Yeah I prefer Highway Song over Train, Train but both are good and I like Blackfoot a lot.

Aust Ag said:

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I saw that Molly Hatchet video recently, I never knew what those dudes looked like. Was surprised to see the lead singer had "standard" lead singer good looks. I figured he would look Yosemite Sam or something.

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Molly Hatchet is still the loudest concert I've ever been too and I was not near the speakers.

Small venue Hoch Auditorium on the campus of Kansas University back in November of 1981. I was up in the Mezzanine level.


My ears were ringing for days but a hell of a fun show.

Medlock has a surprising voice. That's all back before a computer ever touched a vocal. He hits a great note right before the guitar work.

La Grange and Whipping Post are basically 1a and 1b.

i concur with the following

Whipping Post
Statesboro Blues
Sometimes Salvation (they did a 9 minute rendition in Houston last spring, totes amaze)

Would add Mississippi Queen, but they're from Long Island. Would also support Bad Luck Blue Eyes by the Black Crowes somewhere on the chart.

Gemini has an opinion:

Quote:

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As an expert on the heart-pounding, guitar-driven anthems of Southern Rock, pinpointing the absolute "top" songs is akin to choosing a favorite child. However, a consensus of legendary tracks has emerged over the decades, consistently celebrated by critics, fans, and radio airwaves alike. These are the songs that define the genre, blending the raw power of rock and roll with the soulful storytelling of country and the gritty improvisation of the blues.
Here are the top Southern Rock songs, a collection of anthems that have stood the test of time:
1. "Free Bird" - Lynyrd Skynyrd: Arguably the most iconic Southern Rock epic, "Free Bird" is a masterclass in the genre's dynamics. It begins as a mournful ballad before famously transitioning into a blistering, three-guitar-solo-fueled jam that has become a legendary concert closer and a timeless radio staple.
2. "Sweet Home Alabama" - Lynyrd Skynyrd: A cultural touchstone, this 1974 hit is an unabashed anthem of Southern pride. Its instantly recognizable opening riff and singalong chorus have made it an enduring favorite at bars, sporting events, and backyard barbecues worldwide.
3. "Ramblin' Man" - The Allman Brothers Band: This track perfectly encapsulates the rambling, road-warrior spirit of Southern Rock. Written and sung by Dickey Betts, its melodic, country-inflected guitar harmonies and smooth, rolling rhythm made it the Allman Brothers' biggest commercial hit.
4. "Whipping Post" - The Allman Brothers Band: In stark contrast to the more accessible "Ramblin' Man," "Whipping Post," particularly the extended live version from At Fillmore East, is a sprawling, dark, and intense blues-rock workout. Gregg Allman's anguished vocals and the band's virtuosic, improvisational interplay set a new standard for musicality in rock.
5. "Can't You See" - The Marshall Tucker Band: A soulful and heartfelt ballad, "Can't You See" showcases the more sensitive side of Southern Rock. Toy Caldwell's distinctive flute intro and raw, emotional vocals create a timeless classic that resonates with themes of heartbreak and longing.
6. "La Grange" - ZZ Top: From the "Little Ol' Band from Texas" comes this greasy, blues-boogie masterpiece. Billy Gibbons' signature guitar tone and the song's infectious, foot-stomping rhythm pay homage to the blues traditions that heavily influenced Southern Rock, with a healthy dose of Texas attitude.
7. "Flirtin' With Disaster" - Molly Hatchet: This hard-charging anthem is a prime example of the heavier, more aggressive side of Southern Rock. With its driving triple-guitar attack and lyrics about life on the edge, it's a quintessential road song that captures the genre's rebellious spirit.
8. "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" - The Charlie Daniels Band: A fiery narrative of a fiddling contest against the devil, this song is a virtuosic display of musicianship and storytelling. Charlie Daniels' lightning-fast fiddle playing and vivid lyrics have made it a beloved and instantly recognizable crossover hit.
9. "Green Grass and High Tides" - The Outlaws: Often compared to "Free Bird" for its extended guitar jam, this epic track is a showcase of intricate, dueling guitar work. Its soaring melodies and relentless energy have solidified its place as a cornerstone of the genre.
10. "Midnight Rider" - The Allman Brothers Band: With its haunting, determined feel, "Midnight Rider" is a classic tale of an outlaw on the run. Gregg Allman's soulful and weary vocals, combined with a memorable acoustic guitar riff, create a powerful and enduring anthem.
These songs represent the pinnacle of Southern Rock, a genre that continues to influence musicians and captivate audiences with its unique blend of American musical traditions.

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That's a solid list no doubt.

La Grange is way up there for me maybe #2 behind Whipping Post and Tush is not far behind that for me definitely top 10.

While I love Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama the amount they are overplayed probably diminishes them a bit for me. Probably #3 and #4 for me.

#5 would be The Devil Went Down to Georgia just such a classic

Allman Brothers might fill out the other 6-10 spots with Midnight Rider, Ramblin Man, Blue Sky and In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.

The next 10 would have Marshall Tucker, .38 Special, Molly Hatchett and others including more Lynyrd Skynyrd for sure.

A sleeper for me is Gregg Allman's 80s hit "I'm No Angel" although it's more just rock than southern rock.

My post Duane Allman song would be Soulshine.

No one plays this game right, including me typically.

But if I have to choose one southern rock song it would be Molly Hatchet's flirtin' with disaster. Great tune.

"Black Water" by the Allman Brothers. Hearing it in quadraphonic is next level.

Honorable mention for "Just Got Paid" by ZZ Top.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Mississippi Queen by mountain yet.
Every time it comes on I crank the volume to 11.

Yeah I'm biased and it isn't one of his hardest rock songs for sure, but him singing this at the O'Dome is pretty awesome.

I admit that I might not have a full grasp on what is and isn't Southern Rock, but if I'm picking from Skynyrd it's probably Gimme Three Steps. For ZZ Top one of my favorites is Nationwide, and it's kind of hard for me to really pick a favorite for them.

I would take ZZ Top over Skynyrd every day, though.

lb sand said:

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I'm surprised no one has mentioned Mississippi Queen by mountain yet.
Every time it comes on I crank the volume to 11.

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Great song, but Mountain are from…NEW YORK CITY!

Get a rope.

astros4545 said:

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All southern songs are judged against the greatest one hit wonder of al time

Black Betty by Ram Jam

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lol

well the genre has it's share of great one hit wonders although Black Betty is maybe the pinnacle

Others:

Jackie Blue - Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Can't You See - Marshall Tucker Band (they had other charted hits but none are remembered like that one)
Green Grass and High Tides - The Outlaws
Don't Misunderstand Me - Rossington Collins Band (which ironically was made up of surviving Lynyrd Skynyrd band members)
Mississippi Queen - Mountain

Is Edgar Winter southern rock?????

I don't think I would have ever categorized him as such but I just saw Frankenstein and Free Ride listed in a playlist of Southern Rock.

Zombie Jon Snow said:

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astros4545 said:

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All southern songs are judged against the greatest one hit wonder of al time

Black Betty by Ram Jam

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lol

well the genre has it's share of great one hit wonders although Black Betty is maybe the pinnacle

Others:

Jackie Blue - Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Can't You See - Marshall Tucker Band (they had other charted hits but none are remembered like that one)
Green Grass and High Tides - The Outlaws
Don't Misunderstand Me - Rossington Collins Band (which ironically was made up of surviving Lynyrd Skynyrd band members)
Mississippi Queen - Mountain

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If you want to get to heaven by Ozark Mountain Daredevils is pretty great, too.

I have these 2 on heavy rotation:

1. Black Crowes - Jealous Again
2. Blackberry Smoke - Good One Comin' On

Do you have to be a band from the south to be considered a southern rock band or is it the type of music they play?