extensive catalog.
10. Cool for Cats
“Cool for Cats” is a playful and catchy song by Squeeze that perfectly captures the band’s quirky pop sensibilities. Released in 1979, the track features a driving rhythm section, jangly guitar riffs, and playful lyrics about a cat-loving woman and her romantic pursuits. Lead vocalist Glenn Tilbrook’s smooth and effortless delivery adds to the song’s laid-back charm, while the harmonies and backing vocals provide a catchy and memorable chorus. The song also features a standout saxophone solo that adds a funky and soulful element to the track. “Cool for Cats” has become one of Squeeze’s signature songs and remains a beloved track among fans and critics alike. Its infectious energy and lighthearted humor make it a perfect example of the band’s distinctive brand of British pop music.
Erica Henderson 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.
