The Replacements were a pioneering alternative rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who rose to prominence in the 1980s with their irreverent and unapologetic approach to music-making. Fronted by the charismatic and unpredictable Paul Westerberg, the band forged a unique sound that blended punk, rock, and pop influences into a distinctive style that would go on to influence countless bands in the years to come.
Over the course of their career, The Replacements released a series of critically acclaimed albums that have become touchstones of the alternative rock canon.
In this list, we’ll explore the 10 best The Replacements songs of all time, from the raucous and energetic anthems of their early years to the more introspective and reflective ballads of their later work. Each song on this list is a testament to the enduring power and influence of The Replacements, and a reminder of the band’s lasting impact on the world of alternative rock.
1. Bastards of Young
“Bastards of Young” by The Replacements is a raw and rebellious anthem that captures the angst and frustration of youth. With its pounding drums, gritty guitars, and snarling vocals, the song immediately grabs your attention and refuses to let go.
The lyrics are a searing indictment of a society that seems to have abandoned its young people, leaving them with nothing but broken dreams and shattered hopes. But despite the bleakness of the message, there’s a sense of defiance and determination in the music that makes it feel like a call to arms. As the chorus rings out, “We are the sons of no one, bastards of young,” you can almost feel the energy and passion of a generation that refuses to be defeated.
Overall, “Bastards of Young” is a timeless classic that speaks to the rebellious spirit in all of us.
2. I Will Dare
“I Will Dare” by The Replacements is a jangly and infectious rock song that exudes a sense of reckless abandon and youthful optimism.
From the opening riff, the song’s upbeat and catchy melody draws you in and gets your toes tapping. The lyrics are a playful mix of brash confidence and vulnerability, with lines like “How young are you?/ How old am I?” conveying a sense of excitement and uncertainty about the future. The song’s title serves as a defiant statement of intent, daring the listener to take risks and chase their dreams.
As the song builds to its climactic chorus, the energy and enthusiasm of the music are impossible to resist, making “I Will Dare” a perfect anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like taking a chance on themselves.
3. Alex Chilton
“Alex Chilton” by The Replacements is a poignant and introspective tribute to the legendary rock musician of the same name. The song’s sparse instrumentation, consisting mostly of acoustic guitar and muted drums, creates a somber and reflective atmosphere that perfectly matches the melancholy lyrics. The song’s narrator speaks of his own feelings of inadequacy and despair, drawing a parallel between his own struggles and those of Chilton, who was famously known for his own personal demons.
Despite the sadness of the subject matter, there’s a sense of admiration and reverence in the music, as if the band is honoring Chilton’s legacy by trying to capture his essence in song. As the chorus repeats the line “I never travel far/ Without a little Big Star,” there’s a bittersweet sense of nostalgia and longing for a time that has passed.
Overall, “Alex Chilton” is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to a musical icon, and a reminder of the power of music to connect us across generations and experiences.
4. Androgynous
“Androgynous” by The Replacements is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that challenges gender norms and celebrates individuality. The song’s gentle piano melody and delicate vocals create a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly captures the song’s themes of fluidity and ambiguity.
The lyrics speak of a couple who “go out every night/ They dress up tight and feel alright,” blurring the lines between traditional male and female identities. As the song progresses, the narrator speaks of his own struggles with identity and acceptance, confessing “I wish that they could see/ I wish that they could see/ There’s more than meets the eye.” Despite its lyrical weight, the song never feels heavy-handed or preachy, instead opting for a gentle and understated approach that draws the listener in and leaves them with a sense of wonder and awe.
Overall, “Androgynous” is a powerful and moving ode to the beauty of individuality, and a reminder that our true selves are always worth celebrating.
5. Left of the Dial
“Left of the Dial” by The Replacements is a driving and anthemic rock song that captures the spirit of independent radio and the punk rock movement of the 1980s. The song’s propulsive guitar riff and pounding drums create a sense of urgency and energy that perfectly matches the song’s lyrics, which speak of a band “left of the dial” who refuse to conform to the mainstream.
The song’s title references the position of college radio stations on the radio dial, which often played lesser-known and more experimental music. As the chorus repeats the line “We’re gonna write something this afternoon/ And we can dream our dreams/ And sing our songs/ And we can have our say,” there’s a sense of empowerment and rebellion that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
Overall, “Left of the Dial” is a powerful and exhilarating tribute to the power of independent music, and a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful art is the kind that doesn’t fit neatly into a box.
6. Unsatisfied
“Unsatisfied” by The Replacements is a haunting and introspective rock ballad that captures the feeling of disillusionment and despair that can come with adulthood. The song’s sparse instrumentation, consisting mainly of a melancholy piano melody and muted drums, creates a somber and reflective mood that perfectly matches the song’s lyrics.
The narrator speaks of feeling lost and directionless, unable to find fulfillment or satisfaction in his life, and asking “Are you satisfied?” As the song builds to its climactic chorus, the emotions become more raw and intense, with the narrator pleading for some kind of release or resolution. Despite the sadness of the song’s subject matter, there’s a sense of catharsis in the music, as if the act of expressing these feelings is itself a kind of healing.
Overall, “Unsatisfied” is a poignant and powerful reminder of the struggles that come with growing up and finding one’s place in the world, and a testament to the healing power of music.
7. Can’t Hardly Wait
“Can’t Hardly Wait” by The Replacements is a raucous and celebratory rock song that captures the feeling of youthful exuberance and excitement. The song’s driving guitar riff and pounding drums create a sense of energy and anticipation that perfectly matches the song’s lyrics, which speak of the thrill of being young and alive.
The narrator sings about being “up all night/I could sleep for a thousand years” and “waiting for her to come home,” conveying a sense of restless energy and anticipation. The song’s anthemic chorus, which repeats the line “I’ll be home, I’ll be beside the phone, waiting for you,” is a joyful declaration of love and devotion, and a reminder of the power of connection and community.
Overall, “Can’t Hardly Wait” is a powerful and uplifting tribute to the spirit of youth and the joy of being alive, and a testament to the transformative power of music.
8. Here Comes a Regular
“Here Comes a Regular” by The Replacements is a poignant and introspective ballad that captures the feeling of loneliness and alienation that can come with a life spent in bars and taverns. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar and plaintive vocals create a sense of melancholy and resignation that perfectly matches the song’s lyrics. The narrator sings of a man who spends his days and nights in a bar, drinking and socializing with other regulars, but ultimately feeling empty and unfulfilled.
As the song progresses, the emotions become more raw and intense, with the narrator singing “I used to live at home, now I stay at the house” and “they say you’re stuck in your ways, but I just think you’re afraid.” Despite the sadness of the song’s subject matter, there’s a sense of empathy and compassion in the music, as if the band is reaching out to those who feel lost and alone in the world.
Overall, “Here Comes a Regular” is a powerful and moving reminder of the human need for connection and purpose, and a testament to the power of music to provide comfort and solace in difficult times.
9. Answering Machine
“Answering Machine” by The Replacements is a witty and tongue-in-cheek rock song that captures the frustration and anxiety of leaving a message on someone’s answering machine. The song’s upbeat guitar riff and catchy melody create a sense of playful energy that perfectly matches the song’s lyrics, which speak of the awkwardness and uncertainty of modern communication. The narrator sings about the difficulty of leaving a message that’s neither too short nor too long, too serious nor too casual, and expresses his exasperation with the impersonal and artificial nature of answering machines.
As the song progresses, the emotions become more raw and intense, with the narrator lamenting “I’m sorry to have bothered you so late/ But I couldn’t wait till morning to say/ To say/ To say.” Despite the frustration of the song’s subject matter, there’s a sense of humor and lightness in the music, as if the band is gently poking fun at our modern-day anxieties.
Overall, “Answering Machine” is a clever and entertaining commentary on the challenges of communication in the digital age, and a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll to make us laugh and dance in spite of it all.
10.Kiss Me on the Bus
“Kiss Me on the Bus” by The Replacements is a lively and upbeat rock song that captures the excitement and thrill of young love. The song’s infectious guitar riff and driving drums create a sense of energy and urgency that perfectly matches the song’s lyrics, which speak of the desire to be close to someone and experience the thrill of a first kiss. The narrator sings about riding the bus with his love interest, and feeling the anticipation build as they get closer and closer to their destination.
As the song progresses, the emotions become more raw and intense, with the narrator pleading “Kiss me on the bus, kiss me on the bus/ If you knew how I felt now, you wouldn’t act so adult now.” Despite the nervousness and vulnerability of the song’s subject matter, there’s a sense of joy and celebration in the music, as if the band is reveling in the pure pleasure of being young and in love.
Overall, “Kiss Me on the Bus” is a fun and infectious rock song that captures the excitement and magic of falling in love for the first time, and a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll to capture the joys and sorrows of our lives.
Simon Robinson 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.
