The Top 10 Indie Rock Songs of the Moment

The Top 10 Indie Rock Songs of the Moment – See which tunes are topping the charts and get recommendations for new music to check out.

The National – “Bloodbuzz Ohio”

The National’s “Bloodbuzz Ohio” is the latest in a long line of great indie rock songs. The National is an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, and they have been making music since 1999. “Bloodbuzz Ohio” is the first single from their fifth studio album, High Violet, which was released in 2010. The song is about the American Rust Belt and the decline of manufacturing in the United States. The lyrics are written from the perspective of a blue-collar worker who has seen better days. The song is backed by a driving guitar riff and a catchy melody, and it is one of the best indie rock songs of the moment.

Arcade Fire – “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”

1. Arcade Fire – “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”
2. The National – “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
3. Mumford & Sons – “The Cave”
4. Vampire Weekend – “Giving Up the Gun”
5. The Shins – “Simple Song”
6. Grizzly Bear – “Two Weeks”
7. Bombadil – “Tarpits and Canyonlands”
8. The Decemberists – “Calamity Song”
9. Fleet Foxes – “Grown Ocean”
10. Bon Iver – “Holocene”

Bon Iver – “Holocene”

“Holocene” is a song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released as the second single from their self-titled second studio album Bon Iver, Bon Iver (2011). Written by Justin Vernon and produced by Vernons with frequent collaborator Rob Moose, the song was recorded in a cabin in northwestern Wisconsin during the winter of 2010–11.

The song is built around a repeating piano riff and showcases Vernon’s falsetto voice. The lyrics were inspired by geologist John Wesley Powell’s 1869 expedition down the Colorado River and attempt to gain a better understanding of time. “Holocene” was received with positive reviews from music critics and peaked at number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Fleet Foxes – “Helplessness Blues”

Fleet Foxes’ “Helplessness Blues” is the top indie rock song of the moment. The band’s front man, Robin Pecknold, delivers a stunningly beautiful vocal performance on this track. The lyrics are introspective and thought-provoking, and the music is both catchy and complex. This is a truly exceptional song that deserves to be at the top of any list of the best indie rock songs of the moment.

The Shins – “Simple Song”

indie rockers The Shins return with a driving, anthemic tune that’s sure to get stuck in your head. The song is the lead single from the band’s upcoming album Port of Morrow, set for release on March 20.

Beach House – “Myth”

Beach House’s “Myth” is a stand out track from their album Bloom. The song stands out for its beautifully ethereal vocals, hazy production, and catchy melody. This track is perfect for summer days spent daydreaming.

Grizzly Bear – “Yet Again”

“Yet Again” is a song by American indie rock band Grizzly Bear, released as the lead single from their fourth studio album Shields (2012). Written by Edward Droste and produced by Chris Taylor, the song was recorded in 2011 at Allaire Studios in Shokan, New York. It was released on September 18, 2012, through Warp Records. “Yet Again” is a slow-building song that features layered guitars, synthesizers, and drums. The song peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.

Dirty Projectors – “Offspring Are Blank”

This song is so good. I love the way it starts off with that guitar line and then the drums come in and it just builds from there. The chorus is catchy and the lyrics are clever. This is one of those songs that you just can’t help but sing along to.

Dirty Projectors are an American indie rock band based in Brooklyn, New York. The group consists of vocalist/guitarist David Longstreth, drummer Mike Johnson, bassist Nat Baldwin, keyboardist/vocalist Amber Coffman, guitarist/vocalist Haley Dekle, and trumpet player Brian McOwen.

Sufjan Stevens – “I Walked”

1. Sufjan Stevens – “I Walked”
2. Spoon – “Do You”
3. The Shins – “Heartworms”
4. Arcade Fire – “Creature Comfort”
5. LCD Soundsystem – “oh baby”
6. Clipping – “Body & Blood”
7. Grizzly Bear – “Mourning Sound”
8. Slowdive – “Star Roving”
9. Alvvays – “In Undertow”
10. The National – “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness”

St. Vincent – “Cheerleader”

St. Vincent’s lead single from her self-titled album, “Cheerleader” is a pure indie rock delight. The song features a catchy hook, distorted guitar, and St. Vincent’s signature vocals. The song has been praised by critics and fans alike, and it is easy to see why.