Exclusive: Stream Royal Castles’ New Curated “Songs That Hit” Spotify Playlist

By: Staff –

To celebrate the release of Royal Castles’ new album Just the Hits (out now), the Guelph, Ontario-based garage rock band curated a brand new exclusive “Songs That Hit” Spotify playlist that you can stream exclusively below.

The Hives – “Hate To Say I Told You So”

We loved the tones and the aesthetic of this band from day one. The first album melted our faces away, it was forever playing in the truck. They just seemed to be an elusive band that was bigger than life itself at the time. The tunes, the outfits, the confidence! 

Pixies – “Here Comes Your Man”

Someone once said that Royal Castles reminded them of Pixies; best compliment ever. This subdued classic is filled with great hooks, magnetic pop melodies and sawtoothed, guitar-heavy attacks. A++ in our books. 

Weaves – “Walkaway”

One of our most favourite Toronto-based bands! The combination of Jasmyn’s playful voice, raunchy guitar tones and pounding drums is perfection, Highly recommend to see them live — they put on some of the best live performances in the area. 

Thin Lizzy – “Jailbreak”

Some of the toughest guitar tones ever recorded. Power anthem at its core. Ready to rock when you are! 

Weezer — “Mexican Fender”

For all of us, Weezer is just one of those bands that always hits right. And album after album, these poppy garage rockers still know how to crank out the tunes that make your ears perk up. So of course, the opening song from their eleventh (yes, 11th) studio album does just that. Tight, compressed crunchy guitars. Simple chord progression, reimagined. Hooky as hell. Love this song. 

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers — “You Don’t How It Feels”

Straight in with that straight up rock beat and that pull-you-in harmonica line, this song is one in a long list that proves that TP is one of the greatest hit-makers of all time. “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus.” Something he said at some point – very very wise.

Jet – “Are You Gonna Be My Girl”

Starting with the best bassline and a cracking snare hit, this rock anthem makes us all wish we were professional tambourine players. You can’t NOT dance to this one. 

Nena – “99 Luftballons”

A natural kick-ass tune that is embedded in the soundtrack of our childhood, this pop-rock bop was formative for all of us, especially Kat. It was the song that inspired and encouraged her to start singing in German herself, resulting in “Schönsee”, the fifth single off our new album. 

Bruce Springsteen – “Tougher Than the Rest”

The boss. God himself. Springsteen and the E-Street Band bind the world together in a way that not many acts can achieve. Although Tunnel of Love wasn’t his most popular album, it’s one of our faves. “Tougher Than the Rest” is a pump-up jam equivalent to liquid courage and it’ll always start your day right. 

The Beaches — “T-Shirt”

Young, talented-as-hell and so rock-smart, The Beaches are inspiration amplified. This tune, like so many, is what rock and roll is all about. Loud, hooky, surprising and the reason the repeat button was invented. It’s our dream to open for these rockers.

The Beatles – “Taxman”

One of the best opening tracks on an album ever. Harrison didn’t get the chance to have many songs make it to the albums at the time. But when he did, they were big. Throw in a wicked guitar solo from the bass player and there you have it. 

The White Stripes — “Seven Nation Army”

Most songs have a chorus. And most great choruses get you singing right along. “Seven Nation Army” is one of those where there are no words to a chorus; just one of the best riffs ever written. And so when that doubled up bass and guitar line hits in isolation, you can’t help but sing along. Bah, bah, bah-bah-bah, bah-bah. So good!

Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood – “Sundown, Sundown”

From an era where the bigger the production, the better. The use of two very different vocal styles always keep this collaboration fresh. Floating somewhere in the clouds, contemplating life all while being serenaded by the orchestra. 

Fleetwood Mac – “Dreams”

Like a warm blanket, I just want to curl up inside this groove. The way Stevie delivers the lyrics is effortless. Sparse verses, and a chorus that hits just when you want it to. There is never a bad time to drop the needle on Rumours.