Mitski Miyawaki, known mononymously as Mitski, is a Japanese-American singer-songwriter who has gained a cult following since her debut in 2012. Her music is known for its emotional honesty, poetic lyrics, and a willingness to tackle difficult subjects such as mental health and relationships. With five critically acclaimed albums under her belt, Mitski has become a favorite among indie music lovers and has solidified herself as one of the most unique voices in contemporary music.
In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best Mitski songs of all time. From her early lo-fi ballads to her more recent polished productions, we will explore the songs that have captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. Whether you’re a die-hard Mitski fan or a newcomer to her music, this list is sure to give you a glimpse into the raw and vulnerable world of one of the most talented singer-songwriters of our time. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the top 10 best Mitski songs of all time.
10. I Bet On Losing Dogs
“I Bet on Losing Dogs” is a haunting ballad from Mitski’s 2014 album “Bury Me at Makeout Creek”. The song explores the themes of anxiety, self-doubt, and the fear of failure. Mitski’s evocative lyrics and intimate vocals create a sense of vulnerability that draws the listener in and leaves them feeling raw and exposed. The sparse instrumentation, consisting of a guitar and drums, accentuates the song’s melancholic tone and adds to its emotional depth. With lines like “I dreamt of a silver dog that licked your face,” Mitski creates vivid imagery that speaks to the heart of the listener. “I Bet on Losing Dogs” is a standout track on an already impressive album, and it’s no wonder why it has become a fan favorite over the years. This song is a testament to Mitski’s ability to create poignant and thought-provoking music that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level.
9. A Pearl
“A Pearl” is a captivating track from Mitski’s 2018 album “Be the Cowboy”. The song’s driving beat and Mitski’s emotive vocals create a sense of urgency and longing that is impossible to ignore. The lyrics, which speak to the complexities of love and relationships, are delivered with a rawness and honesty that is characteristic of Mitski’s style. The song builds to a cathartic climax with the repeated refrain, “I fell in love with a war,” which showcases Mitski’s powerful vocal range and ability to evoke intense emotions in her listeners. “A Pearl” has become one of Mitski’s most popular songs, with its evocative lyrics and catchy melody resonating with fans around the world. This track is a perfect example of Mitski’s ability to blend vulnerability with strength, creating music that is both emotionally powerful and musically captivating.
8. First Love / Late Spring
“First Love / Late Spring” is a standout track from Mitski’s 2014 album “Bury Me at Makeout Creek”. The song’s sparse instrumentation, consisting of a simple guitar melody and Mitski’s emotive vocals, creates an intimate and vulnerable atmosphere that draws the listener in. The lyrics, which speak to the pain of unrequited love and the fear of abandonment, are delivered with a rawness and sincerity that is characteristic of Mitski’s style. The song builds to a cathartic crescendo with the repeated refrain, “Please don’t say you love me, because I might not say it back,” showcasing Mitski’s powerful vocal range and ability to convey complex emotions through her music. “First Love / Late Spring” has become a fan favorite over the years, with its honest lyrics and haunting melody resonating with listeners around the world. This track is a perfect example of Mitski’s ability to create emotionally charged music that speaks to the heart of the listener.
7. Love Me More
“Love Me More” is a dynamic and catchy track from Mitski’s 2016 album “Puberty 2”. The song’s driving beat and Mitski’s emotive vocals create a sense of urgency and desperation that is impossible to ignore. The lyrics, which speak to the insecurities and anxieties of modern life, are delivered with a rawness and honesty that is characteristic of Mitski’s style. The chorus, with its repeated plea of “Love me, love me, love me, I’m a stranger,” showcases Mitski’s ability to write lyrics that are both relatable and deeply personal. The song’s infectious melody and catchy hook have made it a fan favorite over the years, and it’s no wonder why. “Love Me More” is a perfect example of Mitski’s ability to create music that is both emotionally powerful and musically engaging, leaving a lasting impact on the listener long after the song has ended.
6. Townie
“Townie” is an energetic and rebellious track from Mitski’s 2014 album “Bury Me at Makeout Creek”. The song’s driving beat and Mitski’s powerful vocals create a sense of urgency and defiance that is impossible to ignore. The lyrics, which speak to the frustrations and limitations of small-town life, are delivered with a rawness and honesty that is characteristic of Mitski’s style. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I want a love that falls as fast as a body from the balcony,” showcases Mitski’s ability to write lyrics that are both poetic and relatable. The song’s punk-inspired sound and rebellious spirit have made it a fan favorite over the years, and it’s no wonder why. “Townie” is a perfect example of Mitski’s ability to infuse her music with raw energy and emotion, leaving a lasting impact on the listener long after the song has ended.
5. Francis Forever
“Francis Forever” is a beautiful and melancholic track from Mitski’s 2014 album “Bury Me at Makeout Creek”. The song’s soft guitar melody and Mitski’s emotive vocals create an intimate and vulnerable atmosphere that draws the listener in. The lyrics, which speak to the pain of unrequited love and the fear of rejection, are delivered with a rawness and sincerity that is characteristic of Mitski’s style. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I don’t want your pity, I just want somebody near,” showcases Mitski’s ability to write lyrics that are both poetic and deeply personal. The song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics have made it a fan favorite over the years, and it’s no wonder why. “Francis Forever” is a perfect example of Mitski’s ability to create emotionally charged music that speaks to the heart of the listener, leaving a lasting impact long after the song has ended.
4. Two Slow Dancers
“Two Slow Dancers” is a stunning ballad from Mitski’s 2018 album “Be the Cowboy”. The song’s slow and waltz-like melody, accompanied by piano and strings, creates a dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere that perfectly complements Mitski’s emotive vocals. The lyrics, which speak to the bittersweet nostalgia of looking back on a past love, are delivered with a poignancy and honesty that is characteristic of Mitski’s style. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “It would be a hundred times easier if we were young again,” showcases Mitski’s ability to write lyrics that are both heart-wrenching and relatable. The song’s powerful emotional impact has made it a fan favorite over the years, and it’s no wonder why. “Two Slow Dancers” is a perfect example of Mitski’s ability to create music that is both emotionally powerful and musically stunning, leaving a lasting impact on the listener long after the song has ended.
3. Strawberry Blond
“Strawberry Blond” is a haunting and ethereal track from Mitski’s 2013 album “Retired from Sad, New Career in Business”. The song’s slow and dreamy melody, accompanied by a simple guitar and piano, creates a sense of otherworldliness and introspection that perfectly complements Mitski’s emotive vocals. The lyrics, which speak to the complexities of relationships and the struggle to let go, are delivered with a rawness and honesty that is characteristic of Mitski’s style. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I’ll love you till my breathing stops, I’ll love you till you call the cops on me,” showcases Mitski’s ability to write lyrics that are both poetic and emotionally charged. The song’s eerie yet beautiful sound has made it a fan favorite over the years, and it’s no wonder why. “Strawberry Blond” is a perfect example of Mitski’s ability to create music that is both haunting and enchanting, leaving a lasting impact on the listener long after the song has ended.
2. Your Best American Girl
“Your Best American Girl” is a powerful and anthemic track from Mitski’s 2016 album “Puberty 2”. The song’s driving beat and Mitski’s emotive vocals create a sense of urgency and defiance that is impossible to ignore. The lyrics, which speak to the struggles of cultural identity and the fear of not belonging, are delivered with a rawness and sincerity that is characteristic of Mitski’s style. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Your mother wouldn’t approve of how my mother raised me, but I do, I finally do,” showcases Mitski’s ability to write lyrics that are both personal and universal. The song’s explosive guitar riff and Mitski’s fierce delivery have made it a fan favorite over the years, and it’s no wonder why. “Your Best American Girl” is a perfect example of Mitski’s ability to create music that is both emotionally charged and musically engaging, leaving a lasting impact on the listener long after the song has ended.
1. Nobody
“Nobody” is a mesmerizing and intimate track from Mitski’s 2018 album “Be the Cowboy”. The song’s disco-inspired beat and Mitski’s emotive vocals create a sense of vulnerability and loneliness that is impossible to ignore. The lyrics, which speak to the struggles of isolation and the search for connection, are delivered with a rawness and honesty that is characteristic of Mitski’s style. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Nobody, nobody, nobody,” showcases Mitski’s ability to write lyrics that are both simple and powerful. The song’s dreamy and surreal sound has made it a fan favorite over the years, and it’s no wonder why. “Nobody” is a perfect example of Mitski’s ability to create music that is both emotionally powerful and musically innovative, leaving a lasting impact on the listener long after the song has ended. It is no surprise that “Nobody” has been hailed as one of the best songs of the 21st century, solidifying Mitski’s place as one of the most talented and unique voices in contemporary music.
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.
