I was incredibly fortunate to catch M83's performance at Glastonbury in 2016. Despite my group's insistence on seeing Adele, I had been eagerly anticipating M83's set and was thrilled that I didn't miss out. As a huge fan of French music, M83 has always held a special place in my heart.
For those unfamiliar with the band, they originate from France and specialize in electronic music that incorporates elements of shoegaze, dream pop, ambient, and post-punk. I'm confident that you've likely heard at least one of their tracks before.
M83 has produced an impressive catalog of soundtracks and albums, and I've taken the liberty of narrowing down my personal favorite tracks from the band. If you haven't heard much of them or don't know what to listen to, I recommend:
1. "Outro" from the album "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming" is a true masterpiece that needs no introduction. This song is one of the most epic pieces of music ever written, combining passion, beauty, and allure in a way that few other songs can match.
Unfortunately, its popularity has led to it being used in countless advertisements and TV shows, which may have caused some listeners to become jaded towards it. However, I urge you not to let that deter you from experiencing this amazing track for yourself.
From its soaring, cinematic opening to its emotional, cathartic climax, "Outro" is a song that demands your attention and will leave you feeling inspired and moved. Whether you're a die-hard M83 fan or just discovering the band for the first time, "Outro" is a must-listen that will stay with you long after the final notes fade away.
2. "Reunion" from M83's "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming" album is a standout track that embodies the upbeat, dream pop sound the band is known for. This song boasts a catchy chorus that's impossible not to sing along to, with its infectious "oh oh oh" refrain that will have you tapping your feet and nodding your head in time with the beat.
The song also features a sample of a succulent and enticing female voice that adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the track. The use of electric drums in "Reunion" is nothing short of excellent, adding a driving energy to the song that propels it forward.
As the song draws to a close, a beautiful synth takes the lead and carries the melody to its conclusion. It's a perfect ending to a song that's sure to leave you feeling uplifted and energized. Whether you're a long-time M83 fan or just discovering their music, "Reunion" is a must-listen that showcases the band's undeniable talent for crafting irresistible dream pop anthems.
3. "Do it, Try it" from the album "Junk" is a vibrant and dynamic track that showcases the band's ability to seamlessly blend different styles and sounds. The song begins with some funky piano playing that sets the tone for what's to come.
As the chorus drops, the song builds into an epic electro-dance tune that's impossible not to move your body to. The way the song teases us with a sound that is reminiscent of playing Outrun on the Sega adds an extra layer of nostalgia and excitement to the track.
Just imagine being in a massive crowd when this tune is being played. The energy in the air would be electric, and you'd find yourself singing along to the catchy "Try it-Do it" chorus with thousands of other fans.
One of the most impressive aspects of "Do it, Try it" is the way it builds up to each chorus, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement that's impossible to resist. It's a brilliant example of the band's talent for crafting multi-layered and engaging tracks that keep you hooked from start to finish.
4, "Go" is a standout track from M83's "Junk" album, featuring a funky and catchy chorus that will have you humming along for days. The song features guest vocals from Mai Lan, who adds an extra layer of sultry energy to the track.
The song begins with a slow beat and a lot of echoing in the vocals, creating an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere. As the song progresses, a countdown leads to the main chorus, which features a Nile Rodgers-esque guitar playing style that adds an extra layer of funk and groove to the track.
One of the most impressive moments in "Go" comes from an excellent electric guitar riff that leads us out of the song. It's a perfect way to close out a track that's sure to leave you feeling energized and uplifted.
Overall, "Go" is a testament to M83's ability to blend different styles and sounds to create something entirely unique and infectious. The song is a perfect example of the band's talent for crafting catchy and memorable choruses, as well as their skill in weaving in different instruments and influences to create a cohesive and engaging track.
5, "Laser Gun" is a standout track from M83's "Junk" album, offering a chilled and laid-back vibe that's perfect for winding down after a long day. The song features some lovely pop effects that add an extra layer of charm to the track.
The song begins with gentle piano playing in the background, creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. As the track progresses, it takes a different twist when it turns into a catchy sing-along that's sure to have you tapping your feet and singing along.
One of the most impressive aspects of "Laser Gun" is how it seamlessly blends different sounds and styles to create a cohesive and engaging track. The song's snappy rhythm and pop-infused melodies make it a perfect addition to any summer playlist, while the laid-back vibe is perfect for lazy afternoons spent lounging in the sun.
6. "Road Blaster" is a track from M83's "Junk" album, featuring a really catchy tune that's sure to get stuck in your head. The song's chorus is particularly memorable, with its sexy soulfulness accentuated by the addition of a sultry saxophone.
One of the most impressive aspects of "Road Blaster" is how it effortlessly blends different sounds and styles to create a cohesive and engaging track. The song's funky bassline and catchy synth melodies make it a perfect addition to any dance floor, while the saxophone adds a layer of sophistication and sensuality to the mix.
The overall effect is a really catchy, sexy, and cool song that's sure to have you nodding your head and tapping your feet. Whether you're listening to it on a night out or just hanging out at home, "Road Blaster" is a track that's guaranteed to get you in the mood.
7. "We Own The Sky" is a standout track from M83's "Saturdays = Youth" album, produced by the legendary Ken Thomas, who has worked with many dream pop icons like Cocteau Twins and Sigur Ros. The song is a perfect example of M83's ability to blend different genres and sounds to create a unique and captivating track.
At its core, "We Own The Sky" is an 80s-inspired pop song that features lush synthesizers and catchy melodies. The song's chorus is particularly memorable, with its anthemic "We own the sky" refrain that's sure to get stuck in your head.
But it's the song's outro that really sets it apart from other tracks. As the song comes to a close, a sweet and dreamy guitar riff emerges, paired with high-pitched vocals that turn the track into a nostalgic haze. It's a perfect encapsulation of the album's themes of youth, nostalgia, and the bittersweet memories of growing up.
8. "Oblivion" is a stunning track that features on the soundtrack of the film of the same name. The song features the vocals of Susanna Sundfør, who lends her voice to create a haunting and evocative atmosphere.
The track is a perfect example of M83's ability to create dreamy and atmospheric music. It features a chilled and relaxed vibe, with lush instrumentals that perfectly complement Sundfør's ethereal vocals. The song's lyrics are also poignant, touching on themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time.
One of the standout features of "Oblivion" is the way in which it uses its instrumentals to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. The song's instrumentation is beautifully played, with a mix of electronic and acoustic elements that blend together seamlessly. The result is a track that's both dreamy and grounded, with a rich and textured sound that draws the listener in.
9. "Couleurs" is a standout instrumental track from M83's album "Saturdays = Youth." The song showcases the band's ability to create atmospheric and textured music without relying on vocals.
The track is heavily influenced by the synth-heavy sounds of the 1980s, with nods to bands like The Human League and Simple Minds. The delayed guitar playing is particularly reminiscent of The Human League's "Lebanon," while the overall sound of the song channels the early work of Simple Minds.
Despite its clear influences, "Couleurs" is a uniquely M83 track, with the band's signature sound shining through. The song's use of synths and electronic instrumentation creates a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere, with layers of sound building and interweaving to create a rich and textured sonic landscape.
One of the most impressive aspects of "Couleurs" is the way in which it creates a sense of momentum and movement without relying on vocals. The song's instrumentation builds and evolves over the course of its six-minute runtime, with each new layer of sound adding to the overall sense of atmosphere and emotion.
10. "Midnight City" from the album "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming" is undoubtedly one of M83's most well-known songs. Although it was unfortunately used in a British reality TV show, the track itself is a masterpiece. It has a pulsating energy that can instantly lift your spirits, and the catchy yodel-like vocals only add to the overall effect.
But what really sets "Midnight City" apart is the stunning use of saxophone. The sax solo in the middle of the song is nothing short of scintillating, adding a layer of sexiness and depth to the already mesmerizing track. It's not often that saxophone is used in electronic music, but M83 pulls it off with incredible finesse.
Overall, "Midnight City" is a song that can instantly transport you to another place and time, with its unforgettable melody, electrifying beats, and stunning use of saxophone.
Other notable mentions are:
Lower You Eyelids to Die With The Sun - Before the Sun
Sitting - M83
Steve McQueen - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
Bibi The Dog - Junk
After sharing my favorite M83 tracks, I highly recommend checking out their albums "Hurry Up, We're Dreaming" and "Junk" if you're new to their music. In my opinion, these are their strongest albums, full of fantastic electro synth-pop tunes that showcase the band's unique sound and style.
"Hurry Up, We're Dreaming" is a double album that features some of the band's most iconic tracks, including "Midnight City" and "Outro." It's a perfect blend of dreamy shoegaze, upbeat electro-pop, and ambient soundscapes. The album takes the listener on a journey through various emotions and soundscapes, creating a cinematic experience.
"Junk" is a more experimental album that takes inspiration from '70s and '80s pop culture, with a mix of funk, disco, and electronic music. It features collaborations with Beck and Mai Lan and has a more playful and fun vibe than their previous albums.
Overall, M83's music is a must-listen for anyone who loves electronic, dream-pop, or shoegaze music. Their unique blend of different genres creates a sound that is both nostalgic and futuristic, making them one of the most exciting bands of the 21st century.
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