The Jesus and Mary Chain is a Scottish alternative rock band formed in 1983 by brothers Jim and William Reid. They quickly gained recognition for their use of distorted guitar sounds and feedback, combined with pop-inspired melodies and lyrics.
Their unique sound and style has influenced countless bands and artists in the alternative rock genre. The band’s early success was largely due to the popularity of their debut album, “Psychocandy,” which featured a blend of punk rock and pop music. Since then, they have released numerous albums and singles, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
In this list, we will explore the 10 best songs by The Jesus and Mary Chain, showcasing their range of musical styles and innovative approach to rock music.
1. Just Like Honey
“Just Like Honey” is a track from the debut studio album of the Scottish alternative rock band, The Jesus and Mary Chain, “Psychocandy,” released in 1985. The song features a wall of distorted guitars, mixed with a soft and dreamy vocal melody, creating a unique sound for the band. “Just Like Honey” is a love song, with lyrics describing the feelings of being in love and the sweetness that comes with it. The song has been noted for its influence on the shoegaze genre, as well as its memorable use in the closing scene of the 2003 film “Lost in Translation.”
2. April Skies
“April Skies” is a song by the Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain. Released in 1987, the song was included in their album “Darklands”. It features a distinctive blend of atmospheric guitars, a catchy melody, and dark lyrics. The song begins with a mellow guitar riff and soon evolves into a driving rhythm with a chorus that echoes in the listener’s mind. “April Skies” became one of the band’s most successful singles, reaching number eight on the UK Singles Chart.
3. Head On
“Head On” is a song by the Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain. It was released in 1989 as a single and was later included on their album “Automatic”. The song is known for its infectious and catchy guitar riff, distorted vocals, and driving rhythm. The lyrics speak of a love affair that is both thrilling and destructive, with lines like “The way I feel tonight, I could die and I wouldn’t mind” and “Makes me feel like I’m alive, it sets me up and then I’m in a dive.” “Head On” became a hit for the band, reaching the top 40 in the UK charts and gaining them more mainstream attention.
4. Never Understand
“Never Understand” is a song by the Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain. Released in 1985, it was the band’s first single, and also the opening track on their debut album “Psychocandy”. The song’s distorted guitars, feedback, and reverb-heavy vocals, along with its driving rhythm section, helped establish the band’s signature sound of noisy, melodic, and darkly atmospheric rock music. The lyrics, delivered in a detached and apathetic style, express a sense of disillusionment with the world and a desire for escape.
5. Darklands
“Darklands” is a song by the Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain. Released in 1987, it was the title track of their second studio album. The song has a hypnotic and haunting quality, with a simple but effective guitar riff and a somber, atmospheric melody. The lyrics speak of feeling lost and disconnected, searching for something that can’t be found. It’s a reflection on the struggle to find meaning in life and the pain of feeling alone in the world.
6. Sidewalking
“Sidewalking” is a song by the Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain. The song was released in 1988 and became one of the band’s most popular songs. The track features a simple but catchy guitar riff and driving drums, and is known for its distinctive use of feedback and distortion. The lyrics are typical of the band’s style, with a moody and introspective tone. The chorus features the repeated phrase “Sidewalking, Sidewalking”, which adds to the song’s hypnotic quality. The track was included on the band’s album “Barbed Wire Kisses” and has been covered by a number of artists over the years.
7. Some Candy Talking
“Some Candy Talking” is a song by the Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain. Released in 1986 as a non-album single, the song became one of the band’s most popular and enduring tracks. The song’s title is a play on words that references the idea of using drugs to escape reality. The track features the band’s trademark sound of heavily distorted guitars and Jim Reid’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics describe the feeling of being trapped in a situation and using drugs to escape.
8. Blues From a Gun
“Blues From a Gun” is a song by the Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain, released in 1989 as the lead single from their album “Automatic”. The song features a prominent, driving drumbeat and layered, distorted guitar riffs that create a thick, wall-of-sound texture. The vocals are delivered in a hushed, almost whispered tone, adding to the song’s brooding and moody atmosphere. The lyrics are cryptic and abstract, dealing with themes of violence, obsession, and isolation.
9. Between Planets
“Between Planets” is a dreamy and ethereal song by the Scottish alternative rock band, The Jesus and Mary Chain. The track features soothing, layered vocals and a hypnotic, looping guitar riff that creates a mesmerizing and otherworldly atmosphere. The lyrics seem to explore the theme of feeling lost and disconnected, as they talk about being “between planets” and feeling like they’re “just waiting for the call.” The song was released as a single from the band’s 1990 album, “Automatic,” and is widely regarded as one of their most iconic and influential tracks.
10. Reverence
“Reverence” is a song by the Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain. It was released in 1992 as the first single from their album “Honey’s Dead.” The song features a heavily distorted guitar riff, pounding drums, and a driving bassline, creating a wall of sound that is characteristic of the band’s style. The lyrics, which are delivered in a snarling and confrontational manner, are about obsession and addiction, with the repeated refrain “I wanna die just like Jesus Christ” adding a dark and provocative edge to the track.
Simon Robinson 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.
