Vance Joy is an Australian singer-songwriter who has become a household name thanks to his unique style and memorable melodies. Known for his distinctive fingerpicking guitar style and emotive lyrics, Vance Joy has created a diverse and impressive body of work that has resonated with fans all over the world. From upbeat and infectious pop tracks to haunting ballads that explore the complexities of love and life, Vance Joy’s music has something for everyone. In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 best Vance Joy songs of all time. From breakout hits like “Riptide” to introspective ballads like “Who Am I,” we will be taking a deep dive into the songs that have helped to cement Vance Joy’s place as one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of our time. Join us as we explore the music of Vance Joy and celebrate the songs that have touched our hearts and souls.
10. “Who Am I”
“Who Am I” by Vance Joy is a beautiful introspective ballad that delves into the singer’s personal identity crisis. The song is characterized by Vance Joy’s signature fingerpicking guitar style, which perfectly complements the reflective and melancholic lyrics. He questions his identity, and if he is the person he truly wants to be, and if he is making the right choices in life. The chorus is incredibly powerful, with the repeated line “Who am I, who am I really?” driving home the central theme of the song. The track has a dreamlike quality, with haunting harmonies and a sparse arrangement, giving the impression that Vance Joy is alone with his thoughts, searching for answers to these existential questions.
9. “First Time”
“First Time” by Vance Joy is an upbeat and infectious indie-pop track that showcases the singer’s more playful side. The song tells a story of young love, capturing the excitement and nervousness that comes with falling in love for the first time. Vance Joy’s breezy vocals are perfectly complemented by the buoyant instrumentation, with handclaps, a catchy guitar riff, and a driving drumbeat creating a fun and energetic atmosphere. The song has an infectious chorus that is impossible not to sing along with, making it a perfect summer anthem.
8. “Red Eye”
“Red Eye” by Vance Joy is a poignant and hauntingly beautiful ballad that explores the complex emotions of a long-distance relationship. The song is characterized by Vance Joy’s signature fingerpicking guitar style, which perfectly complements the bittersweet and melancholic lyrics. He sings about the difficulties of being away from someone you love, and the pain of missing them, all while trying to hold onto hope that the relationship will survive. The chorus is incredibly powerful, with the repeated line “I don’t want to be without you” driving home the central theme of the song. The track has a dreamlike quality, with haunting harmonies and a sparse arrangement, giving the impression of being adrift in a sea of emotions.
7. “Best That I Can”
“Best That I Can” by Vance Joy is a heartfelt and uplifting track that encourages perseverance in the face of adversity. The song tells a story of a young person trying to navigate their way in the world, facing setbacks and struggles along the way, but refusing to give up. Vance Joy’s warm and sincere vocals are perfectly complemented by the lush instrumentation, with a soaring chorus that is full of hope and optimism. The song is a reminder to keep pushing forward, to believe in oneself, and to always strive to be the best that one can be.
6. “We All Die Trying to Get It Right”
“We All Die Trying to Get It Right” by Vance Joy is a powerful and introspective track that explores the human experience and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. The song is characterized by Vance Joy’s signature fingerpicking guitar style, which perfectly complements the reflective and melancholic lyrics. He sings about the universal human experience of trying to figure out what it all means, and how to make the most of our limited time on earth. The chorus is incredibly powerful, with the repeated line “We all die trying to get it right” driving home the central theme of the song. The track has a dreamlike quality, with haunting harmonies and a sparse arrangement, giving the impression of being adrift in a sea of emotions. The song is a poignant reminder to embrace the journey, to find joy in the little moments, and to keep striving for a life well-lived.
5. “Mess Is Mine”
“Mess Is Mine” by Vance Joy is a heartfelt and emotional track that explores the complexities of love and the vulnerability that comes with giving oneself to another. The song is characterized by Vance Joy’s distinctive fingerpicking guitar style, which perfectly complements the raw and honest lyrics. He sings about the fear of losing the person he loves and the responsibility that comes with being someone’s significant other. The chorus is incredibly powerful, with the repeated line “But you are the only one, my only friend” driving home the central theme of the song. The track has a dreamlike quality, with haunting harmonies and a sparse arrangement, giving the impression of being lost in a sea of emotions.
4. “Fire and the Flood”
“Fire and the Flood” by Vance Joy is a passionate and infectious track that showcases the singer’s upbeat and playful side. The song tells a story of love that is powerful and all-consuming, capturing the excitement and intensity of falling in love. Vance Joy’s upbeat vocals are perfectly complemented by the lively instrumentation, with a catchy guitar riff and a driving drumbeat creating a fun and energetic atmosphere. The song has an anthemic chorus that is impossible not to sing along with, making it a perfect sing-along track.
3. “Wasted Time”
“Wasted Time” by Vance Joy is a powerful and introspective track that explores the human experience of wasting time on things that don’t matter. The song is characterized by Vance Joy’s signature fingerpicking guitar style, which perfectly complements the reflective and melancholic lyrics. He sings about the universal human experience of getting caught up in the day-to-day grind and losing sight of what is truly important in life. The chorus is incredibly powerful, with the repeated line “Wasted time, wasted time” driving home the central theme of the song. The track has a dreamlike quality, with haunting harmonies and a sparse arrangement, giving the impression of being adrift in a sea of regrets.
2. “Georgia”
“Georgia” by Vance Joy is a beautiful and nostalgic track that captures the essence of a long-lost love. The song is characterized by Vance Joy’s signature fingerpicking guitar style, which perfectly complements the wistful and romantic lyrics. He sings about a lost love that he still thinks about, and the memories that come flooding back whenever he thinks of her. The chorus is incredibly powerful, with the repeated line “Oh Georgia, I’d love to be with you” driving home the central theme of the song. The track has a dreamlike quality, with haunting harmonies and a sparse arrangement, giving the impression of being lost in a sea of memories.
1. “Riptide”
“Riptide” by Vance Joy is an upbeat and catchy track that became a breakout hit for the singer. The song tells a story of young love, capturing the excitement and nervousness that comes with falling in love for the first time. Vance Joy’s breezy vocals are perfectly complemented by the lively instrumentation, with a catchy ukulele riff and a driving drumbeat creating a fun and energetic atmosphere. The song has an infectious chorus that is impossible not to sing along with, making it a perfect sing-along track. “Riptide” became a massive hit upon its release and helped to launch Vance Joy’s career as a popular singer-songwriter.