Top 10 Nazareth Songs

Photo: Ken Papai [CC BY-SA 3.0

Our Top 10 Nazareth Songs list looks at a 1970s band that most rock fans remember from the song “Love Hurts.” The band Nazareth was first formed in the late 1960s. The group was originally from Scotland. Like many bands that originated on the Eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean, Nazareth was far more popular in Europe than it was in the United States. However, their 1975 album Hair of the Dog featured a cover of an old Everly Brothers song, “Love Hurts.”

The song was a massive hit for the band, which helped them become a household name worldwide in the mid-1970s. The band never achieved another hit single as big as “Love Hurts.” Nonetheless, the band continued to tour and release albums continuously for 50 years. Once again, like many other bands that have hailed from the Eastern side of the Atlantic, the group went through many lineup changes over time.

Our top 10 Nazareth songs list features 10 essential tracks that many fans may have never heard before. Most of us Classic Rock Fans who grew up in the 70s brought the Hair of the Dog album and the follow-up record, Close Enough for Rock ‘n’ Roll. Yet, the band released some great tracks before those records and, of course, after. Here are 10 Nazareth songs I think you will enjoy.

# 10 – Dear John

We open our Top 10 Nazareth Songs list with “Dear John,” an exceptional track from the band’s 1971 self-titled debut album, Nazareth. This was an era when the band was still shaping its sound, combining hard rock and blues influences with a gritty vocal delivery that would soon make them famous. Nazareth was produced by David Batchelor and recorded at Trident Studios in London. The lineup included Dan McCafferty on lead vocals, Manny Charlton on guitar, Pete Agnew on bass, and Darrell Sweet on drums. This song set the tone for Nazareth’s career, showcasing their unique blend of rough, raw rock and roll and emotional storytelling.

# 9 – Goin’ Loco

Next up on our Top 10 Nazareth Songs list is “Goin’ Loco,” the opening track from their 2008 album The Newz. This album marked a significant milestone for the band, arriving forty years after their formation. Despite the passage of time, Nazareth proved with this release that they were far from slowing down. The album featured all the original members except for drummer Darrell Sweet, who tragically passed away in 1999. His absence was felt, but the band continued with Lee Agnew stepping in as drummer, ensuring the classic Nazareth sound was kept alive.

# 8 – Telegram (Parts 1-4)

Continuing our Top 10 Nazareth Songs list is the epic suite “Telegram,” from the 1976 album Close Enough for Rock and Roll. This track is a standout not just for its musical brilliance but also for the way it serves as a perfect showcase of Nazareth’s ability to merge disparate song ideas into a cohesive, dynamic piece of rock artistry. What many fans, including myself, may not have realized at first is that the first four tracks on the album are part of a larger suite that, together, form the journey that is “Telegram.” This album accurately represented Nazareth’s artistic evolution, and the cover, featuring a rock band’s tour bus, became iconic in the 1970s, perfectly capturing the spirit of rock and roll.

# 7 – Morning Dew

Nazareth’s rendition of “Morning Dew,” originally by Bonnie Dobson and popularized by the Grateful Dead, became a standout track on the band’s 1971 debut album, Nazareth. This cover showcases Nazareth’s ability to take a classic folk-rock song and infuse it with their signature hard rock style. “Morning Dew” is a haunting song, set in a post-apocalyptic context, depicting a conversation between two people following a devastating event. Nazareth’s version gives the track an extra edge, with Dan McCafferty’s powerful, gravelly vocals and Manny Charlton’s intense guitar work, transforming it into something much heavier than previous versions.

# 6 -Shanghaid In Shanghai

As we hit the halfway mark on this list of Nazareth’s top songs, “Shanghaid In Shanghai” stands as a prime example of the band’s ability to combine infectious riffs with explosive, larger-than-life choruses. Released in 1974 on Rampant, the song quickly became a fan favorite. The album was produced by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover, adding a touch of the hard-hitting production style that was synonymous with classic rock of that era. The song also features Jon Lord of Deep Purple on synthesizer, further enhancing the sonic depth of the track.

# 5 – Miss Misery

“Miss Misery” is a powerhouse track from Nazareth’s iconic Hair of the Dog album, released in 1975. This song exemplifies the hard-hitting, raw energy that propelled Nazareth to the forefront of classic rock during the 1970s. From the opening riff, you’re immediately drawn into a gritty, unrelenting sonic landscape. The dry-sounding guitar riff, set against a backdrop of thunderous bass and pounding drums, creates a heavy yet tight sound that defines the band’s signature style.

# 4 – This Flight Tonight

Nazareth’s rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “This Flight Tonight” became a standout track on their 1973 album Loud ‘N’ Proud, marking one of the most successful covers in rock history. While the original by Joni Mitchell was more acoustic and introspective, Nazareth’s version gave the song a hard rock twist that captured the energy of the early ’70s rock scene. Released as part of their fourth studio album, Loud ‘N’ Proud, the song has since become a fan favorite.

# 3 – Razamanaz

“Razamanaz” is the title track from Nazareth’s third album, Razamanaz, released in 1973, and stands as one of the defining moments in the band’s career. The song is an energetic rock anthem that encapsulates the raw power and excitement of the early ’70s hard rock scene. Produced by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover, who was instrumental in refining the band’s sound, “Razamanaz” is full of blistering guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Dan McCafferty’s unmistakable gritty vocals.

# 2 – Hair Of The Dog

“Hair Of The Dog” is one of Nazareth’s most iconic tracks and the title song from their 1975 album Hair Of The Dog. The song is instantly recognizable for its powerful opening drum riff, which draws comparisons to Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band.” The Hair Of The Dog album was a commercial breakthrough for the band, becoming their best-selling record and making a significant impact in the United States. The album peaked at number 17 on the Billboard charts and sold over two million copies.

# 1 – Love Hurts

Topping our list of the best Nazareth songs is their timeless ballad, “Love Hurts.” Released in 1975 on the Hair of the Dog album, this track became the band’s biggest hit, securing its place in rock history. Originally written by Boudleaux Bryant and first recorded by The Everly Brothers, Nazareth’s version of “Love Hurts” took on a whole new life with Dan McCafferty’s unmistakably raw and emotionally charged vocals, turning it into a global sensation.

The song became a massive radio hit, especially in 1975 and 1976, and remains one of the most recognizable classic rock ballads of all time. It reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it Nazareth’s highest-charting single in the U.S. The track’s success extended worldwide, with its popularity cemented through constant radio play and its use in various media over the years.