The Shins are an American indie rock band formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1996. Led by singer-songwriter James Mercer, the band has become one of the most beloved and influential indie acts of the past two decades. Known for their clever lyrics, melodic hooks, and jangly guitar-driven sound, The Shins have captivated fans around the world with their unique blend of pop and rock sensibilities.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the 10 best The Shins songs of all time. These songs represent the pinnacle of the band’s discography, showcasing their ability to craft memorable melodies and poignant lyrics that stay with listeners long after the music has ended.
From the wistful nostalgia of “New Slang” to the infectious energy of “Australia,” the songs on this list are all masterpieces in their own right, each one showcasing The Shins’ unique sound and songwriting talents. Through their music, The Shins have captured the essence of indie rock, infusing their songs with a sense of earnestness and vulnerability that resonates with fans of all ages.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The Shins or a newcomer to their music, this list is sure to offer something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the world of The Shins as we count down the 10 best songs of their illustrious career.
1. “New Slang” (from Oh, Inverted World, 2001)
The Shins’ “New Slang” is a dreamy indie-pop track that features frontman James Mercer’s distinctive vocals and introspective lyrics. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar and simple, understated instrumentation create a nostalgic, wistful atmosphere, while Mercer’s lyrics describe a longing for connection and understanding. The chorus, with its catchy melody and memorable lyrics (“Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth, only I don’t know how they got out”), has become a beloved anthem for indie music fans, and the track remains one of The Shins’ most enduring and beloved songs. “New Slang” is a classic of the indie-pop genre, and a testament to Mercer’s songwriting talents.
2. “Saint Simon” (from Chutes Too Narrow, 2003)
“Saint Simon” is a standout track from The Shins’ second album, “Chutes Too Narrow.” The song features a shimmering, acoustic guitar riff that underpins James Mercer’s distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics. The song’s melody is both catchy and contemplative, capturing the sense of longing and uncertainty that characterizes much of The Shins’ music. “Saint Simon” showcases the band’s gift for crafting memorable, indie-pop songs that are both introspective and accessible. The song has become a fan favorite over the years and is a testament to The Shins’ enduring appeal as one of the most important indie rock bands of their generation.
3. “Caring Is Creepy” (from Oh, Inverted World, 2001)
The Shins’ “Caring Is Creepy” is an indie-pop gem that showcases frontman James Mercer’s knack for crafting catchy melodies and insightful lyrics. The song features a playful, off-kilter guitar riff that underpins Mercer’s distinctive vocals, which alternate between wistful crooning and raw, emotive wailing. The lyrics, which touch on themes of isolation and anxiety, are delivered with a sense of detached irony, creating a sense of tension and unease that is characteristic of The Shins’ best work. “Caring Is Creepy” is a standout track from the band’s debut album, and remains a beloved classic of the indie-pop genre.
4. “Turn On Me” (from Wincing the Night Away, 2007)
“Turn On Me” is a standout track from The Shins’ third album, “Wincing the Night Away.” The song features a catchy, upbeat melody that contrasts with the darker, introspective lyrics. James Mercer’s vocals are particularly strong on this track, conveying a sense of vulnerability and longing that is characteristic of The Shins’ music. The song’s driving rhythm and soaring guitar lines give it a sense of urgency and energy that is infectious. “Turn On Me” is a testament to The Shins’ ability to create memorable indie-pop songs that are both introspective and accessible, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
5. “Know Your Onion!,” (from Oh, Inverted World, 2001)
“Know Your Onion!” is a standout track from The Shins’ debut album, Oh, Inverted World. The song is driven by a propulsive, angular guitar riff that sets the tone for frontman James Mercer’s distinctive vocals, which alternate between wistful crooning and forceful shouting. The lyrics are cryptic and surreal, with Mercer using wordplay and metaphor to convey a sense of disorientation and confusion. The song’s infectious energy and memorable chorus (“You gotta know your onion!”) have made it a fan favorite and a staple of The Shins’ live shows. “Know Your Onion!” is a prime example of The Shins’ unique blend of indie-pop hooks and introspective lyricism.
6. “Kissing The Lipless” (from Chutes Too Narrow, 2003)
“Kissing The Lipless” is an upbeat indie rock song by The Shins from their 2003 album “Chutes Too Narrow”. The track features dynamic and jangly guitar riffs complemented by bouncy drums, creating a catchy and upbeat melody that will stick with you long after the song ends. Lyrically, the song explores themes of love and heartbreak, with frontman James Mercer’s signature introspective and poetic style shining through. The chorus, “I know that you’re gonna miss me when I’m gone”, is particularly memorable and relatable. Overall, “Kissing The Lipless” is a quintessential example of The Shins’ indie pop rock sound and songwriting prowess.
7. “Girl Inform Me” (from Oh, Inverted World, 2001)
“Girl Inform Me” is a standout track from The Shins’ debut album, “Oh, Inverted World.” The song features a jangly, guitar-driven melody that is both catchy and upbeat. James Mercer’s vocals are particularly strong on this track, conveying a sense of urgency and desire that is characteristic of The Shins’ music. The song’s lyrics tell a story of unrequited love, with Mercer imploring a mutual friend to pass on a message to the object of his affection. “Girl Inform Me” is a prime example of The Shins’ ability to craft memorable, indie-pop songs that are both relatable and infectious.
8. “Fighting In A Sack” (from Chutes Too Narrow, 2003)
“Fighting In A Sack” is a standout track from The Shins’ sophomore album, Chutes Too Narrow. The song features a jaunty, upbeat melody that belies the darker themes of the lyrics, which touch on issues of identity, self-doubt, and social conformity. Frontman James Mercer’s vocals are delivered with a sense of urgency and desperation, adding emotional weight to lines like “What will become of us all if we never learn to say no?” The song’s dynamic arrangement, with its layered instrumentation and dynamic shifts in tempo and tone, make it a standout in The Shins’ catalog. “Fighting In A Sack” is a testament to Mercer’s songwriting prowess and the band’s ability to infuse their indie-pop sound with complex emotional and thematic depth.
9. “Simple Song” (from Port Of Morrow, 2012)
“Simple Song” is the lead single from The Shins’ fourth album, Port of Morrow, and is a prime example of the band’s skill at crafting infectious indie-pop anthems. The song opens with a gentle, finger-picked guitar riff that builds gradually to a soaring, anthemic chorus, propelled by a driving drumbeat and layers of lush instrumentation. Frontman James Mercer’s vocals are delivered with a sense of urgency and emotion, as he sings of the power of love to overcome life’s challenges. “Simple Song” is a heartfelt and triumphant track that showcases The Shins’ ability to create soaring, memorable indie-pop hits.
10. “Sphagnum Esplanade” (from “New Slang” 7″, 2001)
“Sphagnum Esplanade” is a B-side track from The Shins’ “New Slang” 7″ single, and showcases the band’s penchant for crafting whimsical, psychedelic pop songs. The song’s dreamy, atmospheric sound is anchored by a propulsive drumbeat and intricate guitar work, with frontman James Mercer’s vocals floating ethereally over the top. The lyrics are cryptic and poetic, with lines like “A table set for just us two, with tangerine and silver hue” evoking a sense of otherworldly beauty. “Sphagnum Esplanade” is a lesser-known gem in The Shins’ catalog, but it exemplifies the band’s ability to create lush, imaginative pop soundscapes.
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.
