As Regina Spektor concludes her North American tour, celebrating not only a career spanning over two decades but also her latest original work, “Home, Before and After,” released in 2022, it’s a perfect time to celebrate this incredible artist.
First, a brief biographical background on the Russian-born American singer: Born on February 18, 1980, in Moscow, Regina Spektor is a singer-songwriter and pianist renowned for her eclectic style and unique vocal techniques. In 1989, her family emigrated to the Bronx, New York, to escape discrimination in the Soviet Union. Growing up immersed in classical music and Western rock, these genres profoundly influenced her diverse sound.
Spektor’s music career began in New York City’s anti-folk scene, where she self-released her initial albums, 11:11 and Songs. Her breakthrough came with the album Soviet Kitsch, which led to her signing with Sire Records in 2004 and the release of her major-label debut, Begin to Hope. This album featured the hit single “Fidelity,” which brought her widespread recognition and a Gold certification by the RIAA.
Her subsequent albums, Far and What We Saw from the Cheap Seats, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200. Regina Spektor’s work is celebrated for its lyrical creativity, often drawing from literary references and personal narratives. In 2013, she earned further acclaim with “You’ve Got Time,” the Orange Is the New Black series theme song. In recognition of her contributions to music, June 11, 2019, was proclaimed “Regina Spektor Day” in New York City.
Regina Spektor blends folk, rock, jazz, and classical music elements. It is characterized by imaginative storytelling and experimental sounds. Regina Spektor remains a significant figure in contemporary music, deeply influenced by iconic artists like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell.
And now, let’s discover Regina Spektor’s 10 most popular songs.
10. “Better”
“Better” is a song from Regina Spektor’s 2006 album “Begin to Hope.” It quickly captured attention when its music video was released on VH1 and YouTube, accumulating over 100,000 views within 24 hours. The song’s broad appeal is further evidenced by its use in various media; it was featured in a commercial for XM Satellite Radio, an episode of “How I Met Your Mother”, the series finale of “The Good Wife”, and the 2009 film “My Sister’s Keeper.” This widespread use underscores the song’s versatility and broad appeal, enhancing its popularity across different audiences.
9. “Modern Girls & Old Fashion Men”
“Modern Girls & Old Fashion Men” is a significant collaboration between Regina Spektor and The Strokes. It emerged from their joint experiences while Spektor was on tour with the band during their 2003–2004 “Room on Fire” tour. This track was performed live and recorded during the tour and has not been released on any of Regina Spektor’s studio albums.
The song was featured as the B-side to The Strokes’ single “Reptilia.” There was a notable moment during the release process when the band’s lead singer, Julian Casablancas, insisted that the single be credited as “Regina Spektor and The Strokes” rather than “The Strokes and Regina Spektor.”
8. “On The Radio”
“On The Radio” was the lead single from Regina Spektor’s fourth studio album, “Begin to Hope,” released in 2006. This track highlights Spektor’s ability to blend classical music influences with contemporary pop elements. The song is notable for its lyrical depth, including a poignant chorus that cleverly references “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses, illustrating Spektor’s talent for intertextual play and cultural homage.
The song achieved commercial success, selling 116,000 copies in the United States by 2009, showcasing its widespread appeal. The use of “On The Radio” in key TV series like ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” and Netflix’s “Sex Education” has further cemented its status as a fan favorite. These features not only introduced Spektor’s music to a broader audience.
7. “You’ve Got Time”
“You’ve Got Time” is the theme song for the critically acclaimed Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, written and performed by Regina Spektor specifically for the show. Released in 2013, this song captures the tense and urgent atmosphere of the series, reflecting the characters’ lives navigating the complexities of prison life.
Spektor crafted this song after being personally approached by the show’s creator, Jenji Kohan, who was a fan of her work and felt Spektor’s unique sound would be perfect for setting the tone of the series. “You’ve Got Time” was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media, highlighting its success.
6. “Eet”
“Eet” is a song from Regina Spektor’s fifth studio album, Far, released in 2009. Known for its introspective lyrics and captivating melody, the song delves into the complexities of memory and nostalgia. The title “Eet” refers to a typographical error, symbolizing how memories can become distorted or forgotten over time.
The track opens with Regina Spektor’s signature piano playing, complemented by layered instrumentation that builds throughout the song. It explores themes of losing touch with oneself and the struggle to remember important aspects of life amidst the distractions of modern living.
Before the album’s release, a viral music video directed by Adria Petty was launched on May 29, 2009. Filming took place in East Lancaster, California, near Club Ed, a film studio in the Antelope Valley known for its use in various TV shows, motion pictures, and commercials.
Regina Spektor made her “Saturday Night Live” debut on October 10, 2009, performing “Eet” alongside “The Calculation,” another track from Far. This performance marked a significant milestone in her career, introducing her music to a broader audience and solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the music industry.
5. “Us”
“Us” is the fifth track on Regina Spektor’s major label debut album, Soviet Kitsch, released in 2004. This song highlights Regina Spektor’s ability to blend her classical music background with indie pop elements, resulting in a rich, multi-layered composition featuring intricate piano work, her signature vocal style, and the notable use of a string quartet, which adds depth and texture to the arrangement.
“Us” was Regina Spektor’s first song, and a music video followed it. The video utilizes stop-motion animation and whimsical imagery to capture the song’s themes visually, enhancing its narrative and artistic impact.
The track gained widespread recognition after being featured in the film’s soundtrack (500 Days of Summer) in 2009. This significantly expanded its audience and introduced Spektor’s music to new listeners. As of 2009, the single had sold 86,000 copies in the United States, demonstrating its commercial success and enduring appeal.
Notably, the primary piano and strings riff of “Us” was used in an advertisement supporting Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 United States presidential election.
4. “The Call”
Regina Spektor’s “The Call,” featured in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008), is a track that perfectly matches the film’s themes of change and farewell. The song was specifically written for the movie’s soundtrack, reflecting the emotional journey of leaving and transition.
With lyrics like “You were the first one,” it explores the significance of early experiences and farewells. Musically, it combines Spektor’s signature piano style with lush orchestration, creating a rich, emotive sound.
Spektor and Mike Elizondo produced the track, released in May 2008 and praised for enhancing the film’s emotional depth.
3. “Samson”
Regina Spektor’s “Samson,” from her 2006 album Begin to Hope, is widely acclaimed as one of her best tracks, even though it was never officially released as a single. The song, blending piano and folk influences, draws inspiration from the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, exploring themes of love, strength, and vulnerability. Lyrics like “You took my charms, but you took my dreams” reflect the impact of relationships on personal identity.
Released in May 2006, Spektor wrote and performed the track, with production by Spektor and Mike Elizondo. Despite not being released as a single, “Samson” has charted in several countries and is praised for its emotional depth and Spektor’s unique vocal style. The music video, shot in almost black and white, features Spektor performing at a piano. At the same time, paper designs pan over the camera, adding a visually striking element that complements the song’s themes.
2. “Fidelity”
Regina Spektor’s “Fidelity” is one of her most successful tracks. Released as the second single from the album Begin to Hope, it became Spektor’s first and only entry on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her highest-charting single.
Spektor wrote “Fidelity” while watching the film High Fidelity, based on a novel by Nick Hornby. The RIAA certified the single gold for selling 500,000 copies; by 2009, it had sold 716,000 copies in the U.S.
“Fidelity” achieved notable chart success, peaking at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 in New Zealand. It also ranked #45 in the UK and #33 on the US Adult Pop Airplay chart. In 2009, the song saw a revival in sales due to the popularity of Spektor’s single “Laughing With,” reaching #55 on the Alternative Songs Chart on US iTunes.
The song’s influence extends beyond the music charts. It was used in a 2009 video by the Courage Campaign against Proposition 8, which garnered over 500,000 views. It was also featured in the 2010 film Love & Other Drugs during the credits.
1. “Two Birds”
According to Spotify listeners, Regina Spektor’s “Two Birds,” taken from her 2009 album Far, is her most popular song. It is noted for its whimsical and metaphorical lyrics, which explore themes of freedom and self-discovery. With its playful melody and Spektor’s signature piano arrangement, “Two Birds” combines folk and pop elements to create a distinctive sound.
“Two Birds” demonstrates that Spektor hasn’t lost her touch for crafting deceptively pretty pop songs with clever lyrics.