10 Scorching Rock Songs With The Word 'Train' In The Title

Feature Photo by Wolfgang Weiser

The train, as one of the earliest forms of mass transportation, forever changed the landscape of civilization, linking cities and communities across vast distances. It not only transformed travel but also became a powerful metaphor for life’s journey, momentum, and the unstoppable forces of change. In the world of rock music, the imagery of the train has long symbolized energy, escape, and raw power, which is evident in the scorching tracks featured in this list.

This article explores ten electrifying rock songs with the word “train” in the title, focusing on legendary artists from the ’60s and ’70s who embodied the spirit of hard-hitting, blues-based rock. While a few iconic tracks are included, we’ve made a point to dig deeper, uncovering hidden gems and B-sides that offer fresh perspectives on this timeless theme. From the grit and drive of bands like Aerosmith and Savoy Brown to the modern edge of Guns N’ Roses, these songs reflect the unbridled energy and power of rock music at its finest.

# 10 – Jump That Train – Foghat

“Jump That Train” by Foghat is a high-energy, gritty rock anthem from their 1994 album Return of the Boogie Men. Written by the band’s iconic frontman, Lonesome Dave Peverett, this song channels the spirit of classic blues rock with a modern edge. The lyrics reflect a feeling of urgency and restless escape, fitting perfectly with the song’s driving rhythm and Peverett’s raspy, commanding vocals. Foghat, known for their boogie-blues rock sound, delivers this track with all the hallmarks that made them legendary: electrifying slide guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and infectious energy.

# 9 – Slow Train – Deep Purple

Fireball. 25th Anniversary Edition - Deep Purple

“Slow Train” by Deep Purple is a gritty, high-energy track recorded during their 1971 album Fireball sessions. Though it ultimately did not make the album’s final cut, it stands as a powerful outtake that showcases the band’s signature blend of hard rock and blues. Recorded between September 1970 and June 1971, “Slow Train” features the classic Mark II lineup: Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Ian Gillan on vocals, Roger Glover on bass, Jon Lord on keyboards, and Ian Paice on drums. The song was produced by Deep Purple alongside engineer Martin Birch, who worked with them on several projects during this era.

# 8 – Night Train – Guns N’ Roses

“Night Train” by Guns N’ Roses is a powerhouse track from the band’s groundbreaking debut album, Appetite for Destruction (1987). Written by Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, and Steven Adler, the song embodies the rebellious, hedonistic spirit that defined the band’s early years. Its title, “Night Train,” refers to a cheap but potent brand of wine (Night Train Express) that the band members used to drink while scraping by on the Los Angeles rock scene. The song quickly became an anthem of their debauchery, with its hard-hitting riffs, aggressive lyrics, and wild energy.

# 7 – Gypsy Train – Toto

“Gypsy Train” by Toto is one of the standout tracks from their 1992 album Kingdom of Desire. This hard-driving, blues-infused rock song reflects the transitional period in the band’s career, as it was the first album where guitarist Steve Lukather took over all lead vocal duties. Tragically, Kingdom of Desire also became the last album to feature legendary drummer Jeff Porcaro, who passed away unexpectedly before the tour promoting the album. The song embodies a sense of urgency, power, and groove, capturing the essence of Toto’s musical evolution in the early ’90s.

# 6 – Big Train – Booker T. & the M.G.’s

“Big Train” is an instrumental track from Soul Dressing, the second studio album by Booker T. & the M.G.’s, released in 1965. Known for their tight and soulful instrumental compositions, Booker T. & the M.G.’s were central to the sound of Southern soul, and “Big Train” exemplifies their ability to fuse blues, R&B, and rock into a powerful and groove-driven soundscape. This track was recorded at the legendary Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, with the band’s classic lineup: Booker T. Jones on the Hammond organ and piano, Steve Cropper on guitar, Lewie Steinberg on bass guitar (in one of his last recordings before Donald “Duck” Dunn joined the band), and Al Jackson Jr. on drums. The additional brass section includes Wayne Jackson on trumpet, Floyd Newman on baritone saxophone, and Charles “Packy” Axton on tenor saxophone, adding layers of depth to the track’s upbeat and driving rhythm.

# 5 – Last of the Steam Powered Trains – The Kinks

“Last of the Steam Powered Trains” is a poignant track from The Kinks’ 1968 album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. Written and sung by Ray Davies, the song draws on the nostalgic themes that are central to the album. Recorded in October 1968, it was one of the final songs to be completed for the album, capturing both a bluesy feel and rock undertones. With the United Kingdom officially retiring steam trains from passenger service just two months earlier, the track feels like a lament for a bygone era. Ray Davies masterfully captures this sentiment in both the lyrics and the music, which is rooted in American blues traditions. The guitar riff in the song, heavily influenced by Howlin’ Wolf’s “Smokestack Lightning,” calls back to the era of rhythm and blues that many British rock bands, including The Kinks, once embraced.

# 4 – Rock N Roll Train – AC/DC

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Train” by AC/DC is the hard-hitting opening track from their 2008 album Black Ice. Written by the band’s iconic duo, brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, this song showcases AC/DC’s signature rock style—raucous guitar riffs, relentless rhythms, and powerful vocals. Produced by Brendan O’Brien, the song was recorded in Vancouver, Canada, and heralded the band’s return after an eight-year hiatus. Its high-energy performance is classic AC/DC, with frontman Brian Johnson delivering raw, electric vocals, while Angus Young’s guitar riffs charge through the song like a runaway locomotive.

# 3 – Hellbound Train – Savoy Brown

“Hellbound Train” by Savoy Brown is the haunting and blues-driven title track from their 1972 album Hellbound Train. Known for its dark themes and slow-building intensity, the song paints a vivid picture of a man resigning to his fate on a literal and metaphorical train to hell. With Kim Simmonds’ piercing guitar work and Dave Walker’s mournful, soulful vocals, the song creates an atmosphere of foreboding and inevitability. Recorded at Trident Studios in London, the track captures the quintessential blues-rock vibe that Savoy Brown was known for in the early ’70s, driven by their exploration of darker, existential themes. Produced by Neil Slaven, the album marked a key moment for the band as they continued to cement their influence in the blues rock scene.

# 2 – Take A Fast Train – Robin Trower

Twice Removed From Yesterday: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

“Take a Fast Train” by Robin Trower was originally released as the B-side to his debut single “Man of the World” and later resurfaced on the 50th anniversary edition of his landmark album Twice Removed from Yesterday. Although it wasn’t part of the original tracklist for that album, “Take a Fast Train” offers a glimpse into the raw power and bluesy rock style that Trower was cultivating in the early 1970s. The song showcases Trower’s signature guitar work, which blends elements of blues, psychedelic rock, and hard rock—a combination that would define his solo career after leaving Procol Harum.

# 1 – Train Kept A Rollin’ – Aerosmith

“Train Kept A-Rollin'” is one of Aerosmith’s most electrifying tracks and a prime example of the band’s early hard rock sound. Released on their 1974 album Get Your Wings, this cover of the blues standard has become one of the band’s most enduring live staples. Aerosmith’s rendition of the song, originally recorded by Tiny Bradshaw in 1951 and made famous by the Yardbirds, takes the classic blues riff and infuses it with their signature heavy rock edge, complete with Steven Tyler’s raspy vocals and Joe Perry’s fiery guitar work.