Songs that everyone’s heard, but not everyone knows

In the age of Shazam, Siri and Snapchat, it’s easier to quickly find what that song is on that one advert that you think sounds amazing. However, sometimes you simply can’t find it, or your data wasn’t on, you lost wi-fi connection, your TV wasn’t loud enough for it to detect the song etc, etc. We’ve all been there. 

I have made a list of 10 artists who I believe everybody has heard at least once, but maybe not everyone knows who they are. And I believe they should; these artists make music that makes the ears prick up and the heart race. That feeling of thrill we should all get when finding a piece of music we love. So hopefully, this helps some of you out.

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M83: This French electronic musical project is responsible for the masterpieces ‘Midnight City' and ‘Outro’ both heard quite often on adverts and TV, as well as ‘Oblivion’ which was featured on the 2014 heart-wrenching film, ‘The Fault in our Stars’. This band has created some of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard, their music fills you with excitement, curiosity and emotion. Their album ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming’ is a must-listen. 

Elbow: Manchester based rock band ‘Elbow’ are the creators of anthems ‘One Day Like This’ and ‘Grounds For Divorce’, which are huge songs that I had definitely heard on either TV or films but never knew what they were called or who they were by until a friend recommended I listen to them. If you haven’t heard of them it’s definitely time you check them out.

The Cinematic Orchestra: This British music group are featured on a lot of TV shows and on a recent car advert. Their songs ‘To Build a Home’ and ‘Transition’ are some of the most emotive pieces of music I have ever heard. They make music to give you goosebumps. 

The Wombats: This indie band is actually one of my favourite bands of all time, but they’re not as popular as they should be. They can be heard on the Channel 4 comedy series ‘The Inbetweeners’ with their indie anthem ‘Moving to New York’. You may also have heard ‘Kill the Director’ crop up on TV too. 

Of Monsters and Men: This Icelandic indie group created the beautiful songs ‘Little Talks’ and ‘Mountain Sound’, although these tracks seem to be heard a lot and are rather popular, nobody seems to talk about them enough. With their level of talent, they are extremely underrated. 

Peter Bjorn and John: ‘Young Folks’ is that song with all the whistling. Hopefully you already know what I’m talking about but if you’re still not sure it was featured on a Homebase advert and also on a FIFA game I do believe. It’s an up-lifting, carefree spirited song and perfect for summer. 

The xx: ‘Intro’ is heard everywhere from talent shows to create mood and suspense to adverts and films, it has no real lyrics to it yet somehow carries so much emotion. ‘I dare you’ is also pretty popular and the music video stars ‘Stranger Things’ star, Millie Bobby Brown.

Vampire Weekend: This indie band are behind ‘A-punk’ a staple song for any indie club or night out, but it is also heard a lot on TV. Its quick tempo and guitar riffs would make anybody want to dance.

Aron Wright: The guy behind that super emotional song for the Lloyds bank advert with the horses. You know the one. ‘Look after you’ is touching and lights a little fire within the heart with every listen.

London Grammar: ‘Strong’ is an emotional, moody and thought-provoking song, one that I had to chuck the lyrics into the YouTube search bar to find (we all know the struggle). If you haven’t heard it, give it a listen on a rainy day and thank me later.

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There is no better feeling than finding that song that you keep hearing for weeks on end and just can’t pinpoint what it is. If you already knew all the songs and bands I’ve listed then bravo! If you had no idea, I hope you discover new music that you completely fall in love with.