Ben Howard is an English singer-songwriter known for his unique style of folk-inspired music that incorporates elements of rock, pop, and indie. With his soulful vocals, intricate guitar work, and poignant lyrics, Howard has won over fans all around the world. His music is both deeply personal and universally relatable, exploring themes of love, loss, nature, and the human experience. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the Top 10 Best Ben Howard Songs of All Time, exploring the stories behind each track, the emotions they evoke, and the impact they have had on fans and the music industry as a whole. From his early work on “Every Kingdom” to his latest album “Collections From the Whiteout”, we will highlight the very best of Ben Howard’s discography, showcasing his talent, versatility, and artistry. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to Howard’s music, join us on this journey through his Top 10 Best Songs and discover the magic and wonder of one of the most talented artists of our time.
10. Oats In the Water
“Oats in the Water” is a hauntingly beautiful track by Ben Howard that was released in 2013. The song showcases Howard’s mesmerizing voice, which is coupled with a simple yet powerful guitar riff that creates a sense of introspection and contemplation. The lyrics describe a sense of hopelessness and the feeling of being stuck in a difficult situation, with the metaphor of oats in the water suggesting the weight of burdens that we carry in life. The song’s music video features a lone figure braving the ocean, adding to the song’s sense of isolation and struggle.
9. Black Flies
“Black Flies” is a captivating track from Ben Howard’s 2011 debut album “Every Kingdom”. The song’s melancholic melody is built around Howard’s acoustic guitar and layered with ethereal harmonies, creating an atmospheric soundscape. The lyrics describe the narrator’s journey through life, grappling with the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of time. The metaphor of black flies is used to represent the thoughts and doubts that buzz around in our minds, causing anxiety and distraction. The song’s chorus is particularly poignant, as Howard sings about the struggle to find meaning in life despite the inevitable darkness that surrounds us.
8. The Fear
“The Fear” is a thought-provoking song from Ben Howard’s 2011 album “Every Kingdom”. The song’s upbeat tempo is juxtaposed with its lyrics, which describe the narrator’s internal battle with anxiety and the fear of failure. The song features Howard’s signature fingerpicking style on his acoustic guitar and a catchy chorus that is impossible not to sing along to. The lyrics are relatable, with Howard expressing the doubts and fears that we all experience at some point in our lives. The song’s music video features Howard performing in a room that gradually fills up with water, adding to the song’s sense of suffocation and unease.
7. Promise
“Promise” is a beautiful and moving track from Ben Howard’s 2011 debut album “Every Kingdom”. The song’s gentle guitar melody and soft vocals create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The lyrics describe the narrator’s longing for someone who has left, with the promise of returning someday. The song’s chorus is particularly poignant, with Howard singing about the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. The song’s music video features Howard performing in a beautiful, misty landscape, adding to the song’s sense of longing and nostalgia.
6. Everything
“Everything” is a heartfelt and emotional track from Ben Howard’s 2018 album “Noonday Dream”. The song’s haunting melody and sparse instrumentation create a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The lyrics describe the narrator’s search for meaning in life, grappling with the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of time. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Howard singing about the beauty and fragility of life. The song’s music video features Howard performing in a desert landscape, with stunning visuals that capture the song’s sense of isolation and wonder.
5. The Wolves
“The Wolves” is a standout track from Ben Howard’s debut album “Every Kingdom”. The song’s driving rhythm and powerful guitar riffs create a sense of urgency and passion. The lyrics describe the narrator’s journey through life, facing challenges and obstacles along the way. The metaphor of wolves is used to represent the fears and doubts that can consume us, with the chorus urging us to face our fears head-on. The song’s music video features Howard performing in a forest, surrounded by nature, adding to the song’s sense of wildness and liberation.
4. Diamonds
“Diamonds” is a captivating track from Ben Howard’s 2014 album “I Forget Where We Were”. The song’s atmospheric soundscapes and intricate guitar work create a sense of depth and complexity. The lyrics describe the narrator’s struggle to move on from a past relationship, with the metaphor of diamonds used to represent the beauty and pain of memories. The song’s chorus is particularly powerful, with Howard singing about the bittersweet nature of letting go. The song’s music video features stunning visuals of the natural world, adding to the song’s sense of beauty and wonder.
3. Depth Over Distance
“Depth Over Distance” is a beautiful and poignant track from Ben Howard’s debut album “Every Kingdom”. The song’s gentle guitar melody and soft vocals create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The lyrics describe the narrator’s deep love for someone, with the chorus urging us to choose connection over isolation. The song’s music video features Howard performing in a stunning natural landscape, adding to the song’s sense of wonder and beauty.
2. Only Love
“Only Love” is a powerful and uplifting track from Ben Howard’s debut album “Every Kingdom”. The song’s driving rhythm and soaring vocals create a sense of hope and optimism. The lyrics describe the narrator’s search for love and connection, with the chorus urging us to embrace the power of love to heal and transform. The song’s music video features Howard performing in a beautiful, misty landscape, adding to the song’s sense of magic and wonder.
1. Old Pine
“Old Pine” is a stunning track from Ben Howard’s debut album “Every Kingdom”. The song’s gentle guitar melody and soft vocals create a sense of intimacy and nostalgia. The lyrics describe the beauty and wonder of nature, with the chorus urging us to appreciate the simple things in life. The song’s music video features Howard performing in a natural setting, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. Overall, “Old Pine” is a beautiful and poetic ode to the beauty of life and nature.
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.
