Passion Pit is an American indie pop band formed in 2007 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The band consists of lead vocalist and songwriter Michael Angelakos, keyboardist Ian Hultquist, bassist Jeff Apruzzese, drummer Nate Donmoyer, and guitarist Chris Hartz. Their debut album, “Manners,” was released in 2009 and featured the hit singles “Sleepyhead” and “The Reeling.” The album received critical acclaim and helped establish Passion Pit as a prominent figure in the indie pop scene.
Passion Pit’s music is characterized by catchy pop hooks, energetic beats, and Angelakos’ distinctive falsetto vocals. The band has been praised for their upbeat and uplifting sound, which often masks darker and more introspective lyrics. Their music draws influences from a wide range of genres, including electronic, rock, and R&B.
Despite their success, Passion Pit has also struggled with mental health issues, including Angelakos’ bipolar disorder. The band has been vocal about their experiences and has used their platform to advocate for greater understanding and support for mental health.
Passion Pit has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Gossamer” and “Kindred,” and continues to tour and perform. Their music remains a beloved staple of the indie pop genre and a symbol of the power of music to uplift and inspire.
10. It’s Not My Fault, I’m Happy
“It’s Not My Fault, I’m Happy” is an upbeat indie pop track by Passion Pit from their 2012 album “Gossamer”. The song features lively synths, driving beats, and Michael Angelakos’ signature falsetto vocals. The lyrics describe the feeling of being misunderstood and judged by others, with Angelakos singing lines such as “All of my friends say I should move on, she’s just another girl, don’t let her stick it to your heart so hard”. “It’s Not My Fault, I’m Happy” is a fan favorite and a showcase of Passion Pit’s ability to create uplifting and catchy pop songs with a deeper emotional undercurrent.
9. Make Light
“Make Light” is a song by American indie pop band Passion Pit, released in 2009. The song features an upbeat tempo, catchy synth riffs, and lead singer Michael Angelakos’ distinctive falsetto vocals. The lyrics describe a desire for change and a rejection of complacency, with the chorus urging the listener to “make light” and embrace the possibilities of the future. “Make Light” was a critical success, with many reviewers praising its infectious energy and uplifting message. The song is a standout track from Passion Pit’s debut album “Manners” and remains a fan favorite and concert staple for the band.
8. Moth’s Wing
“Moth’s Wing” is a indie pop song by American band Passion Pit, released in 2009. The song features bright and upbeat synth lines, coupled with lead singer Michael Angelakos’s falsetto vocals, creating a buoyant and joyous sound. The lyrics are about the fleeting nature of happiness and the fear of losing it, expressed through the metaphor of a moth’s wing, which is both delicate and beautiful, but also ephemeral and vulnerable. “Moth’s Wing” is a standout track from Passion Pit’s album “Manners”, which helped to establish the band’s unique sound and style, and made them a fan favorite in the indie pop scene.
7. The Reeling
“The Reeling” is an indie pop track by Passion Pit from their 2009 debut album “Manners”. The song features a catchy synth melody, energetic beats, and Michael Angelakos’ distinctive falsetto vocals. The lyrics describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by life and wanting to escape, with Angelakos singing lines such as “Oh, I’m standing in the middle of the street, screaming out tonight”. “The Reeling” was released as a single and became a hit, reaching the top 40 on the US Alternative chart. The song remains a fan favorite and a symbol of Passion Pit’s infectious and uplifting sound.
6. To Kingdom Come
“To Kingdom Come” is a song by American indie pop band Passion Pit, released in 2008. The song features a frenetic beat, jangly guitars, and lead singer Michael Angelakos’ soaring vocals. The lyrics describe a tumultuous relationship, with the chorus lamenting that “love will bring us to our knees”. “To Kingdom Come” was a critical and commercial success, helping to establish Passion Pit as one of the most exciting new bands of the late 2000s. The song showcases the band’s ability to blend catchy pop hooks with complex instrumentation and emotionally charged lyrics, making it a standout track from their debut EP “Chunk of Change”.
5. Take a Walk
“Take a Walk” is an indie pop song by American band Passion Pit, released in 2012. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, driven by a combination of synth hooks and guitar riffs, and lead singer Michael Angelakos’s soaring vocals. The lyrics are about the struggles of middle-class life in America, from financial hardships to family conflicts, expressed through vivid and relatable imagery. “Take a Walk” is a standout track from Passion Pit’s album “Gossamer”, which earned critical acclaim and helped to solidify the band’s reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting acts in indie pop. The song’s catchy chorus and relatable lyrics make it a fan favorite and a modern pop classic.
4. Little Secrets
“Little Secrets” is an indie pop track by Passion Pit from their 2009 debut album “Manners”. The song features a catchy synth melody, energetic beats, and Michael Angelakos’ soaring vocals. The lyrics describe the feeling of wanting to escape from the pressures of life and be carefree, with Angelakos singing lines such as “Higher and higher and higher, we’re gonna take it down to the wire” and “You got my little secrets, oh yeah”. “Little Secrets” was released as a single and became a hit, reaching the top 40 on the US Alternative chart. The song remains a fan favorite and a hallmark of Passion Pit’s upbeat and anthemic sound.
3. Eyes as Candles
“Eyes as Candles” is a song by American indie pop band Passion Pit, released in 2009. The song features lead singer Michael Angelakos’ distinctive falsetto vocals, backed by ethereal synths and a gentle acoustic guitar. The lyrics describe a longing for connection and a desire to be seen and understood by others, with the title referring to the idea of eyes serving as a source of light and guidance. “Eyes as Candles” is a standout track from Passion Pit’s debut album “Manners”, showcasing the band’s ability to create emotionally resonant and musically intricate pop songs.
2. Carried Away
“Carried Away” is a synthpop song by American band Passion Pit, released in 2013. The song features a catchy and danceable beat, combined with lead singer Michael Angelakos’s emotive vocals and the band’s signature use of synth hooks and harmonies. The lyrics are about the ups and downs of a romantic relationship, expressed through vivid and colorful imagery. “Carried Away” is a standout track from Passion Pit’s album “Gossamer”, and showcases the band’s ability to create catchy and upbeat pop songs with a deeper emotional resonance. The song’s infectious energy and catchy chorus have made it a fan favorite and a popular choice for music festivals and dance parties.
1. Sleepyhead
“Sleepyhead” is an indie pop track by Passion Pit from their 2009 debut EP “Chunk of Change”. The song features a bouncy synth melody, energetic beats, and Michael Angelakos’ distinctive falsetto vocals. The lyrics describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by love and longing, with Angelakos singing lines such as “You and me, we’re the same force and I know I’ve been mistaken but just give me a break and see the changes that I’ve made”. “Sleepyhead” became a viral hit and helped establish Passion Pit as a prominent figure in the indie pop scene. The song remains a fan favorite and a classic of the genre.
Edward Tomlin 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.
