ALL Kula Shaker Songs RANKED
This article was updated on February 5, 2021 (April 13, 2020 original)
I ranked all of Kula Shaker’s music videos on my YouTube channel.
Kula Shaker was (arguably) the biggest Brit-pop/rock band of 1996. Their debut album, K was the fastest selling debut album since Oasis’ Definitely Maybe. But in recent years, the psychedelic raga rock band that reformed in 2006 has received much backlash for past quotes and music vastly different from the tunes of the 90s.
But this is one critic that does not agree with the norm. Personally, I love Kula Shaker, and they currently stand at number two on my favorite bands list. So while I am still hooked, I thought it a fun idea to rank every song the band has released on studio albums (ergo, no B-sides, singles, covers, or bonus tracks —i.e.: “Hush,” “Drink Tea,” “Space Caravan,” etc).
62. Stotra (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
This hidden track is, what, 12 seconds long? And it’s just an Indian flute if I’m remembering correctly?
61. Strangefolk (Strangefolk)
I don’t think the title track of Strangefolk is terrible, but it’s another one of those tracks that is arguably not a “song” in the band’s discography.
60. Ol’ Jack Tar (Strangefolk)
I adore Strangefolk, but even I must admit it was the band’s worst album. “Ol’ Jack Tar” has some charm to it, but it also sounds drunk and lazy. It’s not so much the lyrics or melody that I have a problem with, it’s really just the loopy guitar strumming in the background waltzing with the bass. Easily the worst guitar/bass combo in the band’s discography, and for once, I actually wish the bass didn’t stand out so much.
59. Sleeping Jiva (K)
Seeming as a follow up to “Magic Theatre,” this interlude track is charming because of its Indian influence. The sitar is lovely and peaceful, and it is a nice song to hear after the aggressiveness of the band’s first album. It is especially pleasant when listening to the vinyl or CD, as it leads straight into the next track, “Tattva.” But…I can’t lie that I would rather listen to a different song than “Sleeping Jiva.”
58. Radhe Radhe (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
Another song that is easily skipped, the best part about “Radhe Radhe” is the the horn arrangement in the second half after the chanting. I don’t hate the mantra, but the song is too short and not interesting enough to hold up against the other Sanskrit numbers.
57. Figure it Out (Pilgrims Progress)
Apparently, “Figure it Out” is a forgettable song, because I completely left it off my original list! It kind of hurts to see it below some of the other songs, but I harbor similar complaints for it that I did with “Ol’ Jack Tar.”
56. 6Ft Down Blues (Strangefolk)
I enjoy “6Ft Down Blues,” but it’s out of character with the famous sound of Kula Shaker.
58. Modern Blues (Pilgrims Progress)
There’s a part of me that feels obligated to cut this song some slack, but no matter how hard I try to resist, I have the immediate urge to skip it the second I heard that (Japanese? Sanskrit?) voice. It could be fun to dance to, I guess, but compared to the rest of Pilgrims Progress, “Modern Blues” just has no charm. But it is certainly not the worst song in Kula Shaker’s discography — it would surely not be listed at the bottom if I were including B-sides like “Drink Tea.”
56. Get Right Get Ready (K2.0)
This song from K2.0 is a fun number, but I don’t know if there’s a Shaker fan who won’t agree that this songs gets annoying after a while. I don’t regret it being on the album per se, but I do wish it wasn’t stuck at the end. As a CD/vinyl collector, it makes me never want to play it.
54. When a Brave Needs a Maid (Pilgrims Progress)
The first full-length instrumental track on the list, “When a Brave Needs a Maid” fits well for the tone of Pilgrims Progress, but instrumentals rarely win out over the lyrical tracks.
53. Hari Bol (K2.0)
A peaceful tune from K2.0, “Hari Bol” is one of the songs meant to calm the mind before the action of “Get Right Get Ready,” “Mountain Lifter,” and “2 Styx.” But it also falls in the shadow of the rest of the tracks for it’s repetitive nature. In fact, it’s the least dynamic song in all of Kula Shaker’s discography.
52. To Wait Till I Come (Pilgrims Progress)
If you can remember this track off Pilgrims Progress, I applaud you. I could barely remember it had lyrics, to be honest. The strings are somewhat mesmerizing and Crispian Mills’ vocals are a bit pyschedelic, but because I can’t remember most of it, it falls low on the list.
50. Great Dictator (Of the Free World)
I’m not alone in thinking “Great Dictator” is one of the worst Kula Shaker songs, but unlike my fellow critics, I dislike it mainly for personal reasons. I think it’s somewhat decent (I definitely would have put it lower otherwise), but it’s so out of character for the band that it couldn’t be placed any higher.
49. 6Ft Down Blues (Strangefolk)
48. Oh Mary (K2.0)
The melodies in this song are catchy, but the lyrics and vocals are inferior compared to the better part of K2.0. I am also a little bitter to the implications of this one.
47. Jerry Was There (K)
Are usually skip this song, but I recently watched a hilarious live video that made me more fond of it.
46. Golden Avatar (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
I need to think this song was the best ever. But then I discovered the rest of Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts, and now is just annoying. Especially considering that it is sandwiched between the openers reprise and the calming “Namami Nanda Nandana.” It is almost as if the band even wanted you to forget about its existence.
45. Holy Flame (K2.0)
I can’t remember a word of either verse, but the chorus is catchy, and it has one of the most likable hooks on the album.
44. Song of Love/Narayana (Strangefolk)
The verses in this song are okay, but I really just like the “Om Nama Narayana” mantra. The instrumentals are okay, as well, but I’m not too hooked on the rest.
43. Magic Theatre (K)
“Magic Theatre” won out over “Shadowlands” mainly for the more prominent Indian influence, despite the former having a stronger focus on lyrics.
42. High Noon (K2.0)
This song is repetitive, and therefore has the potential to get annoying, but the way Mills bends the pitch has a bit of an ASMR effect, similar to that of “Ruby.” But the best part is in the bridge after the main lyrics where it breaks the norm with “Keep a flame, keep it close to your heart.”
41. Winter’s Call (Pilgrims Progress)
Another forgettable song, but not only does “Winter’s Call” have a chilly but pretty instrumental arrangement — it also features one of Crispian‘s nicest vocal performances. This is paired with a sweet melody, lyrics, and the temporary pause of the instruments (save an acoustic guitar) during the first verse as if they were frozen.
40. Dr Kitt (Strangefolk)
A fun song from the album, “Dr Kitt” has a similar style to “Modern Blues” or “6Ft Down Blues” but with better lyrics and a cashier but less annoying chorus. As Mills sings, “Doctor, doctor, they say you’re a miracle man” not only does the rise in pitch suggest an inquiry, but is also mysterious or mystical, as well.
39. Ruby (Pilgrims Progress)
This song has the easiest and most memorable groove of any Kula Shaker song, and that’s really what makes it so enjoyable. It’s ever so slightly seductive, as well, as Mills coos “Ruuuuuuuby” and “This world is cruel, let me take care of you.” And the descending tones with “beauty like a crown/…don’t let it bring you down” and “fall, fall, fall” are satisfying and pleasing to the eardrums as you sway your hips with the sustained vowels.
38. Shadowlands (Strangefolk)
“Shadowlands” isn’t boring at all — it is somber: “These are the shadowlands/Nobody understands/…Waiting for the rain to fall.” It is somewhat muted in energy, but that doesn’t mean it is devoid of emotion.
37. Hurricane Season (Strangefolk)
This song sways you to and fro like a waltz, and you can barely tell what time signature it’s in. I may be wrong, but this may be a song that doesn’t even follow a time signature. I gave my headphones to a fellow music students to try, and she struggled in the same way I did. It makes sense in the metaphor of a hurricane, and it’s also super cool if we’re both right in that there is no static time signature.
33. Timeworm (Peasant, Pigs, and Astronauts)
I used to not like the muted tone of this song, but recently I’ve grown more and more attached to it. Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts is famous for having the strongest Indian influence, and “Timeworm” is one of the biggest on the record. There aren’t many different dynamics in the song, but its psychedelic style gives you enough to stay interested, and the lyrics “Traveling in time” followed by Mills humming is appealing and calming.
32. Into the Deep (K)
“Into The Deep” is a good song, but compared to the energy and spirituality of the rest of K, it falls short. The verses are okay, but only the chorus really has any merit, anyway.
31. Sound of Drums (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
I find this song annoying, but it’s such a classic tune, I couldn’t put it any lower. Mills’ voice is a bit nasal, and it harbors a similar sound as “Golden Avatar.”
30. Here Come My Demons (K2.0)
Most of the time when I listen to a song, I only imagine a voice in my ear speaking to me, but this song is special because I can see Mills singing this song. The vocals are front and center on this track like “Ruby” and “High Noon,” but in a way that almost makes your eyes single. And just like your own demons, it echoes at “There’s a voice in your head, says you’re better off dead and you can’t find a reason to get out of bed, no reason.”
29. Namami Nanda Nandana (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
This song used to be my least favorite song by until I heard more of it. Everyone talks about “Govinda” and “Tattva,” and for good reason, but no one ever discusses “Namami Nanda Nandana.” Mills voice is silvery like, but quieter and calmer I don’t believe in Montrose, but this song gives it power and energy that has a soothing effect on the mind. And unlike the songs onK, “Namami Nanda Nandana” has different verses transcribed entirely in Sanskrit and shows us truly what a beautiful language it is.
28. Die for Love (Strangefolk)
“Die for Love” is the most song on Strangefolk. It is political like with lyrics and melodies that are not as in-your-face, and Mills’ vocals aren’t nasal. It is another likable tune and one of the best off Strangefolk.
27. Let Love Be (With U) (K2.0)
This song is great…but it gets overplayed easily. But even with this fact, I can’t help but dance and bounce around whenever I hear that keyboard.
26. Second Sight (Strangefolk)
It may be short, but I can’t get enough of this song. I fell in love with it because of the music video — it’s so hilarious but it also gave a face to the “man behind the mask.”
25. Temple of Everlasting Light (K)
The most forgettable song from the band’s debut album, doesn’t get enough merit for what it’s worth. “Tattva” and “Govinda” are always front-and-center because of their strong Indian influence, but while this song isn’t composed in the ancient Sanskrit language, the Indian musical style remains strong on this track. It’s a sensitive, mysteriously style that hides a secret “hidden in the temple,” only making it more mystical with its instrumental composition.
24. Ophelia (Pilgrims Progress)
If Pilgrims Progress was anything, it was romantic. “Ruby” is one story with its honeyed vocals, but “Ophelia” is far superior because it has the stronger guitar arrangement even with the main B minor chord, the acoustic switch is from playing in each and in F sharp on the top string — an interesting alteration from the traditional cord and adds a nice bass sound to his acoustic performances.
23. Start All Over (K)
Mills’ voice growls a bit on this song — maybe not as aggressively as “Grateful When You’re Dead,” but it’s there. It’s also more catchy than songs like “Into the Deep,” and like “Grateful When You’re Dead,” it adds backing vocals with “I’m so gone.”
21. Knight on the Town (K)
“Knight on the Town” may not be the most iconic song off of K, but it has a good progression and satisfying ending along with a nice play-on-words combining a “knight in shining armor” with a “night on the town.” But the lyrics and energy don’t hit as hard as some of the other songs from K.
20. Out on the Highway (Strangefolk)
As the first song off the bands third record, Strangefolk, “Out on the Highway” marked the beginning of a brand-new Kula Shaker. I can’t say I am upset that the band took on the same name, but it is very apparent that the Kula Shaker that played after they reformed was not the same band from the 1990s. This song was more American than Britpop, and I can guess it being on the same record as doesn’t help its case.
But of course, they wouldn’t be one of my favorite bands if I hated their new material. And while “Out on the Highway” was shockingly different than K or Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts, Crispian still proves himself to be a gifted songwriter and lyricist on this track. And though the lack of Indian influence on this track leaves us with a bit of disappointment, it still stands on its own as a brilliant number.
19. Fool That I Am (Strangefolk)
I never hear anyone talk about this song. Therefore, I think it’s the most underrated song on the whole album of Strangefolk. It has some of if not the best lyrics, and the harmonies in the verses make it sound like an echo. The ending was the best possible way to conclude it: “Love you forever…/Here at your service…”
17. Infinite Sun (K2.0)
K2.0 may not have had the greatest lyrics in the world but although “Infinite Sun” is repetitive, it has a melody that is addicting, and I love that it is constantly changing keys as it progresses.
23. 2 Styx (K2.0)
Admittedly, I left the American bonus tracks off the list because I wasn’t confident enough in my opinions and I was looking for an excuse to rank a fewer number of tracks. And it looks like I did myself a favor, because I was initially going to place this song in the bottom third of the list. For the more dedicated fans of Kula Shaker, “2 Styx” is one of those fan favorites, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a very pop-y song and the falsetto vocals layered on top of the lower range makes it even more addicting to sing. And with the explosion of the chorus perfectly placed after the lyrics, “Two sticks of dynamite,” it is an easy one to love. It also messes with the pronunciation, just like “Mountain Lifter” did with the “aha-na-la-
22. Persephone (Strangefolk)
It makes me sad to see the last Strangefolk track at number 22, but if I’m being honest with myself, although I love the album, it was the weakest of the five that the band has yet released. The song gives off the vibe of a siren playing a Greek tragedy on a lyre, and I love it. Mills isn’t the greatest vocalist in the world, but “Persephone” is one of the greatest examples of how well he can sing. I can’t tell you how many times I have used this song as a lullaby, his voice is so soothing and soft and it’s one of those relaxing songs but still layered in its lyrics and music to make it enjoyable for any occasion or mood.
21. Hey Dude (K)
Whoa, whoa, hold your fire. I know this is supposed to be one of the most iconic Kula Shaker songs. I don’t think there’s a point in talking about how great the song is (especially the rambling in the verses), but instead, I feel like I need to justify why it didn’t make the top of the list.
I used to not like this song. Probably in part because I had watched Yesterday before I heard it for the first time, but as I grew fond of it, I began to realize why. I love the lyrics of the verses, I love the guitars, and the music video is among the best, but it’s the chorus that keeps me from loving it more than I do. It isn’t as apparent now that I’ve heard it so many times, but there is still a somewhat loose connection between the verses and the chorus. The first half offers an okay transition into “Hey dude don’t lean on me, man…” but there’s still something so different between the two that leaves me wishing that the second half didn’t even exist. But at the same time, who doesn’t love the line, “You treat me like a woman/When I feel like a man?” It makes for a great opener and it can quickly cheer you up when you’re feeling down.
20. All Dressed Up (Pilgrims Progress)
One of the catchiest tracks off Pilgrims Progress, and with some of the best lyrics and melodies. Sure, it’s repetitive, but you can’t get it out of your head. And it has a bit of sex appeal to it, which fits well with the maturing album as it progresses from childhood to adulthood.
19. Only Love (Pilgrims Progress)
Pilgrims Progress was by far the most mature record Kula Shaker ever released, as many of its songs (including “Only Love”) were driven by their strong melodies and aging tales of love and the divergence from childhood. While most of the lyrics on this album or the one after weren’t as lyrically varied as their predecessors, it is their simplicity that leaves room for more musical progression. And “Only Love” accomplishes this not by its lyrics, but by its repetition and tempo and dynamic changes. It has a strong but subtle and addicting flavor similar to that of a nut; the acoustic guitars combined with the drums make it both catchy and long-lasting with its simplistic lyrics, while still providing us with a bridge to keep the song from going bland. The melody holds out the vowels of the lyrics, “You want some time,” and “Only love will take you there,” which more thoroughly digs itself into you mind so you want to keep hearing it over and over and over again. I realize that I am describing this song as a drug, but love itself is a drug, so I think it fits it perfectly.
18. Death of Democracy (K2.0)
I think one of the reasons I love this song so much is because it uses mythological allusions, and you know how much I love analyzing lyrics. But this track has hands-down the best chorus on all of K2.0, and besides the melody, I can’t think of a better reason to put it as high as I did. But it does hurt a bit that neither Strangefolk nor K2.0 made the top 15.
17. Hollow Man – Pts. 1 & 2 (K)
Although “Hollow Man” may not be the most memorable or popular song off K, certain lyrics like “It’s a long road/Long lonely road” get stuck in your head, and it’s one of the only unforgettable songs that you never get tired of. This one is really one of those lyrical gems; I’ve talked about the brilliance of Plastiscene’s “Picture in My Mind” in another ranked list, and “Hollow Man” is another song from that league of songwriting.
Looking down upon the bed, suspended by a silver thread…
Trying to see poetry within the shifting imagery of meaning
Well if you’re feeling hollow, man, just throw the stone and shatter your reflection with questions
16. 33 Crows (K2.0)
If you haven’t seen a live video or performance of this song, you’re missing out. This song is probably the closest to a folk genre that Kula Shaker has ever written, and I respect that. The sitar sounds like it has an English touch to it and complements the acoustic guitar. Other than that, it’s super catchy. If there’s one thing that I love about Kula Shaker, it’s that all of their music is so calming, whether it be venting anger or soothing anxiety.
15. Mountain Lifter (K2.0)
From the moment you hear the familiar “Lift it, lift it, mountain lift it, lift it, mountain lift it, lift it, mountain lifter,” you know you’re hooked. And who doesn’t love a bit of “sha-ma-la-ma-la-la?” This is one of those Kula Shaker songs that you love because it makes you smile. And this one live video where Mills’ voice cracks and he pops his hip during “Lift it, lift it, come on lift it…” never fails to make me smile. And that guitar solo?! Best to hear live.
14. 108 Battles (Of the Mind) (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
This song is one of the most unique songs of Kula Shaker’s discography. It is short and sweet, and you can’t help but bob your head to the rhythm (though it isn’t as golden during live shows). If you loved Kula Shaker’s other strong rock numbers, you should try out “108 Battles.” It’s a strong one that has no need for screaming or growling vocals because of its strong and addicting rhythm. It was suggested to me as I was getting into the band as one of their best, and I’ve been attached to it ever since.
13. I’m Still Here (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
At some point in the past, “I’m Still Here” was among my least favorite Kula Shaker songs, as well as being the worst Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts track because I thought it was boring. But one day as I sat immobilized by fear, this song turned on.
I was sure I heard you singing
While my head was broken up
While my world in flames was rearranged,
Oh I-I’m still here
…On an ocean I can’t fathom,
In a truth I can’t unravel,
I-I’m still here
You can imagine what effect those lyrics had on me at that moment. It felt like that “web of my own desire” was loosening as Crispian sang directly to me. And I have never thought of it in the same way sense; it is by far the most relaxing and calming Kula Shaker song.
12. Last Farewell (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
Originally, I had this reprise above “Great Hosannah, but while I have a special connection to the song, it felt unfair to place it so high. I love the first line of this song, and the guitar solos are what made me obsessed with the idea that I need to play electric guitar. And although I love the guitar lick that begins “Great Hosannah,” it can’t top the chord that begins and ends “Last Farewell” or Mill’s solos in the song.
11. Tattva (K)
Easily the most famous Kula Shaker number, “Tattva” was the bands first hit and the one that altered the band’s fate “literally overnight,” in Mills’ words. Like “I’m Still Here,” was once the sole Kula Shaker song I hated. I hated Mills’ nasal vocals, I hated the lyrics that were (at the time) gibberish to me, and my ears weren’t as fond of the heavy, Indian-style psychedelia as they are now. But it is a staple of the band’s history, and it is almost a crime to not be able to enjoy it even just a little bit.
10. Smart Dogs (K)
If I’m being completely honest, “it’s a freaky rollercoaster ride” is one of the greatest lyrics of all time. Not only does “Smart Dogs” have one of the greatest guitar solos ever from Mills, but it also features more of his screaming and falsetto vocals. Even someone I know who hates this band loves this song. I guess the chorus also reminds me of Plastiscene (who just barely beat them for better music in my opinion).
9. S.O.S. (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
If there’s one thing I appreciate Mills for, it’s for not finishing the lyrics of the second verse of this song. Nevertheless, this song is most definitely the heaviest rock song in the band’s discography, and I love it for that. We don’t really see Mills go all out on albums anymore, and I miss that about him. “SOS” is often overlooked in light of hits such as “Hey Dude” and “Grateful When You’re Dead,” but it will always have a special place in my heart. And I miss the days where we could hear Mills screech in perfect pitch.
8. Cavalry (Pilgrims Progress)
This a song probably no fan was expecting, but I am still severely disappointed there are no live videos of it online. Forget “33 Crows,” “Cavalry” is submissive and confusing, but it is simple and sweet, with just Mills and his guitar. The diction in the lyrics puts you into this war that he can’t retreat from, and I love it.
7. 303 (K)
I always thought “Smart Dogs” would beat out this song, but then I realized that I kind of overplayed the former. Often times when I try to remember the verse of “Smart Dogs,” I end up singing this one! And for good reason: the chorus and solos of “Smart Dogs” may be amazing, but the verses come nowhere close to beating out “303.” And all Kula Shaker fans can agree that we would love Mills to grow a “big ol’ hairy mustache” just for the sake of this song. Remember what I said about the vocals of “SOS?” Same applies for “303,” but Mills tried to make it sound just a little ugly — more playful than the rest of K. And we even have a bit of a precursor to the fun repetition of syllables that we got in “2 Styx.”
6. Peter Pan RIP (Pilgrims Progress)
Another former number-one-favorite , “Peter Pan RIP” was the first song after “Hush” to hook me to the 90s raga rock band. Funny, as it is among one of the least Kula-Shaker-sounding songs the band has ever recorded. Nevertheless, “Peter Pan RIP” is a lyrically-driven song that is whimsical, nostalgic, and bittersweet (despite it having one of my least favorite music videos).
5. Shower Your Love (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
Fun fact: this song used to be my favorite Kula Shaker song — and for quite a bit of time, too. The “shenai” makes the mood so much better, and the instrumentals are bright like the shower of unconditional love — from God or someone else. And I love the chorus, especially the lyrics, “I’m just too stupid to care.” You could connect that to my self esteem issues, but it’s more of a sentiment that many of us aren’t man enough to admit sometimes.
4. Grateful When You’re Dead (K)
The best possible use of a whammy pedal — “Grateful When You’re Dead” is a hard rocker, accompanied by one of the greatest music videos of the 90s. It is rebellious, aggressive, and no rock fan can resist the guitar or harmonies of this song.
3. Great Hosannah (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
If you ask me, Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts was Kula Shakers’ best record. K may have been the more consistently great album, but Peasants had some of their best tracks and sounds. “Great Hosannah” is driven by its guitar and bass lines, and it’s a nice change with the long instrumental introducing the song instead of concluding it like most longer album tracks. The melodies, the solos, the sounds, everything about this track was written to perfection, and it’s nearly impossible to believe that there are songs better than it.
2. Govinda (K)
Say what you want, but “Govinda” always has been and forever will be greater than “Tattva.” It’s peaceful, has a calming aura, and has the best music video of all the band’s songs. And there’s something special about being able to sing lyrics that no one understands — sometimes words you don’t understand, either. I know I spat on Alonza Bevon’s bass lines at the bottom of the list, but hopefully this placement can make it up to my favorite bassist – I will argue any day that the bass of “Govinda” is more important than the guitar for most of the song.
1. Mystical Machine Gun (Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts)
“Alien identities” don’t hide this special song from me, and while I don’t always enjoy the song from start to finish, it will always be at the top of my list. With the lyrics of “I Am the Walrus” and the guitars of David Bowie, “Mystical Machine Gun” is simultaneously the most amusing song by Kula Shaker and one of the most empowering. While it has been confirmed to be about Armageddon, the lyrics may also be applied to other interpretations; it is another song that comforted me in the same moment that “I’m Still Here” did. It makes me sad to think that if Kula Shaker stops playing, I won’t ever get my chance to see them live and get to scream “You’re a wizard in a blizzard, a mystical machine gun!” at the top of my lungs.
I talked more about the lyrics of “Mystical Machine Gun” in this article.
