More about: The Vaccines

With The Vaccine’s 5th studio album Back In Love City around the corner, we delved into the band's most underrated gems, B-sides and guilty pleasure tracks from the last ten years of their wonderful career.

In no particular order...

'Tiger Blood' 

This one could be easily disputed as a fairly well-rated track...but not enough people talk about it. ‘Tiger Blood’ was the B-side to the anthemic ‘Wetsuit’ which conversely shows a much thrashier side of the band, harnessing the garage sound they started off with. Sure, they toured it a lot and it got a music video, but it’s 2021 and sometimes I feel I'm the only one still listening to it. 

'Rolling Stones' 

I know I said there’s no particular order, but if there was this song would be number one. ‘Rolling Stones’ is the best, least-appreciated song The Vaccines have ever produced. The track is written for arena-sized stages with the way the organs fill out the hook right before what could be one of Freddie Cowan’s best guitar solos. Plus, the riding drum beat carries the tempo perfectly before dropping out to a soft ending. Wonderful stuff, really. 

'Give Me A Sign' 

While we’re on the topic of anthemic-style, arena-sized songs, ‘Give Me A Sign’ is another example of uplifting and soaring songwriting. If you’re lucky enough to have seen The Vaccines live you’ll remember the way frontman Justin emulates a Freddie Mercury style stance as he steps into the crowd to belt “Just give me a sign…”. It’s a very commanding song and is one that’s better played live than on recording, which is always a treat. 

'Dream Lover'

While English Graffiti wasn’t The Vaccine’s most popular album when compared to the likes of What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? and Come Of Age, you can’t deny that it still hid away some bangers. ‘Dream Lover’ offered up a simple yet effective riff that cuts through a crowd in any live setting. Even though their latest material has a lot more electronic elements and influences, ‘Dream Lover’ harked back to The Vaccines’ earlier material with a lot of distortion and shouty vocals. 

'Somebody Else’s Child' 

‘Somebody Else’s Child’ is the final track of their debut album which, before the Spotify days, was hidden away at the end of ‘Family Friend’ as a bonus track. The song is raw and emotional in every conceivable way and shows an endearing transparency. You hear it in the breaking of Justin’s voice, the rough guitars and the heavy amount of reverb that gives a sombre feel to the track. 

'Under Your Thumb' 

The Vaccine’s debut album proved to be seminal and groundbreaking with start to finish bangers but there’s always going to be those that are more loved than others. Hits like ‘Post Break-Up Sex’ and ‘If You Wanna’ ended up being gigantic tracks off the record leaving less appreciated bangers like ‘Under Your Thumb’ feeling swept under the rug.

'All My Friends Are Falling In Love'

Back in 2018 and following the release of their Combat Sports album, The Vaccines surprised us with a follow-up single in the form of ‘All My Friends Are Falling In Love’. It feels like it lost a bit with all the excitement around the album release but ‘AMFAFIL’ is a brilliantly catchy pop track driven by acoustic guitars and gang vocals but still leaves room for a signature Freddie Cowan guitar line. 

'Aftershave Ocean'

This one is a personal favourite. ‘Aftershave Ocean’ is one to rarely be played live or even be shown the light of day, but the Come Of Age track shows off a fun riff and playful melody, and ticks all the criteria for being thoroughly underrated. Something about it feels different to the rest of their discography while still feeling uniquely The Vaccines. 

'Melody Calling' 

‘Melody Calling’, from an EP of the same name, is a wonderful little number that emulates a '90s vibe with slightly haunting backing vocals and jangly guitars, reminiscent of Joy Division. The music video is also very fun and showcases bassist Arni in the lead role—it’s always nice to give the bassist some limelight.

'Out on the Street' 

‘Out On The Street’ wasn’t deemed worthy of being a single and seldom makes it onto a setlist and yet it’s some of Justin’s best lyricism with quick quips. “You call me a broken record / but I’ll- but i’ll never be” is a particular favourite. 

'Blow Your Mind' 

‘Blow Your Mind’ is a track that featured on the Come of Age (B-Sides) EP, one which I’ve been very lucky to see in its live debut way back in 2015. The thing that’s so great about this track is the way bassist Arni Arnason is again given his time in the limelight on a lead vocal which offers something completely unique from their usual material. The song itself is a lot closer to their first album style of repetitive chord progressions and a punchy riff, but hey it’s—underrated as hell.

More about: The Vaccines