23 Best Leftovers Songs: A Definitive Guide

1. Don't Dream It's Over

Sound: "Don't Dream It's Over" features Crowded House's signature jangle-pop sound, a bright and uplifting melody that perfectly balances melancholy and hope, making it a surprisingly resilient and enduring track from the leftovers.

Vocals: Neil Finn's vocals are both vulnerable and powerful, conveying a sense of bittersweet longing that resonates deeply. His delivery is key to the song's emotional impact.

Emotional Impact: The song's hopeful yet wistful tone offers a comforting sense of closure, ideal for reflecting on past relationships or experiences – fitting the "leftovers" theme by providing a sense of both loss and acceptance.

2. Young Blood (2010)

Driving Beat: Young Blood's relentless, propulsive rhythm is infectious, making it perfect for powering through a tough day or adding energy to any playlist.

Anthemic Vocals: The soaring vocals and layered harmonies create a powerful, uplifting feeling that resonates deeply, especially when you need a boost.

Nostalgic Vibe: Its blend of synth-pop and anthemic rock evokes a specific era of alternative music, making it a satisfyingly familiar yet fresh listen for those seeking a soundtrack to their memories.

3. Retrograde

Haunting Vocals: James Blake's signature falsetto delivers a raw emotional vulnerability, perfectly capturing the show's melancholic undertones.

Atmospheric Production: The song's sparse yet layered production creates a soundscape that is both intimate and expansive, mirroring the show's introspective moments.

Emotional Resonance: "Retrograde" evokes a sense of longing and reflection, aligning with the show's themes of loss and memory.

4. What a Fool Believes (1978)

Heartfelt Lyrics: "What a Fool Believes" showcases Michael McDonald's signature vocals, delivering a poignant narrative of heartbreak and disillusionment that resonates deeply.

Smooth, Polished Sound: The song's impeccable production and arrangement, featuring layered harmonies and a memorable melody, exemplify the Doobie Brothers' signature sound at its finest, creating an enduring classic that stands the test of time.

Enduring Appeal: Its sophisticated blend of pop sensibility and emotional depth ensures this track remains a captivating listen even decades later, making it a timeless addition to any "leftovers" collection.

5. You're the One That I Want (2014)

Sound: Lo-Fang's "You're the One That I Want" offers a unique blend of electronic textures and intimate vocals, creating a haunting yet captivating soundscape perfectly suited for reflective listening.

Vocals: The melancholic yet soaring vocals are incredibly emotive, adding a layer of vulnerability that resonates deeply within the context of a curated "leftovers" playlist – songs that linger in memory.

Emotional Impact: Its introspective and slightly melancholic tone fits well with the overall pensive mood often associated with reflecting on songs that didn't quite make the main cut, but still hold significance.

6. Where Is My Mind

Sound: Maxence Cyrin's "Where Is My Mind" offers a haunting, atmospheric soundscape perfectly suited to the show's melancholic and suspenseful mood, enhancing the emotional weight of pivotal scenes.

Emotional Impact: The song's introspective lyrics and melancholic melody resonate deeply with the show's themes of grief, loss, and the search for meaning, creating a powerful emotional connection for the viewer.

Use in the Leftovers: Its placement within *The Leftovers* underscores the show's surreal and unsettling tone, subtly mirroring the characters' disorientation and existential anxieties.

7. Are You Satisfied? (Reignwolf)

Sound: Reignwolf's "Are You Satisfied?" explodes with a raw, visceral energy, a potent blend of blues-rock grit and a driving, almost frantic rhythm section that perfectly captures the leftover feeling of restless energy.

Vocals: Jared Price's vocals are a force of nature, his powerful delivery conveying a palpable sense of yearning and frustration, emotions that resonate deeply with the "leftovers" theme of unfinished business or lingering feelings.

Emotional Impact: The song's relentless energy and raw emotion make it a cathartic listen, ideal for processing those leftover feelings that demand to be acknowledged and released.

8. November (2002)

Haunting Melody: Max Richter's "November" features a melancholic yet beautiful melody perfectly capturing the show's somber tone and emotional depth.

Emotional Resonance: The piece's minimalist arrangement and deliberate pacing amplify the underlying feelings of loss and uncertainty prevalent in *The Leftovers*.

Use in the Show: Its strategic placement within key scenes of *The Leftovers* underscores moments of profound emotional impact, enhancing the show's overall narrative.

9. Sleepwalk (Santo ft Johnny)

Instrumental Mastery: Santo & Johnny's "Sleepwalk" showcases their incredible instrumental skill, particularly Johnny's masterful steel guitar work which creates a haunting and unforgettable melody.

Eerie Atmosphere: The song's slow tempo, minor key, and reverb-drenched sound create an atmosphere of mystery and unease, making it perfect for late-night listening and adding to its lasting appeal.

Enduring Legacy: Its unique sound has influenced countless artists across genres, solidifying "Sleepwalk's" place as a cornerstone of instrumental music and a testament to its timeless quality.

10. Kiss on My List

Kiss on My List

Artist: Daryl Hall & John Oates

Catchy Melody: The instantly memorable melody and driving rhythm make "Kiss on My List" a perfect choice for any upbeat playlist, guaranteeing a feel-good vibe that fits perfectly within a collection of leftover favorites.

Nostalgic Vibe: Its classic 80s sound evokes a sense of carefree fun, adding a layer of nostalgia that many listeners associate with positive memories.

Smooth Vocals: Hall's smooth vocals and the song's overall polished production ensure it remains enjoyable even after multiple listens, solidifying its place among beloved tracks.