10 Most Rocking Three Dog Night Songs

Feature Photo: Racheal Grazias / Shutterstock.com

Three Dog Night is one of music history’s most loved rock and roll bands. Anyone who grew up in the 1970s most definitely had a few Three Dog Night albums in their collection. It didn’t matter that Three Dog Night was a band that didn’t write their own music. Three Dog Night had become one of the most revered bands in rock history with their ability to take other people’s music and turn them into big hits. That is an art in itself. They weren’t the first to do that. Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Linda Ronstadt are just a few examples of other artists who didn’t write their own music but were incredibly loved for their performances on vinyl and in a concert with other writer’s songs.

One thing to always remember is that Three Dog Night was a band, not just three lead singers. Backing up lead singers Cory Wells, Chuck Negron, and Danny Hutton were Floyd Sneed on drums, Jimmy Greenspoon on keyboards, Mike Allsup on guitar, and Joe Schermie on bass. There are many others throughout the years, but the core that played on the records and in concerts was just a phenomenal rocking group. This list of Three Dog Night rocking songs is a testament to that group. From the killer vocals to the slamming band, this is Three Dog Night that rocked the hardest

# 10 – Woman – It Ain’t Easy

We open this list with the same song that closed our 10 Essential Three Dog Night Deep Tracks list. It just felt right to do it this way. “Woman” was the opening track on It Ain’t Easy. The album was released in 1970. The song features Cory Wells on lead vocals. Cory sings his heart out on this, showcasing the sound of angry, loud, passionate rock and roll. Mike Allsup’s gritty guitar sound fuels the groove that lights this one up. “Woman” was written by Andy Fraser and Paul Rodgers. It was first recorded by their band Free.

# 9 – Celebrate – Suitable for Framing

So many of Three Dog Night’s great rockers also qualify as party songs with a great sense of celebration. That’s why this song was perfect for the band. Three Dog Night’s cover of “Celebrate” was released on the album Suitable for Framing. It was the album’s closing track. Gary Bonner and Alan Gordon wrote the song. We wonder how many people realize that the horn section on this song featured Walter Parazaider on saxophone, Lee Loughnane on trumpet, and James Pankow on trombone. If you don’t recognize those names then you must not be a fan of the band Chicago.

# 8 – Coming Down Your Way – Coming Down Your Way

The title track to Three Dog Night’s album Coming Down Your Way had one of the most interesting yet captivating opening rock and roll piano riffs we have ever heard. The band really shines on this one, especially Jimmy Greenspoon’s piano playing and Dennis Belfield’s funky bass. Chuck Negron, the much-loved lead vocalist on this track, delivers big-time.

# 7 – Murder In My Heart For The Judge – Harmony

It doesn’t get much heavier than the opening of this underrated Three Dog Night song, “Murder In My Heart.” With loud screaming guitars, Deep Purple-like organ playing, and a killer drum and bass groove, Three Dog Night lets loose in a southern-sounding blues-infused screamer. It’s all led by Cory Wells’s rocking vocal performance that’s dark, deep, and sweaty. The harmonies are sweltering. Be careful of this one….

# 6 – Chest Fever – Three Dog Night (One)

“Chest Fever” is a historical song in many ways. Robbie Robertson of The Band wrote it. The group opened up their Woodstock set with this song. Three Dog Night recorded this song for their first album. It opens with an extended organ solo before the entire band breaks in. This is a very different-sounding Three Dog Night song from the typical tracks that most people associate the band with, who don’t really know the albums. This is a showcase of the entire band, and it rocks hard.

# 5 – Shambala – Cyan

While the first half of this Three Dog Night Rocking songs list focused more on the deep track, the next half will feature some of the band’s hits that were also pretty hardcore rockers. Three Dog Night had a style of recording rock and roll tunes with a sweet pop edge that just captivated everybody. This one is a perfect example! It starts with a little sweet tenderness but is rocking out as it comes to a close.

# 4 – The Show Must Go On – Hard Labor

I always found the song’s opening circus music quite amusing and brilliant, and the way it merges into the opening vocals. This was a big hit for Leo Sayer, whom I interviewed a few years ago, which was a delightful conversation. They both had big hits with this, and I love both versions. Three Dog Night released their version of the song on their Hard Labor album, featuring an exciting cover.

# 3 – One Man Band – Naturally

Three Dog Night’s fifth album was one of the band’s most successful records. Of course, it was fueled by one of the biggest hits of the decade in the song “Joy To The World,” which we have left off this list simply because everyone knows it. Of course, Three Dog Night fans are very familiar with this song, “One Man Band,” but if you’re just a casual fan, I think you’re going to really enjoy this one. There is some sensational organ playing on this track

# 2 – Nobody – Three Dog Night (One)

We are going way back with this one all the way to the band’s debut album entitled Three Dog Night. That opening guitar line sounds a little bit like Creedence Clearwater Revival. “Nobody” was actually the band’s debut single released in 1968. The song was written by Beth Beatty, Dick Cooper, and Ernie Shelby.

# 1 – Never Been To Spain

Anytime we’ve ever written about Three Dog Night, the one song that is always mentioned by readers, friends, family, fellow countrymen, and overseas friends is the song “Never Been to Spain.” So, in tribute to all of those who have been along this long ride with us here at the site, “Never Been to Spain” gets the number one spot on our 10 most Rocking Three Dog Night songs list. It may start off a little slow, but baby this one is all out rocking by the end!