Yellowcard hit the rock stage in 1997, and their unique sound, characterized by the inclusion of a violin, set them apart from other rock bands. Throughout their career, Yellowcard has experienced several lineup changes, but some members have remained constant, such as Ryan Key and Sean Mackin.
The band took an indefinite hiatus in 2008, only to make a triumphant comeback in 2010 with the release of ‘When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes’ in 2011. Yellowcard’s music has made appearances in popular video games. With such an impressive history, it’s time to rank Yellowcard’s best songs from worst to the very best. Let’s dive in!
5. Way Away (2003)
Number 5 on our list is ‘Way Away,’ which was released in 2003 as part of their breakthrough album, ‘Ocean Avenue.’ This energetic song quickly gained popularity, eventually racking up over 47 million listens on Spotify. ‘Way Away’ is the first song on the ‘Ocean Avenue’ album, and it perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the tracks.
4. Breathing (2003)
Coming in at number 4 is ‘Breathing,’ another gem from the ‘Ocean Avenue’ album. This song resonated with fans across the globe, garnering over 57 million listens on Spotify. One interesting tidbit about ‘Breathing’ is that it was featured on the soundtrack of the video games Burnout 3: Takedown and FlatOut 2, which only helped boost its popularity.
3. Lights And Sounds (2006)
Taking the third spot on our list is ‘Lights and Sounds,’ the title track from their 2006 album. With over 53 million listens on Spotify, this song showcases Yellowcard’s growth as a band and their ability to experiment with new sounds. ‘Lights and Sounds’ was inspired by the band’s experiences with fame, highlighting the pressures that come with success.
2. Only One (2003)
Our runner-up is the heartfelt ballad ‘Only One,’ released as a part of the ‘Ocean Avenue’ album. This emotional song has captivated fans, accumulating over 107 million listens on Spotify. ‘Only One’ stands out for its raw vulnerability and powerful lyrics, touching the hearts of those who have experienced the pain of heartbreak.
Ryan Key shared the story behind the song with MTV News in 2004, saying:
“We were testing something else out and just tracked it right away. We then added a drum loop to it and just kept adding tracks. We built it track by track in the studio, and we’ve never really done that before.”
About his heartbreak inspiring the song, Key said:
“It was a weird breakup. It was one of those where I felt like I had to do it, even though she didn’t do anything wrong. I just needed some space to figure life out for a while on my own. And I think that’s what the song says.”
The song’s creation was a unique process for the band, as they built it by gradually adding tracks while in the studio. Besides the experimental approach to its creation, the breakup that inspired Ryan to write the song’s lyrics also seems to have had a significant impact on him.
1. Ocean Avenue (2003)
Taking the crown as the number one song on our list is the legendary ‘Ocean Avenue.’ Released as part of the album of the same name, this iconic song has become a timeless classic for Yellowcard fans. With over 302 million listens on Spotify, ‘Ocean Avenue’ has solidified its place as the band’s most beloved track. The song was inspired by Key’s experiences growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, where he had fond memories of hanging out with friends on Ocean Avenue.
‘Ocean Avenue’ holds a special place in the hearts of fans, many of whom share that it evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. They describe it as a reminder of their youth, with some stating that it was their favorite song from the moment they first heard it. Others appreciate the song’s instrumentals and lyrics, calling it one of the best breakup and makeup songs ever created. Many fans also mention the song’s nostalgic value and its ability to transport them back to their high school days, making it an enduring favorite.
Love, Loss, And Everything In Between
From the nostalgia-inducing melodies of ‘Ocean Avenue’ to the emotionally charged ballad ‘Only One,’ Yellowcard’s songs have a way of striking a chord with their listeners. These top 5 songs showcase the band’s incredible versatility and talent, taking us on a rollercoaster ride through love, loss, and everything in between. As we listen to these timeless tracks, it’s like walking through a gallery of memories, each song a vibrant painting that captures a moment in time.
