10 Best Dave Matthews Songs

As most fans know, all Dave Matthews Band songs sound better live, as the group tends to feature improve renditions of new and old songs during their annual summer tours. And with a discography that covers almost two decades and incorporates jazz, soul, bluegrass, and rock genres, it's hard to chose the best DMB songs. Here we feature the highest-rated, off albums ranging from 1994's 'Under the Table and Dreaming' to 2009's 'Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King.'

'Grey Street'

This Dave Matthews Band song is inspired by the life of the poet Anne Sexton, who suffered from depression and took her own life in 1974. In concert this song has been played over 260 times, especially between 2000 and 2002 when it was first released.

Best Live Version: When 'Grey Street' debuted it originally had three verses, the last of which was cut. For a great recording of the original version, check out 'Live Trax Volume 3.'

iTunes

'Satellite'

This song's guitar part evolved from a finger exercise that Matthews used to do. The song reached No. 18 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.

Best Live Version: 'Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95,' the band's first full concert release.

iTunes

'Ants Marching'

'Ants Marching' is arguably the group's most recognizable song, and also their most played. In their almost 20-year existence, 'Ants' has been played just under 1,000 times since its debut as 'No New Directions' on Oct. 22, 1991.

Best Live Version: 'Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95.'

iTunes

'Warehouse'

'Warehouse' takes its name from the now-famous pink warehouse in DMB's hometown of Charlottesville, Va. It was on the roof of this building that the band performed their first paying gig.

Best Live Version: A fan-favorite version of 'Warehouse,' complete with 'Louie, Louie' interpolation, can be found on the bonus disc available with 'The Best of What's Around' greatest hits compilation.

iTunes

Dave Matthews Band Under the Table and Dreaming

'Crash Into Me'

Matthews has said that this song is about the worship of women from the perspective of a man who is somewhat of a Peeping Tom. He joked that instead of going to prison, he wrote this song. It was also listed on the 2001 Clear Channel memorandum, which highlighted songs with questionable lyrics after the September 11th attacks.

Best Live Version: 'Live Trax Volume 7,' one of the most beloved shows in the DMB community, contains a beautiful version of 'Crash Into Me' that features Bela Fleck and former Flecktones member Paul McCandless.

iTunes

'Funny the Way It Is'

'Funny the Way It Is' comes from the 2009 album 'Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King,' and it has quickly become one of the most popular Dave Matthews Bad songs on AOL Radio. Regarding the album's name, GrooGrux King is a nod to the band's late saxophonist, LeRoi Moore. The first half of the album name comes from a drunk harmonica player the band met during a photo shoot that was asking for money so he could buy a big whiskey.

iTunes

'Say Goodbye'

The studio cut of 'Say Goodbye' is one of the most acclaimed studio recordings in the fan community. The song is actually an evolved version of an early Dave Matthews Band song which was named by fans, 'Any Noise/Anti Noise.' The song made an appearance in concert three years before it was featured on the album 'Crash.'

Best Live Version: 'Live Trax Volume 3' also contains an outstanding version of 'Say Goodbye.'

iTunes

'Crush'

This Dave Matthews Band song was almost withheld from the album because the band had such a tough time playing it. Thankfully, bassist Stefan Lessard created the opening riff that had the whole band excited and set the tone for the rest of the song, which was also released as a single. The album's track clocks at over 8 minutes; it was cut down to 4 minutes for the radio version.

Best Live Version: 'Live Trax 2008' tour sampler.

iTunes

'#41'

'#41,' named after the fact that it was the 41st song the band wrote, holds the record for the longest performance in the band's history. On April 20th, 2002, for a whopping 32 minutes, DMB jammed with friends and show openers Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

Best Live Version: 'Listener Supported.'

iTunes

'Two Step'

'Two Step' is generally accepted as being the consummate DMB song. Incorporating everything that makes the band special, from improvised lyrical intros, to some of Dave's most sing-a-long-worthy lyrics and melodies, 'Two Step' brings down the house every single time it's played.

Best Live Version: For a perfect example of the power of 'Two Step,' listen to the version on 'The Central Park Concert.'

iTunes

What's Your Favorite Dave Matthews Song?

Let us know what would make your list of the 10 Best Dave Matthews Songs in the comments.

Listen to All Dave Matthews on AOL Radio

Filed under: Best Songs, Top 10 Lists, Rock, Jazz

Reader Comments

(Page 1)

1.
Dave Matthews SUCKS!!!! How did this guy get so big!!!!!

Posted at 10:53AM on Jun 2nd 2009 by ambimas

2. Kudos to the makers of this list -- it's right on the money!

Posted at 11:33AM on Jun 2nd 2009 by juliannaev

3. i gotta say that Dave's acoustic rendition of "All Along The Watchower" is better than Dylan's or Hendrix's versions.

Posted at 11:45AM on Jun 2nd 2009 by Jimmy Moosekeys

4. This list sucks as so many Top 10 lists do. It's completely subjective. Where's songs like Recently, Proudest Monkey, Warehouse, Jimi Thing, Digging a Ditch, Stay ect...DMB is a great band but let's just enjoy the music they keep making without trying to label everything as we always do. RIP LeRoi Moore

Posted at 1:51PM on Jun 2nd 2009 by G Dub

5. Dave Matthews Band is an excellent band with dozen of good hits. This top 10 is just poor. Every single song is important and beautiful, and I believe no one can just put 10 of them on the list and say that they are the best! Just enjoy the music and keep the list for yourself.
Thanks.

Posted at 3:22PM on Jun 2nd 2009 by vilcimar M.C

6. Nobody can select 10 songs from DMB and labeled them as the best. I love all of them.
Thansk.
Vilcimar

Posted at 3:24PM on Jun 2nd 2009 by vilcimar M.C

7. Proudest Monkey is the greatest song.

Posted at 8:52PM on Jun 8th 2009 by J.P

8. DMB just proves that if we put out as much different bands music as possible & it reflects great musicianship instead of this neanderthal, studio produced, sampled, voicebox crap the record lables force on us for moneys sake---that the public will support it. these guys have always blended good writing, hooks, and great MUSICIANSHIP into there stuff but 99% of it is "commercial" is it? of course not--thats why its so popular.

Posted at 4:23PM on Jun 2nd 2009 by Ric

9. All along the watchtower is better then Hendrix' version? You are out of you mind!!!! Most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.

Posted at 4:55PM on Jun 2nd 2009 by thomas

10. I have to agree about All Along the Watchtower. Especially the version on Red Rocks. Way better than Dylan or Hendrix, and I'm a fan of both. It's got a great build up and lots of energy!

Posted at 4:58PM on Jun 2nd 2009 by Katie

11. REPLY TO POST #3: Posted at 1:51PM on Jun 2nd 2009 by G Dub...This list sucks as so many Top 10 lists do. It's completely subjective. Where's songs like Recently, Proudest Monkey, Warehouse, Jimi Thing, Digging a Ditch, Stay ect...DMB is a great band but let's just enjoy the music they keep making without trying to label everything as we always do. RIP LeRoi Moore
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

G Dub, "Warehouse" is #7 on the list. Did you even review the Top 10 or just assume you could find a reason to complain? DMB has hundreds of songs to their credit as well as solo work, covers and compilations...you'll NEVER get 100% agreement so just enjoy this as a reflection of great work...and appreciate that DMB gets great publicity in a market saturated with bubble gum pop, ear noise rock, and beat driven rap. HANI!

Posted at 6:39PM on Jun 2nd 2009 by damioncmartin

12. Wow, I used to listen to the Crash CD traveling back and forth to see my girlfriend in college. Alas, the bittersweet "Say Goodbye" was a fitting tribute to the end of our relationship. I agree Proudest Monkey should be on the list. Under The Table & Dreaming is great, too!

Posted at 11:32PM on Jun 2nd 2009 by dwilson5441

13. Wow, I used to listen to the Crash CD traveling back and forth to see my girlfriend in college. Alas, the bittersweet "Say Goodbye" was a fitting tribute to the end of our relationship. I agree Proudest Monkey should be on the list. Under The Table & Dreaming is great, too!

Posted at 11:40PM on Jun 2nd 2009 by Dean

14. Um...you forgot about "Trippin' Billies"

Posted at 12:16AM on Jun 3rd 2009 by ShinasMan1342

15. I have to agree with the bulk of the list, but Don't Drink the Water should be on this list. However, as I am going to see my 10th show next week, I think there are very few bad Dave songs. I also think Why I Am will make this list very soon.

Posted at 12:33AM on Jun 3rd 2009 by mark

16. What about "Some Devil" by far Dave Matthews Greatest Song!

Posted at 1:57AM on Jun 3rd 2009 by J.T

17. I personaly think Seek up or Halloween would be the two best DMB songs. But this whole list thing is all based on opinion and how various songs hit you.

Posted at 7:39AM on Jun 3rd 2009 by brian

18. The Dave Matthews Band Rocks no matter what top ten list of theirs is up here because all of their songs ROCK!!!!!!

Posted at 9:55AM on Jun 3rd 2009 by flogz22

19. God please not another Dave Matthews Band album! Is there no justice in the world!

Posted at 2:42PM on Jun 3rd 2009 by gilsdrywall

20. This list is perfect (except "Tripping Billies" isn't there). All of their best songs are on here. Two Step is no doubt their best song.

Posted at 3:11PM on Jun 3rd 2009 by ejvols

21. Hey Katie - thx for dropping all that knowledge. You really taught me how I should think about music. My favorite part is when you told me to enjoy and reflect on the great work. Awesome. I never thought of that before.

What a lame!! You and I both agree that DMB rocks and yet you wanted to complain that I complained about the top 10 list. Nice.

Posted at 5:03PM on Jun 3rd 2009 by G Dub

22. Everytime I buy the new CD of DMB I am a little disappointed until I listen to it the second time and then it's GREAT ! If you don't like Dave Matthews you don't like music. He's an absolutely wonderful artist who's even better on stage.

Posted at 5:37PM on Jun 3rd 2009 by Tony

23. Having seen them 58 times now I have to agree that it's nearly impossible to pick a 'top 10'. To the DMB haters out there: You are truly missing out on some of the best musicians alive today. These guys bring a top-notch show every night... Even if you hate the albums (I hate nearly all the Mark Batson-produced album versions of the last several years), you need to see them live to truly appreciate what it's all about. There's not another band out there tastefully showcasing this much talent on a nightly basis. I can say that after seeing over 300 bands live over the years. Tool would be about the only other band I would truly consider a 'peer' in the talent and creativity departments.
Two bands you really must not pass up a chance to see! Anyone willing to diss DMB with a 'Dave Matthews sucks!' is truly a complete moron when it comes to music and musicianship... get a clue.

Posted at 5:54PM on Jun 3rd 2009 by Taylor

24. DAVE and the band ROCK, He is AMAZING and everyone must seen him LIVE atleast once if you want to see a great show : )

Posted at 7:35PM on Jun 3rd 2009 by ash

25. For those of you who hate Dave Mathews, why are you even on this site? I would have to say I don't think there are too many bad songs! This band is the greatest!!!

Posted at 9:20PM on Jun 3rd 2009 by kelly

26. The list blows....''The space between'' is the best song ever !!

Posted at 9:34PM on Jun 3rd 2009 by cdeondiaz

27. DMB fans are the biggest wannabes I have ever seen!!! He is a joke and so are his fans. The statement that if you don't like him you don't like music is so desperate. Did you have to copy that from Rolling Stone because your "leader" said so? All of us that really like music are laughing at you.

Posted at 9:42PM on Jun 3rd 2009 by PaPanicgirl

28. There are no good Dave Matthews songs, he sucks ass

Posted at 10:13PM on Jun 3rd 2009 by Mark Kelly

29. From a fan who appreciates the diversity and talent of this band, from the instrumentation to the lyrics to the pure soul and passion with which they deliver, I truly respect the ability of others to express their opinions, no matter how WRONG they are!

Posted at 12:05PM on Jun 4th 2009 by nickel

30. Was the unreleased single "80 gallons of liquid human waste dumped out of our tour bus and onto passengers on a sightseeing boat" on this list:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0825042_dave_matthews_1.html

Posted at 12:09PM on Jun 4th 2009 by J

31. DMB is so amazing... But in order to really appreciate him... You have to see them live!!! I go every year to West Palm to watch them... It's one of the best concerts ever!!!

Posted at 12:08PM on Jun 4th 2009 by talenakat

32. Obviously, no one asked for my opinion because I think Grey Street is the absolute best song by DMB with Lie in Our Graves and Ants Marching running 2nd and 3rd. I will they had considered something from the Before These Crowded Streets album because tracks # 1, 2 5 and 7 on that album are phenominal. Any DMB fan knows this and for those who don't, please have a listen to "Before these crowded Streets".

Posted at 12:40PM on Jun 4th 2009 by maria hunter

33. repy to comment #1: How do you rate your own talents?

Posted at 1:05PM on Jun 4th 2009 by k

34. This is a decent list. Their new record is a classic, I was blown away when I heard it the day it came out. I think "So Much to Say" is one of their classic songs but they have so many you can't really put it down to 10 songs. "Stand Up" wasn't that great of an album but this new one completely makes up for that.

Posted at 1:10PM on Jun 4th 2009 by Daniel

35. Dave Matthews Band is to this generation what Springsteen was to a generation ago and what The Dead was to the 60s. Great music. Great lyrics. What else can you say! If you don't like Matthews, you just don't get great music.

Posted at 2:24PM on Jun 4th 2009 by TAS

36. Dave Matthews SUCKS!!!!!!!!

Posted at 2:45PM on Jun 4th 2009 by moosetmj

37. This obviously is a list for the fan(s). Which I am one. For those that have replied by saying the band sucks, get a life...are you that bored, pathetic and miserable that all you have in life is to rip on something that obviously makes other people happy.

Please continue to search for chat areas to be the voice of "dumb-asses" everywhere. Your musical taste is obviously too good for the rest of us....making others feel bad obviously makes you feel better about yourself.

Posted at 8:29PM on Jun 4th 2009 by schmieh

38. Great List, but I would also have to agree with Jimi Thing , and Proudest Monkey being on it. As the list is just a list, I also have my favorites and will keep the rest of them for me. Dave seems to put such heart into each song, they each hold a special meaning to all of us who connect with his music. As I have been a fan since 94 I have memories of over 20 live shows and all albums they all hold special memories for me, and hopefully for all of us fans, as I am sure that is one of the reasons Dave does what he does.

Posted at 8:27PM on Jun 17th 2009 by Smitty728

39. It is a shame that some people are no deeper than a puddle in Arizona. Are you not even moved by anyone's music. If you ever were you would recognize the heart and soul that Dave is sending you. Listen to the words

Posted at 8:33PM on Jun 4th 2009 by Steve

40. Screw you guys with your negative comments. Haters. This is one of the greatest bands of all time. I think touring (and selling out) and making records (that still sell VERY well) for over 13 years proves that. And comment #3, true that!!

I think this list is great, but I'm not so sure about "Warehouse" and I've never gotten the big deal with "Satellite". I think "The Stone" and "So Right" are MUCH better. And in my opinion, the more Boyd, the better.

LeRoi, you will forever be missed..

Posted at 9:15PM on Jun 4th 2009 by Erin

41. DMB is ah-mazing and this list is pretty much full of radio songs. This band has some of the best covers EVER, not to mention talent out the ass. What about songs like Pig, The Best of Whats Around, or The Maker???

Posted at 5:02PM on Jun 7th 2009 by Brookeywoj

42. DMB is awesome!!! Carter Beauford is the best drummer EVER!!! He really is the "beat" for all of the band. He holds them together.

Posted at 10:11PM on Jun 4th 2009 by lcook

43. Good list except it's missing Don't Drink the Water and Dreaming Tree

Posted at 4:29PM on Jun 6th 2009 by immortalsoul17

44. AOL Radio Staff
Filed under: Feature, Best Songs

Posted at 7:46PM on Jun 6th 2009 by rossana

45. I think the best--and hottest--DMB song is "Hunger for the Great Light". Just the way Dave sings "Here you go, you dirty girl...". Wow....and I was at the Nissan Pavilion the last night that LeRoi was with them, the night before his accident, when they sang, for the first time, "Sledgehammer". It was amazing. As they always are :)

Posted at 7:57PM on Jun 10th 2009 by Janice

46. DMB is awesome. Been listening to them since I was in middle school; now 24 and love/appreciate his music even more. Seek Up is a great song too; definitely should've been on the list.

Posted at 8:42AM on Jun 11th 2009 by rensingle

47. Hi guys,

this discussion about Hendrix and Dylan and crap seriously gets on my nervs.
Of course, Thomas, these two will still remain as one of the biggest names in music history...
but lets be real here for a moment: DMB can musicly compete with whatever it might be! songs like all along the watchtower, Neil Young s Cortez the killer, Daniel Lanois' the maker, name it!
and even more: their creativity, their authenticy, simply their love for music will be unbeaten forever......and one more thing: DMB seem to REALLY enjoy themselves and not taking themselves too serious!
cheers, i love you guys out there

Posted at 4:48PM on Jun 19th 2009 by Reini

48. Hi guys,

this discussion about Hendrix and Dylan and crap seriously gets on my nervs.
Of course, Thomas, these two will still remain as one of the biggest names in music history...
but lets be real here for a moment: DMB can musicly compete with whatever it might be! songs like all along the watchtower, Neil Young s Cortez the killer, Daniel Lanois' the maker, name it!
and even more: their creativity, their authenticy, simply their love for music will be unbeaten forever......and one more thing: DMB seem to REALLY enjoy themselves and not taking themselves too serious!
cheers, i love you guys out there

Posted at 6:48AM on Jun 13th 2009 by Reini

49. The List is Good, but here is my top 10!

10. Funny The Way It Is
It's a Great Song honest to God truth, incredible

9. Typical Situation
I love it who would complain

8. Recently
Great Song

7. Seek Up
life it seems a struggle between what we see and what we do :)

6. Shake Me Like A Monkey
i personally think this is one of the best songs on the new album

5.Halloween
it's like his one angry song and it is incredible

4. Grey Street
There is an emptiness inside her...

3. #41
For LeRoi in the beginning of the song

2. The Stone
probably one of my favorite songs off BTCS

1. Warehouse
who doesn't love warehouse

and that's my top 10

Posted at 4:28PM on Jun 11th 2009 by DrewBarnes4541

50. Not a bad list, but funny the way it is shouldn't even be on a top 50 dmb list. replace it with tripping billies, #40, or lover lay down and its golden

Posted at 11:18PM on Jun 12th 2009 by Jerome

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