Keane, the British band known for their piano-driven melodies and introspective lyrics, has captivated audiences for over two decades. From their breakout album Hopes & Fears to their later experimental phases, Keane has consistently delivered emotionally resonant music. Let’s delve into their impressive discography and rank the top 10 Keane songs that have left an enduring mark on the music scene.
10. Nothing In My Way
Keane – Nothing In My Way (Live At ULU, London, UK / 2006)
Keane experienced a meteoric rise with their debut album, Hopes & Fears. “Nothing In My Way,” a single from their sophomore album, Under the Iron Sea, showcased the band’s evolution. Written and performed during the Hopes & Fears tour, the song demonstrated their unwavering confidence and musical prowess. Inspired by the pop sensibilities of hip-hop, particularly Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” “Nothing In My Way” blended infectious grooves with Keane’s signature piano sound.
The song’s release on USB, a novel format at the time, highlighted the band’s willingness to embrace new technologies. Reaching the Top 20 charts, “Nothing In My Way” solidified Keane’s staying power.
9. Higher Than The Sun
Keane – Higher Than The Sun (Official Music Video)
“Higher Than The Sun,” featured on The Best of Keane compilation, served as a testament to the band’s evolution. Recorded during the Strangeland sessions, the song exudes a mature and reflective tone. Its uplifting message and soaring vocals make it an instant mood-lifter.
The accompanying music video, directed by Chris Boyle, beautifully encapsulates Keane’s journey, highlighting their rise to fame and the strong bond between the band members. “Higher Than The Sun” is a reminder of Keane’s ability to craft timeless anthems.
8. Silenced By The Night
Keane – Silenced By The Night (Official Music Video)
“Silenced by the Night,” the lead single from Keane’s fourth studio album, Strangeland, marked a period of growth and collaboration. Jesse Quin, who had been working with the band for several years, officially joined, bringing a fresh perspective. The song, a joint effort by Quin, Tim Rice-Oxley, Tom Chaplin, and Richard Hughes, perfectly encapsulates the essence of Strangeland.
Blending soaring vocals reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen with shimmering keys and an upbeat tempo, “Silenced by the Night” embodies Keane’s signature blend of melancholy and melody.
7. The Way I Feel
Keane – The Way I Feel (Official Music Video)
“The Way I Feel,” from Keane’s fifth studio album Cause and Effect, arrived after a seven-year hiatus. During this period of individual exploration—Tom Chaplin released a solo album, and Tim and Jesse pursued their side project, Mt. Desolation—Keane returned with a renewed sense of purpose and maturity.
“The Way I Feel” reflects this growth, showcasing a band unafraid to confront vulnerability and explore new sonic landscapes. Drawing comparisons to The Killers, the song demonstrates Keane’s evolution while staying true to their emotive core.
6. Stop For A Minute
Keane, K'NAAN – Stop For A Minute (Official Music Video)
Keane’s Night Train EP marked a departure from their established sound, incorporating electronic elements and collaborations. “Stop for a Minute,” featuring Somali-Canadian rapper K’NAAN, exemplifies this adventurous spirit.
The song seamlessly blends Keane’s piano-driven melodies with K’NAAN’s poignant verses. Featured on the Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 video game soundtrack, “Stop for a Minute” introduced Keane to a wider international audience.
5. Is It Any Wonder?
Keane – Is It Any Wonder?
Keane’s second album, Under the Iron Sea, saw the band explore more complex themes, both musically and lyrically. “Is It Any Wonder?” tackles the political climate of the early 2000s, questioning the justification for war and the feeling of disillusionment.
Despite its weighty subject matter, “Is It Any Wonder?” remains an uplifting track, driven by a driving rhythm and Chaplin’s impassioned vocals. The song’s powerful message resonated with audiences, making it a staple in Keane’s live performances.
4. Spiralling
Keane – Spiralling (Official Music Video)
“Spiralling,” the lead single from Perfect Symmetry, signaled a bold new era for Keane. Released as a free download, the song quickly amassed a devoted following. With its driving rhythms, electronic flourishes, and anthemic chorus, “Spiralling” showcased a band unafraid to experiment and push creative boundaries.
The accompanying music video, with its animated robots and nods to Kraftwerk, further emphasized Keane’s departure from their earlier sound. “Spiralling” marked a turning point, demonstrating Keane’s versatility and willingness to evolve.
3. Bedshaped
Keane – Bedshaped (Official Music Video)
Originally a B-side, “Bedshaped” quickly gained recognition for its heartfelt lyrics and haunting melody. The song’s themes of loneliness and longing resonated deeply with listeners, becoming an instant fan favorite. The accompanying music video, a stop-motion masterpiece by Corin Hardy, perfectly captures the song’s melancholic beauty.
“Bedshaped” exemplifies Keane’s ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
2. Everybody’s Changing
Keane – Everybody's Changing (Official Music Video)
“Everybody’s Changing” perfectly encapsulates the essence of Keane’s early sound. Released as the third single from their debut album, the song became an instant classic. The lyrics, reflecting on the anxieties of change and uncertainty, resonated deeply with listeners, propelling the song to number four on the UK singles chart.
“Everybody’s Changing” showcased Keane’s ability to combine simple yet effective songwriting with emotional depth. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its timeless message and enduring appeal.
1. Somewhere Only We Know
Keane – Somewhere Only We Know (Official Music Video)
“Somewhere Only We Know,” the lead single from Hopes & Fears, remains Keane’s signature song. Its haunting piano melody, introspective lyrics, and soaring vocals have cemented its place in music history. The song’s universal themes of nostalgia, longing, and the search for belonging resonate deeply with listeners across generations.
Lily Allen’s 2013 cover for the John Lewis Christmas advert introduced “Somewhere Only We Know” to a new audience, reaffirming its status as a timeless classic. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to Keane’s ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Timeless Music
Keane’s music has provided the soundtrack to countless lives over the past two decades. From their piano-driven beginnings to their later forays into electronic and experimental sounds, Keane has consistently delivered emotionally resonant music that connects with listeners on a profound level. Whether you’re drawn to their introspective ballads or their anthemic singalongs, there’s no denying the power and enduring legacy of Keane’s music.
