On My Playlist: Top 5 Biffy Clyro Songs

Biffy Clyro is one of the world’s most consistent bands of the past decade with a blend of hard rock and roll anthems and soulful ballads.
The proudly Scottish trio is made up of Simon Neil (guitar, vocals), and twin brothers, James Johnston (bass guitar) and Ben Johnston (drums).
The fans also normally chant “Mon the Biff” during concerts and are just as passionate as the band, itself. The band also has a fantastic stage presence and normally plays live, shirtless. Biffy Clyro has also racked up numerous awards such as Best British Band as well as headlining major music festivals such as Reading in England and Ramfest in South Africa.
5. Black Chandelier
This song from their album Opposites starts off the countdown in a spectacular way with this hard rocking track. The song has numerous elements – something that Biffy is known for. The song opens with a haunting repetition of the word “drip” before the melodic guitar and drums kick in. The lyrics are also well written with numerous images and metaphors. “You left my heart like an abandoned car, old and worn with no use at all,” is a great example. One of the best parts of the song is the breakdown in the bridge that will have you headbanging for days.

4. Machines
“I would dig a thousand holes to lay next to you, I would dig a thousand more if I needed to.” This is the way that this 2007 hit from Biffy Clyro’s album Puzzles starts out. This motivational and inspirational song about holding on to love and keeping motivation is a fantastic example of Biffy’s versatility. The solo acoustic guitar complemented by violin is a warm sonic experience and really hits home in the heart. A definite must listen.

3. That Golden Rule
This song from their 2007 album Only Revolutions is another fast paced track that has the essence of Biffy Clyro poured over it. The fast paced, guitar, pounding drums and aggressive vocals build the song up to its catchy chorus. The lyrics are also very interesting and take a dig at society and rules in general – “Face to face with the ball and chain, I’ll poke my head up till its red, I tell my secrets and you took my pain, about a broken heart and I will do it again,” The bridge and long outro are also memorable for their use of various instruments and time signature to create an orchestral feel.

2. Victory over the Sun
The opening guitar line and major guitar riff are what make this song special, in my mind. The clean guitar and vocals in the opening verse drag the listener into the song with the deep emotion being felt. The lyric, “And I’d die anytime for you, would you die for me?” is a lyric that really hits hard and is a question that many relationships face. The haunting lyrics of sadness in a relationship and its many consequences are also beautifully sung and written by the illustrious Neil. The soaring chorus really makes the song what it is: “We can change the world despite all our enemies, We’re fighting on, listen to your heart and sing.
Pray for love, it feels like a memory. If we hold on, there’s a victory over the sun”.

1.Mountains
The number one song on the countdown goes to their 2009 hit from Only Revolutions. Mountains is a classic song for a number of reasons. Firstly, the opening verse followed by Johnston’s drumbeat and Neil’s guitar riff establishes the pace of the song. Secondly, the memorable chorus, and possibly Biffy’s best, takes centre stage with Neil singing “I am the mountain, I am the sea, you won’t take that away from me,” at full voice. The music video is also something special and a must watch as a real-life chess match takes place. A great song with all the elements that makes Biffy what it is.