Alternative Atmosphere’s Top 10 Singles of 2019
Take a look at our annual list of the best indie-rock releases.
1. All Your Friends — The Snuts
My favourite single from 2019 has to be ‘All Your Friends’ by The Snuts. The lads have had a massively successful year, evident from a main stage slot at TRNSMT Festival, the release of three epic tunes and their recent announcement to support Scottish hero Gerry Cinnamon in Hampden Park next July. Alternative Atmosphere would like to congratulate The Snuts on their journey so far, and wish them all the best for the future!
Before you hear All Your Friends, you need to be prepared to hear one of the funkiest songs ever! Lose yourself in a world of mystery with the steady opening guitar riff, before the invigorating drum and bass rhythms take control, driving the track through defiant verses and exhilarating choruses.
2. One Of Us — Liam Gallagher
The instant classic ‘One Of Us’ shows Liam Gallagher at the peak of his solo career so far. Focusing on brotherhood, memories and love, the atmospheric anthem exudes great passion through Gallagher’s rich vocals and resilient lyricism. Thanks to the enduring musical legend, we can still deny the statement ‘Rock ’n’ Roll is dead’.
3. Silver — DMA’S
With every release, DMA’s expand their musical maturity. This is clear to hear in the first release from their forthcoming album, as it is one of their most beautiful and professional songs yet. ‘Silver’ is a heavenly indie tune that gets better every time you hear it, highlighting DMA’s will be imperative in the future of indie rock. Personally, I would also say the Australian champions are one of the greatest bands of this decade, alongside indie icons Arctic Monkeys.
4. Talk — Two Door Cinema Club
Two Door Cinema Club made a strong comeback in March with their irresistible summer anthem ‘Talk’. Continuing on from their third album ‘Gameshow’, the Irish trio have returned with a similar vibrant sound, but are now radiating more synth-pop fever than ever before.
5. I Get No Joy — Jade Bird
Since 2018, rising star Jade Bird has taken the music scene by storm, on her journey to gain the widespread success and recognition she deserves. Taken from Bird’s phenomenal debut album, ‘I Get No Joy’ perfectly showcases her powerful voice and ability to compose anthem after anthem.
6. Hypersonic Missiles — Sam Fender
2019 has been a monumental year for Sam Fender, who won the BRITs Rising Star award, and released his debut album ‘Hypersonic Missiles’, which skyrocketed to number one. Proving anything is possible, Fender recently stated: “It’s mad to think three years ago I was on benefits. Now I am definitely NOT on benefits”, as he prepares for his first arena tour next year.
7. Don’t Let The Devil Take Another Day — Stereophonics
In 2019, Kelly’s heroes Stereophonics released their eleventh studio album, ‘Kind’. No song is better encouragement for a positive start to the new decade than ‘Don’t Let The Devil Take Another Day’, offering support, comfort and hope to listeners. In recent interviews, frontman Kelly Jones admitted he was ready to take a break after their previous album, ‘Scream Above The Sounds’. However, Jones felt it was essential to share his “honest” experiences and feelings he had written about whilst touring in 2018, which fortunately resulted in ‘Kind’ going straight to number one in the UK Album Charts.
8. Ljubljana — Glass Caves
When I first heard ‘Ljubljana’, I was adamant that the best Glass Caves song would always be ‘Do You Have A Name?’. However, I was wrong. ‘Ljubljana’ emits a sharp coolness with the word ‘superior’ written all over it. Like the lyrics say, “I just want to shout about it”, and you will too! Dive into the magical soundscape, enhanced by the wanderlust-infused lyrics, passionately presented by Hallas’ vocals. It’s easily one of the funkiest songs of 2019, and Glass Caves are certainly a band to watch out for in 2020.
9. Wandering Star — Noel Gallagher
The Mancunian legend may not have blessed us with an Oasis reunion this year, but he has gifted us an incredibly heart-warming Christmas song. The beautiful lyrics tell a story of somebody promising to always be there for another person, especially through tough times when they may start to “wander”.
10. Vagabond — Steve Gunn
Since January 2019, I have been obsessed with Steve Gunn’s latest album, ‘The Unseen In Between’. ‘Vagabond’ is a mellow soft-rock track, with an effortless blend of Gunn’s flawless guitar playing and tranquil vocals. Gunn is accompanied by American musician Meg Baird, who provides the blissful backing vocals to complete the serene soundscape.
This listicle was originally published on Alternative Atmosphere in 2019.
