With such a large and impressive discography, choosing 10 songs by Dave Matthews Band (popularly referred to as DMB) was a difficult task. The band’s interesting and catchy beats started drawing crowds more than a decade ago in 1991 when the band formed in Charlottesville, Va. Commonly referred to as a jam band, and widely known for their stellar live performances, DMB incorporates rock, reggae and some poppy sounds into their music, ensuring something for everyone to love. Whatever your tastes, you’ll find something for you on this DMB top 10 list, too.
1. Bartender” from Busted Stuff (2002): DMB’s lyrics shine in this number, reaching into the depths of death and the soberness about life that comes with a few lonely drinks at the bar. The saxophone and drums keep the song somewhat lively, despite a somber message. Fife and drums provide the final layer, perhaps hinting at a funeral procession, but only DMB can know.
2. Stay” from Before These Crowded Streets (1998): You couldn’t ask for a more perfect summer song – “It was so hot outside…” No song makes you feel more like it’s hot outside than “Stay.” And no song makes you want to sit with your love longer. The soulful voices backing Dave’s add a sweet and succulent layer to this DMB favorite.
3. “Crash” from Crash (1996): What person hasn’t heard this song and longed for that one great love? Carter Beauford’s drumming gives this song rich texture, and the light orchestration adds romance without over-shadowing Dave’s intense lyrics.
4. “So Much” from Crash (1996): Part of this song’s draw is because of its radio-hit- and music-video appeal. The lyrics speak to escaping yourself and your thoughts, something to which many can relate. In live performances, DMB often bridges to “Too Much,” giving the audience much more than they bargained for.
5. “Ants Marching” from Remember Two Things (1992): The song’s beginning, with drum beats sounding like human footsteps trotting off to work, sets the tone for this commentary about everyday life. The song’s lyrics explain nearly every working person’s daily grind, and tempts each of us to take chances and revolt against the daily routine.
6. “JTR” from a Live Release: JTR is a song that has only been released live, but is infamous for being a part of the Lilly White Sessions. Again, Beauford’s drumming does more than keep the song’s time; his style and precision color the entire piece. The time and style changes make the lyrics, meaningful alliterations and rhymes, all the more beautiful.
7. Grey Street” from Busted Stuff (2002): The song’s lyrics and music have a tinge of desperation and anguish to them, and they easily appeal to anyone who has ever felt stuck, or more. LeRoi Moore’s saxophone introduction, notes that repeat throughout the song, are understated and catchy, giving the song a backbone.
8. “Everyday” from Everyday (2001): Over the years, this song – a takeoff from DMB’s usual lineup – has grown on fans, partly because the chords sound so similar to “#36.” DMB (and fans) easily switch back and forth between these songs during concerts. Not to mention, the lyrics about love get us every time.
9. “Two Step” from Crash (1996): The lyrics and the intense, danceable drumbeat reinforce the title of this largely popular DMB song. The common message found in Dave songs – to live life to the fullest and enjoy it while its here – saturate the tune. “Two Step” shows off the entire band’s outstanding musicianship, with plenty of live jamming and soloing.
10. “Warehouse” from Under the Table and Dreaming (1994): From the first strums on the guitar, Warehouse grabs audiences and begs for feedback. Usually, the audience hollers back to the band during pauses between the opening’s instrumentals. The middle section’s style change from harder rock to an island oasis brings the audience to a whole new, and entirely welcome place.
