Cigarettes After Sex is a dream pop band that has captivated audiences worldwide with their ethereal and haunting sound. Known for their slow-burning ballads, delicate instrumentation, and the mesmerizing vocals of frontman Greg Gonzalez, the band has amassed a loyal following since their inception in 2008. With three studio albums and a string of EPs under their belt, Cigarettes After Sex has produced a remarkable body of work that’s both emotionally resonant and musically captivating. In this article, we explore the top 10 best Cigarettes After Sex songs of all time. From their dreamy debut album to their more recent releases, we take a closer look at the band’s most memorable tracks, examining their lyrical depth, musical arrangements, and overall impact. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the band’s sound, this list is sure to provide a glimpse into the unique and captivating world of Cigarettes After Sex.
1. Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby
“Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” by Cigarettes After Sex is a dreamy, slow-burning ballad that’s both melancholic and romantic. With its haunting melody and lead singer Greg Gonzalez’s ethereal vocals, the song transports listeners to a hazy, nostalgic world where heartbreak and hope mingle. The lyrics, which speak of enduring love and the promise of protection, are both poetic and simple, conveying a sense of emotional vulnerability and sincerity. The song’s sparse instrumentation, featuring gentle guitar strums, understated drums, and subtle synths, perfectly complements the intimate and introspective mood of the piece, allowing Gonzalez’s voice to take center stage. Overall, “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” is a stunning example of Cigarettes After Sex’s signature sound, which combines elements of shoegaze, ambient, and slowcore into a unique and captivating musical experience.
2. Apocalypse
“Apocalypse” is a haunting and atmospheric track from Cigarettes After Sex’s debut album. The song features the band’s trademark dreamy guitar sound, paired with frontman Greg Gonzalez’s crooning vocals. The lyrics, which speak of the end of the world and the longing for a lost love, create a sense of melancholy and despair that’s both poetic and relatable. The instrumentation, which includes sparse drums, atmospheric synths, and haunting background vocals, perfectly complements the song’s apocalyptic mood, building to a climactic finish that’s both haunting and cathartic. Overall, “Apocalypse” is a stunning example of Cigarettes After Sex’s unique blend of dream pop and slowcore, and showcases their ability to create immersive and emotionally resonant music.
3. Sweet
“Sweet” is a gentle and romantic track from Cigarettes After Sex’s second album. The song features a simple yet evocative melody, with frontman Greg Gonzalez’s vocals taking center stage. The lyrics, which speak of a deep and enduring love, are both tender and heartfelt, conveying a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The instrumentation, which includes gentle guitar strums and subtle synths, perfectly complements the song’s introspective and introspective mood, creating a warm and enveloping atmosphere. Overall, “Sweet” is a beautiful and affecting example of Cigarettes After Sex’s ability to craft intimate and emotionally resonant music.
4. Heavenly
“Heavenly” is a slow-burning and atmospheric track from Cigarettes After Sex’s self-titled debut album. The song features the band’s signature dreamy guitar sound, paired with frontman Greg Gonzalez’s crooning vocals. The lyrics, which speak of a transformative love that transports the narrator to a heavenly realm, are both poetic and sensual, creating a sense of intimacy and longing. The instrumentation, which includes sparse drums, subtle synths, and haunting background vocals, perfectly complements the song’s ethereal and introspective mood, building to a climax that’s both dreamy and cathartic. Overall, “Heavenly” is a stunning example of Cigarettes After Sex’s ability to create immersive and emotionally resonant music.
5. Keep On Loving You
“Keep On Loving You” is a cover of the classic REO Speedwagon song, reimagined by Cigarettes After Sex in their signature dream pop style. The song features the band’s trademark dreamy guitar sound, paired with frontman Greg Gonzalez’s crooning vocals. The lyrics, which speak of a steadfast and enduring love, are both timeless and romantic, creating a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The instrumentation, which includes sparse drums, subtle synths, and gentle guitar strums, perfectly complements the song’s intimate and introspective mood, creating a warm and enveloping atmosphere. Overall, “Keep On Loving You” is a beautiful.
6. K.
“K.” is a beautiful and introspective track from Cigarettes After Sex’s self-titled debut album. The song features the band’s signature dreamy guitar sound, paired with frontman Greg Gonzalez’s crooning vocals. The lyrics, which speak of a relationship that’s on the verge of falling apart, are both poetic and relatable, creating a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth. The instrumentation, which includes subtle synths, understated drums, and haunting background vocals, perfectly complements the song’s introspective and introspective mood, building to a climax that’s both haunting and cathartic. Overall, “K.” is a stunning example of Cigarettes After Sex’s ability to create immersive and emotionally resonant music.
7. Don’t Let Me Go
“Don’t Let Me Go” is a heartfelt and romantic track from Cigarettes After Sex’s second album. The song features a gentle and evocative melody, with frontman Greg Gonzalez’s vocals taking center stage. The lyrics, which speak of the fear of losing a loved one, are both tender and poignant, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The instrumentation, which includes gentle guitar strums and subtle synths, perfectly complements the song’s introspective and introspective mood, creating a warm and enveloping atmosphere. Overall, “Don’t Let Me Go” is a beautiful and affecting example of Cigarettes After Sex’s ability to craft intimate and emotionally resonant music.
8. Crush
“Crush” is a sultry and hypnotic track from Cigarettes After Sex’s self-titled debut album. The song features a slow and seductive melody, with frontman Greg Gonzalez’s vocals exuding sensuality and longing. The lyrics, which speak of a passionate and intense attraction, are both poetic and intimate, creating a sense of desire and vulnerability. The instrumentation, which includes moody guitar riffs and haunting background vocals, perfectly complements the song’s dark and seductive mood, creating an immersive and captivating atmosphere. Overall, “Crush” is a stunning example of Cigarettes After Sex’s ability to create sultry and mesmerizing music.
9. Sunsetz
“Sunsetz” is a dreamy and atmospheric track from Cigarettes After Sex’s self-titled debut album. The song features the band’s signature dreamy guitar sound, paired with frontman Greg Gonzalez’s crooning vocals. The lyrics, which speak of a fleeting moment of beauty and tranquility, are both poetic and nostalgic, creating a sense of longing and wistfulness. The instrumentation, which includes subtle synths, sparse drums, and haunting background vocals, perfectly complements the song’s introspective and introspective mood, building to a climax that’s both haunting and cathartic. Overall, “Sunsetz” is a stunning example of Cigarettes After Sex’s ability to create immersive and emotionally resonant music.
10. I’m A Firefighter
“I’m A Firefighter” is a poignant and introspective track from Cigarettes After Sex’s second album. The song features a gentle and evocative melody, with frontman Greg Gonzalez’s vocals taking center stage. The lyrics, which speak of a desire to protect and save others, are both tender and sincere, creating a sense of empathy and emotional depth. The instrumentation, which includes sparse drums, subtle synths, and gentle guitar strums, perfectly complements the song’s introspective and introspective mood, creating a warm and enveloping atmosphere. Overall, “I’m A Firefighter” is a beautiful and affecting example of Cigarettes After Sex’s ability to craft intimate and emotionally resonant music.