11 Most Underrated Songs: Top 11 Secret Songs

Hey there, music enthusiasts! TBone here, the beat-loving heart and soul behind Level Tunes. As a DJ and an unapologetic music fanatic, I’ve always been on a mission to unearth hidden gems in the vast universe of tunes.

That’s why I’ve decided to put together a list of the 11 most underrated songs – tracks that have slipped under the radar but deserve a spot in the limelight.

This list isn’t just a random pick; it’s a carefully curated selection from various genres, showcasing artists and melodies that have resonated with me on a personal level.

Each song here has its unique charm and story, yet somehow, they’ve been overshadowed or haven’t received the attention they truly deserve.

Through this list, I want to share these musical treasures with you – fellow DJs and music lovers.

Whether you’re spinning tracks at a club, curating a playlist for a friend, or just in search of something new and refreshing to add to your collection, I’m confident these songs will strike a chord. So, let’s dive in and explore these underappreciated masterpieces together.

Trust me, your ears are in for a treat!

Here are the most underrated songs that you can check out:

List Of Most Underrated Songs

Most underrated songs in a list format:

1. “Northern Sky” by Nick Drake

From the album “Bryter Layter” (1970), released under Island Records, “Northern Sky” is a song that wraps you in a blanket of tranquility. Nick Drake, a master of melancholy and introspection, delivers a performance that’s both haunting and beautiful. This track stands out for its delicate guitar work and Drake’s soul-stirring voice. Despite his genius, Drake remained largely unrecognized during his lifetime. “Northern Sky” is a testament to his talent, combining folk influences with a touch of classical, thanks to the contributions of John Cale on piano and celesta. It’s a song that resonates with the quiet moments of life, making you pause and reflect.

2. “Starálfur” by Sigur Rós

Icelandic band Sigur Rós created a masterpiece with “Starálfur,” featured on their 1999 album “Ágætis byrjun,” under the record label FatCat Records. This track is a stunning blend of ethereal soundscapes and Jónsi Birgisson’s falsetto, which soars over a string section arranged by the band themselves. The song’s title, translating to “Staring Elf,” encapsulates its otherworldly vibe. It gained some recognition after being featured in the film “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” but remains underrated in the grand scheme of their work. The song’s beauty lies in its ability to transport you to a dreamlike state, making it a hidden gem in the post-rock genre.

3. “Tomorrow Never Knows” by The Beatles

Off their 1966 album “Revolver,” released by Parlophone, “Tomorrow Never Knows” is a revolutionary track by The Beatles that often gets overshadowed by their more popular hits. This song is a significant leap in their musical journey, showcasing an experimental side with its psychedelic sound. John Lennon’s mesmerizing vocals, inspired by the Tibetan Book of the Dead, blend seamlessly with groundbreaking studio effects and tape loops. Ringo Starr’s hypnotic drumming and the use of a sitar add to its unique sound. It’s a groundbreaking piece that laid the groundwork for psychedelic rock but doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.

4. “Retrograde” by James Blake

“Retrograde,” from James Blake’s 2013 album “Overgrown,” released under Republic Records, is a hauntingly beautiful song that combines soulful vocals with minimalist electronic production. Blake’s use of space and silence in the track makes every note and lyric resonate. This song showcases his ability to blend classical elements with modern electronic music, creating a sound that’s both unique and emotive. “Retrograde” stands out for its raw emotion and the way it builds up to an almost overwhelming climax, yet it often gets overlooked in favor of more mainstream electronic music.

5. “Holocene” by Bon Iver

Bon Iver’s “Holocene,” from their 2011 album “Bon Iver,” released under Jagjaguwar, is a song that encapsulates the feeling of awe in the face of nature’s vastness. Justin Vernon’s soft, melancholic vocals, combined with the subtle instrumentation, create a serene and introspective atmosphere. The song’s title, referring to a geological epoch, reflects its contemplative nature. While Bon Iver has gained significant recognition, “Holocene” remains an underrated gem in their discography. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and the emotional depth it reaches, making it a must-listen for those who appreciate introspective music.

6. “Cause = Time” by Broken Social Scene

Featured on their 2002 album “You Forgot It in People,” released under Arts & Crafts, “Cause = Time” is a standout track by Canadian indie rock collective Broken Social Scene. This song showcases the band’s ability to blend chaotic soundscapes with melodic harmony. The interplay of guitars, dynamic percussion, and Kevin Drew’s distinctive vocals creates a sound that’s both raw and captivating. Despite the band’s critical acclaim, this track remains one of their more overlooked pieces. It’s a powerful example of indie rock done right, with an energy that’s infectious and thought-provoking lyrics that linger long after the song ends.

7. “The Funeral” by Band of Horses

From their 2006 debut album “Everything All the Time,” released by Sub Pop, “The Funeral” by Band of Horses is a song that strikes a perfect balance between melancholy and hope. Ben Bridwell’s haunting vocals and the crescendoing guitar work create an emotional rollercoaster of a track. It’s a song that has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, yet it doesn’t always get recognized for its standalone brilliance. The way it builds from a gentle beginning to a powerful climax is masterful, making “The Funeral” a poignant and memorable song

8. “The Rip” by Portishead

Portishead, known for their unique blend of trip-hop, created a hauntingly beautiful track with “The Rip” from their 2008 album “Third,” released under Island Records. Beth Gibbons’ ethereal vocals glide over minimalist electronic beats and a mesmerizing synth melody, creating a sound that is both eerie and captivating. This track stands out for its blend of melancholy and electronic elements, showcasing Portishead’s ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots. “The Rip” is a prime example of their genius, offering a deep and immersive listening experience that often goes unnoticed in their discography.

9. “Archie, Marry Me” by Alvvays

Canadian indie-pop band Alvvays hit a sweet spot with “Archie, Marry Me,” from their self-titled 2014 album, released under Polyvinyl Record Co. This track is a perfect encapsulation of youthful longing and romantic idealism, delivered through Molly Rankin’s dreamy vocals and jangly guitars. The song has an infectious melody that stays with you, yet it’s not just a catchy tune – the lyrics are heartfelt and resonate with anyone who has ever been in love. Despite its critical acclaim, “Archie, Marry Me” remains an underrated gem, showcasing Alvvays’ talent for crafting pop songs with depth and sincerity.

10. “Sleepyhead” by Passion Pit

“Sleepyhead,” from Passion Pit’s 2009 album “Manners,” released under Frenchkiss Records, is a vibrant and energetic track that perfectly captures the essence of indie electronic music. The song is known for its high-pitched sampled vocals and pulsating synth beats, creating an upbeat and euphoric atmosphere. Michael Angelakos’ unique vocal style adds a distinct flavor to the track, making it stand out in the indie music scene. While Passion Pit has gained a loyal following, “Sleepyhead” deserves more recognition for its innovative sound and the way it seamlessly blends electronic and indie elements.

11. “Turn Blue” by The Black Keys

The title track from The Black Keys’ 2014 album “Turn Blue,” released under Nonesuch Records, is a mesmerizing blend of blues-rock and psychedelic elements. Dan Auerbach’s soulful vocals and Patrick Carney’s steady drumming create a hypnotic rhythm that’s both soothing and powerful. The song features a more laid-back and experimental sound compared to their earlier work, showcasing the band’s versatility and willingness to explore new musical territories. “Turn Blue” stands out for its emotional depth and the way it captures a sense of longing and introspection, yet it often gets overshadowed by the band’s more popular hits.

Fun Facts: Most Underrated Songs

“Northern Sky” by Nick Drake

• Recording Quirk: The recording of “Northern Sky” features a unique blend of instruments, including celesta, piano, and organ, which were quite unusual for folk songs of that era. John Cale of The Velvet Underground fame, who played these instruments on the track, was instrumental in creating its distinct sound.
• Posthumous Recognition: Sadly, Nick Drake received little recognition during his lifetime. However, “Northern Sky” gained significant acclaim posthumously, with many artists citing it as an influence. It has been covered by several artists and featured in movies and TV shows.

“Starálfur” by Sigur Rós

• Cinematic Appearance: “Starálfur” gained wider recognition when it was used in a pivotal scene of Wes Anderson’s film “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” The song’s ethereal quality perfectly complemented the film’s surreal and whimsical tone.
• String Section Magic: The song is notable for its use of a string quartet, which plays a major role in its dreamlike quality. The strings were arranged by the band members themselves, showcasing their multifaceted musical talents.

“Tomorrow Never Knows” by The Beatles

• Studio Innovation: This song was groundbreaking in its use of studio techniques. The Beatles used tape loops, reverse effects, and automatic double tracking (ADT), making “Tomorrow Never Knows” one of the earliest examples of psychedelic rock.
• Inspirational Source: The lyrics were primarily inspired by John Lennon’s reading of “The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on The Tibetan Book of the Dead,” reflecting the band’s growing interest in Eastern philosophy and psychedelia.

“Retrograde” by James Blake

• Award-Winning: “Retrograde” won the “Best Contemporary Song” at the 2014 Ivor Novello Awards, a prestigious accolade in the British music industry.
• Music Video Imagery: The music video for “Retrograde” features apocalyptic imagery and has been praised for its artistic and emotional depth, further enhancing the song’s haunting atmosphere.

“Holocene” by Bon Iver

• Grammy Recognition: Despite being an underrated track, “Holocene” was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 54th Grammy Awards, highlighting its critical acclaim.
• Music Video Scenery: The music video for “Holocene” was shot in Iceland and features stunning landscapes, mirroring the song’s themes of nature and introspection.

“The Funeral” by Band of Horses

• Popular in Media: “The Funeral” has been widely used in television shows, commercials, and movies, gaining a sort of cult status for its emotive power and cinematic feel.
• Fan Favorite: Despite not being a commercial hit, “The Funeral” remains one of Band of Horses’ most popular songs among fans and is often a highlight of their live performances.

“The Rip” by Portishead

• Animation in Music Video: The music video for “The Rip” features unique animated visuals, which were created by Nick Uff, a renowned comic artist. The animation adds an otherworldly dimension to the song’s haunting quality.
• Collaboration with Radiohead: A notable live performance of “The Rip” featured Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, blending two iconic voices of alternative music in a memorable collaboration.

“Archie, Marry Me” by Alvvays

• Indie Anthem: “Archie, Marry Me” has been hailed as a modern indie anthem, capturing the essence of youthful love and nostalgia.
• Recognition from Peers: The song caught the attention of notable musicians, including Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard, who praised its lyrical and melodic strength.

“Sleepyhead” by Passion Pit

• Sampled Magic: The song samples “Óró Mo Bháidín” by Mary O’Hara, giving it a unique, otherworldly feel that’s become a signature of Passion Pit’s sound.
• Rise to Fame: Originally released on the “Chunk of Change” EP, “Sleepyhead” was the song that propelled Passion Pit to fame, showcasing their distinctive approach to electronic music.

“Turn Blue” by The Black Keys

• Title’s Emotional Origin: The title “Turn Blue” was inspired by the phrase used by Ghoulardi, a 1960s Cleveland TV personality, which Dan Auerbach’s father used to say. It reflects the album’s melancholic mood.
• Divergent Sound: The song marked a departure from The Black Keys’ traditional blues-rock sound, incorporating more psychedelic and soul influences, showing the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment.

And there you have it, folks – a journey through some of the most underrated yet incredibly captivating songs in music history. Each of these tracks is a hidden gem, waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated. Happy exploring and may these songs add new colors to your musical palette!

Thanks for reading.

TBone