As the Olivia Alaskan Frontiers Cruise is upon us next month, I thought I’d take a brief look at the history of the Indigo Girls’ entire discography to refresh our memories as we look forward to their onboard performance!

In 1985, the Indigo Girls independently released both a two-song EP called EARLY 45 and a six-song EP called INDIGO GIRLS, featuring early versions of ‘Land of Canaan’ and ‘History of Us.’ Two years later, STRANGE FIRE, their first full-length album, was released. Amy and Emily signed on with Epic Records in 1988, and then released their first major-label CD, INDIGO GIRLS in 1989. In 1990, the Indigo Girls were nominated for two Grammy Awards and won for Best Contemporary Folk Recording. The next year, NOMADS INDIANS SAINTS was certified gold. Their subsequent release was a live album, BACK ON THE BUS, Y’ALL, and 1992’s RITES OF PASSAGE featured the Indigos’ first top ten hit, ‘Galileo.’ In 1994, SWAMP OPHELIA debuted in the top ten of the Billboard album charts and was certified platinum. The following year saw the release of their live double-CD, 1200 CURFEWS. In 1997, the Indigos performed at the Lilith Festival, and SHAMING OF THE SUN debuted at number seven on the Billboard charts. ‘Shame on You’ became their largest radio hit to date. COME ON NOW SOCIAL came out in 1999, and then the last four releases on the Epic label were 2000’s RETROSPECTIVE, 2002’s BECOME YOU, 2004’s ALL THAT WE LET IN and 2005’s RARITIES.

The Indigo Girls then signed on with Hollywood Records, a label owned and run by The Walt Disney Company (a sure sign of the rapidly changing social climate). Last year they released their first of five albums on the new label, DESPITE OUR DIFFERENCES.

That is their musical history, in a nutshell. And now…

My Top 15 Favorite Indigo Girls Songs Of All Time

In order of release:

1. Strange Fire
The first time I really fell in love with Amy’s voice and lyrics, and truly discovered the unusually beautiful harmony between Amy and Emily.  

2. Closer to Fine
The definitive lesbian song, the one that brings a smile to all of our faces every time we hear it. It is and always will be OUR song, the most representative piece of music in our contemporary cultural history.

3. Love’s Recovery
This is when I knew that they’d both taken the road less traveled; that all is indeed not fair in love, and positive songs would be few and far between.

4. Keeper of My Heart
I can’t really explain why, but is one of my favorite Indigo songs of all time. Raw, potent, visual.

5. Pushing the Needle Too Far
Amy’s strong interest in human rights was apparent from the first record, but this track really opened my eyes to her passion.

6. Ghost
Rites of Passage came out right before I did. This song has always reminded me of my first girlfriend. Not lyrically, just the emotion behind it.

7. Love Will Come to You
Sort of the antidote or follow-up to Love’s Recovery, at least in my eyes.

8. Virginia Woolf
What can I say – I was a Lit major and read Woolf voraciously.

9. Cedar Tree
Simple and beautiful, from start to finish. 

10. Least Complicated
A sentimental favorite, as it is my partner’s favorite Indigo song.

11. Language or the Kiss
My favorite Emily song and the one I related to most at that time in my life.

 
12. Leeds
Emily’s Cedar Tree of sorts; stark and powerful.

13. Peace Tonight
An updated take on Let it Be Me, perhaps?

14. Cold Beer and Remote Control
Replace that beer with a glass of wine and now we’re talking!

15. Become You
I just love the message and the melody.

So what is YOUR favorite Indigo Girls song? Feel free to leave it as a comment!