Top 10 M83 Songs

M83 at the Hollywood Bowl - Sept. '13

One year ago, I posted a list of my favorite songs by my favorite band, M83. It was the first (and only) time I posted about music on this blog, and I was amazed by what happened. My Top 12 M83 Songs list lived on. A year later, it still attracts a fair amount of new readers and commenters who all share in my love for the electronic wonderment that is M83.

The only reason I wrote that post was to convey how important M83’s songs have been to my own filmmaking. Their tracks have been a lush well of inspiration. I’m continually impressed by their sound, and so very thankful for their ability to cultivate my creativity.

Last weekend, I saw M83 perform at the famed Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. It was more than a concert, it was an experience, and it motivated me to update my list of my favorite M83 songs. I have yet to hear an M83 track I didn’t love, but these are the 10 that absolutely floor me. Happy listening!

Honorable Mention

We Own the Sky

from the album Saturdays=Youth

I plan on updating this list once a year, and you can always expect to see “We Own the Sky” appear as an honorable mention. Why? Because it was the very first M83 song I heard. Summer 2010, standing dazed and confused at a house party. Out from the speakers comes a trippy electronic rhythm backed by a thunderous bass line. I was forever hooked.

10. Midnight City

from the album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

Because it never gets old. I can’t not move to it. As soon as that initial bruuuuum hits, I’m completely taken away. “The city’s my church/it wraps me in the sparkling twilight.”

Yep, that’s damn right.

9. Gone

from the album Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts

This song was made for a science fiction film. In fact, I’m stunned it hasn’t been featured in a movie before – it has such a big, cinematic quality to it. And then, as if frustrated by its own melody, it completely goes off the rails, screaming and ranting and raving, all while remaining huge.

8. Don’t Save Us From the Flames

from the album Before the Dawn Heals Us

Another insanely catchy track, in which we start big, evolve into smooth, and soar into the clouds again. An enormous and important and awesome song.

7. Raconte-Moi Une Histoire

from the album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

Because I’ve never heard anything remotely like this. The highlight of the Hollywood Bowl show was watching the girl from this song perform it live. When she was done speaking, she bobbed gleefully all over the stage, as any little girl would. Bliss.

6. I Guess I’m Floating

from the album Before the Dawn Heals Us

It’s difficult for me to explain the weight of “I Guess I’m Floating.” In just two minutes, it takes me on a journey of longing and self-discovery. I want to follow the gentle pace of this track, wherever it may go. (Note: this song is used perfectly in Drake Doremus’ Like Crazy.)

5. Run into Flowers

from the album Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts

“Give me peace and chemicals, I want to run into…”

Heavenly.

4. Wait

from the album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

A deeply personal song that has affected the past year of my life significantly. I borrowed its title for the name of my next film. I can’t wait to show you what this song has inspired me to do.

3. Coloring the Void

from the album Digital Shades Vol. 1

First of all, Digital Shades Vol. 1 is my go-to writing album. When I’m writing, there’s a very good chance I’m listening to that album on repeat. Its highlight track must be “Coloring the Void,” a repetitive and rhythmically gorgeous song. It just keeps growing.

2. Outro

from the album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

From the moment I first heard “Outro” I knew there was something in me that was irreversibly tied to it. It sunk its claws in me and kindly whispered: “Go, create, now.” I used the track in the trailer for my short film, Earrings, and I remain very proud of the mood that this great song helped achieve.

Here’s the trailer for Earrings:

1. Intro

From the album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

As far as my tastes go, “Intro” is as big and stunning as music gets. I wonder if I’m a skilled enough writer to articulate the power that this song has over me. Maybe a poet will help me dictate my love for “Intro” into words someday. For now, I’ll just listen again, and again, and again.

Hand on my breast

I’ll keep you warm

Hail

My 2012 list of my favorite M83 Songs

My essay on how M83 motivates my art