The Psychedelic Furs have been a beloved band for over four decades, known for their unique blend of post-punk and new wave influences, and the distinctive voice of frontman Richard Butler. With a discography spanning over 7 albums, the band has produced some of the most iconic and enduring songs of the 80s and beyond. In this article, we’ll be exploring the 10 best The Psychedelic Furs songs of all time, highlighting the tracks that have become cultural touchstones for multiple generations. From the infectious hooks of “Love My Way” to the haunting beauty of “The Ghost in You,” our list will showcase the best of the best when it comes to the band’s signature sound. We’ll delve into the stories behind each song, examining the unique qualities that make them so enduring and memorable. Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the band’s music, our list is sure to provide a fascinating look into the world of The Psychedelic Furs, and the timeless songs that have made them one of the most important bands of their era.
1. Love My Way
“Love My Way” is a song by the Australian rock band, The Psychedelic Furs. It was released in 1982 as the lead single from their album, “Forever Now.” The song has a unique sound that combines new wave and post-punk elements, featuring a distinctive saxophone riff and a catchy chorus that has become a staple of 80s music.The song’s lyrics are open to interpretation, but they seem to be about the complexities of love and relationships. The chorus, which goes “You know you love me way, you know you love me way,” is repeated several times throughout the song and emphasizes the idea of accepting someone’s love, flaws and all. It’s a sentiment that many can relate to, as it speaks to the idea of loving someone despite their imperfections.
“Love My Way” has been covered and sampled by many artists over the years, including LCD Soundsystem and The Killers. It has also been featured in popular TV shows and movies such as “Stranger Things,” “Call Me By Your Name,” and “The Wedding Singer.” The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless sound and relatable message.
2. Pretty In Pink
“Pretty In Pink” is a song by the Psychedelic Furs that was originally released in 1981. The song was written for the John Hughes film of the same name, which was released in 1986. The film and the song have become synonymous with 80s culture, and both are still beloved by fans today.The song’s lyrics are about a girl who is trying to fit in with the cool kids but is still true to herself. The chorus goes, “Pretty in pink, isn’t she? / Pretty in pink, isn’t she?” and emphasizes the idea that the girl is beautiful and unique, despite what others may say or think.”Pretty In Pink” is a quintessential 80s song, featuring a catchy guitar riff, a driving beat, and a memorable chorus. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Ataris and The National. The song’s timeless message of being true to yourself and not conforming to societal pressures is still relevant today, making it a classic for generations to come.
3. All That Money Wants
“All That Money Wants” is a song by the British alternative rock band, The Psychedelic Furs. It was released in 1988 as a single from their album, “All of This and Nothing.” The song has a more polished sound than some of the band’s earlier work, with a catchy melody and a memorable chorus.The song’s lyrics are about the corrupting influence of money and how it can change people. The chorus goes, “All that money wants, all that money wants / All that money wants, everything,” and emphasizes the idea that money can make people greedy and selfish, leading them to pursue wealth at any cost.Despite the song’s more commercial sound, it still has the distinctive post-punk edge that The Psychedelic Furs are known for. The band’s frontman, Richard Butler, delivers the lyrics with his trademark snarl, giving the song a sense of urgency and authenticity.”All That Money Wants” was not as commercially successful as some of the band’s earlier work, but it remains a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s versatility as artists. The song’s message about the dangers of materialism is still relevant today, making it a timeless classic.
4. House
“House” is a song by The Psychedelic Furs that was released in 1991 as a single from their album, “World Outside.” The song has a more alternative rock sound than some of the band’s earlier work, featuring distorted guitars, heavy drums, and a driving beat.The song’s lyrics are about the idea of feeling trapped in one’s own home and the desire to break free from the monotony of everyday life. The chorus goes, “Can’t you feel the weight of the world? / Come crashing down on you / House is not a home when there’s no one there,” emphasizing the sense of loneliness and isolation that can come from feeling stuck in one’s own space.
Despite its dark and introspective lyrics, “House” is a high-energy song that showcases The Psychedelic Furs’ ability to evolve their sound while still staying true to their roots. The song’s heavy guitars and driving rhythm make it a standout track on “World Outside” and a fan favorite.
5. Until She Comes
“Until She Comes” is a song by The Psychedelic Furs that was released in 1989 as a single from their album, “Book of Days.” The song has a dreamy and ethereal quality, featuring lush instrumentation and atmospheric vocals.The song’s lyrics are about the search for true love and the idea of waiting patiently for the right person to come along. The chorus goes, “Until she comes, I’ll wait for you / Until she comes, I’ll pray for you,” emphasizing the sense of longing and hope that comes with the search for a soulmate.”Until She Comes” showcases The Psychedelic Furs’ ability to create romantic and introspective songs that still maintain a sense of cool detachment. The song’s dreamy quality and lush instrumentation make it a standout track on “Book of Days” and a fan favorite.
6. Heartbreak Beat
“Heartbreak Beat” is a song by The Psychedelic Furs that was released in 1987 as a single from their album, “Midnight to Midnight.” The song has a more polished and radio-friendly sound than some of the band’s earlier work, featuring a catchy melody and a memorable chorus.
The song’s lyrics are about the intense emotions that come with falling in love and experiencing heartbreak. The chorus goes, “Heartbreak beat, the sounds of love / Heartbreak beat, it’s a heartbreak beat,” emphasizing the idea that the rhythm of love can sometimes lead to heartache and pain.”Heartbreak Beat” is a quintessential 80s song, featuring a driving beat, catchy keyboards, and Richard Butler’s distinctive vocals. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a fan favorite.
Despite its more commercial sound, “Heartbreak Beat” still maintains the post-punk edge that The Psychedelic Furs are known for. The song’s message about the highs and lows of love is still relevant today, making it a timeless classic.
7. Here Come Cowboys
“Here Come Cowboys” is a song by The Psychedelic Furs that was released in 1984 as a single from their album, “Mirror Moves.” The song has a more upbeat and danceable sound than some of the band’s earlier work, featuring catchy guitar riffs, horns, and a driving beat.The song’s lyrics are about the idea of rebellion and breaking free from societal norms. The chorus goes, “Here come cowboys, here they come / And they’re all gonna break out and run,” emphasizing the idea of people coming together to break free from the constraints of their lives.”Here Come Cowboys” is a standout track on “Mirror Moves,” showcasing The Psychedelic Furs’ ability to evolve their sound while still maintaining their post-punk edge. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat rhythm make it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows.
8. Dumb Waiters
“Dumb Waiters” is a song by The Psychedelic Furs that was released in 1981 as a single from their album, “Talk Talk Talk.” The song has a more aggressive and punk-influenced sound than some of the band’s later work, featuring slashing guitars, driving drums, and Richard Butler’s distinctive vocals.The song’s lyrics are about the idea of feeling trapped in a dead-end job and the desire to break free from the monotony of everyday life. The chorus goes, “Dumb waiters, they cannot hear / Dumb waiters, they cannot see,” emphasizing the sense of isolation and frustration that can come from feeling stuck in a soul-crushing job.Despite its dark and introspective lyrics, “Dumb Waiters” is a high-energy song that showcases The Psychedelic Furs’ ability to create powerful and memorable post-punk anthems. The song’s aggressive guitars and driving rhythm make it a standout track on “Talk Talk Talk” and a fan fa
9. The Boy That Invented Rock & Roll
“The Boy That Invented Rock & Roll” is a song by The Psychedelic Furs that was released in 2020 as a single from their album, “Made of Rain.” The song has a more mature and reflective sound than some of the band’s earlier work, featuring atmospheric guitars, lush keyboards, and Richard Butler’s distinctive vocals.The song’s lyrics are about the idea of being inspired by rock and roll music and the transformative power of artistic expression. The chorus goes, “He was the boy that invented rock and roll / And he’s the one who lost control,” emphasizing the idea that true artists often push the boundaries of convention and can sometimes be misunderstood or marginalized.”The Boy That Invented Rock & Roll” is a standout track on “Made of Rain,” showcasing The Psychedelic Furs’ ability to create powerful and introspective songs that still maintain their post-punk edge. The song’s atmospheric sound and lush instrumentation make it a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s continued relevance and artistic vision.
10. Sister Europe
“Sister Europe” is a song by The Psychedelic Furs that was released in 1980 as a single from their self-titled debut album. The song has a haunting and atmospheric sound, featuring swirling guitars, moody keyboards, and Richard Butler’s distinctive vocals.The song’s lyrics are about the idea of a young woman escaping her mundane life and finding freedom and excitement in the city. The chorus goes, “Sister Europe, tell me all about your disease,” emphasizing the idea of the city as a place of both danger and possibility.”Sister Europe” is a classic post-punk song that showcases The Psychedelic Furs’ ability to create powerful and evocative music. The song’s haunting melody and atmospheric sound make it a fan favorite and a standout track on the band’s debut album. Its themes of escapism and the search for something more have resonated with audiences for decades and helped cement The Psychedelic Furs’ status as one of the most important bands of the post-punk era.
Jared Parker 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.
