We all have those moments where we feel like we can’t decide on what music to listen to. Whether we’re restless, indecisive or just have a short attention span, sometimes it’s hard to commit to a song that’s over three minutes long. Never fear — there are plenty of hidden gems that clock in at under two minutes and maximize the potential of a short track length. Here’s a few to get you started.
“I Will” — The Beatles
This deep cut from the iconic band’s so-called “White Album” is a Paul McCartney-heavy song. It features McCartney on vocals and guitar, and the bass sound is produced using his voice as well. It’s a soothing track both Beatles superfans and casual listeners can enjoy.
“Fell In Love With A Girl” — The White Stripes
Fast, loud and hard-hitting, “Fell In Love With A Girl” manages to cram so much into so short a time frame you’ll be shocked when it’s over. It’s a whirlwind of pounding drums, scorching guitar riffs and rapid-fire lyrics, and it’s definitely worth replaying.
“Flowers in Your Hair” — The Lumineers
Off of The Lumineers’ self-titled debut album, “Flowers in Your Hair” is a song sure to evoke a happy feeling in the listener. The acoustic track is a man’s confession of love to a woman, saying “It takes a man to live / It takes a woman to make him compromise.”
“Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” — The Smiths
This song is a touching plea set to gentle guitar, and Morrissey’s crooning voice really brings it home. The lyrics teeter on the edge of heartbreaking, and the overall result is a sad but calming song, which is one of The Smiths’ most well-known for a reason.
“All Of The Drugs” — The Brobecks
This track starts simply, with tapping and lead singer Dallon Weekes’ clear voice. It launches from there — its crunchy bass lines fit perfectly with the harmonizing vocals and catchy lyrics. It’ll get stuck in your head, and you’ll be very happy about it. (You’re welcome.)
“III. Urn” — Childish Gambino
Donald Glover has one of the best voices in music right now, hands down. This short track is underrated, with its R&B feel, chill vibes and lyrics that paint a picture, such as “I watch them all pass by, the moon and the stars / Let me hold you in my arms, forevermore.”
“Juicebox Baby” — The Regrettes
If you’ve never heard of The Regrettes, consider this an introduction. A punk take on the way that a crush can make you feel, “Juicebox Baby” is a fast-paced, fun ride of a song that showcases a steady drumbeat and off-the-rails guitar.
“Shut Down” — The Beach Boys
This song is classic Beach Boys, complete with guitars that make you think of sunny days and vocals that chime in in between the main lyrics. The track details the events of a drag race between two cars, and it’s not hard to imagine yourself cruising along to this song.
“Jessica” — Regina Spektor
A slow, gentle tune, “Jessica” is stunningly simple but manages to evoke so many emotions — nostalgia, happiness, sadness and hopefulness. Spektor’s voice is gorgeous and the acoustic guitars complement it perfectly.
“Coming Clean” — Green Day
Coming off of Green Day’s enormously influential album “Dookie,” “Coming Clean” is unfairly overlooked. It’s filled to the brim with easily-identifiable Green Day signatures, like heavy drums and a great melodic lead guitar. The song is about lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong coming out as bisexual, and it’s a jam, so this is a win-win.
“The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” — Simon & Garfunkel
If you don’t feel groovy by the end of this song, or don’t at least feel a little bit happier, you’re doing something wrong. This light-hearted track’s message is showcased in its first lyric: “Slow down, you move too fast.” It’s reminder we all need sometimes.
“Blinds” — Aminé
“Close the blinds, I wanna see me shine,” says Aminé, most well-known for his smash hit “Caroline.” In this short, chill track, the rapper basically talks about how great he is with the ladies — but he also showcases his diverse musicality.
“Blind Man in Amsterdam” — George Ezra
The chorus for this one will definitely get stuck in your head, but it’s so fun to sing that you won’t mind. This track also manages to tell the story of the little life lessons a traveler learns from an old man in one minute and 47 seconds, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
As a seasoned music enthusiast and connoisseur, my extensive knowledge spans various genres and eras. I've delved deep into the intricacies of musical composition, history, and the cultural impact of iconic artists. Over the years, my passion for music has translated into a comprehensive understanding of both mainstream hits and obscure gems.
Now, let's explore the concepts used in the article about short music tracks that captivate listeners:
-
"I Will" by The Beatles:
- The article introduces a deep cut from The Beatles' "White Album," showcasing Paul McCartney's vocals and guitar work.
- Note the unique production technique of using McCartney's voice as the bass sound.
-
"Fell In Love With A Girl" by The White Stripes:
- Describes the track as fast, loud, and hard-hitting, emphasizing its ability to deliver a powerful musical experience in a short time frame.
- Highlights the intense elements of the song, such as pounding drums, scorching guitar riffs, and rapid-fire lyrics.
-
"Flowers in Your Hair" by The Lumineers:
- Notes the song's acoustic nature and its ability to evoke a happy feeling in the listener.
- Mentions the lyrical content, portraying a man's confession of love to a woman and the dynamics of compromise in a relationship.
-
"Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" by The Smiths:
- Describes the song as a touching plea set to gentle guitar, with Morrissey's emotive voice conveying a sad but calming atmosphere.
- Recognizes the song's reputation as one of The Smiths' most well-known tracks.
-
"All Of The Drugs" by The Brobecks:
- Highlights the track's simple start, catchy lyrics, and the combination of crunchy bass lines with harmonizing vocals.
- Emphasizes the song's infectious quality, suggesting it will stay in the listener's head.
-
"III. Urn" by Childish Gambino:
- Acknowledges Donald Glover's exceptional voice and describes the track as underrated, with an R&B feel, chill vibes, and vivid lyrics.
-
"Juicebox Baby" by The Regrettes:
- Introduces The Regrettes with a description of the song as a punk take on the emotions of having a crush.
- Highlights the fast-paced and fun nature of the song, featuring a steady drumbeat and energetic guitar.
-
"Shut Down" by The Beach Boys:
- Characterizes the song as classic Beach Boys, with sunny guitars and vocals that fit the theme of a drag race between two cars.
-
"Jessica" by Regina Spektor:
- Describes the song as a slow, gentle tune with a stunning simplicity that evokes various emotions.
- Appreciates Regina Spektor's gorgeous voice and how the acoustic guitars complement it.
-
"Coming Clean" by Green Day:
- Recognizes the song from Green Day's influential album "Dookie," emphasizing its overlooked status.
- Discusses the song's theme of Billie Joe Armstrong coming out as bisexual and its signature Green Day elements.
-
"The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)" by Simon & Garfunkel:
- Describes the track as light-hearted and highlights its message of slowing down and enjoying life.
- Recognizes it as a reminder we all need sometimes.
-
"Blinds" by Aminé:
- Quotes lyrics from the track where Aminé expresses self-confidence with the ladies.
- Recognizes Aminé's diverse musicality in this short and chill track.
-
"Blind Man in Amsterdam" by George Ezra:
- Notes the catchy chorus and the fun singing quality of the track.
- Highlights the narrative aspect, telling the story of life lessons learned from an old man in a short duration.
