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10 Most Underrated Imagine Dragons Songs

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Imagine Dragons burst onto the mainstream scene in 2012 with their smash hit “Radioactive” and other big singles like “It’s Time,” “Demons,” and “On Top of the World.” Since then, the alt-pop band has consistently been releasing records and scoring more chart-toppers, garnering billions of streams and sales with tunes such as “Believer,” “Natural,” and “Whatever It Takes.” Underneath all these platinum-earning successes, Imagine Dragons has a plethora of pieces in their discography that unfortunately go overlooked. Today we’ll be covering our top 10 most underrated songs by Imagine Dragons, including 10 honorable mentions, spanning the entirety of their career. (If you know me, you know that I haven’t been the biggest fan of the band in recent years, but I certainly enjoyed their debut album and earlier material, so this list might be a bit biased, haha.)

Stick around for honorable mentions at the end!

10. “Tokyo” from It’s Time – EP  (2011)

Before Imagine Dragons signed to a record label, they self-released a few EPs with some songs that never quite made it on their debut album. “Tokyo” happened to fall into this category, and thus it went largely unrecognized by the band’s wider audience. But though it was never placed on an LP, “Tokyo” is still a fun little tune; it’s got a catchy chorus, a fun, danceable beat, and eclectic guitar refrains. “Tokyo” is bound to get stuck in your head, and it’s certainly an underrated track in the band’s catalog.

9. “Destination” from iTunes Session  (2013)

“Destination” is a tune that was released independently by the band, but was only officially released on their iTunes Session EP—no studio recording, just a live acoustic performance. The studio version of this song is fantastic and many fans hoped it would be included on the band’s debut record, but it never was. The fans were blessed with the acoustic version, however, which is just as good as the studio version in my opinion. The down-to-earth, stripped-back attitude really facilitates the sincere lyricism, and the lovely, raw vocal harmonies give the track a campfire sort of vibe. Since it was only officially released on this EP, “Destination” did not receive enough attention in my book.

8. “I Don’t Know Why” from Evolve  (2017)

I’m just going to come out and say it: I genuinely believe “I Don’t Know Why” heavily influenced 5 Seconds of Summer in the making of their hit single “Youngblood.” The hazy ambience, plucky guitar melodies, pounding bass lines, bombastic percussion, and sweeping synthesizers—it’s hard to not agree that the two songs are at least very similar in structure and instrumentation. Unfortunately, “I Don’t Know Why” didn’t climb the charts like “Youngblood” did, and I really don’t know why because it’s probably the best tune on Evolve. Before you take to the comments with your torches and pitchforks, keep in mind that 5SOS is my favorite band and I don’t blame them for taking inspiration from this song.

7. “Only” from Origins  (2018)

Origins was released practically out of nowhere, just a little over a year after Evolve. The band pushed the record by labeling it a “sister album” to Evolve, which makes sense considering their musical similarities, and I can tell that Imagine Dragons probably wanted to milk their 15 minutes of success a little longer. While Origins was indeed a step up from Evolve, it was still relatively underwhelming, but “Only” was definitely a track that stood out to me. The tinny synths are a bit annoying without the proper headphones/speakers, but the vocal melody of the chorus is catchy and memorable, and the interesting percussion timbres give the song some oomph.

6. “Amsterdam” from Night Visions  (2012)

Look, I know what you’re thinking. “This song isn’t underrated because it was released as a promotional single for Night Visions!!” Okay, yeah, but here’s my reasoning for including it on this list. “Amsterdam” was initially released on the It’s Time EP in 2011 and luckily made the cut for the band’s debut. It’s introspective and emotional, filled with apologies and impassioned vocal delivery, as well as some dreamy guitars, backing vocals, and a boisterous “breakdown” of sorts in the bridge. Personally, I think “Amsterdam” should’ve been a bigger hit; it’s quite possibly my favorite tune on Night Visions and has definitely held up over the years. It eclipses the band’s more grandiose anthems like “Radioactive” or “On Top of the World” in terms of lyrical and musical quality, but since it wasn’t as easily marketable for radio and commercials, it didn’t receive its due spotlight.

5. “I Was Me”  (2015)

“I Was Me” was unleashed as a one-off single for the One4 project with all proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency to support fleeing refugees. The sparse instrumentation coupled with Dan Reynolds’ exposed vocals and emotive lyrics gives this tune a tinge of rawness and sincerity, detailing the struggles of losing your sense of self. However, despite its admirable cause and reflective songwriting, this tender tune is one of the more overlooked singles in the band’s discography.

4. “The River” from It’s Time – EP  (2011)

“The River” was first released on the It’s Time EP in 2011 and then re-released on The Archive EP in 2013… and then re-released again as a bonus track on a reissue of Night Visions. Yet after all these releases, “The River” still hasn’t gained its due recognition. The glistening guitars, misty cymbals, and whimsical vocals coat this track in a daydreamy feel. The lyrics offer a sense of yearning and escapism, and the layered vocal lines in the final chorus complete the song with a dazed feeling. “The River” is one of my personal favorites from Imagine Dragons, definitely deserving of more popularity.

3. “Leave Me” from It’s Time – EP  (2011)

Despite the rather questionable line “You’ve got to get a gun to make a woman run,” “Leave Me” is a stellar guitar-driven rock tune found on the It’s Time EP. The raucous distortion and granular vocal delivery make for a pulse-racing tune that is pure evidence of Imagine Dragons’ roots in the indie rock genre. It’s a shame this song flew under the radar, I would love to hear more like this from the band.

2. “Selene” from Hell and Silence – EP  (2010)

Like “The River,” “Selene” was released on one of the band’s earlier EPs, then released on The Archive EP, and finally released on a reissue of Night Visions. “Selene” first made its appearance on the Hell and Silence EP, published in 2010, and it now holds its place as a bonus track on Imagine Dragons’ debut, so it did garner some publicity. However, in my opinion, it warrants more. “Selene” is another passionate indie rock track with ardent vocals, fervent lyricism, rugged guitar melodies, and soaring synths; something about it conveys such emotion and feeling, you almost feel as though you’re intertwined within the track. It’s compelling and immersive and yet sorely underrated.

1. “Emma” from Hell and Silence – EP  (2010)

Finally, at our top spot is “Emma” taken from the Hell and Silence EP. Other than the fact that both of their titles are the names of women, “Emma” and “Selene” are fairly similar tunes: indie rock with some electronic flair thrown into the mix and poignant lyrics that are destined to suck you in. “Emma” is a scorching slow burn, and the blistering vocal performances in the bridge are suddenly contrasted when the band lightly glides right back into the dreamy chorus. The sense of longing in the lyrics is bolstered by the prolonged synth melody and enchanted guitars, a delectable composition that will have you hitting replay over and over. The simplicity of the lyrics offers even more contrast when paired with Dan Reynolds’ at times soft, at times intense choral delivery. Unfortunately, “Emma” was only featured on Hell and Silence (giving the EP its title, by the way) and never amassed its due attention. Nevertheless, I’ll keep spinning it and vouching for it until my ears get worn out.

Well, there you have it, the most underrated songs by Imagine Dragons! Tweet at us or let us know in the comments below what songs you think are overlooked!

Honorable Mentions:

15 Most Underrated Ed Sheeran Songs

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HEY! Are you looking for songs released after ÷ (Divide)? We’ve published a NEW list of Ed’s most underrated songs for the year 2023, from the end of ÷ (Divide) through the end of – (Subtract). Click here to see it!

Ed Sheeran, the lovable redhead from Suffolk, England, has become the modern-day mainstream poster child for the singer/songwriter genre through his soulful acoustic ballads and energetic hip-hop-influenced jams. Between lyrics of love, heartbreak, drinking, internal struggles, and familial issues, Sheeran is unquestionably recognized by many as one of the most genuine and heartfelt songwriters of the 2010s. He seems to get more and more popular with every release, but yet, many of his songs don’t garner their deserved attention. Here are our top 15 most underrated songs from this amiable musician! (Stick around for honorable mentions and unreleased songs at the end!)

15. “I Will Take You Home” from Bloodstream – Single  (2015)

Casual acoustic strumming and endearing libretto defines “I Will Take You Home,” which was released as part of the “Bloodstream” single in 2015. Between a harmonica solo and unique vocal layering, “I Will Take You Home” is an enjoyable, serene track that showcases Ed’s humble lyricism and simplistic attitude. It’s an entrancing song that easily allows the listener to relax and turn off the rest of the world.

14. “Shirtsleeves” from ×  (2014)

“Shirtsleeves” appeared as a bonus track on Ed’s 2014 full-length album ×, pronounced “multiply.” Ed has always worn his heart on his sleeve and that is clearly noticeable on “Shirtsleeves” … literally. The upbeat percussion creates a sense of energy while the guitar-commanding singer croons and whispers his feelings through metaphors related to water and drowning.

13. “Grade 8” from +  (2011)

Ed’s major label debut + was a game-changer in the singer/songwriter industry. His perfect mixture of hip-hop and acoustic consonance was something not many artists had consummated before, and it is incontrovertibly apparent on “Grade 8,” an animated cut from + ornamented with piano chords, buoyant percussion, and electric guitar accentuations. The chorus is addictive and yet also pleasingly sentimental.

12. “Touch and Go” from ×  (2014)

The opening riff of “Touch and Go” is nothing short of infectious. This tune has an insatiable groove that is simply undeniable. The vocal theme is catchy, especially in the chorus, and nonchalantly rolls off the tongue, which testifies to Ed’s songwriting and melodic sensibility. “Touch and Go” was attached as a bonus track for ×, causing it to not earn proper attention.

11. “Save Myself” from ÷  (2017)

Though our review of Ed’s third major label release was not extremely positive, “Save Myself” undoubtedly stands out as one of the best songs on ÷. The gentle piano melody coupled with Ed’s emotional vocal delivery bolsters the already poignant lyrics, making for a self-reflective tearjerker. The tune was included as a bonus track though it was initially intended to be an a-side, and it’s a shame it did not receive its due recognition.

Click here to read our full review of ÷!

10. “English Rose” from ×  (2014)

Another bonus track from ×, “English Rose” is an exceedingly unique song for Ed’s discography. Ed crafts a Mumford & Sons-esque stadium-rattler with a chugging, progressive percussion beat and folky attitude. “English Rose” features another harmonica solo, presumably the same one from (or at least very similar to) the aforementioned “I Will Take You Home,” among a full-sounding array of diverse instrumentation not typically exhibited on an Ed Sheeran tune, who is known for being a one-man band.

9. “You Break Me” from Want Some?  (2007)

“You Break Me” is the effervescent opening track from Ed’s recondite third long-player titled Want Some?. Unleashed on his parent’s independent art consultancy named Sheeran Lock at the young age of 16, Want Some? is Ed’s fourth non-major-label release and is mostly forgotten and overlooked by general listeners. “You Break Me” is authentic evidence of Ed’s early musical talent and euphonious potency that would eventually manifest itself on stages in sold-out stadiums across the globe. (Of course, we’re all enthused by Ed’s adorable “fetus” voice.)

8. “Even My Dad Does Sometimes” from ×  (2014)

Ed has always cited John Mayer as a notable inspiration for his career, and that is certainly obvious sonically on the deep cut “Even My Dad Does Sometimes” from ×. Featuring a downtrodden electric guitar melody and stirring piano refrains, “Even My Dad Does Sometimes” is a heartrending tune reminding the listener that it’s “alright to cry” and “shake” because it means we are human. Ed tells us it’s “alright to die” but to just hold on for today and live on no matter what. Being human means feeling emotions, which is exactly what this song makes us do.

7. “Gold Rush” from +  (2011)

On a more positive note, “Gold Rush” is an upbeat, singalong-ready tune that was included as bonus material on Ed’s major label debut titled +. The instrumentation is characterized solely by an acoustic and electric guitar, but the catchiness of the vocal melody renders this number to be more musically captivating and challenging to get out of your head. Ed has a way of crafting simple yet memorable, fun compositions that are irrefutable earworms.

6. “The Man” from ×  (2014)

A standard edition a-side from ×, “The Man” is a steady rap-inflicted tune that demonstrates Ed’s ability to create sensitive rap sequences which allow him to squeeze more lyrics into his arrangements. This track is one of Ed’s most personal and internally contemplative pieces, causing him to appear overcome during an intimate acoustic performance. “The Man” is a song of loss, heartache, self-disappointment, bitterness, sadness, and overall unhindered honesty, all attributes that most mainstream artists don’t typically delve into, which sets Ed apart from the bunch as a more introspective, heartfelt songwriter.

5. “Fire Alarms” from Songs I Wrote With Amy – EP  (2010)

“Fire Alarms” is a mellow yet spirited article from the Songs I Wrote With Amy EP released in 2010. Amy Wadge is one of the main remarkable songwriters that Ed has collaborated with on numerous tunes, including some of his most monumental hits like “Thinking Out Loud” and “Galway Girl.” “Fire Alarms” is carried by a propulsive acoustic guitar melody with electric strains sprinkled throughout and subdued percussion. The song gently develops and broadens with the repeated line “We are waving our lives away.”

4. “Nina” from ×  (2014)

Similar to “The Man,” “Nina” is another impassioned cut from × that attests to Ed’s expressive lyricism and unapologetic tendency to openly display his heart. “Nina” also testifies to his inclination to include personal details, which gives his music an exclusively intimate touch, like a page from his diary. The track is characterized by piano-directed assonance, fervent vocals, ebullient percussion, and deep guitar strumming.

3. “One Night” from Loose Change – EP  (2010)

The rich instrumentation and production quality paired with the catchy vocal cadences and interesting libretto makes “One Night” an intriguing and momentous song in Ed’s catalog. The repetitive chorus is bound to get stuck in your head, along with the electric guitar refrains dazzled throughout the mix. The verses are down-to-earth and overall entertaining to follow along with, like when Ed sings about needing money to purchase fast food but the person he’s with buys him “chips and cheese” so “she’s all [he] need[s],” or how she “turns [his] cheeks the color of [his] hair.” “One Night” distinctively substantiates Ed’s operatic ability and how he can craft lyrics that are both warmly thoughtful and amusingly charming.

2. “Runaway” from ×  (2014)

A song with a groove that Taylor Swift vehemently praised, “Runaway” is emphatically one of the catchiest, most rhythmic numbers on × with the production help of Pharrell Williams. On top of the musical efficiency, the lyrics illustrate a son’s struggle with his father’s alcoholism and inclination to abjectly run away from home, claiming he “love[s] him from [his] skin to [his] bones” but sadly doesn’t “wanna live in his home.” Ed further portrays his internal maturity by accepting that no one is perfect when he says, “None of us are saints; I guess that God knows that.” It’s a grim depiction but an honest, sincere emotional presentation of a real-life situation that many people experience and can subsequently relate to.

1. “Top Floor (Cabana)” from Hotel Cabana with Naughty Boy  (2013)

Oddly enough, our top pick is a collaborative project with Naughty Boy. The song is titled “Top Floor (Cabana)” from Naughty Boy’s 2013 full-length Hotel Cabana. “Top Floor” is a seemingly simple tune which opens up with sounds of a bustling city, allowing the listener to truly feel like they are in the moment and place the song attempts to set. Instrumentally, “Top Floor” is characterized by nothing more than Ed’s acoustic guitar and a soft backing piano. The lyrics are ardently captivating and strangely ethereal, painting a scene of an empty soul contemplating suicide—his “sweetest goodbye.” The delivery is overall chilling and arouses feelings of hopelessness and sorrow. The boisterous honking of car horns at the end and lack of worded closure causes the listener to wonder if the writer chose to fall from the top floor of the hotel. It leaves a sense of despondency and grief and a longing to aid the forlorn singer, which is an emotional connection that not many songs can accomplish. Despite this level of masterful songwriting and heartstring-tugging, the brief piece unfortunately did not gain its deserved attention.

Well, there you have it, the most underrated songs by Ed Sheeran! Tweet at us or let us know in the comments below what songs you think are overlooked!

Honorable Mentions:

20 Most Underrated 5SOS Songs (5 Seconds of Summer)

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5 Seconds of Summer has officially released nearly a hundred songs and written many more. They’ve had super hits with multi-platinum sales, albums flying off the shelves, and fans eagerly awaiting to catch a glimpse of them everywhere they go. Yet there are a handful of songs that are painfully overlooked and simply forgotten about. Here are our top 20 most underrated songs from these Australian superstars. (Stick around for honorable mentions and unreleased songs at the end!)

Edit: Since 5SOS has released their latest album Youngblood, we thought we should add a few more songs, in no particular order: “Midnight,” “Best Friend,” “Woke Up In Japan,” “When You Walk Away,” and “Meet You There.”

20. “Never Be” from 5 Seconds of Summer  (2014)

Like many of the songs on this list, “Never Be” was included as a bonus track, specifically from their explosively popular debut album, which sold almost 2 million copies worldwide, if not more. “Never Be” is a syrupy sweet mid-tempo love song, but is typically unknown to most casual listeners. So break out the lighters and start swaying to this heartthrob track.

19. “Daylight” from Amnesia – EP  (2014)

“Daylight” is not exceedingly underrated, but it still certainly does not receive the credit it deserves. It is a solid pop rock tune, shifting from upbeat, chugging verses to a halftime-feeling chorus with smooth guitar riffs and clean vocals. The lyrics have that classic 5SOS touch of realistic yet sometimes goofy details that give the song more depth and life, making it feel like a true situation through continuous metaphors and similes.

18. “Green Light” from 5 Seconds of Summer  (2014)

This is how you make a piece about physical affection! By focusing on the most important thing: consent! For some straight white teenage boys, 5SOS really understands the significance of consent. “Green Light” is another solid, fun pop rock track with thorny riffs and catchy lyrics. It was tacked on as a bonus track of their self-titled album and is another sadly neglected tune. Give it the green light next time it comes up on your playlist and really soak it in!

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17. “English Love Affair” from 5 Seconds of Summer  (2014)

Another bonus track from their debut? Yeah, but this is no doubt one of their best songs! “English Love Affair” is an energetic tale of debauchery, and it is undeniably catchy and overall fun. (You know it’s good when drummer Ashton Irwin gets a vocal solo.) The mysterious tone, vocal harmonies, and pulsing drum beat tie the song together and “English Love Affair” proves to be one of the best bonus tracks in their discography. Or just simply one of the best tracks!

16. “Close As Strangers” from 5 Seconds of Summer  (2014)

Yeah, there’s a trend going on here: bonus tracks are so freakin’ good. “Close As Strangers” is another heartfelt tune but is also a little depressing. It details the relationship struggles of constantly touring with the band, painting the situation of two lovers being away for too long and things slowly falling apart. The acoustic guitar and piano add an emotional atmosphere on top of the lyrical content, and “Close As Strangers” certainly doesn’t receive its due recognition.

15. “Lost Boy” from 5 Seconds of Summer  (2014)

“Lost Boy” is actually one of 5SOS’s older songs, and they even performed it live multiple times throughout 2013. It finally got the respect it deserves when they released a studio recording as a bonus track on their self-titled debut. Again, it’s not super underrated, but it is unfamiliar to adventitious fans. The smooth vocal delivery and pop rock bliss makes “Lost Boy” one of the many lost tracks of their discography.

14. “Catch Fire” from Sounds Good, Feels Good  (2015)

5sossgfgAh, finally! A track from their sophomore release, Sounds Good, Feels Good! And hey, it’s not a bonus track! “Catch Fire,” cowritten with Alex Gaskarth, is a fun yet mature tune from SGFG, incorporating a wide array of instrumentation and styles. However, many people consider it as just a filler track on the album, but “Catch Fire” proves to be more than a simple piece for tomentum. It shows the band evolving and stepping out of their comfort zone.

Read our full review of Sounds Good, Feels Good here!

13. “Mrs. All-American” from 5 Seconds of Summer  (2014)

Back to the debut album? Yep. And it’s a bonus track. “Mrs. All-American” was included on the United States deluxe edition, and while it isn’t agonizingly underrated, it surely doesn’t garner proper attention. This song is another cheerfully cheesy tune with delightfully goofy lyrics and electronic elements. Kinda makes you appreciate the maturity of songs like “Catch Fire” even more, huh? “Mrs. All-American” is still decent, light earcandy and is yet at times unnoticed.

12. “Tomorrow Never Dies” from 5 Seconds of Summer  (2014)

“Tomorrow Never Dies” was released as a Target exclusive bonus track on the debut, and since Target is only in America, this song was slightly unbeknownst to, well, everyone else. “Tomorrow Never Dies” takes advantage of electronic components, creating atmosphere and special effects. It still flies under the radar, even to this day, and unrightfully so. Again, this shows 5SOS stepping out of their comfort zone, beyond the typical pop rock timbre they usually exhibit.

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11. “If You Don’t Know” from Don’t Stop – EP  (2014)

“If You Don’t Know” was included on the Don’t Stop EP in 2014 and is definitely one of the most emotional songs in their discography. With pulse-quickening guitar melodies and chanted refrains, “If You Don’t Know” is bound to punch you right in the gut with its poignant lyrical storytelling and impassioned vocal performances.

10. “Bad Dreams” (2013)

calumFinally into the Top 10 underrated tracks. An unofficially released song, “Bad Dreams” was specifically written by bassist Calum Hood, and proves to be another buoyant cheesy track. It’s undeniably one of their best unreleased songs (of which there are many,) and we constantly wonder why they didn’t include it as at least a bonus track! “Bad Dreams” is a typical 5SOS tune and is still an enjoyable tune despite not being officially distributed.

9. “Broken Pieces” from She’s Kinda Hot – EP  (2015)

Remember this EP? Well, you should. “Broken Pieces” is undoubtedly overlooked. It was the first taste of the “New Broken Scene” era that we got, and it proves that 5SOS certainly matured over the year. “Broken Pieces” is an emotional, melodious track, detailing a shattered relationship and a sense of hopefulness towards repairing it. However, since this EP was only officially released in the UK, other countries were not easily able to unearth it by conventional means, resulting in “Broken Pieces” going unnoticed.

Read our full review of the She’s Kinda Hot EP here!

8. “Social Casualty” from 5 Seconds of Summer  (2014)

Next on the list is “Social Casualty,” which samples the famous guitar riff from Fall Out Boy’s hit, “Sugar, We’re Going Down.” This track depicts social nonconformity and bohemianism among youth, and it was included as a bonus track on the self-titled album. While “Social Casualty” isn’t achingly neglected, it still doesn’t stick out to casual followers of the band. While it does wear other influences on its sleeve (also see: All Time Low’s “Me Without You,”) “Social Casualty” is still an entertaining deep cut!

7. “The Space Between a Rock and a Hard Place (Catch-22)” from Sounds Good, Feels Good  (2015)

5sossgfgProbably their longest song title, right? Nonetheless, this track is killer! “The Space Between a Rock and a Hard Place” was included on SGFG as a Target exclusive bonus track, which is why it’s mostly overlooked. (Like, seriously overlooked. I struggled to even find decent audio of it online.) But this song is some solid pop rock! The explosive, harmonious chorus complements the building verses, and I’d personally love to hear this live!

6. “18” from 5 Seconds of Summer  (2014)

Hey, a song from the debut album that isn’t a bonus track! Yes, “18” is so painfully underrated, it’s probably the least popular song from the self-titled record. But it’s so fun! Yes, it’s goofy and cliché and slightly immature, but it’s still a likable listen! It is one of the most rock-ish songs on the debut, and is actually another one of the boys’ older pieces which they wrote in 2013. Sometimes you just gotta turn your brain off and rock out!

5. “Gotta Get Out” from Somewhere New – EP  (2012)

While “Gotta Get Out” isn’t extremely passed over, it is certainly an impressive tune for such (at the time) young lads. Their debut EP, Somewhere New, showcased what 5SOS is all about – lively, danceable tunes, like “Unpredictable,” and heartfelt, more mellow tunes, like “Beside You.” “Gotta Get Out” finds a sweet spot in between – it’s upbeat and fun but more serious in the lyrical department. Personally, I also love the acoustic version!

4. “The Only Reason” from She Looks So Perfect – EP  (2014)

The She Looks So Perfect EP was the group’s first major label debut, offering the biggest hit in their discography to date. (“She Looks So Perfect”) But “The Only Reason” never broke through beyond the band’s close fans, which is unfortunate. This track features an amazing vocal performance from guitarist Michael Clifford and some of their “heaviest” material that year. The poignant lyrics and impassioned musicianship of “The Only Reason” truly deserve more publicity.

3. “Lost In Reality” from She’s Kinda Hot – EP  (2015)

As we enter the top 3, “Lost In Reality” rightfully warrants a spot this high on the list. (I mean, this entire EP kinda flew under the radar, you know?) “Lost In Reality” is nothing less than genuinely great pop rock bliss. The exciting guitar melodies, electronic touches, and vocal harmonies bring this piece together, bridging the gap between the full-length albums by maintaining the cut-loose rock elements of the debut and the maturity of the sophomore release.

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2. “Story of Another Us” from Sounds Good, Feels Good  (2015)

5sossgfgI’m sure you’re waiting on the edge of your seat for the number 1 song. But first, we can’t overlook “Story of Another Us” anymore than everyone else already has. WOW. This song is so amazingly stellar, it begs the question as to why it was included as a Target bonus track and not a single or something! “Story of Another Us” is practically like a much more mature and seasoned version of “Heartache on the Big Screen.” This piece is one of the most ardently emotional displays in their collection to date, flaunting stunning vocal acts from Calum Hood and Luke Hemmings. The swelling orchestral aspects exhibited in the bridge section build the passionate sincerity even more, leading into a warming acoustic lull from Calum before erupting with the final chorus. There is no doubt “Story of Another Us” is one of the lads’ most dimensional and heartrending performances in their history, and it’s a damn shame more listeners don’t know about this tune.

1. “Independence Day” from 5 Seconds of Summer  (2014)

Hm, our top 2 picks are both Target exclusive bonus tracks… “Independence Day” is by far one of the most underrated songs in the band’s discography. This tune is an upbeat, charged pop rock track, featuring outstanding vocals from Luke, Calum, and harmonies from the rest of the boys. But Jesus, listen to that guitar riff! The meteoric chorus and fiery bridge portions are major highlights of this tune, but the verses also don’t disappoint. The lyrics are fairly mature compared to the rest of the material on their debut release and are unbelievably catchy. This song would be absolutely breathtaking to hear live, from the magnificent drumming to the cumbersome guitar melodies, not to mention the phenomenal guitar solos featured in the bridge! All in all, “Independence Day” is severely overlooked, it’s almost arduous to think about the lack of credit it receives.

Well, there you have it, the most underrated songs by 5 Seconds of Summer! Tweet at us or let us know in the comments below what songs you think are overlooked!

Honorable Mentions: