Top 10 Jesse Colin Young Songs

Photo: Toglenn, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our “Top 10 Jesse Colin Young Songs” spotlight an American songwriter and musician who has made significant contributions across various genres, including rock, country, folk, and jazz. Born in New York, Jesse Colin Young’s musical journey was influenced early on by his parents, who had a strong appreciation for classical music. This influence led to Young receiving a piano as a gift, fostering his musical talents from a young age. His vocal skills, in particular, were inspired by his mother, a talented violinist and singer with perfect pitch.

Young’s musical interests broadened significantly during his youth, especially after winning a scholarship to study classical guitar. His exposure to a diverse range of music grew while living near a record store, eventually leading him to pursue a career in music full-time. In 1964, he released his debut album, The Soul of a City Boy. His path crossed with guitarist Jerry Corbitt, prompting the idea to form a band.

Together, they established the Youngbloods, drawing the name from Young’s second solo studio album, Young Blood. By 1970, Young had constructed a recording studio adjacent to his home, where he recorded the critically acclaimed solo album Together two years later. This success led him to leave the Youngbloods and focus solely on his solo career. Influences such as country blues artist Lightnin’ Hopkins and folk singer Pete Seeger played significant roles in shaping his music.

In 2012, Young took a hiatus from music due to a Lyme disease diagnosis. However, the musical talents showcased at his son’s graduation recital from Berklee College of Music reignited his passion, leading him to return to performing in 2016. He then recorded a new solo album with a band comprised of Berklee students, released in 2019. Here are the top 10 Jesse Colin Young songs, highlighting the best from his extensive solo career.

#10 – Before You Came

Leading off our list of the top 10 Jesse Colin Young songs is the poignant ballad “Before You Came” from his album Songbird. Jesse shared in a Facebook post that this song came to him in a dream following a walk through the Black Hills of South Dakota, an area steeped in history and the aftermath of the Wounded Knee siege. He described the song as a divine gift, intended to deepen his understanding of the trials faced by the First Nations people.

“Before You Came” was presented as a gesture of solidarity with the individuals who convened at Standing Rock, standing in protest to safeguard the well-being of future generations. This track not only showcases Jesse Colin Young’s artistry but also reflects his engagement with significant social and environmental issues.

#9 – Get Together

“Get Together” stands as an iconic peace anthem that showcases Jesse Colin Young’s vocal skills at its finest. Originally, this song became synonymous with the Youngbloods, serving as their hallmark track. Later, Jesse included it in his 1993 album Makin’ It Real. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Youngbloods’ version—a version that once climbed to number one on the Billboard charts—Jesse collaborated with Steve Miller to release a new rendition of “Get Together.”

This special release was also part of a collaboration with WhyHunger for their SongAid campaign, underscoring the enduring relevance of the song’s message and its capacity to inspire and bring people together for a cause. The song’s message of unity and peace continues to resonate, making it a timeless piece in Jesse Colin Young’s repertoire.

#8 – Grey Day

“Grey Day” starts with captivating piano notes, quickly complemented by a soft, feel-good percussion rhythm. As the song progresses, a flute delicately dances through the melody, moving between verses with a light, spirit-like presence. This track is a highlight on Jesse Colin Young’s album Light Shine, showcasing his ability to create deeply moving music. Jesse’s vocals are particularly enchanting, drawing listeners into the song’s emotional depth and leaving a lasting impression.

# 7 – Rye Whiskey

“Rye Whiskey” stands out as a unique entry in Jesse Colin Young’s extensive catalog. While known for his uplifting and feel-good ballads, this song explores a darker aspect of romance. It portrays whiskey as an escape from the dangerous allure of certain women who threaten his well-being. Featured on his album The Soul of a City Boy, “Rye Whiskey” showcases Jesse Colin Young’s haunting falsetto, adding an eerie and captivating quality to the track.

# 6 – Morning Sun

This is the type of song you want to pop into your car cassette deck in the morning as you take off for work. Well, maybe you dont have that cassette deck anymore, but a CD player or even USB drive file will probably still do the trick. This one just feels good. I love that bass line that drives the song’s groove, laying down a foundation for Young’s spectacular vocals.

# 5 – Drift Away

At the halfway point on our top 10 Jesse Colin Young songs list, we present the gorgeous ballad “Drift Away.” This one will stop you in your tracks. It’s as beautiful as it gets. The intro, the verse, and, of course, the chorus all just set you soaring above all your troubles and worries. That is what the music of Jesse Colin Young has always done. If you are feeling down, put on a track like this, and it will bring you a bit of salvation.

#4 – Swept Away

This beautiful song “Swept Away” was released on the album of the same name back in 1994. Jesse Colin Young sets up a wonderful mid tempo groove to fuel the songs rythmn. Of course it all comes down to the breathtaking melody line and chord changes that leave you captivated. The man knows how to write real romantic stuff.

#3 – Song for Juli

“Song for Juli” emerged as a standout track from Jesse Colin Young’s second solo album following the disbandment of the Youngbloods. Jesse crafted the lyrics of this song in honor of his daughter, Julia, after the birth of his son, Cheyenne. The inspiration behind the song stemmed from Julia’s feelings of being sidelined as the family welcomed a newborn into their midst. “Song for Juli” was a heartfelt gesture from Jesse to make his daughter feel cherished and special, showcasing his deep commitment to fatherhood and his ability to express profound emotions through his music.

# 2 – Lyme Life

Included in our compilation is one of Jesse Colin Young’s more contemporary pieces, “Lyme Life,” extracted from his 2015 album Dreamers. Jesse penned this track in response to his battle with Lyme disease, drawing inspiration from his own experiences and those of others grappling with the illness. Additionally, the milestone of his son’s music school graduation motivated Jesse Colin Young to return to the studio and record this poignant song with his son Tristan.

# 2 – Fire On The Water

As we close in on our number one spot on the list, we turn to this cool, grooving song called “Fire On The Water.” The song was released on the album The Perfect Stranger. The album was released in 1982. This one is fueled by some all-star talent, with the legendary Carly Simon on backing vocals. Also on board was the virtuoso guitarist Steve Lukather, laying down a brilliant and tasty guitar solo. This is A+ quality stuff.

#1 – Ridgetop

Topping our list of the top 10 Jesse Colin Young songs is “Ridgetop,” a standout piece in his solo career. This track is a central feature of his 1973 album Song for Juli. “Ridgetop” paints a vivid picture of Jesse’s home in California, affectionately named after the song. He acquired this home after relocating to the area with the Youngbloods in 1967. Tragically, in 1995, wildfires obliterated ‘Ridgetop,’ robbing Jesse of his cherished sanctuary.