10 Essential Dermot Kennedy Songs You Need to Hear

By Chris Kennedy | Published 12th Oct, 2026

Dermot Kennedy has become one of Ireland's biggest music stars, and it's not hard to see why. The Dublin singer-songwriter has a knack for turning everyday feelings into songs that really stick with you, whether he's singing about heartbreak, falling in love or trying to get through a tough time. His mix of folk, pop and hip-hop influences has helped him build a sound that's instantly recognisable. If you're new to his music or just fancy revisiting some favourites, here are 10 essential Dermot Kennedy songs worth adding to your playlist.

1. Moments Passed

One of Dermot Kennedy's earlier breakthrough tracks, Moments Passed is all about looking back on a relationship and struggling to let go of what could have been. There's a real sense of frustration and regret running through the lyrics, something Kennedy captures brilliantly with his rough, passionate vocals. Musically, it mixes acoustic guitar with electronic beats and chopped-up vocal samples, giving it a slightly different feel to your typical singer-songwriter track. It's an early example of what makes his music stand out.

2. Young & Free

Young & Free captures that feeling of wanting to escape everything for a while and enjoy life without worrying too much about what comes next. There's a sense of freedom running through the song, but also a hint of nostalgia for younger days and simpler times. It starts with Kennedy's familiar acoustic sound before building into something much bigger, with driving percussion and a soaring chorus. It's the kind of track that feels made for singing along to at a summer festival.

3. Lost

There's something particularly moving about Lost, a song that explores finding comfort in another person when life feels uncertain. Rather than being a straightforward love song, it's about having someone who makes the difficult days a little easier. Kennedy keeps things relatively stripped back at the beginning, allowing his voice and the lyrics to do most of the work. As the song develops, the piano and percussion give it a bigger, more uplifting feel without losing that personal touch.

4. Paradise (with MEDUZA)

Kennedy teamed up with Italian electronic trio MEDUZA for Paradise, a track that brought his distinctive voice to the dance music world. The song is about wanting to escape life's problems and find a happier place, even if that place only exists in your imagination. With its pulsing house beat, catchy melody and huge chorus, it's a noticeable change from his more acoustic material. Still, Kennedy's unmistakable vocals keep it feeling like one of his songs, even on a packed dancefloor.

5. Giants

Released in 2020, Giants is one of Kennedy's most uplifting tracks, looking back on a time when life felt full of possibilities and wondering how things changed along the way. There's a strong sense of nostalgia in the lyrics, particularly around growing up and the people who shaped those early years. The song has a lively pop sound, with rhythmic guitar, punchy drums and a chorus that's almost impossible not to sing along to. It's also a brilliant example of his more upbeat side.

6. Power Over Me

Arguably one of the songs that really put Dermot Kennedy on the map, Power Over Me is about the overwhelming pull of love and how much influence another person can have on your life. Kennedy delivers the lyrics with plenty of intensity, moving from quieter verses into a huge, passionate chorus. The mix of acoustic guitar, strong percussion and pop production gives the track plenty of energy. It's catchy, heartfelt and still one of the best introductions to his music.

7. Better Days

Written during a difficult period for people around the world, Better Days is all about holding on to hope when things aren't going your way. Its message is simple but effective: tough times won't last forever, even when it feels like there's no end in sight. The track begins gently before building into a big, uplifting chorus, with Kennedy's powerful vocals carrying the message. It's easy to see why the song connected with so many listeners looking for a bit of encouragement.

8. Kiss Me

Kiss Me shows a more romantic side to Kennedy's songwriting, focusing on those moments when you're completely caught up in someone and wish time would slow down. There's a sense of urgency to the lyrics, as though he's trying to hold on to something special before it slips away. Musically, it's one of his more polished pop tracks, with bright guitar, steady drums and an instantly memorable chorus. It's a proper singalong, particularly when performed live.

9. Something to Someone

Something to Someone is a song about missing the feeling of being important in another person's life. It looks at how relationships change and how difficult it can be when someone who once meant everything is no longer around in the same way. The track combines Kennedy's familiar heartfelt songwriting with a catchy, upbeat pop sound, creating an interesting contrast between the lyrics and the music. It's one of those songs that sounds uplifting until you really listen to the words.

10. Outnumbered

Few Dermot Kennedy songs have connected with listeners quite like Outnumbered. At its heart, it's a reassuring message to anyone feeling overwhelmed, reminding them that they don't have to face everything alone. Kennedy's delivery feels particularly sincere, which helps make the lyrics so relatable. The song starts with gentle guitar and gradually builds with drums and layered vocals into a powerful chorus. It's become one of his signature tracks, and it's easy to understand why so many fans hold it close.

Final Verdict

What makes Dermot Kennedy such an appealing artist is his ability to write songs that feel personal while still connecting with huge audiences. Whether it's the heartbreak of Moments Passed, the feel-good energy of Giants or the reassuring message behind Outnumbered, there's something in his catalogue for just about every mood. These 10 tracks are a great starting point for anyone discovering his music, but they're also a reminder of just how many brilliant songs he's released over the years.

Photo Credit: Løken