7 Songs Like Mess Is Mine: Playlist Companion to Vance Joy

Hey there, fellow music lovers and groove makers! This is your pal, TBone, your resident DJ and melody connoisseur. I’ve been immersing myself in the captivating world of tunes, beats, and harmonies, which has led me to curate a list of tracks that hold the same heart and soul as Vance Joy’s “Mess Is Mine.”

You know how some songs just resonate with your feelings and emotions?

That’s what I found in these seven songs.

They’ve each struck a chord, prompting this unique list to share with you all.

Let’s dive into these eclectic pieces together, shall we?

Trust me; it’s a musical journey worth embarking on.

Here are the songs like Mess Is Mine that you can check out:

List Of Songs Like Mess Is Mine

Songs like Mess Is Mine in a list format:

1. Passenger – “Let Her Go” (All the Little Lights, 2012, Black Crow Records)

Passenger’s “Let Her Go” from his 2012 album, “All the Little Lights”, under Black Crow Records, is one that shares the same emotional essence as “Mess Is Mine”. With his raspy voice and the gentle strumming of his guitar, Passenger (aka Mike Rosenberg) captures the heartfelt longing of love lost. This song was a global hit, and it’s no wonder why; the poignant lyrics and beautiful melody connect with listeners on a profound level. I chose this song because, like “Mess Is Mine”, it explores the complexities of relationships with raw honesty. And it features Rosenberg himself on vocals and guitar, accompanied by some beautiful strings and piano, creating a truly touching soundscape.

2. Lumineers – “Ophelia” (Cleopatra, 2016, Dualtone Records)

Next up is “Ophelia” by the Lumineers, from their 2016 album “Cleopatra”, released under Dualtone Records. This song is an excellent example of the Lumineers’ storytelling abilities. With its catchy piano riff and foot-stomping rhythm, it’s hard not to get swept up in the emotional narrative. The lead vocals by Wesley Schultz are filled with passion and tell a story of a man captivated by the charm of a woman named Ophelia. I picked this track because of its narrative lyrics and the emotional intensity that matches “Mess Is Mine”. The musicianship is top-notch with Schultz, Jeremiah Fraites, and Neyla Pekarek delivering an unforgettable performance.

3. Mumford & Sons – “I Will Wait” (Babel, 2012, Island Records)

From their 2012 album “Babel”, under Island Records, Mumford & Sons’ “I Will Wait” strikes a chord similar to “Mess Is Mine”. The folksy vibe, banjo-driven sound, and Marcus Mumford’s emotive vocals create a beautiful, rousing anthem of love and patience. Like “Mess Is Mine”, “I Will Wait” has a fantastic balance of emotive lyrics and captivating instrumentation. The energetic performances of the band members, especially Mumford on vocals and banjo and Winston Marshall on banjo and resonator guitar, truly make this song shine.

4. Ed Sheeran – “Castle On The Hill” (÷ (Divide), 2017, Asylum/Atlantic Records)

From his third studio album “÷ (Divide)”, released in 2017 under Asylum/Atlantic Records, Ed Sheeran’s “Castle On The Hill” resonates with the same warm nostalgia found in “Mess Is Mine”. It’s a personal journey through Sheeran’s youth, painted vividly with emotive lyrics and uplifting melodies. This song is a testament to his songwriting prowess and charismatic performance. The heartfelt vocals, backed by a brilliant mix of acoustic guitar and drums, give this song a high-energy feel. I chose it because of its potent mix of nostalgia, introspection, and emotional resonance that matches Vance Joy’s masterpiece.

5. James Bay – “Let It Go” (Chaos and the Calm, 2015, Republic Records)

“Let It Go” by James Bay from his 2015 album, “Chaos and the Calm”, under Republic Records, is another song that mirrors the emotional sincerity of “Mess Is Mine”. Bay’s smooth vocals, combined with the slow, intimate guitar, create a beautifully raw and emotional narrative of letting go. I chose this song because, like “Mess Is Mine”, it excels in painting a vivid picture of emotions using minimalist instrumentation. Bay’s guitar and emotive vocals stand out, making this song a stirring listen.

6. Bon Iver – “Holocene” (Bon Iver, Bon Iver, 2011, Jagjaguwar)

From the 2011 self-titled album “Bon Iver, Bon Iver”, released under Jagjaguwar, Bon Iver’s “Holocene” has a dreamy, immersive feel that complements “Mess Is Mine”. It’s a contemplative piece with a soft, haunting melody and intricate arrangements. I love how this song uses its atmospheric instrumentals to convey complex emotions, something that’s very similar to “Mess Is Mine”. Justin Vernon’s falsetto vocals, combined with the detailed instrumentation, provide a fantastic soundscape that’s both calming and cathartic.

7. Of Monsters And Men – “Little Talks” (My Head Is An Animal, 2011, Republic Records)

Finally, “Little Talks” by Of Monsters And Men, from their 2011 debut album “My Head Is An Animal”, released under Republic Records, captures the same kind of magic as “Mess Is Mine”. With its rich vocals, infectious melody, and folky instrumentation, it’s a captivating listen. I selected this song because, like “Mess Is Mine”, it has a way of expressing deeper emotional truths through a vibrant and catchy melody. The back-and-forth vocals of Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar Þórhallsson, backed by an array of instruments, from guitars to horns, create a rich sonic texture that’s hard to resist.

Fun Facts: Songs Like Mess Is Mine

1. Passenger – “Let Her Go”

“Let Her Go” was almost left off the album! Passenger’s Mike Rosenberg was initially unsure about the track because it was so different from his other songs. However, after playing it at a gig in Australia and receiving a positive response, he decided to include it. It then became his breakthrough hit!

2. Lumineers – “Ophelia”

“Ophelia” was the first song released from the Lumineers’ second album, “Cleopatra”. The name Ophelia is a reference to Shakespeare’s tragic heroine in “Hamlet”, echoing the song’s underlying themes of lost love and regret.

3. Mumford & Sons – “I Will Wait”

“I Will Wait” was the first single from “Babel” and became one of Mumford & Sons’ biggest hits. However, funnily enough, the song wasn’t initially intended to be a single. The decision was made after it got a hugely positive response when the band performed it at a secret warm-up show in Nashville.

4. Ed Sheeran – “Castle On The Hill”

The “Castle on the Hill” mentioned in this song refers to Framlingham Castle in Ed Sheeran’s hometown of Framlingham, England. The song is a heartfelt homage to Sheeran’s upbringing, and he’s said in interviews that all the stories mentioned in the song are true.

5. James Bay – “Let It Go”

Despite sharing a title with the iconic song from Disney’s “Frozen”, James Bay’s “Let It Go” is unrelated. However, Bay did jokingly mention in an interview that he would be open to Elsa from “Frozen” performing his song!

6. Bon Iver – “Holocene”

“Holocene” is named after a bar in Portland, Oregon, where Justin Vernon had a self-reflective moment. Despite the title, the song isn’t really about the bar but a self-realization about his place in the vast timeline of the earth, hence the name “Holocene”, an ongoing geological epoch.

7. Of Monsters And Men – “Little Talks”

“Little Talks” is a fictional conversation between a grieving husband and wife, who is a ghost. The song’s deeper meaning is often missed due to its upbeat melody, but it discusses loss, aging, and mental health subtly woven into its lyrics.

There you have it, fellow rhythm riders! Seven beautiful tracks that resonate with the same depth and charm as “Mess Is Mine”.

These melodies all carry a part of our human story, and I hope they strike a chord in your hearts just as they did in mine.

Until next time, keep the music playing!

Thanks for reading.

TBone