Vance Joy - 'Riptide'

 Vance Joy's 2013 hit single 'Riptide' is one of the most popular and acclaimed indie pop songs of the past decade. The song was released as Joy's debut single and was later included on his debut EP God Loves You When You're Dancing.

The song was written by the Australian singer-songwriter, who at the time was a relatively unknown artist. However, upon its release, Joy's 'Riptide' quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, reaching number 3 in the UK and 17 in the US.

The song details a series of dreams and nostalgia about a particular beach in Australia, with the titular 'riptide' seemingly representing the strong emotional notion of having a connection to a place even when you are far away from it.

In terms of its production, 'Riptide' relies heavily on a soft acoustic guitar, as well as a subtle rhythm section and several backing vocal tracks. The instrumentation has been commended for being both understated and catchy, and for creating a relaxed atmosphere.

The song also contains some decipherable lyrics, which describe life at the beach and how it has always felt like home to Joy. He reflects upon the idea of being part of a family, the people at the beach, and the adventures and stories that have unfolded there.

In addition, 'Riptide' is one of the most covered and parodied songs of the 2010s. Numerous artists, including Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, have covered the song, and many more have used it as the basis for their own interpretations.

Vance Joy's 'Riptide' is a modern folk classic and its influence on indie pop and singer-songwriters can still be felt today. Its story of nostalgia and escapism, combined with the simple but evocative instrumentation, make it a touching song that will surely stand the test of time.