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)
I’m No AngelGregg Allman
The title track of Gregg Allman’s fourth solo album, released in 1987.
It was written by Phil Palmer and Tony Colton.
It was inspired by words printed on a T-shirt worn by a toddler Phil saw.
The album was certified Gold in the United States.
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.”
A classic of Southern rock. Recommended popular songs (31–40)
Train, TrainBlackfoot
A song written by “Shorty” Medlocke, a musician of bluegrass and Delta blues.
It features a harmonica intro that imitates the sound of a steam locomotive.
The track has been covered by the hard rock band Warrant and by Dolly Parton.
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.
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.
The Souths Gonna Do It AgainCharlie Daniels Band
A song by the Charlie Daniels Band, who worked with many Southern rock bands that defined the Southern rock sound.
Grinderswitch, a Southern rock band formed in central Georgia that toured with the Allman Brothers Band and the Marshall Tucker Band in the early 1970s, is mentioned in the opening line of the lyrics.
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.