Top 10 Loggins And Messina Songs

Photo: Schiffman and Larson, management, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In the 1970s, one of the most popular soft rock acts was a duo named Loggins and Messina. The name stemmed from the pairing of Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina to front a musical act that would release a string of hits in the early 1970s. At the time, the pair became one of the world’s most popular groups. The pairing of Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina was long in the making. They were not childhood friends or anything like that.

In the early 1970s, Kenny Loggins was hired as a staff writer at ABC Records. While working at ABC, Kenny Loggins began composing original recordings with producer Jim Messina. Eventually, Kenny Loggins was signed to a recording deal by Columbia Records. Jim Messina was asked to work with Kenny Loggins on the first album. However, so much of the first record was split between the two that they thought they should form a union as an act and take it out on the road. The rest is history.

The pairing of Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina was a brilliant move. Kenny Loggins had an exceptional voice and raw talent. The talented Jim Messina had tremendous experience in the rock and roll business as a former band member with Poco and Buffalo Springfield. Their voices blended beautifully, and the production and songwriting skills jelled immediately.

Loggins and Messina released six albums together from 1971 to 1976. The duo also released three live albums. Kenny Loggins had a very successful solo career after the duo broke up in 1976. Our Top 10 Loggins and Messina songs list presents a mixture of hits and deep album tracks that we have always found to be our favorites

# 10 – Good Friend

We open our top 10 Loggins and Messina songs list with the tremendous funky track entitled “Good Friend.” The song was released on the duo’s second album, Loggins and Messina. The song was the opening track on the album. “Good Friend” was written by Jim Messina. The ex-Buffalo Springfield member also sang lead vocals on the track.

# 9 – Sailin’ The Wind

This beautiful epic piece of music was the closing track on Loggins and Messina’s third album entitled Full Sail. It’s one of those songs that only hardcore Loggins and Messina fans may be aware of. Nonetheless, it’s one of the most beautiful pieces of music Loggins and Messina ever recorded.

# 8 – Peacemaker

Many fans of 1970s rock are familiar with the hits, but Loggins and Messina’s albums always featured a great collection of songs that were well written and captivating to listen to. The song “Peacemaker” is a shining example of that.

# 7 – Keep Me In Mind

The only Loggins and Messina song not sung by Kenny Loggins or Jim Messina makes this Loggins and Messina songs list because it’s just so beautifully moody and defines the two brilliant musicians’ often-overlooked brilliance. Bass player Larry Sims sang the song.

# 6 – Vahevala

When this album was released in 1972, any rock fan who listened to the record could hear the potential that fueled these two great musicians. The song “Vahevala” was one of the most brilliant pieces of music on the record.

# 5 – Watching The River Run

In 1973, Loggins and Messina released their third album entitled Full Sail. The album yielded the top 20 hit “My Music” for Loggins and Messina. However, our favorite song from the album was the wonderful “Watching The River Run.” The song was released as a single but could not crack the Top 40. Loggins and Messina wrote the song, with both artists sharing lead vocal duties.

# 4 – Thinking About You

The great Loggins and Messina song “Thinking Of You” was released on the group’s second album entitled Loggins and Messina. The song opened side two of the record. “Thinking About You” was written by Jim Messina. Jim Messina also performed the song’s lead vocal. This was one of those feel-good Loggins and Messina songs defined by that smooth groove that the pair were so good at establishing.

# 3 – Angry Eyes

The rocking Loggins and Messina track “Angry Eyes“ is one of their most spectacular accomplishments. It’s an epic rock piece wonderfully produced, performed, and composed. The song was the closing track on the duo’s second album. Both Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina wrote the song.

# 2 – Your Mama Don’t Dance

The song “Your Mama Don’t Dance” is probably the most popular Loggins and Messina song ever released. It was the duo’s highest-charting song of their career. It hit number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was released on their second album entitled Loggins and Messina. The album was released in 1972. The song was covered by the glam rock band Poison in 1988.

# 1 – Danny’s Song

There was no doubt over this one. On some top 10 lists, it’s challenging to decide on the number one song. However, on our Top 10 Loggins and Messina songs list, we knew Danny’s Song would be our number one choice. If you have never heard this incredible song, you are about to be blown away. If you’re an old fan, we bet any amount of money that you would not argue over our choice.