Last week, I was driving around with my younger sister. At one point, she asked, “Did you know Earth, Wind & Fire is from Colorado?” I laughed it off, saying, “There’s no way Earth, Wind & Fire came from this place,” and headed straight to the internet.
Several clicks later, I realized two things: Tatum was right — three Earth, Wind & Fire members met at Denver East High School — and I needed to reconnect with my Colorado roots.
This week, I listened to 10 artists who got their start in Colorado. I played each artist’s top three songs on Spotify to gain appreciation for some homegrown musicians. As a fourth-generation Coloradan, it’s about time I connect with my people.
I didn’t realize how many of these artists were in my rotation as a kid, so this experiment took me on some nostalgic journeys. Here are my listening summaries for each group:
OneRepublic – 51,645,406 monthly listeners
OneRepublic was big on little Kaylie’s dancing-in-the-garage-while-my-parents-did-yard-work playlist. I used to love One Republic. I did my Clara and Nutcracker duet to “Apologize,” and I boogied around the kitchen with my mom and sister to “Good Life.” I am glad I took this time to reminisce on these Colorado pop icons.
Naturally, “Counting Stars” is their number one song on Spotify, with over 2 billion streams. I did not know OneRepublic had it like that. Their upbeat 2024 hit “I Ain’t Worried” feels surprisingly beachy for a landlocked band. I also never realized OneRepublic sang “Run,” the adventurous pop tune on repeat at the restaurant where I work. Not my favorite, but good for them.
The Lumineers – 21,563,111 monthly listeners
This Denver-based alternative duo packs intense, passionate vocals against folksy instrumentals. Their top three songs — “Ho Hey,” “Ophelia” and “Stubborn Love” — have consistent fireside melodies and expressive lyrical delivery.
I grew up listening to “Ho Hey” and “Ophelia” often, as my dad loved to keep alternative radio on during long drives. Both songs give me innocent nostalgia. Listening to their music now, I realize how emotional they are.
Earth, Wind & Fire – 20,871,458 monthly listeners
Although these 1970s icons grouped up in Chicago, three of their members — Philip Bailey, Andrew Woolfolk and Larry Dunn — hail from the box state, so they’re going on the list. I am shocked that such a legendary disco group has anyone who calls this mountainous state home. It makes me proud to be a Coloradan.
How could I not love a song written about my birth month? “September” will NEVER get old, and “Let’s Groove” will probably make my wedding playlist. The timeless “Boogie Wonderland” could make any wallflower shuffle over to the dance floor. Bring back disco.
The Fray – 14,564,834 monthly listeners
This pop-rock band from the mile-high city, possibly best known for their “Grey’s Anatomy” soundtrack appearance, should be listened to with a box of tissues nearby. Maybe their less popular songs are less sad, but these top three are highly heartfelt.
“How to Save a Life” shares the story of trying to save a friend from committing suicide, and “Look After You” is about a tense breakup. “You Found Me” has lyrics accompanied by a minor key and passionate delivery. The Fray makes some very depressing music, but I would be a liar if I said it didn’t work for them.
ILLENIUM – 8,936,927 monthly listeners
Producer Nicholas Daniel Miller attended CU Denver and began producing EDM after attending a performance at Red Rocks. As ILLENIUM, he has teamed up with renowned pop artists for popular dance projects.
Teddy Swims joins “All That Really Matters” with raspy lyrics about love mismatching the high-tempo instrumental. “Takeaway,” a collaboration with The Chainsmokers and Lennon Stella, is a pop tune that has appeared in many an Aéropostale since its release in 2019. I usually do not like EDM, but “Good Things Fall Apart” with Jon Bellion has passionate lyrical delivery with upbeat production that feels like an emotional release.
3OH!3 – 3,663,457 monthly listeners
This Boulder white boy hip hop duo is way more enjoyable to listen to than they should be. 3OH!3 music is an educational experience of what it was like to be a teenage menace in the 2000s.
“DONTTRUSTME” is packed with out-of-pocket lyrics and is shamefully fun to listen to. “My First Kiss” featuring Ke$ha was downloaded to my purple iPod Nano in third grade, and I still never skip this song. Katy Perry and 3OH!3 is not the greatest pairing, or maybe “STARSTRUKK” is just a bad song, but I still say these guys are worth a listen in the right situation.
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – 2,139,159 monthly listeners
First of all, what a terrible name for a band. I heard these guys do the national anthem at a Nuggets game last season, but I had never consciously listened to their music before. Rateliff was born in St. Louis but traveled to Denver on a missionary trip and started his music career here. The Night Sweats joined Rateliff in 2013.
“S.O.B” is a folksy country dance hall song, complete with downbeat claps on the instrumental. Bringing in a more soulful, pop tone, “You Worry Me” features muddled lyrics and standout musical accompaniment from the band. I was shocked when the intro to “I Need Never Get Old” registered as a familiar tune. I have no idea when I’ve heard this song before. My mom’s car? A movie commercial? My sister’s record player? Doesn’t matter — I was ready to dance around my dining room either way.
Flobots – 544,880 monthly listeners
Founded in 2005, this hip-hop quintet takes me back to when I first fell in love with music. “Handlebars” was seriously my hype song as a 5-year-old. One play on the iPod, and I was ready to seize the day.
Their music is characterized by a casual garage sound and socially conscious lyrics. “Handlebars” offers empowering, go-getter messages. “Stand Up” is a rap denouncing the Iraq War and encouraging government scrutiny, and “Rise” pushes for equality.
Big Head Todd and The Monsters – 398,934 monthly listeners
This recommendation comes from The Scribe’s faculty advisor, Laura Austin-Eurich. A Boulder rock band founded in 1986, Big Head Todd and The Monsters sound like a band I can imagine playing my parents’ senior proms. This band feels like it could be in every high school movie made in the late ’80s and early 90s.
“Bittersweet” has a tender instrumental and reverberating lyrics characteristic of late ’80s and early ’90s rock. “Boom Boom” has no noteworthy lyrics (just boys talking about a lady’s body) but some killer guitar solos. I can imagine “It’s Alright” playing at a dive bar in Boulder as the lights start to come up.
Trev Rich – 13,912 monthly listeners
Trev Rich is not well-known, but I discovered the rapper when he signed with Birdman’s Hit Factory Studio in 2016. He is a Grammy-nominated songwriter for his contributions to “Elevate” from the “Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse” soundtrack and singles for G-Eazy and NLE Choppa. “Sometimes” featuring Devon was one of my favorite songs in eighth grade.
“High Beams” established Rich in 2015 with heavy-hitting lyrics. “gijoe” with TheyCallHimAP features basic rap lyrics on a laid-back beat. “Nights Like This” shows Rich’s range with emotional lyrics juxtaposed against a peaceful instrumental.