A classic of Southern rock. Recommended popular songs.
There are many subgenres of rock, but so-called “Southern rock” is, as the name suggests, a genre characterized by sounds influenced by music with strong roots in the American South.
Blending country, blues, and old-school R&B, Southern rock boasts many hugely popular bands in the United States.
In Japan, however, it’s honestly a less familiar genre, and even those who know the name might feel it’s somehow a bit hard to get into.
This article introduces classic tracks recommended for beginners to help spark your interest in Southern rock.
Experience the deep appeal of Southern rock for yourself!
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Southern rock masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (21–30)
4th of JulyShooter Jennings
A song by Shooter Jennings, an American outlaw country and Southern rock singer-songwriter.
It’s about a road trip he actually took.
Released on the 2005 album “Put the ‘O’ Back in Country,” it has become one of his most popular tracks.
Green RiverCreedence Clearwater Revival
A song written by the group’s leader, John Fogerty.
The title “Green River” refers to Putah Creek near Winters, California, where he used to play as a child.
It was released in 1969 by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Gimme Three StepsLynyrd Skynyrd
A song inspired by an incident Ronnie Van Zant experienced at a bar called The Little Brown Jug on Edison Avenue in Jacksonville, Florida.
It is one of the few songs Lynyrd Skynyrd released as a single, and it came out in 1973.
If You Wanna Get To HeavenOzark Mountain Daredevils
A song said to be the first major hit of the Southern rock band.
It was released as a single in 1973 by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, formed in Springfield, Missouri.
It was written by band members Steve Cash and John Dillon.
The LumberjackJackyl
A song included on the self-titled debut album released in 1992 by Jackyl, a band from the state of Georgia.
It was inspired by workers in the logging industry.
The music video was directed by Greg Vernon, who worked on Aerosmith’s “Eat The Rich.”
Ronnie and NeilDrive-By Truckers
A song about the friendship between Ronnie Van Zant, the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young.
It was included on the alternative country/southern rock band Drive-By Truckers’ 2001 album Southern Rock Opera.
Imaginary LoverAtlanta Rhythm Section
A song by Atlanta Rhythm Section, a Southern rock band formed in the United States in 1971.
It is included on their 1978 album Champagne Jam.
It became their second top-charting hit, reaching No.
7 on the U.S.
charts and No.
9 in Canada.