When these songs start playing, we have to seek out a window for some dramatic reflecting on life. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most thought-provoking, transportive, and/or introspective tracks.
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00:00Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most thought-provoking,
00:11transportive and or introspective tracks.
00:22Number 20 Teardrops on My Guitar
00:25Taylor Swift
00:30In the early days of her career, Taylor blended country and pop music into something many
00:40audiences could love. This particular track showcases her early grasp of relatable lyrics,
00:45strong hooks and memorable melodies.
00:48Teardrops on My Guitar follows Swift through a case of unrequited love.
01:00Unable to confess her feelings, the singer sends us all into flashbacks of our early crushes.
01:05It's about the wonders and pitfalls of falling for someone,
01:08and it never fails to make us misty-eyed. For anyone that grew up with this single,
01:13they're instantly transported back to a time and place where emotions run high.
01:18Number 19 I'm With You
01:28Avril Lavigne
01:37She could do pop-punk, but the Canadian artist could also do ballads.
01:41I'm With You gives the sense that the singer is struggling without a relationship.
01:45It's an unapologetic look at the need for companionship and guidance
01:48that seems to complicate our lives. The strings give this composition weight,
01:53transporting you to a night in your past that you wish you could forget.
02:05Lavigne's impressive high notes usher listeners through a tornado of nostalgia and tears.
02:11Even if you're not a teenager, you can find something to inspire you about this unforgettable
02:16track. Number 18
02:24Wonderwall – Oasis
02:31Of all the Britpop anthems, this one might be the most famous and widely played,
02:36and Wonderwall hasn't lost any of its power to send shivers down our spines.
02:40Oasis' huge hit can be interpreted in several ways that relate to topics such as family,
02:46friendship, or romance.
02:55It makes you remember the people you need the most when you're down,
02:58asking for someone to come and save you.
03:00Wonderwall gives listeners plenty to imagine while they're singing along.
03:04Liam Gallagher's perfect performance is a key reason why this song is so impactful,
03:09as it transfixes from start to finish.
03:19Number 17 Fake Plastic Trees – Radiohead
03:30From the band's second album, Fake Plastic Trees examines the problems of modern society,
03:35using memorable phrases to explore the fakeness of life.
03:39Tom York's tremendous voice digs right into your soul, forcing you to consider
03:44how artificial aspects of our lives might affect our relationships.
03:55The song doesn't hold back as the singer's voice climbs and the surrounding production
04:00hits hard. It might start like a softer acoustic track, but it gradually builds
04:04until you're completely engulfed in York's staggering vision. Radiohead is known for their
04:09fair share of melancholy material, but this one alters your mood in extraordinary ways.
04:22Number 16 – Heaven or Las Vegas – Cocteau Twins
04:27Every song from this band is a force unto itself. The title track from the monumental album,
04:39Heaven or Las Vegas, is no different, bringing together their mastery of dream pop with a
04:44captivating and wonderful arrangement. Elizabeth Fraser's one-in-a-million
04:49vocals reverberate through a magical soundscape.
04:57You might not always be able to understand her, but you'll definitely be captivated by the engaging
05:05melody. The amazing blend of instruments gives the song an angelic, heavenly feel.
05:10Fraser and her talented bandmates are more than capable of wowing listeners,
05:15creating an unforgettable experience that completely takes hold of you.
05:18Number 15 – Boulevard of Broken Dreams – Green Day
05:36Off of their smash hit album, American Idiot, Boulevard of Broken Dreams is a portrait of a
05:41tortured soul. Billy Joe Armstrong's words perfectly convey the feeling of intense isolation,
05:47the deliberate pacing, haunting lyrics, and hard rock sound combine to make a dramatic experience.
06:01The song's place in the band's larger rock opera only makes it that much more effective.
06:06The Grammy-winning single combines the catchiness of the group's best songs
06:10with the gothic majesty of their 2000s output. If you find yourself looking out a window,
06:15you'll be thinking about all the times you felt alone, just like this character.
06:26Number 14 – Changes – Tupac Featuring Talent
06:36One of the superstar rappers of the 1990s, Tupac Shakur's light burned bright during his brief
06:42career. Changes was released after the performer's death and brilliantly showcases his staggering
06:47voice, and including the sample of Bruce Hornsby's The Way It Is is the perfect way
06:53to highlight the MC's message. The insightful and incisive lyrics unleash Shakur's thoughts
07:06about the inequities of the world, the rapper's timeless takedown of war, racial injustice,
07:11and hate hasn't lost any of its power, or sadly, its relevance. It could have been recorded
07:17yesterday, giving audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs a compelling thesis to consider.
07:30Number 13 – All By Myself – Eric Carman
07:34Some might see it as a bit cliched, but this 1970s ballad is unmistakably moving. You can't
07:47help but feel the intense emotion that powerfully drives this chorus. Eric Carman's tune has been
07:52covered by all kinds of performers, giving each individual artist the freedom to interpret its
07:58greatness. It's also the perfect song to use for a sad moment in movies like Bridget Jones' Diary.
08:12In an ultimate tribute to loneliness, Carman's heartfelt delivery brings together the swirl of
08:17feelings that come from being by yourself. The artist taps into a universal problem,
08:22sending you on a cathartic and sometimes depressing journey.
08:28All By Myself
08:34Number 12 – Adam's Song – Blink-182
08:45Many tracks in this band's catalog are fun and irreverent. Adam's Song is the furthest thing
08:50from that, describing the ways that our minds sabotage ourselves. In one of the group's most
08:55impressive compositions, Mark Hoppus sings some chilling lyrics about someone that might
09:00be considering drastic measures. Anyone that struggles with depression will undoubtedly
09:12find something to relate to here. While trying to find hope in a seemingly hopeless situation,
09:17the track does give listeners a sense that they can also make it through the tough times.
09:22It's a compelling track about mental health that's a beautiful reminder to seek help when
09:26you need it. Number 11 – Breakaway – Kelly Clarkson
09:44We all sometimes need an escape from one aspect of our lives or another.
09:49Breakaway describes this struggle with a tale of a small-town girl dreaming of becoming something
09:54much closer to her wildest dreams. Kelly Clarkson's vocals shine in a moving tale of hope,
10:00yearning, and redemption. The lyrics and performance lift you out of any funk,
10:04reminding you to reach for the stars, which is something we all need.
10:09Clarkson's staggering talents also shine in this well-written song.
10:20It might even inspire you to get up off the couch and change your life right now.
10:24Number 10 – The Boys of Summer – Don Henley
10:41In one of his radio staples, Don Henley looks back at the highs and lows of a nostalgic romance.
10:47The singer, like many of us, contemplates getting their old flame back and returning
10:51to the glory days. We both know that it's never possible to do everything the same way again,
10:56making these lyrics especially melancholic.
11:07Henley can't seem to let it all go as he discusses the difficult relationship we all have with the
11:12past. Leave it to this eagle to create one of the most bittersweet summer anthems,
11:17with a lifetime of regrets packed into a masterpiece.
11:21Number 9 – Heroes – David Bowie
11:39Always trying out new sounds, David Bowie beams in from outer space with this ethereal track
11:44featuring some stunning guitar work from King Crimson's Robert Fripp. Adding Brian Eno's
11:50input to Fripp's contributions results in a final product that will have you spinning out with joy,
11:55confidence, and maybe even a few inspirational thoughts.
12:06Bowie's lyrics create a romance that seems to be hanging on despite the struggles and
12:10pressures from the outside world. We might not all feel like heroes,
12:14but this track makes us want to fight for our dreams. It also features one of the artist's
12:19most passionate vocal performances. As his voice gets louder, this groundbreaking work
12:25lifts off and takes our imaginations beyond the stars.
12:35Number 8 – Purple Rain – Prince and the Revolution
12:43Prince was arguably never better than on Purple Rain, and that's saying a lot. Purple Rain is a
12:49love song, the performance and production of which elevates it to a whole new level. Within
12:53the first few seconds, the track sets the mood in a way that few other ballads could. It's haunting,
12:59soulful, and infused with all of the heart-wrenching emotions of a drama.
13:10You're instantly placed in the performer's perspective as he takes the title image and
13:15makes it feel real. Few singers can write, vocalize, and perform with such raw intensity.
13:21His expertise in all areas of music allow him to make the impossible possible,
13:26allowing the audience to access the deepest parts of themselves.
13:38Number 7 – Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
13:45In her first signature hit, Tracy Chapman gives her all to a moving track about getting out of
13:54a bad situation. She sings about both the hard times she's experiencing and her hope for the
13:59future in a way that is relatable and at times painful. Chapman's guitar helps lull you into a
14:05hypnotic state, as her voice guides you through a dramatic tale about possible redemption.
14:15It's incredible storytelling that has inspired decades of artists. With a timeless sound,
14:23the performer has been covered by many admirers of various music genres.
14:27This goes to show that her words and music is a universal testament to dreamers of all kinds.
14:40Number 6 – Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
14:45On this classic recording, Jeff Buckley channels Leonard Cohen for a memorable musical journey.
14:56His angelic voice carries you to a meditative place, with the poetic lyrics painting an
15:01abstract look at the intensity and complexity of love. Cohen's original was already an iconic piece
15:08that's only heightened by Buckley's performance.
15:15It might be the finest cover of Hallelujah, giving the tune an unmistakable energy that
15:22doesn't quit. There's such a soothing quality to this song that manages to be dreamlike,
15:27despite some disturbing imagery in the lyrics. You'll also find plenty of amazing metaphors
15:32to contemplate, but Buckley's performance will ultimately soothe any ruffled feelings.
15:45Number 5 – Hurt – Johnny Cash
15:53Near the end of his life, Johnny Cash recorded a cover of this Nine Inch Nails song,
15:57which became a eulogy of sorts for his own life. Hurt is among the more emotional recordings of
16:03his career, using the lyrics to question his past regrets and mistakes. The production
16:08puts you into the mood of an aging man, forcing you to confront the same topics.
16:16I will make you hurt
16:20Trent Reznor's original composition easily translates to the country artist
16:24in this graceful and inspired production. Cash couldn't be better, giving his all
16:29to a track that's a painful but healthy reflection on what really matters.
16:33And you could have it all, my empire
16:42Number 4 – Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell
16:52In one of her most legendary songs, Joni Mitchell pours her heart out about gaining a different
16:57perspective on life. The song includes some clever metaphors and astonishing imagery that'll be in
17:03your mind for hours. Mitchell's poetic phrases about love stand out as some of her finest writing
17:09It's hard not to feel something as the artist reaches the chorus,
17:12sending listeners through a sentimental vortex.
17:22Her carefully crafted lyrics and melody delicately explore the lessons we learn from
17:27life experience. That's not all, however, because the track works on so many levels
17:32that you'll have to return to it year after year for new insights.
17:36As Mitchell herself has done.
17:48Number 3 – Imagine – John Lennon
17:58For his iconic song, Imagine, John Lennon proposes an idea of a society free from religion,
18:04conflict, or hunger. Lennon's controversial message is both beloved and critiqued to this
18:10day. The somber and evocative piano part slowly guides you through the singer's mind.
18:20The former Beatle lays out his case, asking listeners to consider whether or not the
18:25scenario he envisions is possible. He gives you the questions without persisting you to
18:30have the answers, encouraging you to think about the possibilities of the human race.
18:34Whether or not you agree with the message,
18:36you have to admit that the performer gives you a thought-provoking listening experience.
18:49Number 2 – Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
19:00Thankfully for us, the members of Fleetwood Mac found a way to channel their sometimes toxic and
19:04intense emotions into classic songs. Landslide is just one example, showcasing Stevie Nicks'
19:11singular writing talents. It's all about the complicated feelings that arise when you're
19:16on the cusp of a major shift. While we might be stuck in one phase of our lives, we might
19:28also be thinking about making a profound change. It's difficult not to examine your own life when
19:33you're listening to this song. Nicks has a knack for delivering her personal truth,
19:38while leaving room for the audience to ponder their own future.
19:47Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
19:51Vincent – Don McLean. The folk tribute to a tortured artist never fails to make us shed a
19:57tear. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For – U2. The gospel-tinged track
20:11tackles the insatiable quest for what we all need in life.
20:15My Immortal – Evanescence. A moving portrait of grief sung by the incomparable Amy Lee.
20:35I'm Just a Kid – Simple Plan. The pop-punk band reminds the kid in us that we're not alone.
20:44Heart – The 80s power ballad tugs the heartstrings, exploring the complexity of romance.
21:15A Day in the Life – The Beatles.
21:27Along with being the final track on the Sgt. Pepper's album, A Day in the Life might represent
21:32the finest collaboration between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. You get both the introspective
21:37side of Lennon and the brighter side of McCartney. With psychedelic and pop production,
21:50it makes you reconsider your daily routine, and you might even rethink your life. The whirlwind
21:55ending also demonstrates once again that this band was way ahead of their time. With the climactic
22:01chord, this musical epic carries you away with a slew of provocative thoughts. It's an at-times
22:07harrowing song that makes the listener question what they are, and should be doing with their life.
22:20Did we miss your favorite icon's most thought-provoking song? Let us know in the comments!
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