Top 10 Twenty One Pilots Songs

Beginning with a ukulele riff, the songs's nursery-rhyme rhythm will have tapping their toes in no time. Frontman Tyler Joseph sings about an exchange with his mother where he promised to take care of her when his father isn’t around. Upon its release, the band was just beginning to experience large commercial success and the benefits of major label support. As the music video cleverly expresses, Joseph was torn in half between family and his career. This single was a major indicator of the bands future potential and a perpetually popular tune for longtime fans.
 

 
Growing up is hard, and everyone experiences a bout of nostalgia from time to time. “Stressed Out” perfectly personifies this sensation while delivering a mellow and distinctive beat. The single also demonstrated Twenty One Pilots’ ability to garner success on an international level, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and scoring a #1 on four other Billboard charts. Exemplifying how far the band has come, this is undoubtedly a landmark piece in their musical repertoire.
 

 
Never having been one to shy away from grim subject matter, Twenty One Pilots tackles the subject of depression and suicide among young people in “Guns for Hands”. First released on Regional at Best, and two years later on Vessel, this is one of several songs that experienced a makeover of sorts upon its re-release in 2013. What the duo may have lacked in mainstream chart success, they made up for with their fan loyalty, and this song personifies that with its relatable and personal message. This is one song that has resonated significantly with the bands ever-increasing fan base.
 

 
Yet another song featured on both Regional at Best and Vessel, Trees has become a staple encore song at live performances. Although it’s open to interpretation, Tyler Joseph’s religious upbringing is likely a prime influence in the songs overall message. Relaying the sense of loneliness that comes from knowing someone is out there, but feeling as if they’re experiencing a one way conversation at times, believers and non-believers alike can appreciate the sense of isolation conveyed throughout the songs cryptic message.
 

 
As the second single off their album Blurryface, fans were given a lighter, more cheery view into the bands personal lives. Tyler Joseph had just began his marriage upon the songs release, and the gaping sense of vulnerability felt by the singer is expressed with an overall emphasis on the depth of their relationship achieved through both their high and low points. All the while, Josh Dun's aggressive and prominent drums drive the track as listeners are practically invited to sing along during the catchy bridge.
 

 
It’s hard to establish exactly what particular genre that Twenty One Pilots associate with, but tracks like this make labels irreverent anyway. Rapping 76 words in the first 15 seconds, Tyler Joseph wastes no time flexing his lyrical prowess. This first track on 2015'sBlurryface, “Heavydirtysoul” dives into the songwriter’s inner turmoil and self-doubt; suggesting that writing music alleviates these feelings while simultaneously reaching out to those who may be experiencing something similar. Longtime fans were ensured right off the bat that the Pilots would continue to produce transcendent music and newcomers were introduced to a unique sound unlike any other band on the scene.
 

 Ever feel like you think too much? If so, you’re not alone. “Migraine” may sound pleasant on the surface, but it explores the overwhelming stress associated with anxiety, mental illness, and depression. Twenty One Pilots makes a point of never delivering a message that’s entirely pessimistic or optimistic, instead coming to the conclusion that they’ve made it this far despite hardship along the way. “Migraine” is a staple song at concerts that is a great example of the band’s ability to create music that can be enjoyed on many levels, time and time again.
 

 
Opening up Vessel, “Ode to Sleep” reminds listeners that Twenty One Pilots doesn’t always follow the rules when it comes to genre and tempo changes. Beginning with a dark, brooding rhythm, the song jumps from pleasant to menacing multiple times throughout its five-minute runtime. Once again addressing dark subject matter, the song expresses Tyler Joseph’s frustrations with his complicated emotional struggles, coming to the realization that he’s destined to face his inner demons for a purpose larger than himself.
 

As the band’s first major-label single and first track to achieve Gold certification, “Holding On to You” overwhelmingly exhibits everything that the band is for their fan base. The rhythm is unique, the tempo changes are unexpected, and the message resonates strongly for those going through hard times. Intelligent lyrical metaphors and impressive flow are cornerstones of the band today, but back when they were a regional sensation in Columbus, Ohio, this song in particular cemented their distinctive style.
 
Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
 
“Screen”
Vessel (2013)
 
“The Judge”
Blurryface (2015)
 
“Addict With a Pen”
Twenty One Pilots (2009)
 
“Kitchen Sink”
Regional at Best (2011)
 
“Ride”
Blurryface (2015)
 
“Fairly Local”
Blurryface (2015)
 

 
In an act of rule breaking that was audacious even for Twenty One Pilots, this one-of-a-kind masterpiece was created. With no chorus and no hook, Tyler Joseph tells the true story of his car radio being stolen while in college. At times mellow, the song explores sensations of loneliness, isolation, and frustration, all represented through the metaphor of a missing car radio. No song exemplifies their unique style quite like this and Tyler Joseph’s tormented thoughts connect on a deeply personal level. Although they’ve had multiple billboard hits since, diehard fans will stand by this landmark track that started it all.
 
Do you agree with our list? Which Twenty One Pilots tune is your all-time favorite? For more underground and alternative Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.