Paste Magazine has compiled a ranking of the 10 best songs by indie rock artist Liz Phair, marking the 15th anniversary of her 2005 album Somebody’s Miracle. The list highlights tracks from her debut Exile in Guyville and beyond, emphasizing her blunt lyricism and influence on modern musicians. Phair's music, known for its honesty on uncomfortable topics, continues to resonate with new generations.
Liz Phair emerged as a key figure in 1990s indie rock with her 1993 debut album Exile in Guyville, which blended raw lyricism with unfiltered explorations of sexuality and relationships. This breakthrough work, along with her subsequent releases, established her as an influential songwriter whose candor paved the way for artists such as Soccer Mommy and Snail Mail.
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of her 2005 album Somebody’s Miracle, Paste Magazine ranked her top 10 songs, spanning underrated tracks and fan favorites. The list begins with “Shitloads of Money” from her 1998 album Whitechocolatespaceegg, a surprising gangster narrative styled like a cinematic ballad.
Higher up, “Red Light Fever” captures the anxiety of indecision with lyrics like “Playing on both sides of the net / Too many people want too many things,” culminating in a strong guitar solo. “Why Can’t I?” brought Phair mainstream attention in the early 2000s via radio play and remains a karaoke staple.
From Exile in Guyville, “Never Said” introduced her with its catchy refrain “I never said nothing,” while “Fuck and Run” boldly addressed sexuality, aligning with the era's boundary-pushing female artists. “Strange Loop,” the album's closer, features shifting paces and layered guitars.
“Flower” stands out for its radical sensuality, with provocative lines such as “I want to fuck you like a dog / I’ll take you home and make you like it” and “I’ll fuck you till your dick is blue.” “Polyester Bride” offers memorable imagery, including “I asked Henry, my bartending friend, if I should bother dating unfamous men,” enhanced by layered vocals.
“Supernova” from 1994's Whip-Smart delivers heavy rock energy and confident vocals, making it ideal for moshing. Topping the list is “Divorce Song” from Exile in Guyville, showcasing Phair's sharp wit: “It’s harder to be friends than lovers / And you shouldn’t try to mix the two / ‘Cause if you do it and you’re still unhappy / Then you know that the problem is you.”
This retrospective underscores Phair's enduring legacy in music, blending vulnerability with edge.