To commemorate 10 years of Wolf Alice ahead of their upcoming album, we take a look back at their top 10 tracks so far.
Wolf Alice is back! Ten years after their legendary debut album, ‘My Love Is Cool’, the band is set to release their fourth record, ‘The Clearing’, in just a few days (exciting!). A lot has transpired during this time: three LPs (along with several DIY covers), a Mercury Prize victory, and a performance on the Glastonbury Pyramid Stage, among other highlights. So, what better way to celebrate a decade of Wolf Alice while we eagerly anticipate their next chapter than by compiling the standout moments from their discography thus far? (Though we could easily make a strong case for ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ here, we’ll reserve the cuts from ‘The Clearing’ for another time). Here we go...
10. The Last Man on Earth
Kicking off at number ten is ‘The Last Man on Earth’. Released in 2021 as the first glimpse of Wolf Alice's third album, ‘Blue Weekend’, this ELO-influenced track indicated a more mature and introspective era for the band. It begins with a ballad-like piano and gradually escalates with the confident energy of a band secure in their loyal fanbase. It showcases the full range of Wolf Alice's capabilities, this time boldly embracing the added elements that success has given them.
9. Lipstick On The Glass
This subtle song is also part of the band's somber third album. It reveals vocalist Ellie Rowsell's willingness to reconcile with a previous lover, despite a betrayal. The lyrics are strikingly honest and vulnerable, reflecting her openness about those desires, regardless of what is deemed 'right'. Coupled with swirling strings and Rowsell’s distinctive, nearly whispered vocals, it pulls you into the song at a mesmerizing pace.
8. Smile
If it’s the heavier side of Wolf Alice's sound that you’re drawn to, then this 2021 song should be at the top of your list. Starting off like a drone before crashing down, 'Smile' is bold and unapologetic in both its tone and message. It’s intense and filled with angst, and that guitar riff is unmistakable, providing a refreshing and fierce moment amid the emotional weight of the rest of the album.
7. No Hard Feelings
While it departs from the band’s more well-known songs, ‘No Hard Feelings’ definitely deserves a spot in the Top 10. This tender track showcases Rowsell at her most vulnerable; you can easily imagine her curled up with her guitar on her bedroom floor. Its essence unmistakably reflects a break-up (as does the entire album), yet it maintains a serene quality. After all, “there’s only so much sulking that the heart can tolerate."
6. How Can I Make It Ok?
Yes, we’re aware it’s another track from ‘Blue Weekend’ - but we simply adore it! This gorgeous piece fits seamlessly into the melancholic album; it’s gentle and protective, highlighted by the nostalgic, '80s-inspired pop that enhances the bittersweet nature of the song. “To live in fear isn’t to live at all,” Ellie sings, capturing that relatable anxiety that accompanies the effort to help a loved one heal.
5. Beautifully Unconventional
Now we're taking it back to 2017, because what’s not to love about this indie anthem from the 2010s? Just one strum of the guitar and we’re hooked! It’s straightforward, classic, and exactly what one expects from an indie band’s debut album - bursting with energy, showcasing their talents. It’s filled with youthful spirit, stale cigarettes, and beer-stained clothes, reminding us of our beloved lost era of indie sleaze. Rest in peace.
4. Silk
The 2015 track 'Silk' feels remarkably sophisticated for a debut album, contributing significantly to defining Wolf Alice's sound. A clear fan-favorite, the song sneaks in before delivering Ellie’s haunting and hissing vocal melody as a mantra. It possesses a playful, childlike quality that makes it the perfect anthem for fans to sing back to the band, marking it as a song with genuine intent.
3. Bros
A tribute to friendship, this nostalgic track appears as the second song on Wolf Alice’s debut album, ‘My Love is Cool’, and was among the first songs many of us heard from the band. Dedicated to Rowsell’s relationship with her childhood best friend, it radiates light and love, making it impossible to listen without feeling uplifted. “I got plans,” Rowsell sings in this youthful anthem; she was clearly serious about it.
2. Don’t Delete the Kisses
It’s tough to know where to begin with this passionate, euphoric track, which - fun fact - took the band years to finalize. ‘Don’t Delete the
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In honor of Wolf Alice's 10-year anniversary and the release of their new album, we look back at their 10 greatest tracks so far.