Are you an art aficionado looking for the perfect soundtrack for your next project?
Look no further than these 13 best songs about Art!
From the classic “Vincent” by Don McLean to the more modern “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay, this list has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a fan of Talking Heads or Bob Dylan, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.
So put on your headphones and get ready to be inspired!
1. “Vincent” by Don McLean
You’ve likely heard Don McLean’s haunting ballad “Vincent”.
The song pays homage to the great Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh.
McLean’s sorrowful lyrics are a touching tribute to the artist’s life and struggles, portraying him as a romantic figure.
The song’s simple, three-chord progression provides a beautiful backdrop for the lyrics.
Its melody has a timeless quality.
This classic folk tune is an evocative reminder of Van Gogh’s life and art.
It is a fitting tribute to one of the world’s greatest painters.
2. “Art School” by The Jam
Infusing the raw vigor of punk rock with the melodic charm of pop, “Art School” by The Jam stands as a quintessential British rock anthem, lauding the boundless freedom and creative spirit of youth.
The song propels forward with an unrelenting beat and razor-sharp guitar riffs, mirroring the exuberant vitality that art embodies.
Its irresistible chorus and easy-to-join-in singing parts resonate on a universal level, stirring feelings of hope and unwavering resolve.
In its entirety, “Art School” remains a timeless masterpiece, encapsulating the very essence of art’s profound ability to ignite inspiration and encapsulate the essence of youthful enthusiasm.
3. “Blue Period Picasso” by Peter Bjorn and John
Drawing on the emotional mood of Pablo Picasso’s “Blue Period Picasso”, Peter Bjorn and John’s song of the same name captures the sorrow and despair of a dark time in the artist’s life.
Lyrically, the song paints a picture of a man struggling to cope with loss and pain, a sentiment echoed in Picasso’s artwork of the period.
Musically, the track is a melancholic yet beautiful blend of acoustic guitar, synths, and drums.
The overall effect is a song that is both heartbreaking and inspiring, a perfect tribute to the art of Picasso.
4. “Artists Only” by Talking Heads
You’ll love Talking Heads’ “Artists Only”, a song about the struggles of artists in the modern world.
Lyrically, it speaks to the need to remain true to one’s creative vision, even when the rewards of doing so are not immediately apparent.
Musically, it has a driving, percussive beat with intricate guitar riffs and David Byrne’s signature vocals.
It’s a powerful, yet surprisingly lighthearted, anthem for any artist who’s ever worked hard for their craft.
5. “Pablo Picasso” by The Modern Lovers
Pablo Picasso’s “The Modern Lovers” is a tribute to the revolutionary artist, celebrating his unique combination of styles and influence on the world of art.
The song is an ode to the genius of Picasso, with lyrics detailing his avant-garde approach and the way his work changed the face of modern art.
Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it an enjoyable listen, while its lyrics pay homage to this great artist.
It’s a great way to honor the legacy of Picasso and his incredible contribution to the art world.
6. “Waste of Paint” by Bright Eyes
You’ll love Bright Eyes’ song “Waste of Paint”, which celebrates the freedom of creating art without worrying about the outcome.
The song’s lyrics explore the idea of artistic experimentation, without a need for praise or recognition.
The song’s upbeat tempo and inspiring message make it a great choice for any artist who wishes to take risks without fear of judgment.
Its buoyant melody and poetic lyrics provide a perfect backdrop for painting, or any other type of creative expression.
7. “The Art Teacher” by Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright’s song “The Art Teacher” is an inspiration for any artist looking to keep their creative spark alive.
With its clever lyrics and upbeat melody, it celebrates the power of artistic expression.
Wainwright paints a vivid picture of a passionate art teacher, who encourages her students to take risks and never give up.
The song serves as a reminder of the importance of imagination and self-expression in art.
A must-listen for any aspiring artist.
8. “My Old Paint” by Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte’s “My Old Paint” is a folksy tribute to the works of Pablo Picasso.
The song pays homage to Picasso’s artistry while describing its beauty and influence.
Its simple, acoustic melody is complemented by the singer’s warm, soulful vocals.
The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the Spanish master’s work.
Belafonte’s tender performance is a testament to Picasso’s legacy and talent.
9. “Magritte” by John Cale
You’ve heard John Cale’s tribute to surrealist painter René Magritte, “Magritte”.
The song, which features a spoken word intro from Magritte himself, is an ode to the artist’s life and work.
The chorus of the song is a fitting tribute, as it reflects on the dream-like nature of Magritte’s art.
Cale’s choice of instrumentation also serves to evoke the mysterious and surreal atmosphere of Magritte’s work.
An ethereal, dreamy soundscape is created as a backdrop to the song.
Overall, “Magritte” is a fitting tribute to an iconic artist.
10. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
From a contemporary artist to a classic one, we now turn to Coldplay and their 2008 song, “Viva La Vida”.
This track is a powerful blend of rock and classical influences.
The lyrics explore the idea of a powerful ruler who is overthrown.
The song is an artistic exploration that shows how fleeting power can be in life.
It is also an homage to the Baroque painting style.
This makes it a perfect fit for our discussion about art in music.
11. “Mona Lisa” by Nat King Cole
You’ll be charmed by Nat King Cole’s timeless rendition of the classic painting, “Mona Lisa”, released in 1950.
With its smooth jazz instrumentation and beautiful vocal harmonies, this song brings to life Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.
Cole’s passionate vocals perfectly capture the enigmatic emotion of the painting, making this song a classic.
It’s a wonderful tribute to the power of art and its ability to touch our souls.
12. “When I Paint My Masterpiece” by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece” is a heartfelt ode to the power of art and creativity.
It paints a vivid picture of an artist’s journey and the struggles they might face along the way.
The lyrics are poignant and thought-provoking, emphasizing the value of perseverance and the importance of creating meaningful work.
Dylan’s signature storytelling style shines through, making this track a timeless classic for art lovers everywhere.
13. “Going Down” by The Stone Roses
Moving from Bob Dylan’s folk-rock classic to The Stone Roses’ indie-rock anthem, “Going Down” captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by art.
The lyrics feature a protagonist who is inspired by a painting, but overwhelmed by the creative potential it holds.
The song’s upbeat melody and driving guitar riffs make it a memorable and enjoyable listen.
Whether it’s a painting, song, or any other form of art, “Going Down” is a great reminder of the power that art has to move and inspire us.
Songs About Art – Final Thoughts
You’ve now had a listen to 13 of the best songs about Art.
From the energetic “Art School” by The Jam to the more somber “Blue Period Picasso” by Peter Bjorn and John, you’ve heard diverse musicians and styles.
Classics like “Vincent” by Don McLean and “Mona Lisa” by Nat King Cole have stood the test of time.
Ultimately, each of these songs stands as a tribute to art.
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