Without a doubt, the 80’s were one of the most influential decades of music history. Many new genres, music cultures, and more stemmed from this decade. Whether you know them or not, the Cocteau Twins were a big part of this influential era. They pioneered the dream pop genre, which later paved the way for the shoegaze genre. Without them, some of my favorite music wouldn’t exist today. 

Lately, I’ve found myself fixated on this band. I mean, I’ve known about them for quite a bit, but their music has really stuck with me this past year. Their entire discography is beautiful. I realized that I really enjoy music, even when I can’t understand what they’re saying. The Cocteau Twins are known for their incoherent lyrics, even if some people try to decipher them. Even when you look up lyrics to their most popular songs, they don’t pop up. For example, “Heaven or Las Vegas,” which is by far their most listened to song, has pretty much no official lyrics when you search it up. There are many discussions about it, but the Cocteau Twins never released the official lyrics. I like to think that they made up whatever they were singing on the spot. It definitely makes the listening experience more fun. 

To recommend some songs, I’d say listen to the entirety of their Heaven or Las Vegas album. Obviously, “Heaven or Las Vegas” is a great song. But it also includes some awesome songs like “Pitch the Baby,” “Cherry-colored Funk,” and, my personal favorite, “Frou-frou Foxes in Midsummer Fires.” They have some other good, popular songs on their other albums, like “Cico Buff” from Blue Bell Knoll and “Serpentskirt” from Milk & Kisses. Some of my personal favorites are on the Lullabies to Violane Vol 2 album, like “Evangeline” and “Pink Orange Red.” 

More artists should take inspiration from the Cocteau Twins. I’m really sick of artists focusing on the lyrics instead of the melodies, because in my opinion, the melodies shape the entire song. I don’t care about what the artist is singing about as long as the instrumentals are good. That’s why I love the Cocteau Twins so much; their instrumentals are absolutely stunning. The music they produce is a true definition of beauty. It’s like ear candy. I find myself craving their melodies throughout the day.

Overall, the Cocteau Twins are masterminds of their decade, and I think they deserve more recognition than they get. Even though they are pretty popular, I want to hear their music more throughout my day. More people should know about them, as their music can appeal to many. They are pretty diverse, and they make great music for any situation. I love the Cocteau Twins so much.