Placebo is a British rock band formed in London in 1994. The band originally consisted of Brian Molko (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Stefan Olsdal (bass guitar, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). Drummer Robert Schultzberg joined them after their formation, but was replaced by Steve Hewitt in 1996. Hewitt was later replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008, who left the band in 2015.
Placebo is known for their distinctive androgynous image and musical content. Brian Molko’s nasal, high-pitched vocals, along with the band’s alternative rock sound, have become instantly recognizable. Their lyrics often touch on themes such as mental health, sexuality, drug use, and personal identity.
Best Placebo Songs
1- “Every You Every Me”: This song from their second album “Without You I’m Nothing” is one of Placebo’s most popular tracks and is well known for its appearance in the movie “Cruel Intentions.”
2- “Pure Morning”: The opening track on “Without You I’m Nothing” is known for its catchy bassline and themes of friendship and support.
3- “Nancy Boy”: A raw and energetic track from their debut album, “Nancy Boy” gained significant attention and helped launch the band’s career.
4- “The Bitter End”: A staple of Placebo’s live performances, this track from “Sleeping With Ghosts” is characterized by its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics.
5- “Without You I’m Nothing”: The title track from their second album is a heart-wrenching exploration of dependence and longing, featuring David Bowie on guest vocals.
6- “Running Up That Hill”: This is a cover of a Kate Bush song, featured on their “Covers” album, that captures the essence of the original while adding Placebo’s distinctive style.
7- “Meds”: The title track from their fifth album, “Meds” delves into issues of medication and mental health.
8- “Special K”: This track from “Black Market Music” tackles addiction metaphorically, with the drug Special K standing in for the intoxicating nature of love and infatuation.
9- “Sleeping With Ghosts”: The title track from their fourth album, “Sleeping With Ghosts,” is a haunting exploration of past relationships.
10- “Protege Moi”: A French-language track from “Sleeping With Ghosts,” this song delves into themes of vulnerability and protection.
11- “Song To Say Goodbye”: A heart-wrenching track from the “Meds” album about the end of a relationship.
12- “Twenty Years”: Featured on the album “Once More With Feeling,” this track explores themes of aging and reflection.
13- “Slave To The Wage”: From “Black Market Music,” this track critiques the relentless pursuit of money.
14- “Too Many Friends”: This song from “Loud Like Love” provides commentary on the isolation that can come with social media popularity.
15- “Bruise Pristine”: An early single from their debut album that showcases the band’s alternative rock sound.
16- “Infrared”: Featured on the “Meds” album, this song is a melancholic exploration of love and longing.
17- “Loud Like Love”: The title track from their seventh album, “Loud Like Love,” is a vibrant exploration of the multifaceted nature of love.
18- “Infra-Red”: This song from the album “Meds” is about the feeling of being constantly under surveillance, reflecting the struggles of fame.
19- “You Don’t Care About Us”: From their second album “Without You I’m Nothing,” this track reveals the bitterness and frustration that can surface in a relationship.
20- “English Summer Rain”: A track from “Sleeping with Ghosts,” it explores themes of persistency and inevitability, much like the English summer rain.
21- “Black-Eyed”: This track from “Without You I’m Nothing” paints a melancholic and despairing picture of an emotionally abusive relationship.
22- “Battle for the Sun”: The title track from their sixth album, it signifies a turning point for the band, with themes of renewal and overcoming adversity.
23- “This Picture”: From “Sleeping With Ghosts,” this song explores the bittersweet nature of love and loss.
24- “For What It’s Worth”: The opening track from “Battle For The Sun,” this song signals a more optimistic approach compared to the band’s previous works.
25- “Space Monkey”: Featured in the album “Meds,” this track uses the metaphor of a space monkey to explore themes of loneliness and disconnection.
