17 Best Counting Crows Songs

Counting Crows have a knack for weaving tales through their music. Their songs blend heartfelt lyrics with a mix of rock, alternative, and folk influences, creating a sound that’s distinctly theirs. It’s this unique fusion that has garnered them a loyal following over the years.

Collaborations with artists like Emmy Award-winning composer Maria Taylor and folk rock band The Wallflowers have only enhanced their appeal. These partnerships have added depth and diversity to their catalog. With hits like Mr. Jones and Round Here, Counting Crows remain timeless in the ever-changing landscape of music.

1. Mr. Jones – Counting Crows

“Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows, released in 1993, is an alt-rock song that encapsulates the longing for fame and the introspective questioning of one’s dreams. The song features jangly guitars and a dynamic vocal performance by Adam Duritz, delivering an anthemic and poignant melody. With its catchy chorus and relatable themes, it became a defining track of the 90s.

The song has a rich arrangement with prominent use of acoustic guitars, bass, and drums, creating a warm yet energetic sound. Notable is the harmonization in the chorus and the intricate layering of instruments, giving it depth and texture. This careful composition contributes to its enduring appeal and emotional resonance.

2. Accidentally In Love – Counting Crows

Accidentally in Love by Counting Crows, released in 2004, is a folk rock and pop song. With catchy guitar riffs and upbeat rhythms, it captures the enchantment of falling in love unexpectedly. The lively arrangement, featuring vibrant guitar strumming, playful piano melodies, and Adam Duritz’s distinctive vocals, creates an infectious, feel-good aura.

The song’s theme revolves around the joyous spontaneity of love. Critics and fans alike praised its whimsical charm, linking it to the soundtrack of the beloved movie Shrek 2. This uplifting track also earned a Grammy nomination, cementing its place as a standout moment in early 2000s music.

3. Big Yellow Taxi – Counting Crows, Vanessa Carlton

Big Yellow Taxi by Counting Crows, featuring Vanessa Carlton, is a memorable track from 2002. Falling into the alternative rock and pop genre, this song reimagines Joni Mitchell’s classic with a modern twist. The melodic combination of guitars, piano, and infectious beats gives it a lively yet contemplative feel.

Notably, the song tackles environmental and urbanization themes, making listeners reflect on the ever-changing landscape around them. One standout lyric is They paved paradise and put up a parking lot, poignantly summarizing the message. Through its catchy tune and meaningful lyrics, the song balances entertainment with a thought-provoking narrative.

4. Round Here – Counting Crows

Round Here by Counting Crows, released in 1993, falls within the alternative rock genre with a strong touch of folk-rock influence. The song combines Adam Duritz’s emotive vocal delivery with a thoughtful arrangement, prominently featuring guitar and subtle keyboard lines. It’s known for its raw, introspective lyrics that delve into feelings of loneliness and existential questioning, making it a poignant reflection of the human experience.

The production quality of Round Here stands out for its atmospheric soundscapes and layered instrumentation. Enhancements include an acoustic guitar interlude that punctuates the verses and a distinct, echoing reverb that gives the track an expansive feel. These elements work seamlessly to underscore the melancholic yet hopeful mood of the song, rendering it both timeless and relatable.

5. A Long December – Counting Crows

A Long December by Counting Crows, released in 1996, is a melancholic yet hopeful rock ballad. The song blends alternative rock with hints of folk, characterized by Adam Duritz’s soulful vocals and a piano-driven melody that evokes a sense of longing. Its reflective lyrics about experiencing hardship yet finding glimpses of hope resonate deeply with listeners.

The music video complements the song’s introspective nature. It features grainy, nostalgic visual effects and scenes of the band members wandering through winter landscapes. The imagery enhances the song’s themes of reflection and the passage of time, making it a memorable part of the band’s discography.

6. Hanginaround – Counting Crows

Hanginaround by Counting Crows, released in 1999, is a catchy, easygoing tune that perfectly captures the band’s alternative rock essence. The song features an inviting blend of jangly guitars, lively piano riffs, and Adam Duritz’s distinctive vocals. Its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus make it a memorable entry in their discography.

The song’s theme centers on the feeling of being stuck in a repetitive, unchanging life, evidenced by lyrics like I’ve been hangin’ around this town on the corner. Its music video complements this sentiment with scenes of everyday life in a small town. Interestingly, fans and critics alike appreciated the song’s relatable narrative and compelling melody, earning it a spot on both radio and television for years.

7. Colorblind – Counting Crows

Colorblind by Counting Crows, released in 1999, is a soulful, introspective ballad that mixes alternative rock with somber piano melodies. Its hauntingly slow tempo and emotive lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy that resonates deeply with listeners. The minimalist arrangement allows Adam Duritz’s raw, evocative vocals to take center stage, making the experience intimate and personal.

The theme centers around notions of vulnerability and longing for acceptance. Key lyrics like I am ready, I am ready, I am fine capture a fragile plea for normalcy amidst emotional chaos. This song’s poignant expression of inner turmoil and human fragility has solidified its place as a beloved track among fans and critics alike.

8. Omaha – Counting Crows

Omaha by Counting Crows, released in 1993, is an alternative rock song that blends earthy Americana with introspective lyricism. The track features jangly guitars, a steady drumbeat, and Adam Duritz’s soulful vocals. It captures a sense of longing and the quest for meaning, encapsulated in its chorus about returning to a place of solace.

The theme of Omaha revolves around searching for identity and reconnection. It’s a melancholic yet hopeful song, illustrating the turbulence and serenity found in life’s journey. The vivid imagery in the lyrics, coupled with the warm, expansive production, makes this song a memorable piece of the band’s early work.

9. Rain King – Counting Crows

Rain King by Counting Crows, released in 1993, is a quintessential example of 90s alternative rock. The song features Adam Duritz’s distinctive vocals, paired with energetic guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section. Its catchy melody and introspective lyrics instantly captivated fans, making it a standout track on the album August and Everything After.

The theme of the song revolves around self-discovery and existential yearning. Duritz sings about the complexities of life and the search for meaning, delivering lines full of vivid imagery and emotion. This introspective tone is further enhanced by the harmonious blend of piano and acoustic guitar, creating a lush, layered sound that resonates deeply with listeners.

10. Walkaways – Counting Crows

Walkaways by Counting Crows, released in 1996, falls into the alternative rock genre. The song has a stripped-down acoustic style, featuring gentle guitar strumming paired with Adam Duritz’s soulful voice. Its melancholic tone and introspective lyrics make it a poignant closing track on the band’s album Recovering the Satellites.

Live performances of Walkaways are often intimate affairs. The band typically keeps the arrangement simple, focusing on acoustic instruments to highlight the raw emotional weight of the song. Fans cherish these live renditions for their honesty and vulnerability, often creating a quiet, reflective atmosphere in concert halls.

11. Mrs. Potters Lullaby – Counting Crows

Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby by Counting Crows, released in 1999, falls under the rock genre, infused with folk elements. The song features a rich tapestry of acoustic guitar, piano, and Adam Duritz’s emotive vocals. It’s an almost eight-minute journey that blends storytelling with an introspective, dreamy feel.

One of the standout moments in the song is when the instrumentation drops, spotlighting Duritz’s voice as he sings about chasing dreams and facing life’s uncertainties. This raw, stripped-back section amplifies the intimate ambiance of the song. It underscores the theme of searching for meaning and connection in a world that’s constantly changing.

12. Anna Begins – Counting Crows

Anna Begins by Counting Crows, from their 1993 debut album August and Everything After, is a poignant tune that sits comfortably within the alternative rock genre. The song is known for its intricate acoustic guitar work and hauntingly melodic arrangement. With Adam Duritz’s imitable voice, the listener is drawn into a tale of emotional confusion and intricate human relationships.

The theme revolves around the complexity of falling in and out of love. Duritz’s lyrics convey a raw vulnerability, detailing the uncertainty and realizations that come with deep emotional connections. Memorable lines like every time she sneezes I believe it’s love give the song a mix of melancholy and hope, making it resonate deeply with fans worldwide.

13. Sullivan Street – Counting Crows

Released in 1993 by Counting Crows, Sullivan Street carries a wistful melody that fits snugly into the alternative rock genre. The song unfolds a narrative of longing and introspection, with Adam Duritz’s poignant vocals painting a vivid picture of lost love and the passage of time. Acoustic guitars and a gentle piano arrangement add layers of melancholic beauty, enhancing the song’s reflective mood.

In live performances, Sullivan Street takes on a new dimension, often becoming a fan favorite during concerts. Adam Duritz adds extra emotional weight, his raw vocal delivery resonating deeply with the audience. The simplicity and intimacy of the live arrangements make it a standout moment in any Counting Crows show.

14. Perfect Blue Buildings – Counting Crows

Perfect Blue Buildings by Counting Crows is a mesmerizing track from their 1993 debut album August and Everything After. The song falls squarely within the alternative rock genre but stands out with a blend of folk and rock elements. Its melancholic lyrics and Adam Duritz’s emotive vocals create an introspective atmosphere that speaks deeply to themes of isolation and longing.

The song’s composition features a blend of piano, electric guitars, and a steady drumbeat that grounds the wistfulness in its lyrics. Production quality is top-notch, capturing the raw emotion and intricate details of the arrangement. This balance between polished sound and emotional rawness has earned Perfect Blue Buildings a lasting admiration among fans and critics alike.

15. A Murder Of One – Counting Crows

A Murder of One by Counting Crows is a captivating track from their 1993 debut album, August and Everything After. It’s a rich blend of alternative rock and folk, driven by Adam Duritz’s emotive vocals and poetic lyrics. The song delves deep into themes of self-discovery and the passage of time, invoking a sense of introspection.

Inspired by the natural world, its title refers to a group of crows, also known as a murder. Guitars and piano weave together seamlessly, creating layers of sound that build to a compelling climax. The evocative production highlights the band’s artistry, cementing the track as a fan favorite.

16. Angels Of The Silences – Counting Crows

Angels of the Silences by Counting Crows, released in 1996, is an emblematic track of alternative rock. The song thrives on dynamic guitar riffs and a driving rhythm that gives it a sense of urgency. Adam Duritz’s emotive vocals elevate its intensity, creating an evocative sonic landscape.

The lyrics delve into themes of frustration and existential searching, captured succinctly in lines like Well, I guess you left me with some feathers in my hand. Live performances of this song are raw and energetic, with the band often amplifying its intensity on stage. The song remains a fan favorite, a testament to its enduring resonance in the world of ‘90s rock.

17. Time And Time Again – Counting Crows

Time and Time Again by Counting Crows, from their debut album August and Everything After (1993), falls under the genre of alternative rock. The song features rich, melancholic melodies that are complemented by Adam Duritz’s raw, emotive vocals. Acoustic guitars and piano form the backbone of the arrangements, creating an atmosphere that is both heartfelt and introspective.

This song’s theme revolves around longing and introspection. Lyrics like I wanted so badly somebody other than me capture feelings of vulnerability and self-discovery. Its genuine expression of complex emotions has resonated deeply with listeners, making it a timeless classic.