10 Best Pale Waves Songs in 2023

Pale Waves are a British indie rock band that have been making waves in the music scene since their debut EP, All the Things I Never Said, in 2018. The band consists of Heather Baron-Gracie (vocals, guitar), Ciara Doran (drums), Hugo Silvani (guitar), and Charlie Wood (bass). Pale Waves songs are known to have catchy melodies, synth-pop influences, and honest lyrics. It explores themes such as love, identity, and self-acceptance.

In 2023, Pale Waves released their third album, Unwanted, which marked a departure from their previous sound and style. The album also was more influenced by pop-punk, rock, and alternative genres. It featured more raw and personal songs that reflected the band’s growth and struggles.

Unwanted received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Independent Albums Chart and number three on the UK Albums Chart. The album also spawned several hit singles, such as “Lies”, “Jealousy”, and “Unwanted”.

In this article, we will rank the 10 best Pale Waves songs in 2023. This will be based on their popularity, quality, and impact. We will also provide some background information and analysis for each song. Here are our picks:

10. “You’re So Vain”

This song is a cover of the classic 1972 hit by Carly Simon. It was famously rumored to be about several of her ex-lovers. Pale Waves give the song a modern twist, adding more guitars, drums, and synths to the original piano-based arrangement.

Furthermore, Heather Baron-Gracie delivers a confident and sassy vocal performance. She sings about a narcissistic and unfaithful partner who thinks he’s too good for her. Additionally, the song is a fun and catchy tribute to one of the most iconic songs of all time.

9. “Change”

This song was the lead single from the band’s second album, Who Am I?, which was released in 2021. Moreover, the song is a nostalgic and upbeat pop-punk anthem that celebrates the power of change and growth. Heather Baron-Gracie sings about how she used to be insecure and unhappy with herself.

But now she has embraced her true identity and found happiness. The song is inspired by Heather’s coming out as gay and her relationship with fellow musician Kelsi Luck. The song also features catchy hooks, energetic guitars, and a sing-along chorus that makes it a perfect crowd-pleaser.

8. “She’s My Religion”

This song was the second single from Who Am I?. It is one of the most personal and intimate songs by Pale Waves. The song is a love letter to Heather’s girlfriend, Kelsi Luck, who also co-wrote the song with her. It is a beautiful and honest portrayal of queer love. Heather sings about how Kelsi is her religion, her heaven, and her everything.

The song also challenges the stereotypes and expectations of society. Heather declares that she doesn’t need to be holy or perfect to love someone. The song also features soft guitars, dreamy synths, and a heartfelt vocal delivery that makes it a touching and romantic ballad.

7. “There’s a Honey”

This song was the debut single by Pale Waves, which was released in 2017. The song was co-produced by Matty Healy and George Daniel of The 1975. They are are also signed to the same label as Pale Waves. It is a synth-pop gem that showcases the band’s signature sound of catchy melodies, shimmering guitars, and synth-laden production.

The song is about a toxic relationship that Heather can’t seem to escape from, even though she knows he’s bad for her. The song contrasts the sweet and sour aspects of love. Heather sings “I would give you my body” in the chorus.

6. “Red”

This song is the opening track from Unwanted, and it sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song is also a hard-hitting rock tune that features heavy guitars, pounding drums, and distorted vocals. Moreover, the song is about Heather’s anger and frustration with herself and the world around her.

She sings about how she feels like she’s drowning in her own emotions. Also how she wants to break free from her pain. Additionally, the song is a powerful and cathartic expression of Heather’s inner turmoil. She screams “Oh, and I know red’s your favourite colour” in the chorus.

5. “Lies”

This song is the lead single from Unwanted, and it is one of the most successful songs by Pale Waves. Moreover, the song is a pop-punk banger that features catchy riffs, explosive drums, and a soaring chorus. The song is also about Heather’s experience of being lied to and betrayed by someone she trusted.

She sings about how she was naive and blind to the truth. Also how she regrets wasting her time and energy on someone who didn’t care about her. Additionally, the song is a relatable and empowering anthem for anyone who has been hurt by lies.

4. “Television Romance”

This song was the second single from the band’s debut album, My Mind Makes Noises, which was released in 2018. Moreover, the song is a synth-pop delight that features bright guitars, sparkling synths, and a catchy chorus.

The song is also about Heather’s crush on a TV star, who she fantasizes about having a romantic relationship with. She sings about how she watches him every night. Also how she wishes he would notice her and love her back. Additionally, the song is a playful and charming ode to the joys of escapism and imagination.

3. “Jealousy”

This song is the second single from Unwanted. It is one of the most emotional and vulnerable songs by Pale Waves. Moreover, the song is a piano-driven ballad that features minimal instrumentation, raw vocals, and a haunting chorus. The song is also about Heather’s struggle with jealousy and insecurity in her relationship with Kelsi Luck.

She sings about how she feels inadequate and unworthy of Kelsi’s love. Also how she fears losing her to someone else. The song is a heartbreaking and honest confession of Heather’s inner demons. She sings “In my defense, jealousy’s my best friend” in the chorus.

2. “Unwanted”

This song is the title track and the closing track from Unwanted. It is one of the most powerful and impactful songs by Pale Waves. The song is a rock anthem that features epic guitars, thunderous drums, and a climactic chorus. The song is also about Heather’s rejection and alienation from her family, who disowned her for being gay.

She sings about how she feels unwanted and unloved by them. Also how she tries to cope with the pain and loneliness. The song is a defiant and courageous statement of Heather’s identity. She sings “You make me feel unwanted” in the chorus.

1. “Noises”

This song is the fourth single from My Mind Makes Noises. It is arguably the best song by Pale Waves. The song is a synth-pop masterpiece that features lush guitars, atmospheric synths, and a stunning chorus. Moreover, the song is about Heather’s battle with depression and anxiety.

It causes her to hear negative voices in her head. She sings about how she feels hopeless and helpless, and how she tries to silence the noises that torment her. Additionally, the song is a moving and inspiring expression of Heather’s resilience. She sings “What do you see when you look at me?” in the chorus.

The Bottom Line

Pale Waves are one of the most talented and exciting bands in the music industry today. They have proven their versatility and creativity with their three albums, each showcasing a different sound and style. They have also shown their authenticity and courage with their lyrics.

Pale Waves touch on various topics such as love, identity, mental health, and self-acceptance. Pale Waves have earned their place among the best indie rock bands of their generation. We can’t wait to hear more from them in the future.