BY: Alexis Eichelberger

One of our favorite genre-bending duos is back in action with a new single and an album on the way.

Twenty One Pilots just dropped its first single of 2021, an uplifting and energetic track called “Shy Away.” The song was reportedly written after frontman Tyler Joseph shared some words of encouragement with his younger brother, an aspiring musician. If you listen closely, you can also hear Joseph’s one-year-old daughter making an accidental cameo in the song.

With the song’s release, the duo announced that a fifth studio album would be arriving on May 21, 2021. In a recent interview with the BBC, Joseph explained that this record, called Scaled and Icy, would have a more “colorful” and positive outlook than much of the band’s previous work.

To gear up for the release of Scaled and Icy, we’re counting down our favorite Twenty One Pilots tracks to date. Here are eight of Twenty One Pilots’ best songs, ranked.

 

#8: HEAVYDIRTYSOUL

Joseph and drummer Josh Dunn both show off their musical talents in “Heavydirtysoul.” Dunn’s drumming drives the rock-rap mix, while Joseph’s mix of singing and rapid-fire rap gives the song a fun duality.  

 

#7: A CAR, A TORCH, A DEATH

Next up is a track from Twenty One Pilots’ solo debut album. This one is lesser-known and a little darker. But it’s the kind of sad song that can bring a sense of comfort when we’re feeling alone, and that’s something that TOP has always seemed to want to give fans.

 

#6: HEATHENS

Yes, we know Suicide Squad wasn’t great. But the music created for the 2016 D.C. superhero film was solid, especially this song from the Twenty One Pilots boys. “Heathens” is a badass song. There’s simply no better way to describe it.

 

#5: ODE TO SLEEP

If you don’t find yourself drawn to TOP’s more mainstream hits, we recommend giving “Ode to Sleep” a listen. This song from Vessel sounds like two songs in one, but the transitions between them are seamless. It’s a perfect example of the duo’s keen artistic skill at work.

 

#4: GUNS FOR HANDS

We return to Vessel  for “Guns for Hands.” When Joseph explained the meaning of this track in an interview, he wanted to create a song about taking negative thoughts and energy and directing it outward.

 

#3: MY BLOOD

At number three is “My Blood,” a single from TOP’s latest record, Trench. While sonically it has a steady rock groove, the lyrics tell a tender tale of family devotion. This music video is also among our favorites.

 

#2: TEAR IN MY HEART

“Tear In My Heart” is an example of Twenty One Pilots’ unique take on a love song. How can you not love it when it includes the unforgettable lyrics: “The songs on the radio are OK / But my taste in music is your face”?

 

#1: CAR RADIO

In first place on our list is a Twenty One Pilots classic. “Car Radio” also comes from the band’s beloved sophomore album Vessel and showcases its signature blend of hip-hop, alt-rock, and dark, emotional lyrics that attracts so many dedicated fans.