Top 10 Young Rascals Songs

Photo : By Associated Booking Corporation (eBay item photo front photo back) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Top 10 Young Rascals Songs list looks at the body of work from one of the most underrated and sadly forgotten bands in rock and roll history. Those who grew up in the 1960s will never forget the band, but most young people who have come of age over the past twenty years have never heard of them.

The Young Rascals originated from the “Great State of New Jersey,” as Bruce Springsteen once quoted. The band was formed in 1965 and eventually dropped the “Young” from the name, becoming known as The Rascals. At the heart of the British invasion, bands like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Who were enjoying major commercial success. The Young Rascals countered the British rock melodies with their version of blued-eyed Jersey Shore rock. It was a sound that millions of fans fell in love with.

The Young Rascals band consisted of Eddie Brigati on lead vocals, Felix Cavaliere on keyboards and vocals, Gene Cornish on guitars, and everyone’s favorite, Dino Danelli on drums. In just six years, the band released an incredible body of work. The band’s first album, The Young Rascals, was released in 1966. The group went on to release eight more albums, ending with their final release in 1972 entitled The Island Of Real

# 10 – Lucky Day

“Lucky Day” is the most recent Rascals song to be included on our Top 10 Young Rascals Songs list. However, one may argue that calling a song released in 1972 “recent” is a little ridiculous. However, the song was issued on the last Young Rascals album entitled The Island Of Real. It is probably the least-known song on this list, but it’s one of those underrated songs that never became a hit. Sadly, the song never even made it onto the Billboard Top 100.

The Rascals disbanded after the release of The Island Of Real in 1972. Just take a listen to this song. The Rasclas lay down a soulful groove that just makes you feel good. It makes me want to get into my car, roll down the windows, and just enjoy a ride on a summer day.

# 9 – You Better Run

For rock fans who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, their first introduction to this great song came via Pat Benatar. The popular singer recorded the song for her second album, Crimes of Passion, in 1980. It was the second song ever broadcast on MTV when the network debuted in 1981. The Young Rascals released “You Better Run” on their third album, Groovin’. And what an album it was. “You Better Run” was the first single released from the record. The song was a significant success for the band, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 Top 20.

# 8 – People Got To Be Free

The Rascals’ “People Got To Be Free” is a classic rock-and-roll song, widely regarded as timeless. The song’s release in 1968 resonated with the turmoil of the 1960s. However, the song’s lyrical identity and intent conveyed to fans that the most essential songs will always be considered universal in their message, with no political or social boundaries.

# 7 – A Ray Of Hope

“Ray of Hope” was the second single released from the Rascals’ 1968 album Freedom Suite. The song has been interpreted by many as being a response to the assassination of Robert F Kennedy and as a tribute to his surviving brother, Ted Kennedy. Felix Cavaliere had been quoted as saying that after the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, he felt that the band had to respond. The album Freedom Suite was a milestone in the band’s career. It was the group’s first attempt at a concept album.

# 6 – I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore

A band’s first single is always a sentimental favorite among fans and even the band members themselves. The Young Rascals’ first career single, “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore,” was issued on their debut album in 1966. However, there are more than just sentiments attached to the song. The band’s killer vocals and soulful instrumentation helped introduce the world to what would become one of the most loved bands of the 1960s.

# 5 – A Beautiful Morning

Is there any other song that gives such great hope and meaning to start one’s day than the Rascals’ A Beautiful Morning? This wonderful song was released on the Rascals’ Time Peace: The Rascals’ Greatest Hits Lp. The album was released in 1968. It was the band’s first single to be released under the new name Rascals. The song was a massive hit for the band, reaching No. 3 on Billboard’s Top 100 chart. It is one of the most covered songs in the band’s career. It has been used in countless movies, television shows, and commercials.

# 4 – A Girl Like You

The Rascals’ “A Girl Like You” was one of the most romantic, soulful pop gems of the 1960s. The song was released on the 1967 Young Rascals album Groovin’. The song “A Girl Like You” was the third single released from the record. The song featured Felix Cavaliere’s lead vocals. It was also the album’s opening track. We love all the songs on our Top 10 Young Rascals Songs list, but this was special.

# 3 – Good Lovin’

If we had to choose among the most popular Young Rascals songs of their career, the song “Good Lovin’ would be an easy choice. Arthur Resnick and Rudy Clark wrote the song ‘Good Lovin’. It became the band’s first number-one hit. It was released on their 1966 album Groovin’. The song’s simple three-chord progression made it an instant classic song covered by garage bands worldwide. Keyboard players loved playing the iconic organ solo in the middle of the track. The Grateful Dead recorded a popular version of the song on their 1978 Shakedown Street album.

Read More: Top 10 Grateful Dead Songs

# 2 – Groovin’

As we move closer to number one on our Top 10 Young Rascals songs list, we are happy to present one of the most soulful, happy weekend songs we have ever heard. The Young Rascals “Groovin'” was the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon song. Quite simply, it just made you feel good. The song was released on their 1966 LP of the same name. It was the second single released from the album. In 1967, the song Groovin’ reached the number one spot on the Billboard Top 100 music charts.

# 1 – How Can I Be Sure

If there is such a thing as the perfect pop song, we will nominate this beautiful and brilliant pop gem by the Young Rascals. It’s hard to believe, but “How Can I Be Sure” was the fourth single released off the legendary Groovin’ album. The song reached the number 4 position on the Billboard Hot 100. Eddie Brigati performed the lead vocals for the song. The song was also recorded by Dusty Springfield in 1970 and David Cassidy in 1972. However, the Young Rascals recording is the definitive version and lands at number one on our list of top 10 Young Rascals songs.