Complete List Of Lone Justice Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Cabaret Voltaire, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Lone Justice may not have stayed together long, but their legacy looms large over the realms of country rock, roots music, and Americana. Formed in Los Angeles in the early 1980s, the band fused country’s heart and soul with the raw energy of punk and the melodic precision of rock, carving a unique space in the music world. At the heart of it all was Maria McKee, one of the most electrifying vocalists of her generation. McKee’s powerful, emotive voice and magnetic stage presence solidified her status as a legend, elevating Lone Justice from local favorites to critical darlings.

The band’s original lineup—Maria McKee (vocals, rhythm guitar), Ryan Hedgecock (lead guitar), Marvin Etzioni (bass), and Don Heffington (drums)—was instrumental in shaping their sound. Their music captured a time when Los Angeles was a breeding ground for genre-blurring innovation. From their fiery debut album, Lone Justice, to the polished follow-up, Shelter, the band showcased their knack for blending storytelling, heartache, and exuberance into unforgettable records.

Over the years, Lone Justice has left fans with more than just studio albums. Releases like BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert and Live at the Palomino, 1983 showcase their exhilarating live performances, capturing the raw energy that made them a must-see act. Meanwhile, compilations such as This World Is Not My Home and This Is Lone Justice: The Vaught Tapes, 1983 give listeners a window into the band’s formative years and unreleased treasures. Even decades after their breakup in 1987, the band remains a cornerstone of the Americana movement, and McKee’s enduring influence as a vocalist and songwriter continues to resonate.

This comprehensive guide covers all of Lone Justice’s studio albums, live recordings, and compilations, tracing the band’s brief but impactful journey. From their debut to the archival releases that keep their music alive, this list honors the artistry, passion, and legacy of one of the most dynamic bands to emerge from the Los Angeles music scene.

LONE JUSTICE STUDIO ALBUMS

Lone Justice – Lone Justice

Released 1985

Lone Justice, the self-titled debut album by the Los Angeles-based band, showcased their unique blend of country, rock, and roots influences. Released on April 15, 1985, by Geffen Records, the album was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Jimmy Iovine, who had worked with Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. With its spirited fusion of genres and raw emotional power, the album established Lone Justice as a significant force in the burgeoning cowpunk movement of the mid-1980s.

The band’s lineup featured the dynamic Maria McKee on lead vocals, whose commanding voice and emotional delivery became the centerpiece of the album. She was joined by guitarist Ryan Hedgecock, bassist Marvin Etzioni, and drummer Don Heffington, with contributions from guest musicians such as Benmont Tench on keyboards and Mike Campbell on guitar, both from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Tracks like “Ways to Be Wicked,” co-written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell, and “Sweet, Sweet Baby (I’m Falling)” demonstrated their ability to merge heartfelt lyrics with infectious melodies.

Critically acclaimed, Lone Justice received praise for its energy and authenticity, with McKee earning accolades for her powerhouse vocals. The album reached number 56 on the Billboard 200 and helped cement the band’s reputation as a standout act in a competitive music scene. While not a commercial blockbuster, the album has endured as a cult favorite and an influential record for fans of alt-country and roots rock.

CD Tracklisting

“East of Eden” 4:39
“After the Flood” 4:19
“Ways to Be Wicked” 4:05
“Don’t Toss Us Away” 4:20
“Working Late” 3:53
“Sweet, Sweet Baby (I’m Falling)” 4:13
“Pass It On” 4:44
“Wait ‘Til We Get Home” 4:45
“Soap, Soup and Salvation” 3:06
“You Are the Light” 3:47

Shelter – Lone Justice

Released 1986

Shelter, the second album by Lone Justice, marked a departure from the raw country-rock style of their debut into a more polished pop-rock sound. Released on November 11, 1986, by Geffen Records, the album was recorded at various studios, including Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles and Power Station in New York City. Produced by Jimmy Iovine, known for his work with U2 and Tom Petty, the album features an expansive and radio-friendly sound, reflecting the band’s ambition to reach a broader audience.

By the time of Shelter, Lone Justice had undergone significant lineup changes, with Maria McKee as the sole remaining original member. The revamped band included guitarist Shane Fontayne, bassist Greg Sutton, keyboardist Bruce Brody, and drummer Rudy Richman. The album also features notable guest musicians, including Little Steven Van Zandt, who co-wrote the title track “Shelter,” and Benmont Tench on keyboards. McKee’s soaring vocals remained the band’s defining feature, delivering emotional intensity and depth across the album’s ten tracks.

Critically, Shelter received mixed reviews, with some praising McKee’s vocal performance and the album’s production quality, while others lamented the move away from the band’s original roots-oriented sound. Commercially, the album achieved moderate success, reaching number 65 on the Billboard 200. The single “Shelter” gained traction on rock radio, showcasing the band’s ability to craft anthemic, heartfelt songs.

CD Tracklisting

“I Found Love” 4:16
“Shelter” 3:44
“Reflected (On My Side)” 4:10
“Beacon” 5:19
“Wheels” 3:13
“Belfry” 4:37
“Dreams Come True (Stand Up and Take It)” 4:03
“The Gift” 4:25
“In the End” 5:17
“Inspiration” 3:44

Viva Lone Justice – Lone Justice

Released 2024

Viva Lone Justice offers a striking glimpse into the untamed origins and enduring brilliance of Lone Justice, capturing the essence of their early sound while blending the raw energy of archival recordings with modern studio enhancements. Released by Fire Records, this album is being heralded as the band’s first “new” release in nearly four decades. However, its foundations lie in vintage recordings from the early 1990s, when Maria McKee, Marvin Etzioni, and Don Heffington, among others, captured spontaneous, rootsy sessions in Etzioni’s living room.

The album combines the raw intimacy of these original tapes with fresh overdubs by founding guitarist Ryan Hedgecock and other collaborators, including Tammy Rogers and Benmont Tench. While much of the vocal work comes directly from McKee’s early-1990s recordings, new instrumentation and meticulous mixing create a sound that feels timeless yet immediate. The result is a musical time capsule that bridges Lone Justice’s storied past with a fresh, invigorated presentation.

For fans of Lone Justice’s hillbilly punk roots and those captivated by their more polished, Heartbreakers-inspired debut, Viva Lone Justice strikes a perfect balance. The recordings represent the band’s unfiltered energy before their sound was refined for commercial audiences. Tracks like “Teenage Kicks,” a spirited punk anthem originally by the Undertones, and the hauntingly beautiful “You Possess Me,” penned by Etzioni, embody the album’s diverse spirit. The collection even includes a stirring rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” showcasing McKee’s otherworldly vocal prowess in a minimalist, emotional arrangement.

Etzioni likened the production process to assembling a treasure trove, referencing works like Let It Be by the Beatles for its archival yet freshly contextualized nature. The creative process was a labor of love, as each track was carefully curated and sequenced to capture Lone Justice’s early ethos. Whether it was rediscovering “Jenny Jenkins” from an older session or mixing a live recording of “Nothing Can Stop My Loving You” featuring Jo-El Sonnier on accordion, every moment on this album evokes the spontaneity and boundary-pushing spirit of the band’s peak.

Critics have widely praised the album as a “what-if” realization of what Lone Justice might have sounded like if their early roots had remained unencumbered by major-label expectations. While some tracks, such as “Rattlesnake Mama,” date back to the earliest iteration of the band in the 1980s, the album’s cohesion is a testament to the creative vision of Etzioni and McKee, who approached this release with a sense of reverence and excitement for their legacy.

CD Tracklisting

“You Possess Me”
“Jenny Jenkins”
“Rattlesnake Mama”
“Teenage Kicks”
“Wade in the Water”
“Nothing Can Stop My Loving You”
“Skull and Crossbones”
“Alabama Baby”
“I Will Always Love You”
“Sister Anne”

LONE JUSTICE LIVE ALBUMS

BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert – Lone Justice

BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert by Lone Justice

Released 1994

BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert captures the raw energy and captivating performance of Lone Justice at the height of their powers. Recorded on November 20, 1986, during a live performance at the Town and Country Club in London, the album showcases the band’s fiery fusion of country, rock, and punk. Released in 1994, it serves as a testament to Lone Justice’s live prowess and Maria McKee’s spellbinding stage presence.

The performance was part of a series of concerts recorded for the BBC Radio 1 series, which aimed to highlight extraordinary live acts. Lone Justice, having released two albums by this point—Lone Justice in 1985 and Shelter in 1986—was at a transitional phase in their career, but their live performances were still nothing short of electrifying. The album captures their ability to blend heartfelt country balladry with raucous rock energy, making it a time capsule for fans of their trailblazing sound.

Maria McKee’s vocals dominate the record, delivering emotional intensity and power on every track. Backed by the band’s tight instrumentation, featuring Ryan Hedgecock on guitar, Marvin Etzioni on bass, Don Heffington on drums, and keyboard contributions by Benmont Tench, the live set vibrates with authenticity. The chemistry between the band members is palpable, as they seamlessly transition from rock anthems to soulful ballads.

Critics have praised the album for capturing the essence of Lone Justice’s live performances. It offers a glimpse into the band’s ability to break boundaries, merging traditional country sensibilities with the raw, unfiltered energy of rock and roll.

CD Tracklisting

“East of Eden”
“Working Late”
“Don’t Toss Us Away”
“Sweet, Sweet Baby (I’m Falling)”
“Ways to Be Wicked”
“After the Flood”
“Dixie Storms”
“You Are the Light”
“Wheels”
“Harvest Moon”

Live at the Palomino, 1983 – Lone Justice

Released 2019

Live at the Palomino, 1983 captures Lone Justice in their raw and unpolished glory during a formative live performance at the iconic Palomino Club in North Hollywood, California. Recorded in 1983, this album immortalizes the band’s high-energy fusion of country, rock, and punk at a time when they were carving out their identity in the vibrant Los Angeles music scene. Released decades later in 2019, this live album provides a time capsule of a young band on the brink of wider recognition.

The album showcases Maria McKee’s powerhouse vocals, which radiate both ferocity and vulnerability, setting the tone for the band’s dynamic performances. Supporting her is Ryan Hedgecock on guitar, Marvin Etzioni on bass, and Don Heffington on drums, each contributing to the band’s unique sound that bridged the gap between honky-tonk traditions and punk-rock ethos. The recording perfectly captures the atmosphere of the Palomino, a venue renowned for hosting legendary country and rock acts, making it a fitting backdrop for Lone Justice’s genre-blurring style.

This release was produced with a keen focus on authenticity, preserving the live spirit of the night. The setlist features a mix of original compositions and well-chosen covers that highlight the band’s diverse influences. From rollicking country-rock anthems to soulful ballads, the album provides a glimpse into the versatility and depth of their early repertoire. Critics have lauded the album for its unfiltered and passionate performances, which many consider emblematic of Lone Justice’s potential before the polish of their later studio work.

CD Track Listings:

“Nothing Can Stop My Loving You”
“Train Song”
“Don’t Toss Us Away”
“Jackson”
“Working Man’s Blues”
“Cotton Belt”
“This World Is Not My Home”
“Mystery Train”
“Why Don’t You Love Me (Like You Used to Do)”
“You’re Gonna Get What’s Coming”

LONE JUSTICE COMPILATION ALBUMS WITH UNRELEASED TRACKS

This World Is Not My Home – Lone Justice

Released 1999

This World Is Not My Home is a compilation album that serves as a heartfelt tribute to the groundbreaking work of Lone Justice during the mid-1980s. Released in 1999, this collection is a curated journey through the band’s early recordings, showcasing their ability to fuse country, rock, and punk influences into a distinctive and electrifying sound. With material drawn from their two studio albums and additional unreleased tracks, the compilation offers a broad look at the band’s musical range and the magnetic performances that earned them a devoted following.

The album includes standout tracks produced by the legendary Jimmy Iovine, whose polished touch helped the band bring their unique energy to a larger audience. Featured musicians include Maria McKee on lead vocals, whose soulful and commanding presence remains the centerpiece, and guitarist Ryan Hedgecock, whose contributions reflect the band’s deep roots in country music traditions. Supporting players like Marvin Etzioni on bass and Don Heffington on drums further cemented Lone Justice’s reputation as a band that could channel raw emotion with technical skill.

Critically, This World Is Not My Home was praised for its ability to encapsulate the spirit of Lone Justice, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a definitive look at their pioneering sound. While the compilation didn’t chart significantly, it remains a cherished release that underscores the band’s cultural significance and their role in shaping the alternative country and Americana movements.

CD Track Listings:

“Ways to Be Wicked” – 3:26
“Don’t Toss Us Away” – 4:18
“Working Late” – 2:49
“You Are the Light” – 4:28
“Sweet, Sweet Baby (I’m Falling)” – 3:41
“Pass It On” – 4:40
“Wait ‘Til We Get Home” – 4:52
“Soap, Soup and Salvation” – 3:03
“The Grapes of Wrath” – 3:29
“This World Is Not My Home” – 4:54
“Cottonbelt” – 2:51
“Cactus Rose” – 3:58
“Working Man’s Blues” – 2:58
“The Train” – 3:25

This Is Lone Justice: The Vaught Tapes, 1983 – Lone Justice

Released 2014

This Is Lone Justice: The Vaught Tapes, 1983 captures the raw and electrifying essence of Lone Justice in their earliest days, long before their major-label debut catapulted them to fame. Released in 2014, this album serves as a time capsule, showcasing the band’s uncompromising blend of country, rock, and punk influences, recorded with a spontaneous energy that mirrors the spirit of their live performances. The recordings were made in 1983 at Suite 16 Studios in Van Nuys, California, under the direction of engineer and producer David Vaught.

The lineup for this album highlights the nucleus of Lone Justice’s original sound, with Maria McKee delivering her trademark powerhouse vocals and rhythm guitar. Ryan Hedgecock complements her with his fluid lead guitar work, while Marvin Etzioni anchors the music with his dynamic bass playing and Don Heffington adds rhythmic depth on drums. The chemistry among the band members is palpable throughout these recordings, which were laid down live to two-track, emphasizing authenticity and immediacy.

Critically, the album has been lauded for offering an unfiltered glimpse into Lone Justice’s formative years, presenting an alternate narrative to their polished studio releases. These recordings reflect the band’s ability to effortlessly blend traditional country elements with the rebellious energy of punk and the melodic sophistication of rock, embodying a sound that was ahead of its time.