10 Alabama Songs Every Classic Rock Fan Needs To Know

10 Alabama Songs Every Classic Rock Fan Needs To Know | I Love Classic Rock Videos

via Alabama Band / Youtube

When Alabama came along, the band revitalized the country music scene, around the time when single country artists only get fame. Alabama, an American rock and country band that formed in the late ‘70s, owed more to rock and pop than to traditional country in terms of musical ideas and conceptions, such as the concept of a performing band, yet in many ways, they scream off the country as well.

The supergroup formed from Fort Payne in 1969, is comprised of Randy Owen (lead vocals, guitar, and songwriting), Teddy Gentry (bass, songwriting, and harmony vocals), Jeff Cook (multiple instruments, vocals, and songwriting), and Mark Herndon (drums). Below are the 10 Alabama songs that every fan of theirs needs to know. You can check it out.

 

“Old Flame” – Feels So Right (1981)

Located on the more conventional side of Alabama’s discography, “Old Flame” is a straightforward yet touching song about lost love. The trio’s drawn-out harmonies set the song ablaze, with piano notes right against a dashing arrangement.

 

“Mountain Music” – Mountain Music (1982)

Alabama’s “Mountain Music” is largely responsible for establishing them as music industry icons, and the song itself has become a country classic. The song is an upbeat ode to the band’s southern roots, complete with frantic fiddling and banjo strumming.

 

“Take Me Down” – Mountain Music (1982)

Mark Gray and J.P. Pennington, of the band Exile, originally composed and recorded the song back in 1980. Alabama’s 1982 cover, however, is a great country classic that retains Exile’s signature heart-fluttering, openly sensuous aesthetic despite the removal of the pouring synthesizers and toning down of the theatric piano.

“The Closer You Get” – The Closer You Get… (1983)

Another song that was initially released by Exile which Alabama also made a rendition out of is titled “The Closer You Get.” The song leans a bit more toward the rock side of Alabama’s country-rock sound than other songs of the band.

“Dixieland Delight” – The Closer You Get… (1983)

“Dixieland Delight” is Alabama’s entertaining ode to life’s simple joys.

“Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” – Roll On (1984)

This song, like many others in Alabama’s discography, celebrates the working man by depicting him in the role of a long-haul trucker who must frequently spend time away from home to provide for his loved ones.

“If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)” – Roll On (1984)

The honky-tonk flavored, rootsy romp “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)” is all about the only truth: to make sure that you have a fiddle in the band in case you’re up playing in Texas.

“High Cotton” – Southern Star (1989)

This classic Alabama melody has a traditional arrangement that captures its spirit. “High Cotton” is a nostalgic look back into the protagonist’s childhood, where they reflect on their simpler upbringing and how society has evolved since their time.

“Song of the South” – Southern Star (1989)

Bob McDill’s “Song of the South” was recorded by various artists before Alabama released their version in 1988, which topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart the following year. Because of Alabama’s unique take on the song, it has become a staple in their repertoire.

“I’m in a Hurry (And Don’t Know Why)” – American Pride (1992)

To put it simply, “I’m in a Hurry (And Don’t Know Why)” is a hilarious tale about living life too quickly. Alabama, who usually sings about the easygoing side of life, uses this thumping track to remind us not to rush always and enjoy taking things slow.