Sometimes creativity is coupled with hot-headedness, irritability and plain old grouchiness. Frustration and angst often prove themselves as parents of musical genius. Here are five mildly endearing love songs written by artists who have proven to be saltier than they are sweet.
“Ava Adore” — The Smashing Pumpkins
Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins knows a thing or two about expressing his anger, especially through his music. Whether it’s a clever lyrical quip, a heated media interview, a gripe session about the current state of the music industry or just getting mad at his audience and walking off stage, the veteran rocker holds little back. Despite the arid screaming in many of his earlier works (“X.Y.U” is a doozy), at least half of his songs are profound and enchanting. One minute Corgan is hollering about how empty religion is and the next he’s singing about love and relationships. In Ava Adore he sings, “It’s you that I adore / You’ll always be my whore / You’ll be the mother to be child / And a child to my heart.”
“First Day of My Life” — Bright Eyes
Whether he’s pissed about Christian extremists or he wants to kick a Republican in the shins, Conor Oberst never runs short of people to glare at. As poetic as Oberst can be, his serrated voice gives the feeling that he’s always on edge. Welcome to the Oberst roller coaster. He will either get your toe a-tapping (“Four Winds”), bring tears to your eyes (“Landlocked Blues”) or sucker punch you (“Sunrise, Sunset”). With “First Day of My Life,” all agendas are aside and Oberst, for a minute, is a romantic.
“You’re The Good Things” — Modest Mouse
There’s nothing warm and fuzzy about Modest Mouse or its leader, Isaac Brock. A mastermind lyricist and musician Brock may be, but many of his catchy songs are encrusted in frustration and angst, such as “Spitting Venom” or “Satin in a Coffin.” In “You’re The Good Things,” however, something endearing emerges from the shadows of Brock’s demeanor. “You’re the icing on the cake on the table at my wake / You’re the extra ton of cash on my sinking life raft,” sings Brock.
“Pale Blue Eyes” — Velvet Underground
It’s unlikely anyone has ever charged Lou Reed with being too cordial or sweet-tempered. If a member of the media pushes his buttons, historically, he can get a little bent out of shape. In old interviews, Reed carries a deadpan, vacant wit about him, displaying nothing short of indifference. It’s through his undeniable musical talent that fans are able to experience a glimpse of what we can only hope is an impassioned Reed. As he sings: “Thought of you as my mountain top / Thought of you as my peak / Thought of you as everything,” and all his curmudgeon symptoms seem to flee.
“Creep” — Radiohead
There’s something disconcerting about Thom Yorke. Is he happy? Mad? Stoned? Yorke has become known for his coldness, not only to the media, but to fellow celebrities as well. Perhaps, his music and political involvement mean more to him than socializing or rubbing shoulders. Maybe it’s because of Radiohead’s rank of megastardom that Yorke seems to repel any emotion outside of annoyance. It takes songs like “Creep,” however, to be reminded that Yorke’s heart is still beating. “I want you to notice / When I’m not around / You’re so fucking special / I wish I was special,” he sings.
