PULP RANKED: Top 10 Jonas Brothers Songs That Low Key Still Slap
By Haydn Hickson
With more vocal talent than Michael Jackson, better dance-moves than Beyoncé and songwriting ability rivaling that of Max Martin - the Jonas Brothers were bigger than The Beatles.
But in all seriousness, the Jonas Brothers are severely underrated.
From their good looks to their Oscar-worthy acting ability, the Jonas Brothers captured the attention of every Disney Channel stan back in 2008.
When we reflect on the JoBros, we think about pin-ups on our bedroom walls from the latest Tiger Beat magazine, we think of their forward-thinking YouTube channel (seriously SNL wish they were this funny) and we think of American Dragon: Jake Long. But, what we fail to remember, is their catchy, pop-rock anthems that we blasted oh-so-regularly on our MP3 players.
They may have been overshadowed by their fellow Disney-peers (Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez and the Scene and Demi Lovato) when it came to the charts, but don’t underestimate the Jonas Brothers’ cultural impact. Nothing stole our hearts harder than the sweet, sweet sounds of Nick and Joe singing to us about their dream-girl.
So, now that a reunion has happened and a potential Australian tour is on the horizon, it’s time we reflect on the biggest songs of our childhood in countdown form. May I please present, the Jonas Brothers discography, ranked.
10. Paranoid
Acting as the lead-single of their third album Lines, Vines and Trying Times, this track ultimately thrusted the Jonas Brothers into the category of serious musicians. The production on this bop is mature, yet still possesses the same anthemic quality as bangers from their Disney-era. Also, the message is low key so relevant to the youth of today. But, how is it so low on this countdown? Well, you’ll have to keep reading.
9. When You Look Me In The Eyes
For anyone that daydreamed about dating Nick, Joe or even Kevin - this was the track to blast. With Nick delivering you vocals so sweet it sounds like he just ate a block of chocolate and Joe giving you Evanescence energy - this song made you sigh in awe. Still does.
8. Year 3000
This cover of a Busted single was likely you’re first impression of the JoBros - and what an impression that would have been. This song - and i cannot stress this enough - slaps. From the Kelly Clarkson shout out to the Back to the Future interpolation, this song was ahead of its time. Literally.
7. Lovebug
With chatter from their studio recordings scattered throughout this song - the Jonas Brothers deliver you an acoustic bop about a love so strong, they can’t even do their job without getting distracted. On this underrated love-song, the Jonas Brothers deliver you boy-next-door energy right before dropping that fat beat in the bridge. This walked so Vampire Weekend’s Hannah Hunt could run.
6. Pom Poms
The world wasn’t ready for a Jonas Brothers comeback in 2013. Perhaps we needed a solo project from Nick Jonas and the grooviness of DNCE to really appreciate the golden trio back together, because this song did so poorly on the charts. Which is a shame, because this track is a literal banger. With the marching-band horns and the cheerleading cheers driving this hip-hop-influenced number, this song embodied our dream high school experience. A bit heteronormative, but we’ll let it slide.
5. World War III
World War III is the only song on this list that wasn’t a single, but damn it should have been. The blaring horns, the slick guitars, the woah-oh’s: every element of this song came together to create one of the best rock songs of all time. It still stands today as the greatest album opener of all time. Prove me wrong, I dare you.
4. Tonight
Peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, this song remains one of the boys’ most successful singles - and for good reason. The sugary production featuring europop synths and artificial strings demonstrated that the boys were capable of more than just garage pop-rock. Not to mention, Joe’s vocals in the bridge was worth the $1.69 iTunes purchase alone.
3. Fly With Me
Fly With Me is low key one of the greatest ballads of all time. Supporting Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, the Jonas Brothers’ second single off their third album reached a new peak - moving the listener in a way no ballad had previously done. I wouldn’t be surprised if you shed a tear in this one.
2. S.O.S.
S.O.S. is the boy-band formula to absolute perfection. Aside from the lyrical content where the boys are singing about wanting to have alone-time with their partner (goals, right?), this track possessed just the right amount of pop to hypnotise their Disney Channel audience and just enough rock to suede their parents.
Honourable Mentions: Send It On, Kids of the Future, Hold On, Play My Music
1. Burnin’ Up
Burnin’ Up is talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before etc. Released in 2008, the Jonas Brothers not only delivered us one of the greatest songs of all time, but also an equally iconic video featuring Miami Vice-realness and Selena Gomez (pre 150-million followers). It’s their most successful song reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 - and rightfully so.