Keane has cemented their place in British music history as one of the 21st century’s most successful bands. With four UK number-one albums and a string of hit singles spanning over two decades, their piano-driven rock and Tom Chaplin’s distinctive vocals have become instantly recognizable. But with such an extensive catalog, which Keane Songs truly stand out as their best?
This article delves into Keane’s impressive discography to rank their 10 greatest songs. From their early breakthrough hits to later, more experimental tracks, we’ll explore the evolution of their sound and celebrate the tunes that have resonated most with fans worldwide. Get ready to rediscover (or discover!) the best of Keane.
1. Somewhere Only We Know
Keane Somewhere Only We Know Official Music Video
“Somewhere Only We Know” is arguably the quintessential Keane song and remains their biggest hit to date, reaching number three on the UK charts. Released as the lead single from their debut album Hopes and Fears, this track perfectly encapsulates Keane’s signature sound: soaring piano melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and Chaplin’s emotive vocals.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of nostalgia, longing, and the search for a personal sanctuary. Richard Hughes, Keane’s drummer, described it as capturing “feelings that may be universal, without necessarily being totally specific to us, or a place, or a time.” Lily Allen’s cover for a John Lewis Christmas advert in 2013 further solidified its status as a modern classic, proving its deep connection with the British public and beyond. “Somewhere Only We Know” is a timeless Keane song that continues to captivate listeners with its poignant beauty.
2. Everybody’s Changing
Keane Everybodys Changing Official Music Video
“Everybody’s Changing” is another cornerstone of Keane’s early sound and a defining track from Hopes and Fears. This song showcases the band’s ability to blend melancholy with uplifting melodies, a formula that quickly won them a dedicated fanbase. Tim Rice-Oxley penned the lyrics during a period of uncertainty for the band, reflecting feelings of isolation and being left behind as their peers progressed in life.
Initially released on indie label Fierce Panda and charting at a modest 122, “Everybody’s Changing” experienced a meteoric rise upon re-release, climbing to number four in the UK charts. Its relatable lyrics about navigating life’s transitions, coupled with its anthemic chorus, have made it a lasting favorite and a prime example of early Keane at their finest. The Radiohead-esque vocal comparisons for Chaplin here are also readily apparent, contributing to its distinctive indie-rock flavor.
3. Bedshaped
Keane Bedshaped Official Music Video
“Bedshaped” is celebrated not only for its musical depth but also for its visually striking music video, a stop-motion animation masterpiece directed by Corin Hardy. The video, featuring a memorable creature, perfectly complements the song’s emotional weight. Originally a B-side to “Everybody’s Changing,” “Bedshaped” rightfully earned its place as an A-side single from Hopes and Fears, further propelling the album’s success.
Lyrically, “Bedshaped” delves into the fear of being left behind, this time focusing on the more personal context of a relationship with “an old friend or lover.” This narrower focus amplifies the emotional impact, making it a deeply resonant Keane song for many. Its melancholic piano chords and heartfelt vocals solidify its position as one of their most enduring and emotionally powerful tracks.
4. Spiralling
Keane Spiralling Official Music Video
“Spiralling” marked a significant sonic shift for Keane and served as the lead single from their third album, Perfect Symmetry. For listeners who had categorized Keane as a solely piano-based band in the vein of Coldplay, “Spiralling” was a deliberate and exciting departure. Initially offered as a free download, it quickly garnered 500,000 downloads in under a week, proving the band’s willingness to experiment was resonating with fans.
The track is characterized by its energetic synth-pop sound, a stark contrast to their earlier work. The distinctive “WOO!” shouts within the song are a playful nod to wrestling legend Ric Flair, while the music video featuring animated robots hints at inspiration from Kraftwerk. “Spiralling” demonstrated Keane’s artistic growth and their ability to evolve their sound while retaining their core melodic sensibilities, making it a standout and innovative Keane song.
5. Is It Any Wonder?
Keane Is It Any Wonder Official Music Video
“Is It Any Wonder?” from Under the Iron Sea represents another step forward in Keane’s musical journey. Unburdened by the pressure to replicate their debut album’s success, they confidently explored new sonic territories and lyrical themes. This song is surprisingly upbeat despite its weighty subject matter, addressing the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and a sense of British identity in the 21st century.
The lyrics question the notion of living in a morally righteous society, asking “Is it any wonder that I feel betrayed?”. The track’s driving energy is achieved using effects on a Yamaha CP70 piano, creating a distinctive, almost guitar-like sound. “Is It Any Wonder?” showcases Keane’s ability to tackle complex themes with catchy melodies and inventive instrumentation, solidifying its place as a powerful and thought-provoking Keane song.
6. Stop For A Minute (ft. K’NAAN)
Keane Stop For A Minute Official Music Video
“Stop For A Minute,” featuring Canadian-Somali rapper K’NAAN, exemplifies Keane’s adventurous spirit and their willingness to blend genres. Featured on the Night Train EP, which followed Perfect Symmetry, this track further pushed their sound into dancier and more experimental territories.
For its first two and three-quarter minutes, “Stop For A Minute” presents a slightly dance-infused Keane sound before K’NAAN’s rap verse adds a surprising and effective dimension. The collaboration broadened Keane’s international appeal, particularly after the song was included in the Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 video game soundtrack. “Stop For A Minute” is a testament to Keane’s versatility and their ability to seamlessly incorporate diverse musical elements into their signature style, resulting in a unique and memorable Keane song.
7. The Way I Feel
Keane The Way I Feel Official Music Video
“The Way I Feel” marked Keane’s return after a seven-year hiatus between Strangeland and Cause and Effect. Released in a vastly changed music industry landscape, this single may not have charted, but it showcased a mature and evolved Keane. During the band’s break, Tom Chaplin pursued solo work, and Tim Rice-Oxley and Jesse Quin focused on their Mt. Desolation side project, bringing new experiences and perspectives to their fifth album.
“The Way I Feel” demonstrates Keane’s enduring ability to fuse melancholy and melody, drawing comparisons to The Killers while maintaining their distinct identity. It reflects a grown-up Keane, comfortable in their sound and continuing to create compelling music. For dedicated fans, “The Way I Feel” is a reminder of Keane’s consistent quality and their ability to produce strong songs even after significant time away, making it a noteworthy later-era Keane song.
8. Silenced By The Night
Keane Silenced By The Night Official Music Video
“Silenced By The Night” served as the trailer single for Keane’s fourth studio album, Strangeland, and is a perfect representation of their sound from that era. Jesse Quin, who officially joined the band in 2011, received a co-writing credit on this track alongside Tim Rice-Oxley, Tom Chaplin, and Richard Hughes.
The song expertly blends Chaplin’s soaring vocals with an almost Springsteen-esque chorus melody, creating an anthemic and powerful feel. It combines their signature tinkling keys with an upbeat energy, resulting in a classic Keane sound that is both familiar and refreshing. “Silenced By The Night” is a strong example of Keane’s ability to consistently deliver impactful and emotionally resonant songs within their established musical framework.
9. Higher Than The Sun
Keane Higher Than The Sun Official Music Video
“Higher Than The Sun” was released as the lead single from Keane’s The Best of Keane compilation in 2013. Despite sharing its name with a Primal Scream song, this is an original Keane track written and recorded during the Strangeland sessions. While it may not have achieved significant chart success, it deserved its special placement as a standalone single, highlighting the quality of even their lesser-known tracks.
The Chris Boyle-directed music video for “Higher Than The Sun” beautifully chronicles the band’s journey and rise to prominence. The song itself is a quintessential Keane track, showcasing their melodic strengths and Chaplin’s captivating vocals. “Higher Than The Sun” is a reminder of Keane’s consistent ability to craft beautiful and engaging songs throughout their career, making it a worthy addition to any “best of” Keane songs list.
10. Nothing In My Way
Keane Nothing In My Way Live At ULU London UK 2006
“Nothing In My Way” comes from Keane’s second album, Under the Iron Sea, and demonstrated the band’s confidence and creative momentum following their debut success. Written and performed while touring Hopes & Fears, this single proved they were far from a one-album wonder. Tim Rice-Oxley cited inspiration from “the poppier end of hip-hop,” particularly Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” influencing the song’s groove.
“Nothing In My Way” reached the Top 20 and also holds the distinction of being one of the first tracks released on USB, albeit a short-lived format. This Keane song showcases their willingness to experiment with different rhythms and textures while retaining their core melodic strengths. It’s a testament to their continued evolution and their ability to produce compelling singles beyond their initial breakthrough hits.
In conclusion, Keane’s discography is rich with memorable and impactful songs. This list of their 10 greatest tracks offers a journey through their musical evolution, from their piano-driven beginnings to their more experimental later work. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, exploring these Keane songs is a rewarding experience that highlights their enduring contribution to contemporary British music. Listen to these tracks and discover (or rediscover) the magic of Keane.
