by Mark JW Graham – Vocal Coach in Nottingham, UK | Book Now
I was at the gym when a song came on that both sounded familiar, yet I didn’t truly recognise. We’ve all had that ‘songs that sound similar’ phenomenon occur to us, so I thought it was worth diving into using this specific example.
It took a while to find it, but it was this:
Save Me – Remy Zero
This was released in 2003 by Remy Zero, a band from Birmingham, Alabama. It rose to fame as the theme tune to the TV show Smallville.
Now, I’ve never seen Smallville, so that wasn’t the reason it sounded familiar. It sounded familiar because many songs from that same era were cut from the same cloth.
Similar band make-up, similar genre, similar songwriting, similar vocals, similar hooks, even similar studio production techniques.
Why So Many Early 2000s Songs Sound Alike
Between the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was a particular sound that dominated alternative and soft rock. Many songs sounded alike in this genre – melodic male vocals, open guitar chords, atmospheric production, and emotional but restrained choruses. Artists often borrowed from U2’s stadium rock sound and fused it with post-grunge sensitivity.
This “cinematic alt-rock” sound was perfect for film soundtracks and TV intros in the 00s — soaring enough to feel epic, yet clean enough for radio play. It’s why so many of these tracks still feel instantly recognisable today.
Three Key Traits to Listen Out For
- Style and song structure – verse-to-chorus lift, clean guitar layers, restrained dynamics.
- Male vocal timbre – slightly breathy, emotional delivery with a bright upper register.
- Chorus melody – it rises higher than the verse and follows similar melodic arcs.
Other Songs with the Same Hallmarks
Beautiful Day – U2
This Is Your Life – Switchfoot
Drops of Jupiter – Train
Tourist – Athlete
Final Thoughts
Which one is your favourite?
Next time you’re listening to songs from your favourite era of music, try and wrack your brain and think: what other songs are similar to this one? You’ll be surprised how many songs mirror (if not outright copy) the template laid down by others.
Suggested Reading
Mark JW Graham - Mark is a high-end vocal coach and singing teacher based in Nottingham, UK.
Certified in Speech Level Singing, and with over 20 years of musical experience, he is known as the "go-to vocal coach" for singers wanting dramatic improvements in their singing voice in a short space of time.
Trusted by singers worldwide, Mark’s expertise as a coach, singer and musician helps clients transform their voices and raise their musicianship to new levels.
SLS Certified Vocal Coach · 20+ Years Experience · Trusted Worldwide