15 Best Conor Oberst Songs

Conor Oberst is a singer-songwriter who tells stories with his music. He crafts songs that touch the heart and make you think.

Oberst’s tunes are special, blending feelings and thoughtful lyrics. He’s been in bands like Bright Eyes, and he’s made music with friends like Phoebe Bridgers, creating sounds that linger with you.

1. Cape Canaveral – Conor Oberst

Cape Canaveral, a standout track from Conor Oberst’s self-titled 2008 solo album, earns its rightful place on our list of his best songs. Its acoustic folk-rock vibe is perfectly paired with Oberst’s raw, emotional delivery, cementing its impact.

The song draws inspiration from themes of nostalgia and the quest for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Both fans and critics have lauded Cape Canaveral for its lyrical depth and Oberst’s ability to capture the complexity of human experience in a simple, yet profound melody.

2. Sausalito – Conor Oberst

Sausalito, a gem from Conor Oberst’s 2008 self-titled album, resonates with its raw indie-folk charm, securing its place on our list. Oberst’s evocative storytelling melds with an acoustic backdrop, making it a standout track that captures his unique lyrical prowess.

Drawing inspiration from personal reflections and the bohemian aura of its namesake city, Sausalito offers listeners a glimpse into Oberst’s musings on life and wanderlust. Fans and critics alike praise the song for its sincere delivery and the intimate connection it forges, underscoring why Oberst’s work continues to endure in the hearts of indie music aficionados.

3. You Are Your Mother’s Child – Conor Oberst

You Are Your Mother’s Child by Conor Oberst stands out as an intimate and tender highlight on our list, released in 2014 on the album ‘Upside Down Mountain.’ Its simplicity and acoustic warmth distinguish it as one of Oberst’s most heartfelt offerings, capturing the complexities of parental love with eloquence.

Inspired by the personal reflections on growth and family ties, Oberst’s songwriting shines as he shares wisdom with a future generation. The track resonated deeply with fans and critics, cementing its place as a poignant, stand-out narrative in Oberst’s discography.

4. Ge – Conor Oberst

Get-Well-Cards, released in 2008, stands out as a poignant gem within Conor Oberst’s expansive discography. Its raw lyrical expressions and stripped-down acoustic style showcase Oberst’s knack for crafting intimate, heart-tugging narratives.

The song delves into themes of recovery and personal struggle, drawing inspiration from Oberst’s own life experiences. Fans and critics alike praise Get-Well-Cards for its authenticity and emotional resonance, further cementing Oberst’s status as a masterful songwriter.

5. Milk Thistle – Conor Oberst

Milk Thistle, unveiled in 2008 by Conor Oberst, stands as an undeniably powerful track in his discography. Its haunting melody and raw, introspective lyrics cut to the core, earning it a spot among Oberst’s most poignant works.

The song’s somber tones reflect Oberst’s grappling with mortality and self-redemption, inspired by his personal reflections and life’s uncertainties. Milk Thistle resonates deeply with fans and critics alike, often cited for its emotional depth and Oberst’s candid songwriting.

6. Artifact #1 – Conor Oberst

Artifact #1 stands out as a hauntingly beautiful track by Conor Oberst, released in his 2014 solo album Upside Down Mountain. It showcases Oberst’s exceptional storytelling, woven through tender melodies and earnest vocals, making it a must-hear on this list.

The song delves deep into themes of memory and loss, with Oberst drawing upon personal experiences to craft lyrics that resonate with raw emotion. Both critics and fans have praised its introspective quality, cementing Artifact #1 as an essential piece in Oberst’s impressive discography.

7. Lua – Conor Oberst, Gillian Welch

Lua by Conor Oberst and Gillian Welch is a hauntingly beautiful duet that stands out as a jewel in their respective discographies. Released in 2009, this stripped-back acoustic track features vulnerable vocal harmonies that perfectly complement its introspective lyricism, earning it a deserved spot on our list.

Drawing inspiration from Oberst’s personal struggles and the complexities of relationships, Lua resonates with listeners through its heartfelt authenticity. Both fans and critics have praised the song for its raw emotion and storytelling, solidifying its status as a timeless piece in the realm of indie-folk music.

8. Zigzagging Toward the Light – Conor Oberst

Zigzagging Toward the Light, a standout track from Conor Oberst’s 2014 solo album Upside Down Mountain, shines as a vivid portrayal of the human quest for purpose. This song, with its catchy melody and reflective lyrics, has magnetized fans and solidified Oberst’s reputation as a masterful songwriter.

The song delves into themes of persistence and self-discovery, inspired by Oberst’s own journey through life’s complexities. Its heartfelt reception by audiences underscores its place on our list, resonating deeply with listeners as a beacon of hope amidst uncertainty.

9. Barbary Coast (Later) – Conor Oberst

Barbary Coast (Later) stands out as a hauntingly beautiful highlight in Conor Oberst’s 2016 album, Ruminations. The song’s intimate acoustic arrangement, paired with Oberst’s raw vocal delivery, captures the listener’s attention and secures its place on this list.

Drawing from a well of personal reflection, Oberst weaves evocative lyrics that reflect on transitional phases of life and the search for solace amidst uncertainty. Both fans and critics lauded the song for its poetic depth and emotional resonance, earning it a spot as a fan favorite and one of Oberst’s most compelling works.

10. Time Forgot – Conor Oberst

Time Forgot by Conor Oberst stands as a hauntingly beautiful testament to his songwriting prowess, featured on his 2014 album Upside Down Mountain. Its inclusion in this list is a nod to its soul-stirring melody and poignant lyrics that resonate with listeners’ sense of nostalgia and introspection.

The song showcases Oberst’s trademark folk-infused style, imbued with his raw vocal delivery and a stirring blend of acoustic and subtle orchestral elements. It has captivated audiences with its stark vulnerability, earning critical acclaim for its artistic depth and emotional authenticity.

Drawing from personal reflection and the inexorable passage of time, Oberst weaves a tapestry of human experience that echoes with a universal sense of longing. Time Forgot has touched fans deeply, securing its place as a standout piece in Oberst’s repertoire and a highlight among critics for its earnest exploration of life’s fleeting moments.

11. Lenders in the Temple – Conor Oberst

Lenders in the Temple is a standout track from Conor Oberst’s self-titled 2008 solo album. Its inclusion on this list is a testament to Oberst’s songwriting prowess, offering a raw and introspective folk melody that resonates deeply with listeners.

The song’s stripped-back arrangement allows Oberst’s emotive vocals to shine, painting haunting imagery that intertwines personal struggle with societal critique. Fans and critics alike praise its honest lyricism and the way it captures the zeitgeist of economic uncertainty, making it a powerful and enduring piece in Oberst’s discography.

12. Hundreds of Ways – Conor Oberst

Hundreds of Ways by Conor Oberst is a standout track from his 2014 album Upside Down Mountain, showcased for its vibrant mix of folk-rock and worldly rhythms. It earned acclaim for its optimistic lyrics and Oberst’s compelling vocal delivery, marking it as a highlight in his discography.

Drawing inspiration from the idea that life offers numerous paths to find meaning, the song resonates with Oberst’s introspective storytelling. Both fans and critics celebrated its uplifting message and eclectic sound, solidifying Hundreds of Ways as a fan-favorite anthem of resilience and hope.

13. Night at Lake Unknown – Conor Oberst

Night at Lake Unknown by Conor Oberst is a hidden gem from his 2014 album Upside Down Mountain, securing its place among his most memorable tracks. With its hauntingly intimate vocals and the subtle intertwining of acoustic guitar and ethereal harmonies, the song weaves a serene, melancholic soundscape.

Drawing from a well of personal introspection, Oberst captures a sense of longing and the quest for self-discovery in this understated masterpiece. The track resonated with fans and critics alike for its raw honesty and Oberst’s signature poetic lyricism, further cementing his standing as a profound storyteller in modern folk music.

14. I Don’t Want to Die (In the Hospital) – Conor Oberst

I Don’t Want to Die (in the Hospital) by Conor Oberst is a profound track off his 2008 self-titled album and stands out as a raw expression of vulnerability. Its inclusion on this list is merited by its candid confrontation with mortality, delivered with Oberst’s signature emotiveness and a rousing, folk-rock resonance.

Drawing from a well of personal contemplation and universally relatable fears, the song navigates the existential angst surrounding death and the desire to avoid a sterile end. Celebrated for its honesty and Oberst’s gripping storytelling, the track has touched fans deeply and continues to be a highlight in his discography for its unflinching look at life’s fragility.

15. Souled Out!!! – Conor Oberst

Souled Out!!! stands out in Conor Oberst’s discography as a testament to his songwriting prowess, capturing listeners since its 2008 release. Its raw, energetic blend of indie rock and folk elements showcases Oberst’s unique ability to meld genres, making it a must-listen on our list.

The track draws inspiration from Oberst’s reflections on personal and societal disillusionment, delivered with the emotional intensity that fans have come to expect. Critics and audiences alike have praised the song for its authenticity and the way it resonates with the existential ponderings of a generation.