The National is an American indie rock band formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1999. The band consists of Matt Berninger (vocals), Aaron Dessner (guitar, keyboards), Bryce Dessner (guitar), Scott Devendorf (bass), and Bryan Devendorf (drums). The National has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Alligator”, “Boxer”, and “High Violet”, which have earned them a devoted following around the world.
The National’s music is characterized by Berninger’s baritone vocals, the band’s intricate arrangements, and their introspective and poetic lyrics. The band has been praised for their ability to create music that is both melancholic and uplifting, with their songs often exploring themes of love, loss, and longing. The National has collaborated with several other artists, including Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, and Sharon Van Etten.
The National has been nominated for several awards, including Grammy Awards and BRIT Awards. Their music has been featured in several films and television shows, and the band has been praised for their powerful live performances. The National has become a mainstay in the indie rock scene, with their music resonating with fans of all ages and backgrounds.
10. ‘I Should Live in Salt’
“I Should Live in Salt” is a track from The National’s sixth studio album, “Trouble Will Find Me”, released in 2013. The song features a slow, somber melody with lead singer Matt Berninger’s signature baritone vocals. The lyrics reflect on the complexity of familial relationships, particularly those between brothers, with Berninger singing “You should know me better than that, I should live in salt for leaving you behind”. The song is widely regarded as one of the standout tracks from the album, showcasing The National’s ability to create emotionally resonant and introspective music.
9. ‘Murder Me Rachael’
“Murder Me Rachael” is a haunting and melancholic indie rock song by the American band The National. The song features lead singer Matt Berninger’s distinct baritone voice, which drips with emotion as he sings about a troubled relationship. The slow, brooding instrumentation of the song, with its repetitive piano chords and layered guitar riffs, perfectly captures the song’s somber mood. The lyrics, which touch on themes of regret, longing, and despair, are cryptic and open to interpretation, leaving listeners to decipher their own meaning. Overall, “Murder Me Rachael” is a powerful and moving piece of music that showcases The National’s signature sound.
8. ‘Mistaken for Strangers’
“Mistaken for Strangers” is a popular song by American indie rock band The National, released in 2007 as part of their fourth studio album “Boxer”. The song’s title refers to a documentary film of the same name, directed by Tom Berninger, the younger brother of the band’s lead singer Matt Berninger. The lyrics are introspective and explore themes of identity, fame, and self-doubt, while the music features the band’s signature brooding instrumentation, highlighted by a driving drumbeat and soaring guitar riffs. “Mistaken for Strangers” has become one of The National’s most beloved and iconic songs, known for its emotional depth and evocative lyrics.
7. ‘Looking for Astronauts’
“Looking for Astronauts” is an energetic and upbeat indie rock song by the American band The National. The song’s driving rhythm and catchy guitar riffs create a sense of urgency and excitement, with frontman Matt Berninger’s distinctive vocals adding a touch of intensity. The lyrics, which tell the story of a space mission gone wrong, are delivered with a sense of irony and wit, adding a layer of humor to the song. Despite the upbeat tone, there is an underlying sense of melancholy and resignation, adding depth and complexity to the song. Overall, “Looking for Astronauts” is a dynamic and engaging track that showcases The National’s range as musicians.
6. ‘Slow Show’
“Slow Show” is a track from The National’s fourth studio album, “Boxer”, released in 2007. The song features a slow-building melody, with a mix of guitar and piano, and Matt Berninger’s signature baritone vocals. The lyrics describe a love story, with Berninger singing lines such as “You know I dreamed about you for 29 years before I saw you”. The song gradually builds in intensity, with a soaring chorus that showcases the band’s ability to create emotionally resonant music. “Slow Show” has become one of The National’s most beloved tracks, often cited as a fan favorite and a highlight of their live shows.
5. ‘Terrible Love’
“Terrible Love” is a popular song by American indie rock band The National, released in 2010 as part of their fifth studio album “High Violet”. The song’s lyrics explore themes of loneliness, regret, and existential crisis, with lead singer Matt Berninger’s distinctive baritone delivering lines like “It takes an ocean not to break” with raw emotion. The music features the band’s signature moody instrumentation, with a driving rhythm section and soaring guitar lines that build to an explosive crescendo. “Terrible Love” has become one of The National’s most beloved and enduring songs, known for its powerful and cathartic climax.
4. ‘Mr. November’
“Mr. November” is a raw and emotional indie rock anthem by American band The National. Lead singer Matt Berninger’s passionate and gritty vocals, coupled with the song’s driving instrumentation, create a sense of urgency and intensity that builds to an explosive climax. The lyrics, which touch on themes of identity, politics, and personal struggle, are delivered with a sense of vulnerability and honesty, making them all the more powerful. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I won’t fuck us over, I’m Mr. November”, has become an iconic rallying cry for the band’s fans, cementing “Mr. November” as one of The National’s most beloved and enduring tracks.
3. ‘All the Wine’
“All the Wine” is a track from The National’s third studio album, “Alligator”, released in 2005. The song features a driving rhythm, with a mix of guitar and drums, and Matt Berninger’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics reflect on the feeling of invincibility that comes with success, with Berninger singing lines such as “I’m put together beautifully, big wet bottle in my fist, big wet rose in my teeth”. The song is a fan favorite, often cited for its anthemic chorus and memorable lyrics, showcasing The National’s ability to create music that is both introspective and uplifting.
2. ‘Fake Empire’
“Fake Empire” is the opening track from The National’s fourth studio album, “Boxer”, released in 2007. The song features a lush, layered sound with piano, guitar, and horns, and Matt Berninger’s signature baritone vocals. The lyrics reflect on the political climate and social issues of the time, with Berninger singing lines such as “We’re half awake in a fake empire”. The song builds in intensity, with a soaring chorus that showcases the band’s ability to create emotionally resonant music. “Fake Empire” has become one of The National’s most popular tracks, often cited as a fan favorite and a highlight of their live shows.
1. ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’
“Bloodbuzz Ohio” is a haunting and introspective indie rock song by the American band The National. The song’s brooding piano melody and slow, steady beat create a sense of unease and melancholy, perfectly complementing frontman Matt Berninger’s introspective lyrics. The song’s title references a feeling of disorientation and detachment, as Berninger sings about feeling lost in his own hometown. The song’s chorus, with its repetition of the phrase “I still owe money to the money to the money I owe”, adds a layer of complexity to the song, touching on themes of financial struggle and personal responsibility. Overall, “Bloodbuzz Ohio” is a deeply affecting and poignant track that showcases The National’s signature sound.
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.
