5 Surprisingly Great Songs by Non-Lead Singers

Most band’s instrumentalists can rock out their guitars, drums, whatever on any day of the week. But sometimes, the “not” lead singers deliver some of the band’s most memorable songs – and it’s about time they get praised for the masterpieces they created.

Related: “Elton John, Bernie Taupin: Finding Each Other Again”

Most band members tend to stick to their first function, only jumping on the microphone for backing vocals. Some go on to release full songs that become some of the most memorable from their band. On that note, these are my picks for the top 5 songs performed by non-lead singers.

“Cold Cold Night” – The White Stripes

The White Stripes split, and that’s a very sensitive topic for most fans. But besides all of the amazing tunes sung by Jack, this song by Meg got us all in our feels. One of the most slow-paced songs of the band, “Cold Cold Night” can easily transport you to a big dark room with a few lit candles. And if that won’t convince you to go listen to it right now, let’s just say the lyrics paint a picture in your mind far more inspiring than many movies from the last decade.

“Beth” – Kiss

Written and performed by Kiss’ drummer, Peter Criss, the song tells the story of a band member working late at a studio while their girl awaits them back home. Having clearly a very personal connotation behind it, “Beth” is the kind of song you want to listen to around a fire pit with your friends. It evokes a nostalgia you might not even know you have, of the good old days, when everything was relatively simpler.

https://youtu.be/kHkojuUSDO8

“Breathe” – Pink Floyd

Sung by guitarist David Gilmour, the song starts with a sadistic background of screams and construction noises. The song then follows its normal pace with the peaceful voice and great chords that Pink Floyd is known for. The lyrics are about moving forward — and how we often don’t.

Related: “A Personal Connection to Pink Floyd’s ‘The Final Cut'”

“Coffee & TV” – Blur

At first, “Coffee and TV” reminds listeners of a dystopia. Soon after, the song takes a new tone that resembles a kind of conformity. The lyrics are about alienation, making a case for the ordinary person’s life, highlighting how we really believe we are content with the mediocre life we’re so used to living. The song ends with a subtle message of change when it says, “We can start over again.”

This sonic masterpiece is performed by the band’s guitarist, Graham Coxon. To this day, it remains one of the band’s best songs.

“Here Comes The Sun” – The Beatles

The first two names when mentioning the Beatles are “John” and “Paul,” both geniuses in their own songwriting right. Plus, they tended to trade off on lead vocals for much of the hits. This Beatles track by George Harrison is a fan favorite and has a particular spot in the heart of all Beatlemaniacs.

“Here Comes The Sun” will always have its deserved place among the band’s biggest hits.

-Victoria Oliviera

Photo: George Harrison (Getty Images)