Let’s address the elephant in the room immediately: a list of just ten songs can barely scratch the surface of the vast and impressive discography of Alex Giannascoli, the indie rock virtuoso known as Alex G. His prolific output could easily fill a playlist of fifty tracks and still leave countless gems undiscovered.
However, to celebrate his 30th birthday on February 3rd, 2023, we’ve taken on the daunting task of narrowing down his discography to just ten essential songs.
Even in his early years growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs, Alex G displayed a remarkable talent for crafting haunting acoustic melodies paired with a sharp wit that defied his age. His early work often possessed a charmingly raw, lo-fi aesthetic. As his career has progressed, so has his musical dexterity, constantly innovating and keeping his sound fresh while staying true to his DIY roots.
From obscure YouTube recordings to indie anthems, we’ve compiled our best attempt at ranking Alex G’s top 10 songs. Explore our selections below and find a playlist featuring all tracks (excluding one unreleased rarity) at the end.
1. “Bug”
Comparisons to iconic artists like Elliott Smith, Pavement, and Sparklehorse have followed Alex G since his early releases on Bandcamp. However, with “Bug,” a standout track from his 2015 album Beach Music, we witness Alex G truly solidifying his unique artistic identity. He transcends mere singer-songwriter status, emerging as a distinct influence shaping contemporary indie music for years to come. “Bug” initially presents a sense of normalcy, only to be disrupted in its final moments by a jarring, pitch-shifted voice uttering “bug in the crosshair.” This unsettling element hints at the diverse and often contrasting personas that Alex G seamlessly integrates into his songwriting. — Abby Jones
2. “Adam”
Alex G’s songwriting often involves adopting perspectives outside of his own experiences. “Adam,” a track from 2012, exemplifies this, presenting a narrative that is subtly romantic beneath a layer of thoughtful melancholy. Set against a deliberate, almost mournful piano melody, Alex G sings from the viewpoint of a school bully grappling with a forbidden crush. The bully’s method of expressing this affection is through physical and emotional torment. “Adam” provides a disturbingly nuanced exploration of emotional manipulation. The bully achieves a twisted sense of gratification by stealing Adam’s lunchbox and assaulting him at the pool, knowing that his object of desire is now preoccupied with him, regardless of the negative context. — A.J.
3. “Not So Tough”
Devoted Alex G enthusiasts often passionately champion their favorite unreleased tracks, and rightfully so. Many of these hidden gems are exceptionally strong, despite their limited availability. “Not So Tough” stands out as a prime example, a captivating blend of folksy dream-pop. In this track, Alex G’s vocals are layered over a chorus of guitars that ebb and flow, creating an ethereal soundscape. While the instrumentation recedes and echoes, it never strays too far from the central melody. The song culminates with the poignant lines: “Don’t talk to me and pretend you care/ You’re not here, you’re not there, you’re not anywhere.” This exemplifies Alex G’s skill in conveying multifaceted meanings through simple language – an insult and a lament intertwined. –– A.J.
