Brief

The Guardian ranks Fontaines D.C.’s 20 greatest songs

The list highlights new releases, fan favourites and the band’s evolving sound.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 09 Oct 2026 03:42:22 GMT

The Guardian published a ranked list of Fontaines D.C.’s 20 greatest songs, covering material from 2019 to 2026.

What happened

The countdown places the 2025 single “It’s Amazing to Be Young” at number 20, noting it was inspired by bassist Conor Deegan’s daughter. The 2024 track “Death Kink” sits at 19, with a Pixies‑style guitar line. Earlier entries include the 2020 live‑version‑enhanced “A Lucid Dream” at 18, the 2019 debut‑album opener “Big” at 17, and the 2024 Los Angeles‑written “In the Modern World” at 16.

Mid‑list songs feature 2022’s title track “Skinty Fia” (15), 2019’s “Hurricane Laughter” (14), and 2022’s “Big Shot” (13). The list continues with 2020’s “I Don’t Belong” (12) and the yet‑unreleased 2026 track “Marianne” at number 11, described as a highly anticipated song from the forthcoming album Dopamine Chamber.

What the reports add

The Guardian notes that “It’s Amazing to Be Young” shows the band in a “euphoric mode” and quotes frontman Grian Chatten saying, “optimism is a necessary delusion.” It highlights the “shadow of Pixies” on “Death Kink” and compares the live version of “A Lucid Dream” to the original’s “speedy drums, abstract guitar noise, ferocious climax.” The article describes “Big” as a “fierce, snotty, swaggering, supremely exciting statement of intent.”

What was said

Grian Chatten told The Guardian, “Sometimes, optimism is a necessary delusion,” referring to the inspiration behind “It’s Amazing to Be Young.” The piece also cites the band’s own description of “In the Modern World” as a “fictional throuple together amid Armageddon,” likening its mood to a “Lana Del Rey‑style LA noir.”

How it came about

The ranking follows several recent releases by Fontaines D.C., including the 2025 single that marked a personal milestone for Deegan, and the 2024 album Romance, which introduced darker lyrical themes. The Guardian’s coverage builds on earlier Felo News pieces that tracked the band’s rise since their debut Dogrel and noted their growing influence in the post‑punk scene.

Key facts

• The Guardian ranked Fontaines D.C.’s 20 greatest songs, with “It’s Amazing to Be Young” at number 20. (theguardian.com)
• “Death Kink” (2024) is placed at number 19 and is noted for its Pixies‑style guitar. (theguardian.com)
• Frontman Grian Chatten said, “optimism is a necessary delusion,” about the 2025 single. (theguardian.com)
• The yet‑unreleased 2026 track “Marianne” appears at number 11, linked to the upcoming album <em>Dopamine Chamber</em>. (theguardian.com)

Sources

• [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Fierce, frantic and loaded with menace: Fontaines DC’s 20 greatest songs – ranked!”