Feature Photo: Bruce Alan Bennett / Shutterstock.com
The Steve Miller Band was formed in 1966 in San Francisco, California. The band was founded by Steve Miller, a guitarist and vocalist whose blues-infused style became integral to their music. Over the decades, the Steve Miller Band has released eighteen studio albums, including iconic records such as Fly Like an Eagle and Book of Dreams, both of which solidified their place in rock history. They have also released several live albums and numerous compilations.
Their breakthrough came with the album The Joker in 1973, which featured the hit single “The Joker.” This success was further amplified with Fly Like an Eagle (1976) and Book of Dreams (1977), with tracks like “Rock’n Me,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” and “Jet Airliner” achieving substantial radio play and high positions on the Billboard charts. Fly Like an Eagle and Book of Dreams were both certified multi-platinum in the United States, demonstrating their widespread appeal. The band enjoyed consistent chart success through the 1970s and 1980s. The Steve Miller Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016,
STEVE MILLER BAND STUDIO ALBUMS
Children of the Future
Released: June 1968
Label: Capitol Records
Children of the Future marked the Steve Miller Band’s debut studio album. Produced by Glyn Johns and recorded at Olympic Studios in London, this album laid the groundwork for the band’s psychedelic rock sound. It’s characterized by its conceptual and ambitious composition, which reflected the countercultural sentiments of the 1960s.
CD Track Listings:
“Children of the Future” – 2:58
“Pushed Me to It” – 0:36
“You’ve Got the Power” – 0:55
“In My First Mind” – 7:31
“The Beauty of Time Is That It’s Snowing” – 5:23
“Baby’s Callin’ Me Home” – 3:24
“Steppin’ Stone” – 3:02
“Roll With It” – 2:29
“Junior Saw It Happen” – 2:29
“Fanny Mae” – 3:11
“Key to the Highway” – 6:18
Sailor
Released: October 1968
Label: Capitol Records
Sailor is often regarded as one of the Steve Miller Band’s best early works, showcasing a more developed rock sound with psychedelic and blues influences. Produced by Glyn Johns at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, Sailor includes some of the band’s most enduring hits and was a commercial success, reaching high positions on the US Billboard charts.
CD Track Listings:
“Song for Our Ancestors” – 5:57
“Dear Mary” – 3:35
“My Friend” – 3:30
“Living in the U.S.A.” – 4:03
“Quicksilver Girl” – 2:40
“Lucky Man” – 3:08
“Gangster of Love” – 1:24
“You’re So Fine” – 2:51
“Overdrive” – 3:54
“Dime-a-Dance Romance” – 3:26
Brave New World
Released: June 1969
Label: Capitol Records
Brave New World represents a pivotal moment in the band’s history, where they began to infuse more rock elements into their sound. Recorded at Sound Recorders in Hollywood and produced by Glyn Johns, this album features some of the band’s most experimental work, including “Space Cowboy” and “My Dark Hour,” which Steve Miller recorded with Paul McCartney.
CD Track Listings:
“Brave New World” – 3:27
“Celebration Song” – 2:33
“Can’t You Hear Your Daddy’s Heartbeat” – 2:30
“Got Love ‘Cause You Need It” – 2:28
“Kow Kow” – 4:28
“Seasons” – 3:50
“Space Cowboy” – 4:55
“LT’s Midnight Dream” – 2:33
“My Dark Hour” – 3:07
Your Saving Grace
Released: November 1969
Label: Capitol Records
Your Saving Grace moves towards a more soulful and blues-oriented direction, showcasing the versatility of the band. Produced by Glyn Johns and recorded at Wally Heider Studios, this album features a rich blend of musical styles and was well-received for its refined production and mature sound.
CD Track Listings:
“Little Girl” – 3:20
“Just a Passin’ Fancy in a Midnite Dream” – 3:38
“Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around” – 2:27
“Baby’s House” – 8:55
“Motherless Children” – 5:52
“The Last Wombat in Mecca” – 2:53
“Feel So Glad” – 5:22
“Your Saving Grace” – 4:55
Number 5
Released: July 1970
Label: Capitol Records
Number 5, recorded at Capitol Records Studios in Hollywood, continues the exploration of blues and rock with a hint of country. Produced by Steve Miller himself, this album features more personal songwriting and includes tracks like “Good Morning” and “Going to Mexico,” showcasing Miller’s growth as an artist.
CD Track Listings:
“Good Morning” – 2:45
“I Love You” – 2:49
“Going to Mexico” – 2:23
“Hot Chili” – 3:28
“Tokin’s” – 4:20
“Going to the Country” – 3:43
“Steve Miller’s Midnight Tango” – 2:38
“Industrial Military Complex Hex” – 3:54
“Jackson-Kent Blues” – 7:16
“Never Kill Another Man” – 2:48
Rock Love
Released: 1971
Label: Capitol Records
Rock Love features a mix of studio and live recordings, showcasing a period of transition for the band. Despite mixed reviews, this album includes standout tracks that capture the raw live energy of the band. It was recorded primarily during live performances and studio sessions in San Francisco.
CD Track Listings:
“The Gangster is Back” – 2:28
“Blues Without Blame” – 5:41
“Love Shock” – 11:43
“Let Me Serve You” – 2:26
“Rock Love” – 2:28
“Harbor Lights” – 4:06
“Deliverance” – 9:19
Recall the Beginning…A Journey from Eden
Released: 1972
Label: Capitol Records
Recall the Beginning…A Journey from Eden is an introspective album that veers into a narrative style, blending rock with elements of folk and blues. The album’s production took place at Capitol Studios in Hollywood and features a quieter, more reflective side of the band.
CD Track Listings:
“Welcome” – 1:14
“Enter Maurice” – 3:53
“High on You Mama” – 3:48
“Heal Your Heart” – 3:19
“The Sun is Going Down” – 1:39
“Somebody Somewhere Help Me” – 2:37
“Love’s Riddle” – 3:25
“Fandango” – 3:55
“Nothing Lasts” – 4:05
“Journey from Eden” – 6:45
The Joker
Released: October 1973
Label: Capitol Records
The Joker is one of Steve Miller Band’s most famous albums, marking a significant shift towards a more mainstream rock sound. The album was recorded at Capitol Studios and produced by Steve Miller. It features the iconic title track “The Joker,” which became a No. 1 single and is known for its distinctive melody and the phrase “Space Cowboy.”
CD Track Listings:
“Sugar Babe” – 4:32
“Mary Lou” – 2:24
“Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma” – 5:40
“Your Cash Ain’t Nothin’ But Trash” – 3:14
“The Joker” – 4:26
“The Lovin’ Cup” – 2:10
“Come On in My Kitchen” – 3:58
“Evil” – 4:35
“Something to Believe In” – 4:40
Fly Like an Eagle
Released: May 1976
Label: Capitol Records
Fly Like an Eagle is a landmark album for the Steve Miller Band, integrating elements of rock, funk, and blues with electronic music. It was recorded at CBS Studios in San Francisco with producer Steve Miller and engineer Jim Gaines. The album includes hits like “Fly Like an Eagle,” “Take the Money and Run,” and “Rock’n Me,” and reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, becoming one of their most successful albums.
CD Track Listings:
“Space Intro” – 1:15
“Fly Like an Eagle” – 4:42
“Wild Mountain Honey” – 4:51
“Serenade” – 3:13
“Dance, Dance, Dance” – 2:18
“Mercury Blues” – 3:43
“Take the Money and Run” – 2:50
“Rock’n Me” – 3:07
“You Send Me” – 2:42
“Blue Odyssey” – 1:00
“Sweet Maree” – 4:16
“The Window” – 4:19
Book of Dreams
Released: May 1977
Label: Capitol Records
Book of Dreams continues the commercial and artistic success initiated by Fly Like an Eagle. Recorded at CBS Studios in San Francisco and produced by Steve Miller, the album features a blend of rock, blues, and pop elements that define the band’s sound during this period. Hits like “Jet Airliner,” “Jungle Love,” and “Swingtown” helped the album reach No. 2 on the Billboard charts, cementing its status as a classic.
CD Track Listings:
“Threshold” – 1:05
“Jet Airliner” – 4:25
“Winter Time” – 3:10
“Swingtown” – 3:54
“True Fine Love” – 2:37
“Wish Upon a Star” – 3:39
“Jungle Love” – 3:07
“Electro Lux Imbroglio” – 0:55
“Sacrifice” – 5:17
“The Stake” – 3:56
“My Own Space” – 3:00
“Babes in the Wood” – 2:40
Circle of Love
Released: October 1981
Label: Capitol Records
Circle of Love marks a stylistic shift with a side-long suite and more straightforward rock compositions. The album features varied musical styles and was recorded at The Automatt in San Francisco. It didn’t achieve the same commercial heights as its predecessors but is noted for its ambitious structure.
CD Track Listings:
“Heart Like a Wheel” – 4:35
“Get on Home” – 4:04
“Baby Wanna Dance” – 2:14
“Circle of Love” – 6:29
“Macho City” – 16:24
Abracadabra
Released: June 1982
Label: Capitol Records
Abracadabra, known for its title track that became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, showcases a return to the band’s successful formula of catchy rock tunes mixed with pop sensibilities. Recorded at The Automatt, the album features an infectious blend of rock and pop that proved to be hugely popular.
CD Track Listings:
“Keeps Me Wondering Why” – 3:42
“Abracadabra” – 5:08
“Something Special” – 3:35
“Give It Up” – 3:37
“Never Say No” – 3:37
“Things I Told You” – 3:15
“Young Girl’s Heart” – 3:33
“Goodbye Love” – 2:54
“Cool Magic” – 4:23
“While I’m Waiting” – 3:26
Italian X Rays
Released: November 1984
Label: Capitol Records
Italian X Rays features a distinctive electronic sound with heavy use of synthesizers, diverging from the classic rock formula. Recorded at Capitol’s studios in Hollywood and produced by Steve Miller and Gary Mallaber, the album includes more experimental tracks that reflect the evolving music scene of the 1980s.
CD Track Listings:
“Radio 1” – 0:38
“Italian X Rays” – 4:37
“Daybreak” – 2:40
“Shangri-La” – 5:02
“Who Do You Love” – 2:54
“Harmony of the Spheres 1” – 1:44
“Radio 2” – 0:34
“Bongo Bongo” – 3:11
“Out of the Night” – 3:45
“Golden Opportunity” – 3:32
“The Hollywood Dream” – 3:50
“One in a Million” – 3:40
Living in the 20th Century
Released: November 1986
Label: Capitol Records
Living in the 20th Century returns to a blues-based sound with a collection of both original songs and blues standards. Recorded at Capitol Studios, this album reaffirms Steve Miller’s roots in the blues genre while infusing his signature rock style. The album features a blend of Miller’s original compositions alongside classic blues covers, showcasing his versatility and deep respect for the genre’s tradition.
CD Track Listings:
“Nobody But You Baby” – 4:02
“I Want to Make the World Turn Around” – 4:25
“Slinky” – 2:40
“Living in the 20th Century” – 3:05
“Maelstrom” – 4:00
“I Wanna Be Loved (But Only By You)” – 2:22
“My Babe” – 2:55
“Big Boss Man” – 2:34
“Caress Me Baby” – 3:17
“Ain’t That Lovin’ You Baby” – 3:15
“Behind the Barn” – 3:37
Born 2 B Blue
Released: September 1988
Label: Capitol Records
Born 2 B Blue marks a significant departure from Steve Miller Band’s typical rock sound, exploring jazz and blues more deeply. This solo album by Steve Miller features a mix of jazz standards and bluesy renditions of some of his earlier songs. It was recorded with renowned jazz musicians, which infused the album with authentic jazz and blues rhythms.
CD Track Listings:
“Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” – 4:14
“Ya Ya” – 3:34
“God Bless the Child” – 5:03
“Filthy McNasty” – 2:50
“Born to Be Blue” – 5:26
“Mary Ann” – 4:48
“Just a Little Bit” – 4:03
“When Sunny Gets Blue” – 4:35
“Willow Weep for Me” – 5:22
“Red Top” – 3:38
Wide River
Released: June 1993
Label: Polydor Records
Wide River is the Steve Miller Band’s last studio album of the 20th century and features a polished rock sound with blues influences. This is probably Steve Miller’s most underrated album. I love this record. Its a throwback to his late 1970s records. Recorded at several studios, including Capitol Studios and Steve Miller’s personal studio, the album captures a mature iteration of the band’s signature sound.
CD Track Listings:
“Wide River” – 3:56
“Midnight Train” – 4:17
“Blue Eyes” – 5:10
“Lost in Your Eyes” – 3:48
“Perfect World” – 5:31
“Horse and Rider” – 4:13
“Circle of Fire” – 3:44
“Conversation” – 4:12
“Cry Cry Cry” – 4:18
“Stranger Blues” – 4:29
“Walks Like a Lady” – 3:57
“All Your Love (I Miss Loving)” – 5:18
Bingo!
Released: June 2010
Label: Roadrunner Records
Bingo! is a revival of the band’s blues roots, presenting a vigorous set of blues covers that pay homage to the classics. This album marks the band’s return after a long hiatus and was recorded at Skywalker Sound. It features crisp production and high-energy performances.
CD Track Listings:
“Hey Yeah” – 3:16
“Who’s Been Talkin'” – 3:03
“Don’t Cha Know” – 3:12
“Rock Me Baby” – 3:47
“Tramp” – 3:27
“Sweet Soul Vibe” – 3:38
“Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)” – 2:38
“All Your Love (I Miss Loving)” – 3:12
“You Got Me Dizzy” – 2:22
“Ooh Poo Pah Doo” – 3:29
Let Your Hair Down
Released: April 2011
Label: Roadrunner Records
Let Your Hair Down serves as a companion to Bingo!, featuring more blues covers recorded during the same sessions. This album continues the exploration of blues music, with authentic renditions and passionate performances, further establishing the band’s commitment to the genre.
Janey Roberts lives in Chelsea, London. She has worked for various British musical publications writing album and concert reviews. Originally from Balboa Park, San Diego, Janey brings an international cross cultural perspective to rock journalism.