Five Songs from The Figs
Yes, There is Good New Music Out There
According to their Spotify profile, The Figs “have been described as ‘A Band.’” I agree, and this is good news. They are actual band of humans making music together; their songs are clever, well written, well performed, and catchy; and they don’t take themselves too seriously. This is not groundbreaking music and I am grateful for that. I can hear influences from Billy Joel, Paul Simon, and James Taylor on their first album, The Figs Present: The Figs. They claim influences including Chet Akins, the Ink Spots, and Caamp for their second record, How Did We Get Here? After a few spins, I hear those (not sure where to find the Ink Spots) as well as a Watchhouse (the artist formerly known as Mandolin Orange) vibe on a few tracks and a continuing debt to James Taylor. I consulted my children from ages 6 to 21 when compiling these tunes, as they frequently request The Figs during car rides or dinner clean up time. Here are five favorites or ours, one from the new record and four from their debut which is already approaching classic status in our home.
“Half and Half” from the 2024 Album The Figs Present: The Figs
This is the best song by The Figs to date, a rocking track with horns, hits, and interesting rhythmic stops in service of a story. This one belongs in a the “best of” rotation.
“Ride All Day” from the 2024 Album The Figs Present: The Figs
Every band needs a road trip song with a guitar solo. The Figs have one.
“Colorado” from the 2024 Album The Figs Present: The Figs
A little folk song about writing a song and dreaming of playing the big gig. Watch for the simple little harmony moments like the verse at 1:44, “So I sang in parks and in the dark to anyone who’d listen . . .” and the melancholy reference to a lost love one (probably a dad).
“Out of The Blue” from the 2026 Album How Did We Get Here
After a first few listens to their new record, this is emerging as a top track. The guest appearance of the unknown-to-me Pocket Berries gives this a distinctive sound with a female vocal. The details on the guitar lines like those beginning at 2:22 and the subtly off-beat chords coming out of the last verse are all nice touches that show care and craft layered on into a “simple” folk song.
“Hollywood” from the 2024 Album The Figs Present: The Figs
This a pretty song with a beautiful sentiment about a love bigger than the big screen and yet hidden from view, a bond that Hollywood can’t “fit into frame” not because it’s too big but because it doesn’t need the limelight. It’s celebrating the small, simple, and hidden life of an enduring marriage. Listen for the harmony guitar parts, unexpected keyboard tones lurking in the background (starting a 2:26), and even little string sections that add musical interest to a tune that unapologetically tugs on the heart strings.
Here’s a playlist of these Five Songs from The Figs: