Twenty One Pilots has spent over a decade crafting some of the most emotionally complex and genre-defying music in modern alternative rock. From their early indie releases to the massive stadium anthems that followed, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun have consistently pushed boundaries that few artists dare to approach. If you are looking to dive deep into the very best of their catalog, this guide covers the 20 best Twenty One Pilots songs of all time, including beloved classics and exciting new releases from their 2024 album Clancy. Whether you are a longtime fan or just discovering their music, pairing a great playlist with a quality pair of headphones can make the experience even more immersive.
Stressed Out
Released in 2015 as part of Blurryface, Stressed Out quickly became the song that introduced Twenty One Pilots to mainstream audiences worldwide. The track centers on themes of nostalgia, the pressure of adulthood, and the longing to return to the simplicity of childhood. Its catchy ukulele riff and relatable lyrics made it one of the most streamed alternative songs of the entire decade, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
Heathens
Heathens was released in 2016 as part of the Suicide Squad: The Album soundtrack, and it became one of the band’s most recognizable songs almost immediately. The track explores themes of social outcasts, empathy, and the importance of understanding people before judging them. Its haunting production and memorable chorus gave it broad commercial appeal, earning it platinum certifications in multiple countries and cementing Twenty One Pilots as a crossover force in popular music.
Ride
Another standout from Blurryface, Ride is a philosophical reflection on life, faith, and the acceptance of not having all the answers. Tyler Joseph’s lyrics in this track are particularly introspective, weaving questions about purpose with an upbeat, almost carefree musical backdrop that creates a compelling contrast. The song’s music video, featuring the duo on motorcycles navigating a dusty terrain, perfectly mirrors the song’s themes of journey and uncertainty.
Car Radio
Originally appearing on Regional at Best in 2011, Car Radio gained massive exposure after being re-released on Vessel in 2013. The song deals with the anxiety and overthinking that arise when silence forces you to confront your own thoughts, a concept that resonated deeply with listeners who struggle with mental health. Its explosive climax and raw vulnerability made it a live show highlight and one of the most critically praised songs in the band’s entire discography.
Heavydirtysoul
Opening track of Blurryface, Heavydirtysoul sets the tone for the album with an aggressive, hip-hop-influenced sound layered over Tyler’s battle with his darker inner voice. The song introduces “Blurryface,” the alter ego representing insecurity and self-doubt that serves as the album’s central concept. It is a powerful artistic statement that showcases just how confidently the duo blends rap, rock, and electronic music into something entirely their own.
Hometown
Hometown is one of the more atmospheric and cinematic songs on Blurryface, with sweeping production that gives it an almost epic feel. Thematically, it explores the idea of a place that no longer feels like home and the emotional conflict that comes with that realization. The song’s slower build and dramatic delivery make it one of the most emotionally resonant deep cuts in Twenty One Pilots’ catalog, beloved by fans who appreciate the band’s more reflective side.
Tear in My Heart
A feel-good outlier in the often heavy Blurryface album, Tear in My Heart is a love song dedicated to Tyler Joseph’s wife, Jenna. The track is uncharacteristically bright and joyful in both its lyrics and instrumentation, offering a welcome emotional breather within the album’s darker themes. Its energetic rhythm and warm sentiment have made it a crowd favorite at live concerts, where fans often sing every word back with infectious enthusiasm.
Chlorine
From the 2018 album Trench, Chlorine is a layered and artistic track that uses chlorine as a metaphor for the creative process and the act of filtering experiences into music. The song builds slowly and deliberately, showcasing Tyler’s ability to craft dense lyrical imagery that rewards repeated listens. Many fans and critics consider it one of the most sophisticated songs in the band’s catalog, reflecting the artistic maturity that Trench brought to their sound.
Nico and the Niners
Also from Trench, Nico and the Niners is an upbeat track that serves as a pivotal moment in the album’s narrative, referencing DEMA, the fictional oppressive city that serves as the record’s conceptual backdrop. The song is energetic and anthemic, with a driving rhythm that makes it irresistible on stage. Its place within the broader Trench lore has made it especially meaningful to fans who engage deeply with the band’s storytelling universe.
My Blood
My Blood is a heartfelt track from Trench that celebrates loyalty and the bonds formed with people who stand by you through your lowest moments. The production is warm and uplifting, contrasting with some of the album’s darker themes, and Tyler’s vocal delivery carries a sincerity that feels deeply personal. It has become a fan favorite for its message of solidarity, often celebrated as one of the most emotionally generous songs Twenty One Pilots has ever written.
Lane Boy
Lane Boy from Blurryface is a defiant commentary on the music industry and the pressure artists face to conform to commercial expectations. Tyler Joseph raps with sharp wit and frustration, challenging the idea that artists should stay in their “lane” rather than experiment and evolve. The track is one of the band’s more politically charged offerings and stands as a bold artistic statement from a duo that has always refused to be boxed in.
Level of Concern
Released in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Level of Concern was written and released almost overnight as a direct response to the uncertainty and isolation of that period. The song blends humor with genuine emotional weight, capturing the strange cocktail of fear and unexpected closeness that many people experienced during lockdowns. Its rapid release and relatable content made it an immediate hit, demonstrating the band’s ability to stay connected with their audience in real time.
Doubt
Doubt from Blurryface is a kinetic, synth-driven track that confronts fear and self-doubt head-on with a defiant energy that feels almost cathartic. Tyler’s vocal performance is particularly urgent here, and the song’s production is among the most driving and propulsive in the band’s catalog. It is the kind of song that feels tailor-made for moments when you need a burst of courage, and it has remained a live performance staple for good reason.
Paladin Strait
From the 2024 album Clancy, Paladin Strait is one of the most striking new entries in the band’s discography and a clear indication that their songwriting continues to evolve. The track carries emotional weight within the Clancy narrative, serving as a deeply personal moment that bridges the album’s larger conceptual arc. Its restrained production and intimate tone make it one of the standout quieter moments on the record, earning it significant praise from critics who welcomed its vulnerability.
Routines in the Night
Also from Clancy, Routines in the Night is a high-energy track that showcases the duo’s ability to craft instantly memorable hooks within a complex emotional framework. The song explores the repetitive cycles of behavior that people fall into when struggling, a theme that resonates deeply with the band’s fanbase. Its driving rhythm and anthemic chorus made it one of the most-streamed songs from the album within weeks of Clancy‘s release.
The Craving
The Craving is another 2024 release from Clancy that highlights Tyler Joseph’s continued growth as a lyricist and storyteller. The song delves into themes of desire, temptation, and the internal struggle to resist destructive impulses, all wrapped in a production style that feels fresh yet distinctly Twenty One Pilots. Fans have embraced it enthusiastically as one of the more emotionally layered tracks on the new record, and it has already earned a strong reputation in live settings.
Overcompensate
Overcompensate from Clancy opens with an aggressive, almost theatrical energy that signals the album’s ambitious scope from the very first listen. The song functions as a statement of intent, with Tyler challenging the forces of conformity and control that the Clancy narrative sets up as antagonists. Its bold production and commanding delivery have made it one of the defining tracks of the album and a new fan favorite that fits seamlessly alongside the band’s greatest work.
Midwest Indigo
Midwest Indigo is a more introspective and melodic track from Clancy that reflects on identity, geography, and the emotional pull of place. The song demonstrates Twenty One Pilots’ ability to write with a painterly specificity, evoking vivid images and feelings through careful word choice and evocative production. It has resonated particularly strongly with listeners in America’s heartland, who appreciate the specificity and warmth with which the band captures a particular kind of emotional landscape.
Navigating
Navigating from Clancy is a forward-looking track that captures the feeling of pressing on through confusion and uncertainty without a clear map. The song’s measured tempo and reflective lyrics make it one of the more meditative entries on the album, offering a moment of stillness within an otherwise intense record. It speaks directly to the band’s core themes of perseverance and self-discovery, reinforcing why Twenty One Pilots continue to connect so deeply with audiences around the world.
Shy Away
From the 2021 album Scaled and Icy, Shy Away is an upbeat and colorful track that marked a tonal shift for the band during a challenging period in the world. The song encourages stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing change, delivered with a brightness and optimism that felt genuinely refreshing at the time of its release. It remains one of the most beloved songs from Scaled and Icy and a reminder that Twenty One Pilots can deliver joy and sincerity with the same skill they bring to their darker material.
Why Twenty One Pilots Continue to Dominate
Few bands in contemporary music have managed to sustain both critical credibility and massive mainstream popularity the way Twenty One Pilots have. Their willingness to experiment with genre, tackle mental health themes with honesty, and build elaborate conceptual worlds across albums has created a fanbase that is among the most passionate and loyal in music today. If you want to explore more great songs across all genres, there is no shortage of incredible music waiting to be discovered. For those who listen on the go, finding the right earbuds for your lifestyle can transform how you experience music like Twenty One Pilots every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Twenty One Pilots song?
Stressed Out is widely considered the most popular Twenty One Pilots song, having peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the most streamed alternative tracks of the 2010s. Its relatable lyrics and catchy melody gave it unprecedented crossover appeal.
What album is Heathens from?
Heathens was released as part of the Suicide Squad: The Album soundtrack in 2016. While it was not part of a proper studio album from the band, it became one of their most recognized and successful singles.
Are there new Twenty One Pilots songs in 2024?
Yes, Twenty One Pilots released their seventh studio album Clancy in 2024, which includes new songs such as Paladin Strait, Routines in the Night, The Craving, Overcompensate, Midwest Indigo, and Navigating, among others.
What is the Clancy album about?
Clancy is a concept album that concludes the narrative arc the band began with Trench in 2018. It follows the character Clancy through the fictional oppressive city of DEMA, exploring themes of rebellion, identity, and liberation.
What genre is Twenty One Pilots?
Twenty One Pilots is generally classified as alternative rock, though their music incorporates elements of pop, hip-hop, electronic music, reggae, and indie rock. This genre-blending quality is one of the defining characteristics of their sound.
Is Twenty One Pilots still active?
Yes, Twenty One Pilots remains active as of 2024 and has been touring extensively in support of Clancy, their most recent studio album. The duo continues to be one of the most successful acts in modern alternative music.