10 Smokin' Rock Songs About Lightning

Feature Photo: Photo by NOAA on Unsplash

While trying not to ignore a handful of the most famous rock songs about lightning, we also wanted to make this list a little more interesting and add a few surprises. So, of course, there will be some great ones missing, but we do that to offer some alternative and intriguing picks. Additionally, this list only features songs with the word “lightning” in the title. Songs that only use the word “thunder” will be on a separate list. This is all about lightning, no matter what form or type of lightning it may be.

# 10 – Lightning Strikes – Aerosmith

“Lightning Strikes” by Aerosmith, a track that brings all the gritty, street-level tension the band mastered in the early ’80s, is kicking off our list of ten electrifying rock songs about lightning. Featured on their 1982 album Rock in a Hard Place, this song is a testament to Aerosmith’s resilience and ability to adapt during a tumultuous period in their career. Recorded at The Power Station in New York City and produced by Jack Douglas, Rock in a Hard Place is the only Aerosmith album made without guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, who had temporarily left the band. Nevertheless, “Lightning Strikes” showcases the band’s ability to hold their own, with new guitarists Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay stepping in to provide a fresh yet still hard-hitting sound.

# 9 – Thunder and Lightning – Thin Lizzy

Next on our list of rock songs that harness the electrifying power of lightning is “Thunder and Lightning” by Thin Lizzy, a ferocious track that lives up to its name with a thunderous drive and an unmistakable intensity. Featured as the opening song and title track on their 1983 album Thunder and Lightning, this song marks the final studio effort from the iconic Irish rock band. Recorded at Lombard Sound Studios in Dublin and produced by Thin Lizzy and Chris Tsangarides, Thunder and Lightning captures a band that was determined to go out with a bang despite nearing the end of their career. With guitarist John Sykes joining the lineup, bringing a harder edge and heavier sound, this track exemplifies the group’s shift toward a more metallic sound.

# 8 – The Shock Of The Lightning – Oasis

Third on our list of rock songs crackling with the power of lightning is “The Shock of the Lightning” by Oasis, a dynamic track that captures the band’s quintessential swagger and urgency. Featured on their 2008 album Dig Out Your Soul, “The Shock of the Lightning” serves as a reminder of the raw energy that propelled Oasis to the forefront of the Britpop movement in the 1990s. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and produced by Dave Sardy, this track marks a return to form for the Gallagher brothers, blending their signature blend of driving rock rhythms, catchy hooks, and Liam Gallagher’s distinctively snarling vocals.

# 7 – Call Me Lightning – The Who

Fourth on our list of rock songs that channel the electric energy of a storm is “Call Me Lightning” by The Who, a lesser-known gem from the band’s early catalog that captures their signature blend of youthful exuberance and raw rock energy. Released in 1968 as a standalone single and later included on the compilation album Magic Bus: The Who on Tour, “Call Me Lightning” showcases The Who during a period of transition—moving away from their mod roots and towards the more expansive, harder rock sound that would define their later work. Recorded at IBC Studios in London and produced by longtime collaborator Kit Lambert, the song features the classic Who lineup: Roger Daltrey on vocals, Pete Townshend on guitar, John Entwistle on bass, and Keith Moon on drums.

# 6 – Midnight Lightning – Jimi Hendrix

Fifth on our list of rock songs that electrify with the power of lightning is “Midnight Lightning” by Jimi Hendrix, a track that showcases the legendary guitarist’s ability to fuse raw blues emotion with his signature psychedelic style. Originally recorded in 1969, “Midnight Lightning” was released posthumously in 1975 on the album of the same name, which was compiled by producer Alan Douglas using various studio outtakes and unfinished sessions from Hendrix’s later years. Recorded at the Record Plant in New York City, the song captures Hendrix during a period of profound creativity and experimentation, as he continued to push the boundaries of his guitar work and songwriting.

# 5 – Lightning’s Hand – Kansas

Featured on their 1977 album Point of Know Return, “Lightning’s Hand” is a deep cut that captures Kansas at the height of their creative prowess. Recorded at Woodland Sound Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Jeff Glixman, the album marked a commercial peak for the band, which also featured their biggest hit, “Dust in the Wind.” While not released as a single, “Lightning’s Hand” stands out as a fan favorite, known for its dynamic instrumentation and intense, almost theatrical presentation.

# 4 – Lightning Man – Pretenders

Our next electrifying entry in this list of rock songs about lightning is “Lightning Man” by the Pretenders, a standout track from their 2020 album Hate for Sale. Released as part of the band’s eleventh studio album, Hate for Sale marks a return to the raw, classic rock sound that the Pretenders have been known for since their early days. Recorded at KONK Studios in London and produced by Stephen Street, who previously worked with the band on several projects, Hate for Sale captures the energy and grit of the Pretenders’ live performances while also embracing fresh, contemporary production techniques. “Lightning Man” is a prime example of this, delivering a punchy, hook-filled rock anthem that reflects the band’s ongoing relevance and creativity.

# 3 – Ride The Lightning – Metallica

Taking its place among our list of electrifying rock songs about lightning is “Ride the Lightning” by Metallica, a track that has become a cornerstone of both the band’s discography and the broader heavy metal genre. The title track from Metallica’s 1984 album Ride the Lightning, this song captures the raw intensity and sophisticated songwriting that marked a turning point in the band’s early career. Recorded at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, and produced by Flemming Rasmussen, Ride the Lightning showcases Metallica’s evolution from their debut album, Kill ‘Em All, moving towards more complex themes and arrangements. With its fusion of thrash metal aggression and ambitious compositions, “Ride the Lightning” stands as a defining moment not just for Metallica but for metal music as a whole.

# 2 – Lightnin’ Strikes – Lou Christie

Lightnin Strikes / All His Chart Hits / Stereo Collection

Next on our list of rock songs that embody the electrifying power of lightning is “Lightnin’ Strikes” by Lou Christie, a track that blends the vibrant energy of 1960s pop with an irresistible, doo-wop-inspired rock sensibility. Released as a single in 1965 and later featured on Christie’s 1966 album Lightnin’ Strikes, the song became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1966. Produced by Charles Calello and recorded at Olmstead Studios in New York City, “Lightnin’ Strikes” showcases Christie’s distinctive falsetto and his ability to deliver a dynamic, passionate performance that captures the unpredictable nature of love, much like the song’s namesake.

Read More: Top 10 Lou Christie Songs

# 1 – Smokestack Lightning – Howlin’ Wolf

Closing out our list of electrifying rock songs about lightning is a track that stands as one of the most influential and enduring songs in the history of rock and blues: “Smokestack Lightning” by Howlin’ Wolf. Originally recorded in 1956 and released as a single by Chess Records in 1959, “Smokestack Lightning” is a primal blues masterpiece that has inspired countless musicians and shaped the sound of rock and roll for generations. Written by Howlin’ Wolf (born Chester Burnett), the song captures the raw power and emotion that defines the blues, with a simplicity and intensity that transcends its era.

Read More: Top 10 Howlin’ Wolf Songs