The Replacements Songs Ranked

The Replacements were an American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1979. Initially a punk rock band, they are one of the main pioneers of alternative rock. The band was composed of the guitarist and vocalist Paul Westerberg, guitarist Bob Stinson, bass guitarist Tommy Stinson and drummer Chris Mars for most of its existence. Following several acclaimed albums, including Let It Be and Tim, Bob Stinson was kicked out of the band in 1986, and Slim Dunlap joined as lead guitarist. Steve Foley replaced Mars in 1990. Towards the end of the band’s career, Westerberg exerted more control over the creative output. The group disbanded in 1991, with the members eventually pursuing various projects. A reunion was announced on October 3, 2012. Fans affectionately refer to the band as The ‘Mats, a nickname that originated as a truncation of “The Placemats,” a mispronunciation of their name. Here are all of The Replacements songs ranked.

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10. I Will Dare (Let It Be 1984)

“If ever there was song meant to be sung along to at top volume, this is it. Beautifully simplistic, probably the prettiest song Westerberg ever wrote, almost Brian Wilson in its’ perfection. I think it’s just about a person who is willing to take a chance in a relationship if the other person is also willing to.”

9. Alex Chilton (Pleased to Meet Me 1987)

“Probably my favorite Replacements song, only rivaled by “I Will Dare”. I mean, some days it changes to the other but I really love both songs. This is one that has gotten better the more I’ve heard it and I’m almost at the point of calling it one of the best tracks of the entire 80s.”

8. Kiss Me On the Bus (Tim, 1985)

“As someone who has never really got why The Replacements are held in such high regard, this little gem might almost persuade me to reconsider. Paul Westenberg was a master at writing and creating song’s, this is an angsty song that leaves you wanting more.”

See more: The Replacements Albums Ranked

7. Unsatisfied (Let It Be, 1984)

“I simply adore this song. This is the worst thing that can happen to anybody. Get everything you’ve ever wanted and dreamed of, achieve all your goals and find out that you’re still not satisfied with your life. That this is not what you wanted…”

6. Bastards of Young (Tim, 1985)

“Somewhere in the middle is the halfway between defeat and winning spirit that is Bastards of Young, a punky anthemic song about being a “mess on the ladder of success”. You see why I see this as being particularly autobiographical yet?? On the other end, and ending both halves…are songs that are all out depressing if you really let them sink in, lacking that “hey fuck you don’t look down on me” vibe you get from Bastards of Young.”

5. Within Your Reach (Hootenanny, 1983)

“I have been pleasantly surprised by the attitude, musicianship and Westerberg’s songwriting on all that I have heard. “Within Your Reach” on this album is quite possibly the best track even though it hardly fits in with the rest of the album.”

See more: The Regrettes Albums Ranked

4. Left of the Dial (For Sale: Live at Maxwell’s 1986, 2017)

“Boasting a riff that most bands would kill for, coupled with Paul Westerberg’s wistful lyrics make this a keeper. One of the best bands of the 80’s, scratch that, of all-time.”

3. Skyway (Camp, 1987)

“This song makes me a bit sad when I listen to it. Maybe because of the music… the words are kinda ambiguous. I can’t tell what he’s feeling. Great song though. Love this band.”

2. Can’t Hardly Wait (The Shit Hits the Fans, 1985)

“I often read that people prefer the Tim version, which has more guitars and more edge, much more in line with that time in the band’s history. For me, when all is said and done, I would not trade this one for anything. Those horns, those strings that fade in and out, the propulsive drum beat, that opening guitar line – it’s all so…triumphant. It’s just a fucking gorgeous song. On the bus ride home today, I played it four times in a row.”

1. Here Comes a Regular (Tim, 1985)

“Just perfect song about life. The world moves on, there is winter, summer and so on, the years are passing and what you have is one day less to live than you had yesterday. ‘He says opportunity knocks once then the door slams shut’- so true. So you have to do something, make a difference. Make something that counts. An not for somebody, do it for yourself because this is the only chance you will ever get.”