Billy Talent is a unique band in the history of rock and alternative rock music. Fans love the interesting guitar parts from Ian D’Sa and the unique, high-pitched voice of Ben Kowalewicz.
Every member of the band has his own part to fulfill and, together, they make what Billy Talent is. This Canadian band consists of Ben Kowalewicz as the lead vocalist, Ian D’Sa on guitar, bassist Jon Gallant and drummer, Aaron Solowoniuk.

5. Hanging by a Thread
One of the greatest Billy Talent songs uses the vivid imagery of a needle and a thread with great lyrics that tie everything together (no pun intended). “Every time I feel damaged, torn and frayed. Hanging by a thread, when you break my heart, I fall apart until you stitch me up again”, is a fantastic example of the lyrical excellence of this song. “An ounce of insecurity is worth a pound of flesh” even has a Shakespearean connotation from the play Merchant of Venice! Apart from the fantastic lyrics, the song is also knitted together nicely with a great melody from the lead guitar of D’Sa.

4. Surprise, Surprise
A song that once again focuses on modern society and the fakeness of politicians and those with corporate ties. The song speaks out against those power and money-hungry leaders who are in for a fall in the near future. “The latest gadget is just a gimmick, a sucker born every minute,” is just one of the lyrics that looks at the capitalistic mindset of the world. The message of the song stands out and that is why it is part of my top five songs.

3. Red Flag
This song is all about youthful exuberance and the need for the youth to stand their ground and let their voices be heard. It’s our generation and we should take responsibility for the world. We can’t hold on to old crutches of yesterday and we need to focus on today. The song also has a number of covert political statements that further emphasise the troubled times that our generation lives in. The drum intro and Ben’s vocals are what tie the song together in spectacular fashion.

2. Fallen Leaves

This is one of the most well-known Billy Talent songs, mainly because of its interesting guitar intro that hooks the listener from the outset. The song has a great pattern and a memorable solo with a strange storyline of a crooked little town that the main characters in the song’s story are involved in. Think Tim Burton weird and unique and you probably get the picture. The lyric “I left my best friends, or did they just leave me?” leaves the listener with something to ponder. The song has a melancholic nature but that is exactly what makes it work.

1. Surrender
This is my – and I am sure other Billy Talent fans’ – favourite. The main reason for this is the slower pace and the intimate and passionate lyrics from Ben. The intro guitar is one of the best and most fluent guitar pieces from D’Sa’s guitar repertoire. The opening verse also paints a great picture of relationships and the pain that goes with broken ones. The lyric “I’d travel time and confess to her but I’m afraid she’d shoot the messenger,” gives a great explanation of the tortured feelings that the singer is experiencing. “Surrender all the pain we have endured until now” is also one of my favourite lyrics in the song. Ultimately, the singer realises that the relationship will not work – even though he has tried every-thing in his power.