The Soft Boys were an influential British psychedelic rock band formed in the late 1970s. Their unique blend of punk, pop, and psychedelic rock helped to shape the alternative music scene of the 1980s and beyond. Despite being relatively short-lived, the band produced a number of critically acclaimed albums and songs that have stood the test of time. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 best The Soft Boys songs of all time. From their early albums like “A Can of Bees” and “Underwater Moonlight” to their later work on “Invisible Hits” and “Nextdoorland”, we will explore the band’s most iconic and beloved tracks. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The Soft Boys or just discovering their music for the first time, this list is sure to showcase the band’s unique blend of creativity, energy, and musicality. So without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 best The Soft Boys songs of all time.
1. “I Wanna Destroy You”
“I Wanna Destroy You” by The Soft Boys is a high-energy punk rock track that was released in 1980. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track. The vocals are delivered in a snarling, almost menacing style that matches the aggressive instrumentation. The lyrics of the song seem to be a commentary on the destructive nature of humanity, with lines like “I wanna destroy you / I wanna make you scream” painting a picture of violence and chaos. Despite the dark subject matter, the song has an infectious energy that makes it hard not to dance along to.
2. “Kingdom of Love”
“Kingdom of Love” by The Soft Boys is a more upbeat and optimistic track than “I Wanna Destroy You”. The song was released in 1980 and features jangly guitars, bright vocal harmonies, and catchy melodies. The lyrics of the song describe a utopian world where love reigns supreme and everything is peaceful and harmonious. Lines like “In the kingdom of love / There is no hierarchy / In the kingdom of love / There is no economy” paint a picture of a society free from the constraints of capitalism and power structures. The song has a dreamy, almost psychedelic quality to it that feels both nostalgic and timeless. “Kingdom of Love” is a beautiful ode to the power of love and the potential for a better world.
3. “Underwater Moonlight”
“Underwater Moonlight” by The Soft Boys is the title track of their 1980 album and is considered one of their most iconic songs. The track has a dreamy, almost ethereal quality to it, with shimmering guitars and haunting vocal harmonies. The lyrics of the song describe a mystical, otherworldly experience where the narrator is transported to a world of moonlit waterfalls and starry skies. The song’s slow, hypnotic pace adds to the feeling of being lost in a dream. “Underwater Moonlight” is a beautiful and evocative song that showcases the Soft Boys’ ability to create lush, immersive soundscapes.
4. “Only the Stones Remain”
“Only the Stones Remain” is a track from The Soft Boys’ 1984 album “Invisible Hits”. The song opens with a driving drumbeat and jangly guitars that create a sense of urgency. The vocals are delivered in a frantic, almost desperate style that matches the intensity of the instrumentation. The lyrics of the song describe a post-apocalyptic wasteland where all that’s left are the stones and rubble of what once was. Despite the bleak subject matter, the song has an infectious energy that makes it hard not to dance along to. “Only the Stones Remain” is a powerful and thought-provoking track that captures the spirit of the post-punk era.
5. “Insanely Jealous”
“Insanely Jealous” is a track from The Soft Boys’ 1980 album “Underwater Moonlight”. The song has a playful, upbeat quality to it, with jangly guitars and bouncy basslines. The vocals are delivered in a sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek style that adds to the song’s irreverent tone. The lyrics of the song describe a jealous lover who becomes increasingly paranoid and possessive. Lines like “I’m insanely jealous / But I’m sure you’ll understand” showcase the song’s dark humor. “Insanely Jealous” is a catchy and fun track that showcases the Soft Boys’ ability to combine clever lyrics with catchy melodies.
6. “The Queen of Eyes”
“The Queen of Eyes” is a track from The Soft Boys’ 1979 album “A Can of Bees”. The song opens with a driving bassline and jangly guitars that set the tone for the rest of the track. The vocals are delivered in a dreamy, almost hypnotic style that matches the song’s psychedelic feel. The lyrics of the song describe a mysterious woman who seems to have supernatural powers. Lines like “The queen of eyes, the queen of eyes / Knows more about you than your best friend” create a sense of intrigue and mystery. “The Queen of Eyes” is a haunting and atmospheric track that showcases the Soft Boys’ ability to create otherworldly soundscapes.
7. “Tonight”
“Tonight” is a track from The Soft Boys’ 1980 album “Underwater Moonlight”. The song has a driving beat and catchy guitar riffs that make it a perfect dance track. The vocals are delivered in a smooth, almost seductive style that matches the song’s romantic lyrics. The lyrics of the song describe a night of passion and desire. Lines like “Tonight, we’ll make love till we’re raw / Tonight, we’ll fly like a bird” create a sense of urgency and passion. “Tonight” is a sexy and sultry track that showcases the Soft Boys’ ability to create catchy, danceable songs.
8. “Mr. Kennedy”
“Mr. Kennedy” is a track from The Soft Boys’ 1984 album “Invisible Hits”. The song has a catchy, upbeat feel to it, with jangly guitars and bouncy basslines. The vocals are delivered in a playful, almost childlike style that matches the song’s whimsical lyrics. The lyrics of the song describe a man who wants to be like Mr. Kennedy, a charismatic and popular figure. Lines like “I wanna be like Mr. Kennedy / He’s my ideal man” showcase the song’s irreverent tone. “Mr. Kennedy” is a fun and lighthearted track that showcases the Soft Boys’ ability to create clever and catchy pop songs.
9. “Human Music”
“Human Music” is a track from The Soft Boys’ 2002 album “Nextdoorland”. The song has a driving beat and catchy guitar riffs that create a sense of urgency. The vocals are delivered in a confident, almost defiant style that matches the song’s rebellious lyrics. The lyrics of the song describe a world where music is banned and the people are oppressed. Lines like “They say that human music / Is bad for you, makes you sick” create a sense of outrage and defiance. “Human Music” is a powerful and politically charged track that showcases the Soft Boys’ ability to create music with a message.
10. “Give It to the Soft Boys”
“Give It to the Soft Boys” is a track from The Soft Boys’ 1993 album “2×4”. The song has a jangly, upbeat feel to it, with catchy guitar riffs and bouncy basslines. The vocals are delivered in a playful, almost teasing style that matches the song’s irreverent lyrics. The lyrics of the song describe a lover who wants to give their heart to the Soft Boys, rather than the object of their affection. Lines like “Give it to the Soft Boys / They’ll know what to do” create a sense of whimsy and humor. “Give It to the Soft Boys” is a fun and lighthearted track that showcases the Soft Boys’ ability to create clever and catchy pop songs.