One of my favorite bands of all time is undoubtedly Bright Eyes. This band, headed by Conor Oberst, is proof that true musical variety can exist from a single artist. What I find so remarkable about this group is their ability to change their sound from album to album (somewhat like The Beatles were able to do). The multiple genre that Bright Eyes has been able to successfully transcend include folk, electronic, and indie, just to name a few. Conor Oberst has the ability to write beautiful POETRY, and easily translate those words into song.

I meet a lot of people that claim not to like Bright Eyes, usually referring to Conor Oberst’s unique voice as the reason for their dislike. Yes, I will admit that there are moments that he sounds a bit “whiney.” With Bright Eyes, it’s about knowing which songs match the style you enjoy most. Below is a list of the best songs from each album that even Bright Eyes “haters” can enjoy.

Cassadaga (2007) – Four Winds, If The Brakeman Turns My Way, Hot Knives, Cleanse Song (favorite on this album), I Must Belong Somewhere

I’m Wide Awake and It’s Morning (2005) – At The Bottom of Everything, We Are Nowhere and It’s Now, Old Soul Song, Lua, Train Under Water, Land Locked Blues, Poison Oak (favorite slow song by them), First Day of My Life (favorite song by this artist)

Digital Ash in a Digital Urn (2005) – Arc of Time, Take it Easy (Love Nothing), Hit the Switch, Light Pollution, Easy/Lucky/Free (favorite song on this album),

LIFTED or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground (2002) – Lover I Don’t Have to Love, Bowl of Oranges (favorite on this album), Nothing Gets Crossed Out, From a Balance Beam

Fever and Mirrors (2000) – A Scale, A Mirror, and Those Indifferent Clocks, An Attempt to Tip The Scales (favorite song on this album), A Song to Pass The Time

Unfortunately, Bright Eyes will be releasing its FINAL album in the fall of 2010 (false). There is still good news, however. Conor has been very active since releasing Cassadaga, producing not only a solo album, but also linking up with M. Ward, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, and Bright Eyes‘ Mike Mogis to form Monsters of Folk.

Conor also released an album with the Mystic Valley Band titled, Outer South. Of all his new ventures, Monsters of Folk is my favorite, and is really a great band. Although he is surrounded by such well-known talent, Oberst still shines. Here’s a track from their debut album which was released very recently.