Feature Photo: aliina s., CC BY 2.0
Twenty One Pilots took shape in Columbus, Ohio, when Tyler Joseph decided to start a music project that would give voice to the emotional and mental struggles he had been navigating. Originally formed in 2009 with Joseph and two college friends, the band eventually found its core lineup when drummer Josh Dun joined in 2011, solidifying the duo that would take the music world by storm. Blending genres like alternative rock, pop, rap, and electronic music, Twenty One Pilots quickly became known for their genre-defying sound and deeply personal lyrics that tackled themes like anxiety, depression, and self-identity, resonating with a generation searching for meaning and connection.
Before gaining widespread fame, Twenty One Pilots self-released two albums—Twenty One Pilots (2009) and Regional at Best (2011)—building a grassroots following through relentless local performances and direct fan engagement. Their early work laid the foundation for the distinctive sound and message that would soon catch the attention of major labels. In 2012, they signed with Fueled by Ramen, which led to the release of their third studio album, Vessel, in 2013. Featuring breakout tracks like “Car Radio” and “Holding on to You,” the album propelled them onto national charts and marked the beginning of their ascent into mainstream success.
Their fourth album, Blurryface (2015), marked a pivotal moment in their career, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning them international acclaim. Driven by massive hit singles like “Stressed Out,” “Ride,” and “Tear in My Heart,” Blurryface became a multi-platinum success and showcased the band’s ability to merge catchy hooks with profound, relatable messages. “Stressed Out” in particular became an anthem for a generation grappling with adulthood and societal pressures, earning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2017. The album’s success catapulted Twenty One Pilots into worldwide fame, solidifying their reputation for crafting emotionally raw yet commercially accessible music.
Continuing their momentum, Twenty One Pilots released Trench in 2018, an ambitious concept album that expanded their artistic vision. Featuring hit songs like “Jumpsuit,” “Nico and the Niners,” and “Chlorine,” Trench was both a critical and commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200. The album explored themes of mental health, resilience, and the struggle between self-doubt and empowerment, wrapped in a complex narrative that captivated listeners and further strengthened the band’s connection with its fans. Their immersive live performances on the accompanying “Bandito Tour” earned acclaim for their energy, production, and emotional resonance.
In 2021, Twenty One Pilots released their sixth studio album, Scaled and Icy, featuring tracks like “Shy Away,” “Choker,” and “Saturday.” The album marked a stylistic shift toward a lighter, more upbeat sound, reflecting a sense of hope and recovery in the midst of global challenges. While exploring new sonic territory, the duo maintained their signature introspective lyrics and creative presentation. Scaled and Icy continued to demonstrate the band’s ability to evolve musically while remaining true to their core themes of vulnerability and personal struggle.
Across their career, Twenty One Pilots has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a Grammy Award, multiple Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and MTV Europe Music Awards. They have been celebrated not only for their genre-blending sound but also for the depth and honesty of their songwriting. Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun’s commitment to addressing mental health issues in their music has garnered immense respect and loyalty from fans who see the band as a voice for those grappling with their inner demons.
Outside of music, the duo has used their platform to support mental health awareness and other charitable causes. They’ve partnered with organizations promoting suicide prevention and have consistently used their concerts and public appearances to encourage open conversations about mental health. Their work extends beyond entertainment, providing a sense of community and solidarity for fans who look to their music for hope and understanding.
Twenty One Pilots’ impact on modern music goes far beyond their chart-topping singles and platinum albums. Their fearless exploration of personal and emotional topics, combined with their innovative musical style and powerful performances, has earned them a place as one of the most meaningful and influential bands of their generation. Their ability to speak directly to the struggles and hopes of their audience continues to make them a vital presence in contemporary music.
Complete List Of Twenty One Pilots Songs From A to Z
- A Car, a Torch, a Death – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Addict with a Pen – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Air Catcher – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Air Catcher (Studio Version) – Non-album single – 2010
- Anathema – Regional at Best – 2011
- At the Risk of Feeling Dumb – Clancy – 2024
- Backslide – Clancy – 2024
- Bandito – Trench – 2018
- Be Concerned – Regional at Best – 2011
- Before You Start Your Day – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Bounce Man – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Holding On to You EP – 2012
- Car Radio – Regional at Best – 2011
- Car Radio – Vessel – 2013
- Car Radio (live at LC Pavilion) – Vessel – 2013
- Car Radio (live at Newport Music Hall) – Vessel – 2013
- Chlorine – Trench – 2018
- Chlorine (Mexico City) – Location Sessions – 2019
- Choker – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- Clear – Regional at Best – 2011
- Cut My Lip – Trench – 2018
- Cut My Lip (Brooklyn) – Location Sessions – 2019
- Doubt – Blurryface – 2015
- Fake You Out – Vessel – 2013
- Fairly Local – Blurryface – 2015
- Fall Away – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Forest – Regional at Best – 2011
- Forest (live at Newport Music Hall) – Vessel – 2013
- Formidable – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- Friend, Please – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Glowing Eyes – Regional at Best – 2011
- Glowing Eyes – Vessel – 2013
- Goner – Blurryface – 2015
- Goner – Non-album single – 2012
- Good Day – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- Guns for Hands – Regional at Best – 2011
- Guns for Hands – Vessel – 2013
- Guns for Hands – Blurryface – 2015
- Guns for Hands (Dzeko and Torres remix) – Vessel – 2013
- Guns for Hands (live at LC Pavilion) – Vessel – 2013
- Heathens – Blurryface – 2015
- Heavydirtysoul – Blurryface – 2015
- Holding On to You – Regional at Best – 2011
- Holding On to You – Vessel – 2013
- Holding On to You (live at LC Pavilion) – Vessel – 2013
- Holding On to You (live at Newport Music Hall) – Vessel – 2013
- Hometown – Blurryface – 2015
- House of Gold – Regional at Best – 2011
- House of Gold – Vessel – 2013
- House of Gold (live from the LC Pavilion) – Vessel – 2013
- Implicit Demand for Proof – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Isle of Flightless Birds – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Jar of Hearts – Non-album single – 2010
- Johnny Boy – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Jumpsuit – Trench – 2018
- Kitchen Sink – Regional at Best – 2011
- Kitchen Sink – Vessel – 2013
- Lane Boy – Blurryface – 2015
- Lavish – Clancy – 2024
- Leave the City – Trench – 2018
- Legend – Trench – 2018
- Level of Concern – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- Level of Concern (live from outside) – Non-album single – 2020
- Levitate – Trench – 2018
- Lovely – Regional at Best – 2011
- Lovely (re-recorded version) – Vessel – 2013
- Lovely – Blurryface – 2015
- Mad World – Non-album single – 2014
- March to the Sea – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Message Man – Blurryface – 2015
- Midwest Indigo – Clancy – 2024
- Migraine – Vessel – 2013
- Morph – Trench – 2018
- Mulberry Street – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- My Blood – Trench – 2018
- Navigating – Clancy – 2024
- Neon Gravestones – Trench – 2018
- Never Take It – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- Next Semester – Clancy – 2024
- Nico and the Niners – Trench – 2018
- No Chances – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- Not Today – Blurryface – 2015
- Ode to Sleep – Regional at Best – 2011
- Ode to Sleep – Vessel – 2013
- Ode to Sleep (live at Newport Music Hall) – Vessel – 2013
- Oh, Ms. Believer – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Oldies Station – Clancy – 2024
- Overcompensate – Clancy – 2024
- Paladin Strait – Clancy – 2024
- Pet Cheetah – Trench – 2018
- Polarize – Blurryface – 2015
- Redecorate – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- Ride – Blurryface – 2015
- Routines in the Night – Clancy – 2024
- Ruby – Regional at Best – 2011
- Saturday – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- Save – Non-album single – 2011
- Screen – Vessel – 2013
- Screen (Demo) – Non-album single – 2012
- Semi-Automatic – Vessel – 2013
- Shy Away – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- Slowtown – Regional at Best – 2011
- Smithereens – Trench – 2018
- Snap Back – Clancy – 2024
- Stressed Out – Blurryface – 2015
- Taxi Cab – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Tear in My Heart – Blurryface – 2015
- The Craving (Jenna’s Version) – Clancy – 2024
- The Hype – Trench – 2018
- The Hype (Berlin) – Location Sessions – 2019
- The Judge – Blurryface – 2015
- The Line – Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 – 2024
- The Outside – Scaled and Icy – 2021
- The Pantaloon – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- The Pantaloon (live from the LC Pavilion) – Vessel – 2013
- The Run and Go – Vessel – 2013
- Time to Say Goodbye – Johnny Boy EP – 2009
- Trapdoor – Twenty One Pilots – 2009
- Trees – Regional at Best – 2011
- Trees – Vessel – 2013
- Trees (live at LC Pavilion) – Vessel – 2013
- Truce – Vessel – 2013
- Two – Regional at Best – 2011
- Vignette – Clancy – 2024
- We Don’t Believe What’s on TV – Blurryface – 2015
Albums
Twenty One Pilots (2009): 14 songs
Johnny Boy EP (2009): 1 additional song
Regional at Best (2011): 16 songs
Vessel (2013): 26 songs
Blurryface (2015): 17 songs
Trench (2018): 14 songs
Location Sessions (2019): 3 songs
Scaled and Icy (2021): 12 songs
Clancy (2024): 13 songs
Other singles, covers, and special releases: 9 songs
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