Broken Bells is an American indie rock band consisting of musician and producer Brian Burton, better known by his stage name Danger Mouse, and lead vocalist and guitarist James Mercer, also the frontman of The Shins. The duo formed in 2009 and quickly gained critical acclaim for their unique blend of psychedelic rock, indie pop, and electronic music. With four studio albums under their belt, Broken Bells has become one of the most iconic and influential bands of the 21st century.
In this article, we will explore the Top 10 Best Broken Bells songs of all time, showcasing the band’s finest moments throughout their career. From the dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes of “The High Road” and “Vaporize” to the catchy pop hooks of “Holding on for Life” and “After the Disco,” we will delve deep into the band’s extensive discography and highlight the tracks that have made them a household name. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the band’s music, this list is sure to introduce you to some of the best Broken Bells songs of all time.
10. The Ghost Inside
“The Ghost Inside” is a haunting and atmospheric track from Broken Bells’ debut self-titled album. The song’s moody, slow-burning melody is anchored by James Mercer’s soaring vocals and Danger Mouse’s intricate instrumentation, which layers synths, strings, and percussion to create a lush and hypnotic soundscape. The lyrics tell a poignant story of lost love and longing, as Mercer sings of a ghostly figure who haunts his thoughts and memories. The song’s haunting chorus, “I’m not the same man I was before,” echoes throughout the track, underscoring the theme of transformation and growth. “The Ghost Inside” is a standout track on Broken Bells’ debut album and showcases the band’s unique blend of indie rock, pop, and electronic music. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics have resonated with fans around the world, cementing its place as one of the band’s most beloved songs.
9. Control
“Control” is an electrifying track from Broken Bells’ sophomore album, “After the Disco.” The song’s pulsing rhythm and catchy guitar riffs are anchored by James Mercer’s soaring vocals, which tell a story of desperation and surrender in the face of overwhelming forces. The chorus, with its refrain of “I cannot control myself,” captures the song’s central theme of loss of agency and the struggle to maintain control in an unpredictable world. The track features a driving beat and dynamic instrumentation, with Danger Mouse’s production adding layers of electronic flourishes and atmospheric textures. “Control” is a standout track on “After the Disco,” showcasing the band’s ability to fuse elements of rock, pop, and electronic music into a seamless and compelling whole. The song’s infectious energy and powerful message have resonated with fans around the world, solidifying its place as one of Broken Bells’ most beloved tracks.
8. Vaporize
“Vaporize” is a dreamy and ethereal track from Broken Bells’ debut self-titled album. The song’s hazy melody and James Mercer’s haunting vocals create a dreamlike atmosphere, with Danger Mouse’s production adding layers of electronic flourishes and atmospheric textures to the mix. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, with Mercer singing of memories that “vaporize” and slip away like smoke. The chorus, with its soaring harmonies and shimmering instrumentation, captures the song’s sense of wistful yearning and bittersweet beauty. “Vaporize” is a standout track on Broken Bells’ debut album, showcasing the band’s ability to create immersive and evocative soundscapes. Its dreamy melody and poignant lyrics have resonated with fans around the world, cementing its place as one of the band’s most beloved songs.
7. October
“October” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Broken Bells’ third studio album, “After the Disco.” The song features James Mercer’s signature soaring vocals, which are set against a backdrop of atmospheric synths and lush instrumentation. The lyrics speak of the passing of time and the bittersweet memories that come with it, with Mercer singing of “October days that bring me back to you.” The chorus, with its soaring harmonies and dynamic instrumentation, captures the song’s sense of nostalgia and yearning. “October” is a standout track on “After the Disco,” showcasing the band’s ability to blend elements of indie rock, pop, and electronic music into a seamless and captivating whole. The song’s evocative melody and poignant lyrics have resonated with fans around the world, cementing its place as one of Broken Bells’ most beloved tracks.
6. After the Disco
“After the Disco” is the title track from Broken Bells’ second studio album, and it’s a mesmerizing fusion of disco, funk, and dream pop. The song features a funky bassline, catchy guitar riffs, and lush synths that create a hypnotic and danceable groove. James Mercer’s smooth vocals complement the upbeat instrumentation, with the lyrics exploring the aftermath of a night out on the town. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “after the disco,” captures the song’s theme of coming down from a high and facing the reality of everyday life. “After the Disco” is a standout track on the album, showcasing the band’s ability to experiment with different genres and sounds while maintaining their signature sound. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy chorus have made it a fan favorite and a staple in the band’s live performances.
5. Shelter
“Shelter” is a beautifully melancholic track from Broken Bells’ third studio album, “After the Disco.” The song features James Mercer’s emotive vocals set against a backdrop of atmospheric synths, soaring strings, and haunting piano chords. The lyrics speak of seeking refuge and comfort in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, with Mercer singing, “In the shelter of your heart, where the world cannot intrude.” The chorus, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, captures the song’s sense of longing and vulnerability. “Shelter” is a standout track on the album, showcasing the band’s ability to create lush and evocative soundscapes. The song’s powerful message and poignant melody have resonated with fans around the world, cementing its place as one of Broken Bells’ most beloved tracks.
4. Holding On for Life
“Holding On for Life” is an upbeat and catchy track from Broken Bells’ second studio album, “After the Disco.” The song features a driving beat, pulsing synths, and a funky bassline, creating a danceable and energetic groove. James Mercer’s smooth vocals complement the upbeat instrumentation, with the lyrics exploring the struggles of maintaining a relationship in the face of adversity. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “holding on for life,” captures the song’s theme of perseverance and determination. “Holding On for Life” is a standout track on the album, showcasing the band’s ability to infuse elements of disco and funk into their signature indie rock sound. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy chorus have made it a fan favorite and a hit on the charts, solidifying its place as one of Broken Bells’ most popular tracks.
3. Leave It Alone
“Leave It Alone” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Broken Bells’ second studio album, “After the Disco.” The song features James Mercer’s emotive vocals set against a backdrop of atmospheric synths and ethereal guitars, creating a dreamlike and immersive atmosphere. The lyrics speak of the pain of letting go and moving on, with Mercer singing, “Leave it alone, it’s time to let it go.” The chorus, with its soaring harmonies and dynamic instrumentation, captures the song’s sense of loss and acceptance. “Leave It Alone” is a standout track on the album, showcasing the band’s ability to create introspective and evocative soundscapes. The song’s poignant lyrics and haunting melody have resonated with fans around the world, cementing its place as one of Broken Bells’ most beloved tracks.
2. Good Luck
“Good Luck” is a mesmerizing track from Broken Bells’ third studio album, “After the Disco.” The song features a slow-burning melody, with James Mercer’s emotive vocals set against a backdrop of atmospheric synths and intricate guitar work. The lyrics speak of the fragility of relationships and the pain of saying goodbye, with Mercer singing, “Good luck, it’s gonna break your heart.” The chorus, with its haunting harmonies and dreamy instrumentation, captures the song’s sense of melancholy and longing. “Good Luck” is a standout track on the album, showcasing the band’s ability to create immersive and evocative soundscapes. The song’s emotional depth and haunting melody have resonated with fans around the world, cementing its place as one of Broken Bells’ most beloved tracks.
1. The High Road
“The High Road” is an iconic track from Broken Bells’ debut self-titled album and is often regarded as one of the band’s most popular songs. The song features a catchy guitar riff and a driving beat, with James Mercer’s signature vocals soaring over the upbeat instrumentation. The lyrics explore themes of self-discovery and taking control of one’s life, with Mercer singing, “We’ll take the high road, and I’ll take the low road.” The chorus, with its infectious melody and sing-along lyrics, captures the song’s sense of optimism and determination. “The High Road” is a standout track on the album, showcasing the band’s ability to blend elements of rock, pop, and electronic music into a seamless and captivating whole. Its catchy chorus and energetic rhythm have made it a fan favorite and a staple in the band’s live performances.
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.
