How to Spot the Best Acoustic Songs
Tim Mckey | April 22, 2010Over the years, acoustic music has climbed in popularity – whether it be from rock bands coming out with acoustic versions of their songs, pop artists trying to get in touch with their raw selves, or new acoustic artists coming on to the scene. There are many reasons why this trend may be happening, but why have acoustic songs become such a big deal?
Many think it’s because the music is so simple. There is just something refreshing about hearing a guitar or piano along with a good quality voice that seems to hit us in the heart. When today’s music genres have expanded into music that is artificially produced, or played over a speaker while the performer just sings, it is nice to see that there are still some musicians out there who appreciate the simplicity of acoustic music.
But something that truly needs to be considered is what acoustic musicians write about. There seems to be a bit of a pattern that helps people relate to acoustic music more than other types of music. The way musicians can express their feelings or stories in good acoustic songs is truly amazing, and is not the traditional way musicians have done it in the past.
The most common theme of acoustic songs is expressions of love. Here in the United States, we don’t feel embarrassed to bellow our guts out about the woman or man we love on stage. It’s one of the best ways to convey true feelings for someone. Good acoustic songs capture this more than other types of music.
The song “Vegetable Car” by Joshua Radin is a great example of an acoustic song that is just telling a funny story. In the song, the writer sees a woman in a so called “vegetable car” who drives by everyday while he is outside. He notices her, her hair in a bun, her two door car, her glasses, etc. and talks of how he would just someday love to meet her. He even admits that him writing a song about her is a little strange considering the fact that he has never talked to her in his life. That woman is out there somewhere, and probably has no idea.
Of course breakups are also a great source for writing good acoustic songs. Chris Carrabba from Dashboard Confessional knows how to harness the emotional distress of a breakup into a great song. Through thought provoking lyrics and riffs that are very catchy, he outlines all of the strange and painful feelings of a breakup.
Newly recognized life perspectives is also a great lyrical background of acoustic music. Every teenager who ever picked up a guitar has learned “Good Riddance” by Greenday. It’s the classic high school graduation song that really does help us look back at our experiences and motivates us to live life to its fullest. Many other very good acoustic songs do the same type of thing.
Whatever the reason for acoustic songs, the subjects and intentions of the lyrics are unique. They carry a special place in the hearts of all acoustic music listeners. The subjects that acoustic artists choose to write about combined with the riffs they put the lyrics to are deep in meaning and help anyone listen relate in a very special way.
Music has a great influence, and discovering good acoustic songs can change your life. For more information on easy acoustic songs, visit our site.


















