The Sundays were a British indie pop band that emerged in the late 1980s and quickly gained a devoted following with their jangly guitars, dreamy vocals, and heartfelt lyrics. Led by the distinctive voice of Harriet Wheeler and the melodic guitar work of David Gavurin, the band’s music was a mix of shimmering pop hooks, introspective lyrics, and a touch of melancholy that spoke to a generation of listeners. Despite only releasing a handful of albums, The Sundays left an indelible mark on the indie music scene and their songs continue to resonate with fans today.
In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best songs by The Sundays, from their breakthrough hit “Here’s Where The Story Ends” to lesser-known gems like “Can’t Be Sure” and “Joy.” We’ll explore what makes these songs so special, from the catchy melodies to the evocative lyrics, and examine their place in the band’s discography and the wider indie pop canon. Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the world of The Sundays, this list is sure to be a rewarding journey through some of the best music of the era.
1. Can’t Be Sure (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, 1990)
“Can’t Be Sure” is a standout track from The Sundays’ debut album “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic,” released in 1990. The song begins with a shimmering guitar riff before Harriet Wheeler’s dreamy vocals come in, singing about the uncertainty of love and relationships. The track features jangly guitars, catchy hooks, and a driving rhythm section that perfectly captures the band’s signature sound. The lyrics are introspective and reflective, exploring the anxieties and doubts that come with falling in love. Overall, “Can’t Be Sure” is a quintessential example of The Sundays’ unique blend of indie pop, showcasing their ability to combine catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics that speak to the human experience.
2. Summertime (Static and Silence, 1997)
“Summertime” is a track from The Sundays’ third and final album, “Static and Silence,” released in 1997. The song begins with a mellow guitar intro that leads into Harriet Wheeler’s soft, emotive vocals, singing about the fleeting nature of summer and the passage of time. The track features a more subdued sound than some of the band’s earlier hits, with stripped-down instrumentation that allows the vocals to take center stage. The lyrics are wistful and nostalgic, conveying a sense of bittersweet longing for lost moments and memories. Overall, “Summertime” is a poignant and understated gem in The Sundays’ discography, demonstrating the band’s ability to evoke powerful emotions through subtle musical and lyrical touches.
3. Here’s Where The Story Ends (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, 1990)
“Here’s Where The Story Ends” is one of the most beloved tracks from The Sundays’ debut album “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic,” released in 1990. The song features a catchy guitar riff that immediately draws the listener in, with Harriet Wheeler’s dreamy vocals singing about the end of a relationship and the hope of moving on. The track is a perfect showcase for the band’s signature sound, with jangly guitars, pop hooks, and introspective lyrics that resonate with listeners. “Here’s Where The Story Ends” was a breakthrough hit for The Sundays, receiving heavy airplay on MTV and college radio stations and helping to establish the band as one of the leading lights of the burgeoning indie pop scene. To this day, the song remains a timeless classic, loved by fans for its irresistible melody and poignant lyrics.
4. Goodbye (Static and Silence, 1992)
“Goodbye” is a track from The Sundays’ second album, “Blind,” released in 1992. The song features a melancholic melody and ethereal vocals by Harriet Wheeler, singing about the pain of saying goodbye to someone you love. The track showcases the band’s ability to weave together introspective lyrics with catchy pop hooks and jangly guitars, creating a sound that is both emotionally resonant and musically infectious. “Goodbye” is a standout track on “Blind,” a critically acclaimed album that cemented The Sundays’ status as one of the most important indie pop bands of the era. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s ability to craft poignant, heartfelt music that speaks to the universal experience of love and loss.
5. You’re Not The Only One I Know (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, 1990)
“You’re Not The Only One I Know” is a track from The Sundays’ debut album “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic,” released in 1990. The song features a driving beat and a catchy guitar riff that provides the perfect backdrop for Harriet Wheeler’s honeyed vocals, singing about the complexities of young love. The lyrics are introspective and bittersweet, exploring the ups and downs of a romantic relationship with honesty and vulnerability. The track is a quintessential example of The Sundays’ signature sound, with infectious melodies and jangly guitars that perfectly capture the carefree spirit of indie pop. “You’re Not The Only One I Know” was a hit for the band, receiving heavy airplay on college radio stations and helping to establish The Sundays as one of the most exciting new acts on the indie scene. To this day, the song remains a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s ability to craft catchy, emotionally resonant music that speaks to listeners of all ages.
6. When I’m Thinking About You (Static and Silence, 1997)
“When I’m Thinking About You” is a track from The Sundays’ final album, “Static and Silence,” released in 1997. The song features a lush arrangement and Harriet Wheeler’s signature dreamy vocals, singing about the power of memory and the lingering feelings of a past relationship. The lyrics are wistful and nostalgic, with Wheeler’s vocals soaring over a bed of shimmering guitars and atmospheric synths. The track is a showcase for The Sundays’ ability to craft emotionally resonant music that speaks to the heart of the human experience. “When I’m Thinking About You” is a standout track on “Static and Silence,” a mature and reflective album that marked the end of The Sundays’ brief but brilliant career. The song remains a favorite among fans, a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their ability to create music that touches the soul.
7. Life and Soul (Blind, 1992)
“Life and Soul” is a track from The Sundays’ second album, “Blind,” released in 1992. The song features a driving beat and a catchy guitar riff that perfectly complement Harriet Wheeler’s airy vocals, singing about the joys of living life to the fullest. The lyrics are celebratory and uplifting, with Wheeler urging the listener to “take the reins and run” and “seize the day.” The track is a perfect example of The Sundays’ ability to combine introspective lyrics with infectious pop hooks, creating a sound that is both emotionally resonant and musically appealing. “Life and Soul” is a fan favorite and a standout track on “Blind,” an album that received critical acclaim for its sophisticated songwriting and lush production. The song remains a testament to The Sundays’ ability to create music that inspires and uplifts, and it continues to be a beloved part of the band’s extensive discography.
8. Skin and Bones (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, 1990)
“Skin and Bones” is a standout track from The Sundays’ debut album, “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic,” released in 1990. The song features Harriet Wheeler’s signature dreamy vocals and a driving rhythm section, with jangly guitars adding a touch of brightness to the mix. The lyrics are introspective and poetic, with Wheeler singing about the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of cherishing the present moment. The track is a showcase for The Sundays’ ability to create emotionally resonant music that speaks to the human experience, with Wheeler’s vocals soaring over the band’s lush instrumentation. “Skin and Bones” remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Sundays’ enduring legacy as one of the most talented and innovative bands of the ’90s.
9. Wild Horses (Blind, 1992)
“Wild Horses” is a cover of the classic Rolling Stones track, featured on The Sundays’ second album, “Blind,” released in 1992. The song features a stripped-down arrangement with Harriet Wheeler’s emotive vocals taking center stage, backed by delicate acoustic guitar and sparse percussion. The band’s interpretation of the song is haunting and poignant, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of vulnerability and melancholy. Wheeler’s vocals are full of yearning and longing, perfectly capturing the emotion of the song. The track has become a beloved part of The Sundays’ discography, showcasing the band’s ability to take a classic song and make it their own while staying true to its original spirit. “Wild Horses” remains a standout moment on “Blind,” an album that solidified The Sundays’ place as one of the most talented and innovative bands of the ’90s.
10. Your Eyes (Static and Silence, 1997)
“Your Eyes” is a dreamy and introspective track featured on The Sundays’ final album, “Static and Silence,” released in 1997. The song opens with a hypnotic guitar riff before Harriet Wheeler’s vocals enter, floating above the melody. The instrumentation is understated, allowing Wheeler’s voice to take center stage and convey the song’s emotional weight. The lyrics are introspective and contemplative, touching on themes of love, loss, and memory. The chorus is particularly affecting, with Wheeler singing, “And every day you come and find me / And say you’re not far behind me / And I know that I can’t tell you / I love your eyes.” The song’s ethereal quality and evocative lyrics make it a standout moment on the album, showcasing The Sundays’ ability to create deeply affecting and memorable music. “Your Eyes” is a fitting finale to The Sundays’ discography, a band that has left an indelible mark on the world of alternative rock.
Darren Jamison 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.
