Flip through the slideshow for 20 songs that should be on your essential Southern rock playlist, from Lynyrd Skynyrd standards to deeper cuts from Molly Hatchet and the Allman Brothers Band.
“Sweet Home Alabama,” Lynyrd Skynyrd
This 1974 classic is a direct send-up of Neil Young’s “Southern Man” that evolved into an anthem for many people from the state of Alabama — and the South more broadly. Decades after its release, though, the band’s use of the Confederate flag as a symbol of pride has made the song a bit more controversial.
“Ramblin’ Man,” The Allman Brothers Band
The title track of the fourth album from The Allman Brothers Band, “Ramblin’ Man” is arguably one of their most enduring songs. Thanks to its jangly, upbeat melody and endlessly catchy guitar, it’s absolutely a Southern rock classic.
“Can’t You See,” The Marshall Tucker Band
This twangy 1973 tune was especially beloved among country legends like Hank Williams Jr. and Waylon Jennings, both of whom recorded their own versions of “Can’t You See” that were popular with audiences.
“Long Haired Country Boy,” Charlie Daniels Band
Though many would say that the Charlie Daniels Band is pretty explicitly country, there’s no denying the heavy Southern Rock influence on “Long Haired Country Boy.”
“Highway Song,” Blackfoot
This musician’s lament, about a man pining for his love while he’s out on the road, was a commercial success for Florida rockers Blackfoot in 1979 and remains a favorite among Southern rock enthusiasts.
“Mississippi Queen,” Mountain
This hard-driving Southern rock hit is considered by many to have one of the best guitar riffs in all of rock music history. And there’s no denying its swampy appeal, especially when you’ve got it cranked up loud.
“Sharp Dressed Man,” ZZ Top
Whether it’s because you love that iconic guitar riff or appreciate a “Sharp Dressed Man” yourself, this tune from Texas duo ZZ Top is Southern rock at its finest.
“Hold On Loosely,” 38 Special
“Hold On Loosely” may not sound like a love song, but listen to the lyrics. This 38 Special classic is actually a good reminder not to be too controlling and clingy with the person you love. “Just hold on loosely, but don’t let go, if you cling too tightly, you’re gonna lose control,” vocalist Don Barnes sings. Wise words.
“Tuff Enuff,” The Fabulous Thunderbirds
The only major hit from the Fabulous Thunderbirds, “Tuff Enuff” endures as one of Southern rock’s catchiest anthems. That’s probably largely due to the killer guitar playing from Texas icon Jimmie Vaughan.
“Free Bird,” Lynyrd Skynyrd
Appearing on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1973 debut album, “Free Bird” is arguably the most recognizable Southern rock ballad. It also boasts one of the genre’s most iconic guitar solos, and considering that it’s well over 14 minutes long, also one of its longest tunes.
“Flirtin’ With Disaster,” Molly Hatchet
The title track from Molly Hatchet’s 1979 album, “Flirtin’ With Disaster,” has made appearances in a variety of films and television series set in the South, from “King of the Hill” to the movie remake of “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
“If You Wanna Get to Heaven,” Ozark Mountain Daredevils
The debut single from the Ozark Mountain Daredevils in 1973, “If You Wanna Get To Heaven” was a crossover success for the band, and is an essential addition to any Southern rock playlist.
“Green Grass and High Tides,” The Outlaws
This tribute to late rock and roll legends who influenced The Outlaws songwriter Hughie Thomasson and were gone too soon. “Green grass and high tides forever, castles of stone souls and glory,” the chorus goes. “Lost faces say we adore you, as kings and queens bow and play for you.”
“Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” The Georgia Satellites
“Don’t hand me no lines and keep your hands to yourself” is definitely one of the most iconic lyrics in Southern rock history, and “Keep Your Hands To Yourself” was a crossover success for the Georgia Satellites, landing on both the pop and rock charts after its release in 1986.
“Jessica,” The Allman Brothers Band
This instrumental tune, a tribute to the late musician Django Reinhardt, was an instant success for the Allman Brothers, even without lyrics. Fans of the TV series “Top Gear” may also recognize it from the show’s opening credits.
“Legs,” ZZ Top
This 1984 tribute to a pretty pair of stems is decidedly more experimental than most of ZZ Top’s catalog, thanks to the presence of synthesizers, but it’s no less rooted in the trappings of Southern rock.
“Heard It In A Love Song,” The Marshall Tucker Band
Deftly blending rock and country with delicate flutes, “Heard It In A Love Song” was a crossover success for the Marshall Tucker Band in 1977.
“Already Gone,” Eagles
While some may argue that the Eagles are more country-rock than Southern rock, “Already Gone” is equal parts twang, equal parts rock, and as such, this song fits in perfectly on any Southern rock playlist.
“Simple Man,” Lynyrd Skynyrd
In addition to boasting a killer guitar solo and emotive vocals, this essential Lynyrd Skynyrd song is also jam-packed full of good life advice inspired by Ronnie Van Zant’s own grandmother.
“La Grange,” ZZ Top
Fans of “The Best Little Whōrehouse In Texas” may not realize that the brothel that serves as the setting for this film is also the inspiration for “La Grange,” one of ZZ Top’s best tunes. That ear-catching guitar riff, inspired by bluesman John Lee Hooker, is an absolutely iconic piece of Southern rock history.
–yardbarker.com
