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The band Molly Hatchet has developed a very loyal following since their debut album in 1978. However, like many classic rock bands, Molly Hatchet has gone through numerous personal changes over the years. Their debut album featured a lineup that consisted of Dave Hlubek, Steve Holland, Danny Joe Brown, Duane Roland, Bruce Crump and Banner Thomas. In 1985, guitarist Bobby Ingram joined the band. Over the years the band has sadly seen the passing of many of the groups members. Danny Joe Brown, Duane Roland, Bruce Crump, Banner Thomas, Riff West, Dave Hlubek and Phil McCormick have all passed away.
# 10 – Gator Country
There is nothing like a band singing about their roots. Molly Hatchet makes it quite clear in the great song “Gator Country,” where they are from. This song is southern rock all the way. A nice extended guitar solo at the song’s end defines that these guys were the real deal. Great stuff, and the perfect way to open our Top 10 Molly Hatchet Songs List.
# 9 – Son of the South
Well, the name may be Molly Hatchet, but this is definitely a different band that performed on the previous song “Gator.” The Molly Hatchet song “Son of the South,” was released on the Warriors of the Rainbow Bridge in 2005. It’s a pretty heavy song that barely presents the band’s southern roots. However, the backing female vocals on the chorus is a reminder of the band’s origins. This one may be heavy, but it’s still great and represents the 21st century Molly Hatchet on this Top 10 Molly Hatchet Songs list.
# 8 – Silent Reign Of Heroes
Our second of two late-period Molly Hatchet songs. The great epic track “Silent Reign of Heroes,” was released in 1998 on their album entitled appropriately Silent Reign Of Heroes. Coming in at over eight minutes, the track “Silent Reign of Heroes,” stands as one of the longest Molly Hatchet songs the band ever recorded. It’s heavy, it jams, and it’s a powerful testament to the spirit of the band that never stopped playing their hearts out. Love this one!
# 7 – Sweet Dixie
Oh, that Sweet, Sweet Dixie music just makes you want to jump up and dance. This great Molly Hatchet song has a party band written all over it. Good Time southern rock and roll never sounded so sweet. “Sweet Dixie,” was released on the No Guts…No Glory album. The record was released in 1983. The song “Sweet Dixie,” was the B side to the album’s only single “Kinda Like Love.”
# 6 – Beatin’ The Odds
Now, this is what you call a riff. The title track to the Beatin’ The Odds album presented fans with a guitar lick a bit reminiscent of some of Jimmy Page’s signature Led Zeppelin licks. This great track was released in 1980. The band’s third album featured a new lead singer named Jimmy Farrar. The band Judas Priest released a song called “Breaking The Law,” the same year that is very similar to Molly Hatchet’s “Beatin’ The Odds.”
# 5 – Whiskey Man
On this great Molly Hatchet track, one can really hear the influence that Lynyrd Skynyrd played on the band. It’s not just the similar titles between Molly Hatchet’s “Whiskey Man,” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Whiskey Rock and Roller,” it’s the vocal inflections by Molly Hatchet’s lead singer Danny Joe Brown that reflect the spirit of Ronnie Van Zandt. “Whiskey Man,” was the opening track from the band’s 1979 Flirtin’ With Disaster album.
# 4 – Dreams I’ll Never See
On the band’s debut album, Molly Hatchet decided to record and release a cover of the Allman Brothers Band legendary song “Dreams.” Molly Hatchet’s version was released with an extended title labeled “Dreams I’ll Never See.” It’s not an easy feat to cover a song from such a legendary band and make it work. Gregg Allman is simply one of the greatest rock voices in history. Duane Allman has been regarded by many as the greatest slide guitar player in classic rock history. However, Molly Hatchet made it work for one simple reason….they made the song their own.
# 3 – Fall of the Peacemakers
There are many Molly Hatchet fans who name “Fall Of The Peacemakers,” their favorite Molly Hatchet song. And they have good reason to label it as one of the best. The band delivered a song full of substance on this one. The song “Fall Of The Peacemaker,” was released on the band’s fifth studio album. The album also featured the return of original lead singer Danny Joe Brown after a two-album absence.
# 2 – The Rambler
The Molly Hatchet song “The Rambler,” was released in 1980 on their third album entitled Beatin’ The Odds. The song “The Rambler,” was released as the second single from the album after the initial release of the title track as the LP’s first single. The song starts out with a beautiful guitar riff embraced by a wonderful synth string line. The band’s new vocalist Jimmy Farrar delivered a scoring power ballad Southern rock vocal that easily endeared him to the world of Molly Hatchet, This one is easily Molly Hatchet’s greatest rock ballad.
# 1 – Flirtin’ With Disaster
Well, it’s pretty much impossible to pick any other song besides “Flirtin’ With Disaster,” as the choice for the No. one spot on our Top 10 Essential Molly Hatchet Songs list. Molly Hatchet’s signature song was released on their 1979 album Flirtin’ With Disaster. The Flirtin’ With Disaster album was the band’s sophomore record. It was by far the band’s most successful album of their career. It’s interesting to note that “Flirtin’ With Disaster,” was not released as the first single off the album. It was not even the second single released off the record. The record company originally released “Jukin City,” and “It’s All Over Now,” as the first two singles from the record. The song “Flirtin’ With Disaster,” came close to breaking the Billboard Hot 100 singles stalling at No. 42. However, the song did stay in the top 100 for close to three months.
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
