February 21st, 2020. That’s the date of the last concert I attended before our lives were turned upside down by the pandemic. At that time Coronavirus was in the news, but I don’t remember ever feeling vulnerable or scared at the concert, and I’m a major worrier. Lucky for me, the last concert I attended was a very good show put on by Iration at Cleveland’s House Of Blues. We’re now only a couple of weeks away from the one year mark of said concert, which is absolutely mind-blowing. To mark that amount of time passed and to celebrate something I enjoy during these Groundhog Day-esque times, here are my ten favorite songs from the last band I saw before the pandemic, and one of my favorite bands, Iration.
10. Back Around
Kicking the list off at number 10 is Back Around. The studio version of this song is great but the live version provided above is as Guy Fieri would say “outta bounds.” Such an amazing way to kick off a show.
9. Fancy
Fancy from their new album Coastin’ lands at number 9 on the list. This track is different than the rest of Iration’s catalogue and I am here for it. It has a bit of a Chromeo Over Your Shoulder French Disco vibe to it. The song is the perfect play for pandemic nights in lockdown getting a buzz on with your significant other. It’s catchy and shows off some personality along with some relatable content. Down for more songs like this!
8. Time Bomb
If you’re only vaguely familiar with Iration, this is probably the song you’d recognize. It’s a hit. It likely deserves to be higher on the list due to star power alone, but as a fan I feel like it would be lazy to put it up there…and their good songs go far beyond the hits. Time Bomb is number 8.
7. Chill Out
A song that delivers the good vibes. Great song for “relaxing” with your “buds.”
6. No Letter
No Letter is one of Iration’s more serious songs and I think it does a great job pulling on the heart strings. I like when they unplug and go acoustic. Speaking of that, you should check out their acoustic album, Double Up.
5. Already Gold
Ooo this one is a vibe! Can’t help but to feel a little swag when this comes on. I think it would make a great walk-up song for baseball player. Also makes for a great bed, radio people. Already Gold rounds out the Top 5.
4. Summer Nights
Summer Nights is not to be confused with Lil Rob’s smash hit. Remember that one?! Classic. Anyways, Iration’s Summer Nights is a great play these days because it has me longing for those summer nights and being outside. I’m so ready for winter to be over.
3. Guns Out
Guns Out, yes! This is a banger. Absolutely love this song. Before I heard the song, and just saw the title I was a little put back thinking it’s like a Sun’s out Guns out beach song type thing, but thankfully it’s not. It’s actually a lot of great analogies for being in a fight with your significant other. I love wordplay and this song is full of it, and is catchy as well.
2. 2GUD2BTRU
There are supposed to be Umlauts there, and I have absolutely no clue how to do that on here. I’m sorry. I know Poosh loves them, and I have let down. Anyways, this song has really grown on me over the past year. The lyrics are a little more serious (which I love!), but the music is still full of good vibes and upbeat. The newest member of the band, Micah Brown, gets to sing on the bridge (or something I don’t know the term) and I love the way he sounds and what he brings to the band opposite of Micah Pueschel. The two compliment each other very well. I’m not going to lie this is one of those songs I’ll play back to back I love it so much.
- Wait And See
Finally we have reached the number one spot on my list of favorite Iration songs, and the title goes to Wait And See. It was the first song of theirs I heard, and the one that really got me to love the band and get more into them. My buddy AJ and I were in South Florida and heard it at a local watering hole and were obsessed ever since. The song brings back great memories…and is the one hit they didn’t play at the concert! But the song features a verse from a member of the band who isn’t around any more, so it’s understandable and they get a pass.
Those are my ten favorite Iration songs, right now. Of course, it’s subject to change. It actually did as I was writing it. The order above is not even the order in my notes. Go check them out and when we’re finally able to go see live music again, make sure to see Iration live. You won’t regret it. Did I leave out your favorite? Let me know on Twitter @CortFreeman
Cort Freeman 