Instrumental tracks on primarily non-instrumental albums are few and far between. They typically mark a band or artist going outside their comfort zone, experimenting or even just trying to fill up an album that’s not quite done. As a result, they’re are often tucked away toward the end of the record and are largely forgotten about. Every once in a while, however, a band will produce a memorable instrumental that stands out among its songs. Here are 15 great examples of artists keeping their mouths shut and letting their instruments do the talking.
15. The Flaming Lips – “Sleeping on the Roof”
Complete with crickets chirping and an array of dreamlike effects, The Soft Bulletin’s “Sleeping on the Roof” doesn’t need lyrics to paint a vivid portrait. It’s the perfect song for lying on your roof and staring into the cosmos on a hot summer night.
14. M. Ward – “Duet for Guitars #3”
From M. Ward’s 2003 album Transfiguration of Vincent, “Duet for Guitars #3” is an instrumental track that is exactly what it’s title implies—two layered acoustic guitars woven together to create a lovely, uplifting melody.
13. Ween – “A Tear for Eddie”
“A Tear for Eddie” is slow-burning instrumental lament off Chocolate and Cheese that’s full of watery reverb and fits right into album’s quirkiness. The Eddie in reference is Eddie Hazel, the pioneering Funkadelic guitarist who died in 1992 and to whom the song is dedicated.
12. Bruce Cockburn – “When It’s Gone, It’s Gone”
Canadian folk legend Bruce Cockburn provides this beautiful instrumental track of layered acoustic guitar work toward the end of his 1991 album Nothing But a Burning Light.
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