The Postal Service is a critically acclaimed American electronic indie pop band formed in 2001. Comprised of Ben Gibbard (frontman of Death Cab for Cutie) and Jimmy Tamborello (Dntel), the duo’s unique sound blends electronic and indie-pop influences to create a style that is both intimate and expansive. Their debut album “Give Up” (2003) received widespread critical acclaim and has since become a cult classic. With memorable melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a distinctive sound, The Postal Service has produced some of the most iconic and beloved songs in indie-pop history.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the top 10 best Postal Service songs of all time. From the infectious and upbeat “Such Great Heights” to the melancholic and introspective “Recycled Air,” we’ll explore the band’s most iconic tracks and delve into what makes them so special. We’ll examine the themes and emotions that run through each song, as well as the unique blend of electronic and indie-pop influences that define The Postal Service’s sound. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the band for the first time, this article is a must-read for anyone who loves great music and wants to explore the best of what The Postal Service has to offer.
1. Such Great Heights
“Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service is a melancholic yet uplifting electro-pop anthem that has become a cult classic since its release in 2003. The song is built around a driving beat, intricate synth lines, and the poignant vocals of Ben Gibbard, frontman of Death Cab for Cutie, who wrote the lyrics. The song’s central theme is the desire for connection and the hope that technology can facilitate it, despite the distance that separates people. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and wanderlust, as the narrator yearns to travel and explore the world with his loved one, but also acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties of such a journey. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “And I am thinking it’s a sign that the freckles in our eyes are mirror images and when we kiss they’re perfectly aligned”, is an ode to the power of love to bridge the gaps between individuals and bring them closer together. “Such Great Heights” is a timeless anthem that speaks to the universal human experience of seeking connection and meaning in a world that can feel fragmented and disjointed.
2. The District Sleeps Alone Tonight
“The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” is another hauntingly beautiful electro-pop gem from The Postal Service’s 2003 album, “Give Up”. The song features a mesmerizing blend of glitchy beats, pulsing synths, and dreamy vocals, courtesy of Gibbard and Jenny Lewis, frontwoman of Rilo Kiley. The lyrics paint a vivid portrait of urban loneliness and isolation, as the narrator wanders the deserted streets of the city at night, haunted by memories of a lost love. The song’s title is a reference to the city’s bustling daytime energy giving way to a quiet and eerie stillness at night, as the narrator struggles to come to terms with his own sense of emptiness and longing. The chorus, with its refrain of “I am finally seeing why I was the one worth leaving”, is a poignant reflection on the pain of rejection and the self-doubt that can come with it. “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” is a powerful meditation on the human condition, capturing the paradoxical nature of modern life, with its endless possibilities for connection and yet its persistent sense of disconnection.
3. Sleeping In
“Sleeping In” is a delightful and catchy indie-pop song by The Postal Service, released in 2003. The track features the signature blend of electronic and acoustic instrumentation that the band is known for, as well as the intimate and introspective lyrics that characterize much of their work. The song speaks to the universal desire to escape the pressures and routines of everyday life, to live in the moment and embrace the simple pleasures of existence. The lyrics describe a lazy day spent in bed with a loved one, enjoying each other’s company and savoring the freedom to do nothing at all. The song’s chorus, with its upbeat melody and catchy hook, captures the euphoria of such moments, as the narrator sings “I’m wide awake and you’re feeling alive, you don’t have to pretend that you’re feeling alright”. “Sleeping In” is a joyful celebration of love and the small moments of happiness that make life worth living.
4. Nothing Better
“Nothing Better” is a bittersweet and emotionally charged song by The Postal Service, released in 2003. The track features a duet between Gibbard and Lewis, as they play out a painful breakup conversation over a backdrop of shimmering synths and driving beats. The lyrics are raw and honest, conveying the full spectrum of emotions that come with the end of a relationship, from anger and resentment to longing and regret. The song’s chorus, with its haunting melody and heartbreaking lyrics, captures the sense of loss and despair that can accompany such a breakup, as the narrator sings “Will someone please call a surgeon who can crack my ribs and repair this broken heart”. “Nothing Better” is a powerful and cathartic exploration of the complexities of love and heartbreak, offering a glimpse into the vulnerability and humanity of even the strongest and most independent individuals.
5. We Will Become Silhouettes
“We Will Become Silhouettes” is a haunting and atmospheric song by The Postal Service, released in 2005. The track features a slower tempo and a more somber tone than many of the band’s other songs, as well as a haunting melody and ethereal vocals from Gibbard. The lyrics explore the theme of apocalypse and survival, as the narrator imagines a world destroyed by war and disaster, where the only hope for humanity lies in the power of love and connection. The song’s chorus, with its evocative imagery and poignant lyrics, captures the sense of hope and determination that can arise in the face of even the most dire circumstances, as the narrator sings “We’ll become silhouettes when our bodies finally go”. “We Will Become Silhouettes” is a beautiful and thought-provoking meditation on the fragility and resilience of human life, offering a poignant reminder of the importance of love and community in the face of adversity.
6. Brand New Colony
“Brand New Colony” is a sweet and uplifting song by The Postal Service, released in 2003. The track features the band’s signature blend of electronic and acoustic instrumentation, with Gibbard’s soft vocals gliding over a bed of pulsating synths and gentle guitar strums. The lyrics are romantic and optimistic, speaking to the transformative power of love and the possibility of starting anew. The song’s chorus, with its catchy melody and sing-along lyrics, captures the joyful energy of new beginnings, as the narrator sings “Everything will change if you want me to, I’ll take you where you wanna go”. “Brand New Colony” is a beautiful and heartfelt expression of love and hope, offering a reminder of the power of connection and possibility.
7. Clark Gable
“Clark Gable” is a catchy and irreverent song by The Postal Service, released in 2003. The track features the band’s characteristic blend of electronic and indie-pop influences, with playful synths and driving beats supporting Gibbard’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The song’s title refers to the classic Hollywood icon, but the lyrics are a lighthearted commentary on fame and the fickleness of popular culture. The song’s chorus, with its energetic melody and catchy hook, captures the playful spirit of the track, as the narrator sings “I want so badly to believe that ‘there is truth, that love is real'”. “Clark Gable” is a fun and infectious song that showcases The Postal Service’s wit and humor, as well as their unique ability to blend electronic and indie-pop influences.
8. Recycled Air
“Recycled Air” is a melancholic and introspective song by The Postal Service, released in 2003. The track features a slower tempo and a more subdued tone than many of the band’s other songs, with ethereal synths and haunting vocals from Gibbard. The lyrics are introspective and vulnerable, exploring the themes of loneliness and disconnection that are often associated with modern life. The song’s chorus, with its evocative lyrics and ethereal melody, captures the sense of longing and yearning that runs through the track, as the narrator sings “I’ve got a hundred complicated reasons why you should stick around”. “Recycled Air” is a powerful and moving meditation on the complexities of human emotion and the struggle to find connection and meaning in an increasingly fragmented world.
9. This Place Is a Prison
“This Place Is a Prison” is a haunting and introspective song by The Postal Service, released in 2003. The track features a slow and melancholic tempo, with ethereal synths and gentle guitar strums supporting Gibbard’s somber vocals. The lyrics speak to the theme of confinement and isolation, exploring the idea that the world can feel like a prison when one is trapped by their own thoughts and emotions. The song’s chorus, with its evocative imagery and poignant melody, captures the sense of suffocation and despair that runs through the track, as the narrator sings “This place is a prison and these people aren’t your friends”. “This Place Is a Prison” is a powerful and moving meditation on the complexities of the human psyche and the struggle to find meaning and connection in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and oppressive.
10. Natural Anthem
“Natural Anthem” is an epic and uplifting song by The Postal Service, released in 2003. The track features a driving beat and an upbeat melody, with soaring synths and Gibbard’s energetic vocals lending a sense of exuberance and optimism. The lyrics are a celebration of the natural world and the beauty of the universe, exploring the theme of interconnectedness and the idea that we are all part of something greater than ourselves. The song’s chorus, with its anthemic melody and sing-along lyrics, captures the sense of wonder and awe that runs through the track, as the narrator sings “We will become silhouettes when our bodies finally go”. “Natural Anthem” is a powerful and uplifting song that celebrates the beauty and majesty of the natural world, offering a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of embracing our place in the universe.
Samuel Moore 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.
