Thermal and a Quarter Songs: 20 Best TAAQ Tracks, 2000–2026

Thermal and a Quarter, usually shortened to TAAQ, are one of Bengaluru's longest-running rock bands. Led by guitarist and singer Bruce Lee Mani, they play what they call "Bangalore rock": funky, jazzy, groove-heavy songs with wry, very local lyrics. This guide picks the 20 best Thermal and a Quarter songs you can stream on Apple Music India today, from their 2000 debut to the 2026 single "Lies", with each song's own date.

How we checked. Every date below is the song's own date on Apple Music India (iTunes catalogue, country IN), checked on 28 October 2026. Only released music is covered. For every record in order, see our Thermal and a Quarter albums guide; for the band's story, see Thermal and a Quarter: Bangalore rock history.

Quick answer: the best Thermal and a Quarter songs

• "Bangalore Blues" (2015, No Wall Too High)
• "Meter Mele One-and-a-Half" (2012, 3 Wheels 9 Lives)
• "Brigade Street" (2002, Jupiter Café)
• "Paper Puli" (2006, Plan B)
• "Sunset Man" (2000, Thermal And A Quarter)
• "This Is It" (2008, This Is It)
• "Godrocker" (2015, The Scene)
• "Leaders of Men" (2019, A World Gone Mad)
• "Lies" (2026, single)
• "Dangerous Mind" (2012, 3 Wheels 9 Lives)
• "Stone Circle" feat. Swikrity Singh (2019/2020)
• "Ghost of Godiva" (2015, No Wall Too High)
• "Kickbackistan" (2012, 3 Wheels 9 Lives)
• "Jupiter Café" (2002)
• "I'm Endorsed, Are You" (2015, The Scene)
• "Holy Jose" (2008, This Is It)
• "Chainese Item" (2006, Plan B)
• "Where Do We Gotta Go Now" (2020, A World Gone Mad)
• "More Equal" (2025, single)
• "Billboard Bride" (2012, 3 Wheels 9 Lives)

The early albums (2000–2008)

"Sunset Man" (15 May 2000). The opener of the self-titled debut, and the song that set the TAAQ template: light, funky guitar and a story in the lyrics. "King Simple" and "Potatoe Junkie" are other favourites from that record.

"Brigade Street" (2002). From Jupiter Café, a song named after one of Bengaluru's best-known shopping streets. Apple dates the album and its songs 1 January 2002. The title track "Jupiter Café" is just as good.

"Paper Puli" (2 July 2006). From Plan B: a sly, catchy song whose title mixes English and Kannada ("puli" means tiger). "Chainese Item" is the album's other fun highlight, and "Bend the World" its opener.

"This Is It" (15 April 2008). The title track of the fourth album, tight and confident. "Holy Jose" and "Take Me to Your Dealer" are close behind.

3 Wheels 9 Lives (2012)

A 28-song triple album, with every song dated 1 January 2012 on Apple. It is the band's biggest statement.

"Meter Mele One-and-a-Half". A song about Bengaluru autorickshaw fares, and maybe the most "Bangalore rock" song there is.

"Dangerous Mind". A heavier, darker track; the band released a live version as a single on 16 September 2026.

"Kickbackistan". Satire, as the title suggests, very much in the TAAQ tradition.

"Billboard Bride". A sharp, hooky pop-rock song. "Surrender", "Origami" and "Simply Be" are other strong picks from the set.

The Scene and No Wall Too High (2015)

"Godrocker" (23 February 2015). From The Scene, a funny album about the music business.

"I'm Endorsed, Are You" (23 February 2015). The same album's sharpest joke, about sponsored musicians.

"Bangalore Blues" (24 October 2015). The closer of No Wall Too High: a love letter to, and complaint about, the band's home city. If you play one TAAQ song, play this.

"Ghost of Godiva" (24 October 2015). The opener of the same album, darker and heavier.

A World Gone Mad (2020)

The album is dated 20 March 2020. "Leaders of Men" came out first as a single on 8 April 2019, and "Stone Circle" on 6 September 2019; on the album, "Stone Circle" features Swikrity Singh and is dated with the album.

"Leaders of Men" (8 April 2019). A political rock song with a strong hook.

"Stone Circle". A moody, slow-building song with a guest vocal.

"Where Do We Gotta Go Now" (20 March 2020). The album's opening track. An earlier single called "A World Gone Mad" (29 October 2017) also appears on the album as "World Gone Mad".

Recent singles (2020–2026)

• "Tilt" (9 October 2020)
• "Inside Out" (26 November 2021)
• "What World" (21 October 2022)
• "Raise the Bar" with Rahul Matthan (1 July 2024)
• "More Equal" (31 October 2025)
• "Lies" (12 August 2026). Read our Thermal and a Quarter – Lies review.
• "Dangerous Mind (Live)" (16 September 2026)

Where to start

• Just one song: "Bangalore Blues".
• For the funniest TAAQ: "Meter Mele One-and-a-Half", then "I'm Endorsed, Are You".
• For the newest music: "Lies".

For more Bengaluru and older Indian rock, see legendary Indian rock bands, 90s Indian rock bands and the Bengaluru indie scene.

FAQ

What is Thermal and a Quarter's most famous song? "Bangalore Blues" (2015) and "Meter Mele One-and-a-Half" (2012) are the songs most closely tied to the band and the city.

What does TAAQ stand for? Thermal and a Quarter.

What is the latest Thermal and a Quarter release? "Dangerous Mind (Live)", dated 16 September 2026, after the studio single "Lies" (12 August 2026).

How many songs are on 3 Wheels 9 Lives? 28, all dated 2012 on Apple Music India.