The Fall was an English post-punk band that emerged in the late 1970s and quickly became one of the most influential and innovative acts of their time. With their distinctive sound and Mark E. Smith’s idiosyncratic vocals and lyrics, The Fall helped to define the sound and style of post-punk and inspired countless musicians around the world. Over the course of their career, they released a string of classic albums and songs that continue to be beloved by music fans of all ages.
In this article, we will be exploring the 10 best The Fall songs of all time. These are the tracks that have defined the band’s sound and style, and that continue to be recognized as some of the greatest songs in the history of post-punk. From early hits like “Totally Wired” and “How I Wrote Elastic Man” to later classics like “Hip Priest” and “Touch Sensitive,” we will be taking a deep dive into The Fall’s discography and exploring what makes these songs so special.
The Fall’s music is not just about experimentation and innovation; it’s also about the power of music to challenge and provoke. Their songs are filled with wit and sarcasm, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless post-punk and alternative rock bands today. Listening to The Fall’s music is like taking a journey through the darker corners of the human psyche, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of The Fall or just discovering their music for the first time, this article is sure to provide insights and appreciation for the band’s incredible body of work. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the 10 best The Fall songs of all time.
1. The Container Drivers
“The Container Drivers” is a song by the British post-punk band The Fall. It was released in 1980 as part of their album “Grotesque (After the Gramme)”. The song features an aggressive and repetitive bassline, driving drums, and Mark E. Smith’s idiosyncratic vocal delivery, as he sings about the monotonous and mundane nature of working in a shipping container yard. The lyrics are darkly humorous and reflect the band’s disdain for the working-class lifestyle. The song has been praised for its energetic and chaotic sound, and is considered a classic example of The Fall’s unique and influential style of post-punk.
2. Eat Y’Self Fitter
“Eat Y’Self Fitter” is a song by the post-punk band The Fall, from their 1983 album “Perverted by Language.” The song features a driving, repetitive rhythm and stream-of-consciousness lyrics that touch on themes of consumerism and societal decay. The lyrics are characterized by the use of puns and wordplay, as well as surreal imagery. The song’s title is itself a play on words, with “eat yourself fitter” satirizing the notion of self-improvement through consumption. Musically, “Eat Y’Self Fitter” is representative of The Fall’s experimental, off-kilter sound, with dissonant guitar riffs and pounding drums creating a sense of disorientation and unease.
3. Kicker Conspiracy
“Kicker Conspiracy” is a song by the English post-punk band The Fall, released in 1983. The song features a driving bassline, repetitive guitar riff, and the distinct vocal style of frontman Mark E. Smith. The lyrics are a scathing critique of government and societal control, with Smith referencing historical events and figures such as the Gunpowder Plot and the Wicker Man. The song’s title references the alleged conspiracy theory that the British government was involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. “Kicker Conspiracy” is a prime example of The Fall’s unique blend of post-punk, garage rock, and avant-garde influences, and remains a fan favorite to this day.
4. Wings
“Wings” by The Fall is a fast-paced, energetic post-punk track that showcases the band’s signature sound. The song is driven by the hypnotic, repetitive guitar riff and pounding drums, while Mark E. Smith’s distinctive vocals deliver his trademark poetic and surreal lyrics. The lyrics describe a man who is obsessed with building and flying a pair of wings, leading to a dark and humorous narrative about the dangers of ambition and the fragility of human existence. With its raw energy and offbeat humor, “Wings” is a prime example of The Fall’s innovative approach to music and their influence on the post-punk genre.
5. Cruiser’s Creek
“Cruiser’s Creek” is a song by The Fall, a post-punk band from Manchester. It was released in 1985 as a single from their album “This Nation’s Saving Grace”. The song features Mark E. Smith’s distinctive vocals, which are at times spoken-word and at times a slurred drawl. The lyrics are typically cryptic and full of wordplay, with references to various cultural figures such as Tony Hancock and James Brown. Musically, the song is driven by a relentless, repetitive guitar riff and a driving rhythm section. It’s a high-energy track that exemplifies the band’s unique sound and approach to songwriting.
6. Living Too Late
“Living Too Late” is a song by The Fall, an English post-punk band led by the legendary Mark E. Smith. The track was released in 1986 and was featured on their album “Bend Sinister”. The song features a fast-paced, upbeat rhythm and Smith’s distinctive vocals, which are often delivered in a spoken-word style. Lyrically, the song is a commentary on the difficulties of navigating modern life and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the pace of change. It has become a fan favorite and a classic example of The Fall’s unique sound and style.
7. New Big Prinz
“New Big Prinz” is a song by the British post-punk band The Fall. The track, which features a repetitive guitar riff and a driving beat, is known for its catchy melody and cryptic lyrics. The song is anchored by the commanding vocals of frontman Mark E. Smith, who delivers his trademark deadpan delivery with lines like “Dismemberment is an exact science/With loyalty comes reward.” “New Big Prinz” was released as a single in 1988 and was later included on the album “I Am Kurious Oranj.” The track has become a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of the band’s most accessible songs.
8. Bill Is Dead
“Bill Is Dead” is a song by the British post-punk band, The Fall. Released in 1987, it is one of their most well-known and highly regarded tracks. The song is built on a driving beat with layers of guitar riffs and a bassline that propels the track forward. Lead vocalist Mark E. Smith’s distinctive voice provides a dark and ominous edge to the lyrics, which describe a world in which everything is falling apart. The chorus is a repeated refrain of “Bill is dead,” which is both haunting and oddly catchy. The song’s unconventional structure and cryptic lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of The Fall and post-punk music in general.
9. Lost in Music
“Lost in Music” is a classic disco track by Sister Sledge. Released in 1979, it became one of their most popular songs and remains a dancefloor staple to this day. The track features an irresistible groove with a funky bassline, catchy guitar riffs, and the iconic refrain of “Lost in music, oh so sweet.” The song’s lyrics speak to the power of music and its ability to transport and uplift us. It was a hit both in the US and the UK and has been covered and remixed by countless artists over the years, solidifying its place as a disco classic.
10. Blindness
“Blindness” is a song by British post-punk band, The Fall. It was released in 2005 as the lead single from their album, “Fall Heads Roll”. The song features a hypnotic and repetitive guitar riff, pounding drums, and Mark E. Smith’s distinctive vocals, which alternate between spoken word and sung sections. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of paranoia, distrust, and disillusionment, with Smith’s cryptic and fragmented lyrics adding to the overall sense of unease. “Blindness” is widely regarded as one of The Fall’s strongest tracks of the 21st century and a standout moment on “Fall Heads Roll”.
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.
