The Most Popular Phish Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:46
Phish fans often debate over which song truly captures the essence of their expansive and eclectic sound. By compiling a crowd-sourced ranking, we can see which tracks resonate most with the community as a whole. This type of ranking helps new and old fans alike to understand the breadth of Phish's musical influence and perhaps introduce them to tunes they haven't explored yet. Every fan's vote contributes to a more accurate representation of the band's impact through their discography. Participating in this poll not only allows you to have a say in defining the band's most resonating sounds but also helps to shape a collective memory and appreciation of Phish's musical journey. Cast your vote and see how your favorites stack up against the rest.

What Is the Most Popular Phish Song?

  1. 1
    32
    votes
    This classic Phish jam has been played over 300 times, making it a fan favorite. Its funky groove and improvisational nature make it a staple in live shows.
    Tweezer is a well-known song by the American rock band Phish. It is regarded as one of their most popular and beloved songs among fans. Tweezer is known for its improvisational nature, featuring extended jamming sections that often stretch the song's duration beyond its studio version. The lyrics are minimal and repetitive, allowing the band members to explore various musical ideas within the structure of the song. It has become a staple of Phish's live performances, with different renditions often showcasing unique musical explorations.
    • Album: A Picture of Nectar
    • Duration: Varies (typically between 10 and 30 minutes)
    • First performance: March 27, 1988
    • Live debut: November 28, 1990
    • Number of performances: Over 400
  2. 2
    34
    votes
    Another Phish classic, "YEM" features intricate vocal harmonies, a funky bass line, and a memorable vocal jam section. It's also a fan favorite for its elaborate dance routine during live performances.
    You Enjoy Myself is a song by the American rock band Phish. It is known for its complex and intricate composition, combining elements of progressive rock, funk, and jazz fusion. The song captures the improvisational nature of Phish's live performances, featuring extended jam sections and intricate vocal harmonies.
    • Genre: Rock
    • Album: Junta
    • Length: 9:49
    • Released: 1987
    • Style: Progressive rock, funk, jazz fusion
  3. 3
    26
    votes

    "Harry Hood"

    Phish
    This soaring ballad is a fan favorite for its emotional lyrics and soaring guitar solos. It's been played over 250 times and is a staple at many Phish shows.
    Harry Hood is a popular song by the American rock band Phish. It is known for its improvisational sections and uplifting, soaring melodies. The song was first performed by Phish in 1985 and has since become a fan favorite, often played as a show-closing or encore performance. Harry Hood is a multi-part composition that allows for extended instrumental improvisation, providing a platform for the band to showcase their musical prowess.
    • Genre: Rock
    • Year of First Performance: 1985
    • Album: A Live One
    • Length: 15-25 minutes (live versions)
    • Key: E major
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    This hard-hitting rock song has become a fan favorite for its catchy chorus and explosive guitar solos. It's been played over 200 times and is often used as a set opener.
    Down with Disease is a popular song by the band Phish. It was written by Trey Anastasio and Tom Marshall and was first performed live on December 1, 1994, at Salem Armory in Oregon. The song combines elements of rock, funk, and improvisation, making it a favorite among Phish fans. The lyrics depict a struggle with physical and emotional illnesses and convey a sense of determination to overcome them. Down with Disease often features extended jam sections, allowing the band members to showcase their musical talents. It has been played over 250 times in live performances.
    • First Live Performance: December 1, 1994
    • Genre: Rock, Funk, Improvisation
    • Songwriter: Trey Anastasio and Tom Marshall
    • Length: Approximately 8-12 minutes in live performances
    • Number of Live Performances: Over 250
  5. 5
    19
    votes
    This funky dance tune has been played over 150 times and features a catchy groove and memorable vocal harmonies. It's often used to close out sets and is a fan favorite for its infectious energy.
    Ghost is a romantic drama movie released in 1990. The film tells the story of Sam, a young banker who is murdered, and then comes back as a ghost to avenge his death and protect his girlfriend, Molly. As a ghost, Sam communicates with Oda Mae Brown, a psychic, and together they try to uncover the truth behind his murder. The movie is known for its memorable and emotional scenes, particularly the pottery scene between Sam and Molly set to the song 'Unchained Melody.'
    • Release Date: July 13, 1990
    • Running Time: 127 minutes
    • Box Office: $505.7 million
    • Starring: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg
    • Academy Award Wins: 2 (Best Supporting Actress for Whoopi Goldberg, Best Original Screenplay for Bruce Joel Rubin)
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    With its catchy chorus and high-energy guitar solos, "Chalk Dust" has become a fan favorite over the years. It's been played over 250 times and is often used as a set opener.
    Chalk Dust Torture is a popular song by the American rock band Phish. It was first performed on August 28, 1991, and has since become a fan favorite. The song is known for its energetic and fast-paced guitar riffs, catchy lyrics, and improvisational sections.
    • Length: Approximately 4 minutes and 36 seconds
    • Album: Originally released on the album 'A Picture of Nectar' in 1992
    • Lyrics: Written by Trey Anastasio
    • Live Performances: It has been played over 500 times in live performances as of 2021
    • Jamming Potential: Known for its frequent extended improvisational jams
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    This intricate and complex song has become a fan favorite for its intricate composition and memorable guitar solos. It's been played over 200 times and is often used as a set closer.
    Stash is a popular song by the band Phish. It was written by Trey Anastasio, the lead guitarist and vocalist of the band. Stash is an exploratory jam song known for its complex composition and improvisational sections. The song features intricate guitar lines and shifting time signatures, creating a unique and dynamic musical experience. It is often performed with extended instrumental solos and intricate vocal harmonies.
    • Genre: Jam rock
    • Album: A Picture of Nectar
    • Length: 9:33
    • Debut: 1987
    • Time signature: Mixed meters
  8. 8
    6
    votes

    "Mike's Song"

    Trey Anastasio
    This hard-hitting rock tune has become a fan favorite for its catchy chorus and elaborate guitar solos. It's been played over 200 times and is often used as a set opener or closer.
    Mike's Song is a popular song by the American rock band Phish. It was written by Trey Anastasio and debuted in 1985. The song typically features a combination of rock, funk, and improvisational elements. Mike's Song has become a staple in Phish's live performances and has been played hundreds of times throughout the band's career.
    • Album: Junta
    • Release Date: 1988
    • Duration: 8:45
    • Genres: Rock, Funk, Jam
    • Lyricist: Tom Marshall
  9. 9
    8
    votes

    "Bathtub Gin"

    Tom Marshall, Trey Anastasio
    This funky dance tune has become a fan favorite for its catchy chorus and memorable guitar solos. It's been played over 200 times and is often used as a set opener.
    Bathtub Gin is a popular song by the American rock band Phish. It was written by Tom Marshall and Trey Anastasio and first appeared on their 1993 album 'A Picture of Nectar'. The song is known for its improvisational and jamming elements, often extending its duration in live performances. The lyrics of Bathtub Gin tell a story about a man who finds himself in a bathtub filled with gin after a journey. The song's catchy melodies and lively improvisation have made it one of Phish's most beloved and frequently played songs in their live concerts.
    • Album Release Year: 1993
    • Lyrics by: Tom Marshall
    • Music by: Trey Anastasio
    • Song Duration (average): 9 minutes
    • Genre: Jam band, rock
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    This high-energy rock song has become a fan favorite for its catchy chorus and explosive guitar solos. It's been played over 200 times and is often used as a set closer.
    Run Like an Antelope is a popular song by the American rock band Phish. It was first performed in 1984 and has since become a fan favorite. Known for its energetic and improvisational nature, the song is a highlight of Phish's live performances. 'Run Like an Antelope' combines elements of rock, funk, and progressive jamming, creating a unique and exciting musical experience for both the band and the audience.
    • Year First Performed: 1984
    • Genre: Rock
    • Length: 10 minutes (average)
    • Musical Style: Jam Band, Funk
    • Live Performance Style: Extended improvisation

Missing your favorite song?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Live performance frequency
    One of the key factors is how often the band performs the song during their live shows. More popular songs may be played more frequently due to fan demand and the band's enjoyment in playing them.
  2. Fan favorites and song requests
    Fan opinions and song requests should be taken into account, as they are the primary audience for Phish's music. Online forums, fan polls, and social media engagement could be used to gauge fan opinions about their favorite songs.
  3. Critical acclaim and reviews
    Music reviews and articles can provide insight into which songs are considered the best, both lyrically and musically, by industry experts.
  4. Song versatility and "jam-ability"
    Phish is known for their improvisational jams during live performances. Songs that lend themselves well to extended improvisations and alternative arrangements could be considered more popular among the fanbase.
  5. Studio album popularity
    Studio versions of songs can provide a basis for ranking popularity. Streaming and digital download numbers, as well as physical album sales, can provide insight into which songs are more popular among listeners.
  6. Song's influence on the band's career
    Some songs may have played a significant role in the band's career, whether it be through helping to increase their fanbase or having an impact on the overall Phish sound. These songs can be considered important within the band's catalog.
  7. Historical significance
    Some songs may hold a special place in the band's history, such as milestone performances, special collaborations, or marking a turning point in the band's career. These songs can be considered more popular due to their historical significance.
  8. Personal connection and lyrics
    Lyrics and the emotional connection fans have to certain songs can play a role in determining popularity. Songs that resonate with fans on a personal level can be considered more popular.
  9. Setlist placement
    Songs that are often used as set openers, closers, or encores may hold a higher level of popularity among fans due to their exciting and climactic nature.
  10. Longevity
    The length of time a song has been in the band's catalog can be a factor, with older, more established songs potentially holding more popularity due to their status as "classics.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Phish song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2165 views
  • 176 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular phish song

Phish is an American rock band that has been entertaining audiences with their unique blend of jam band, funk, and psychedelic rock since the 1980s. With over 150 original songs in their repertoire, Phish has amassed a dedicated fan base that eagerly follows their live performances and studio recordings. The band's extensive catalog includes fan-favorite hits like "Down with Disease," "Tweezer," and "Harry Hood," as well as deep cuts and experimental jams that showcase their improvisational skills. Phish has released 14 studio albums and played countless live shows over the years, earning a reputation as one of the most dynamic and innovative bands in rock music. As fans of Phish, we at StrawPoll are always interested in hearing which songs are the most popular among our users. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual listener, we invite you to join the conversation and share your favorite Phish songs in our polls and rankings.

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