Complete List Of The SteelDrivers Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Justin Higuchi from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The Steeldrivers emerged out of Nashville, Tennessee in 2005, fusing bluegrass tradition with gritty, soulful vocals and a songwriting sensibility that set them apart from the acoustic crowd. Founding members Chris Stapleton (vocals, guitar), Mike Henderson (mandolin, guitar), Tammy Rogers (fiddle, vocals), Richard Bailey (banjo), and Mike Fleming (bass, vocals) each brought years of session and songwriting experience, creating a lineup that quickly turned heads in the roots music community. Their brand of “bluegrass with an edge” was not an accident—Stapleton and Henderson, both seasoned Nashville songwriters, deliberately set out to push boundaries.

The band’s self-titled debut album, The SteelDrivers, arrived in 2008 on Rounder Records and immediately caught critics’ and fans’ attention with its powerful lead vocals, dark subject matter, and original material. Songs like “Blue Side of the Mountain” and “If It Hadn’t Been for Love” stood out, with the latter later famously covered by Adele, further elevating the Steeldrivers’ reputation. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and the band was nominated for New Artist of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards.

Building on their momentum, The Steeldrivers released Reckless in 2010. The album, produced by Luke Wooten, deepened their sound and included tracks such as “Where Rainbows Never Die” and “Ghosts of Mississippi,” showcasing Stapleton’s growing prowess as both a singer and songwriter. Once again, they were recognized by the Recording Academy with a Grammy nomination, reinforcing their place as a fresh force in contemporary bluegrass.

After the release of Reckless, Chris Stapleton left the band to focus on his solo career, but The Steeldrivers pressed on. Gary Nichols, an Alabama-born singer and guitarist, joined the group, bringing a soulful and bluesy edge that fit seamlessly into the band’s ethos. With Nichols, they released Hammer Down in 2013. The album was a commercial and critical success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart. Standout tracks like “I’ll Be There” and “When You Don’t Come Home” demonstrated that the group’s chemistry remained intact even as personnel shifted.

Their fourth studio album, The Muscle Shoals Recordings, arrived in 2015 and marked another high point for the band. Recorded in the legendary Muscle Shoals, Alabama studios, the album paid homage to the region’s rich musical history and captured the band’s raw energy and musical dexterity. The record won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, a career-defining moment that reflected both the band’s consistency and willingness to evolve. Songs like “A Long Way Down” and “Brother John” continued the band’s tradition of emotionally resonant, lyrically rich bluegrass.

In 2017, Gary Nichols left the group and was replaced by Kentucky native Kelvin Damrell, who joined just in time for the band’s fifth studio album. Bad For You was released in 2020, again debuting at number one on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart. The record included tracks such as “Bad For You” and “When a Heart Breaks,” showcasing the band’s continued ability to blend storytelling, musicianship, and a modern bluegrass sound. Tammy Rogers’ role as both a fiddler and harmony vocalist continued to be central to the band’s identity, and her presence provided vital continuity through multiple lineup changes.

Throughout their career, The Steeldrivers have maintained a strong touring presence, playing major bluegrass and Americana festivals, and bringing their electrifying live show to audiences across the U.S. Their concerts are known for a mix of technical prowess and down-to-earth energy—qualities that have attracted a devoted following and consistently strong ticket sales. The band’s musicianship has garnered individual accolades as well, including multiple IBMA nominations for Instrumental Group of the Year and Fiddler of the Year for Rogers.

The band’s influence extends beyond bluegrass circles. Chris Stapleton’s subsequent solo success has drawn new listeners to the Steeldrivers’ catalog, especially those who discover his songwriting roots in tracks like “Where Rainbows Never Die.” At the same time, covers of their songs by mainstream artists such as Adele have helped bridge the gap between bluegrass, country, and pop, highlighting the universality of their material.

The Steeldrivers have released five studio albums: The SteelDrivers (2008), Reckless (2010), Hammer Down (2013), The Muscle Shoals Recordings (2015), and Bad For You (2020), each marking a new chapter in the band’s evolution. Their consistent presence atop the bluegrass charts speaks to the loyalty of their audience and the continued appeal of their distinctive sound. The band’s willingness to adapt to lineup changes without losing its core musical identity is a testament to their resilience and dedication.

Beyond their chart success and industry awards, The Steeldrivers are respected for their songwriting and the authenticity they bring to their craft. Songs of heartbreak, resilience, and life’s struggles resonate deeply with fans, and their blend of traditional bluegrass instrumentation with blues, soul, and rock influences sets them apart. The band’s unique sound has inspired countless up-and-coming artists to take chances with the genre’s boundaries.

Outside of the band, individual members have contributed to the broader music world—most notably Chris Stapleton, whose rise as a country music superstar is rooted in his time with the Steeldrivers. Other members, like Tammy Rogers and Richard Bailey, are highly regarded as session musicians, songwriters, and collaborators across the Americana, country, and roots music scenes. Their contributions to the industry extend well beyond the band itself.

The Steeldrivers have also shown a commitment to their fans, often interacting on social media and staying accessible even as their profile has grown. Their grassroots approach and dedication to live performance have kept them grounded, and their legacy continues to grow with each new album and tour. For many, the Steeldrivers represent the future of bluegrass—an act that honors tradition while embracing new sounds and stories.

Their work outside of music includes support for various charitable causes, particularly those in the Nashville area, where their influence is deeply felt. The band’s journey from local collaborators to Grammy winners is a story of persistence, creative risk-taking, and an unwavering belief in the power of song. As they continue to tour and record, The Steeldrivers’ reputation as bluegrass innovators only becomes more solidified.

The Steeldrivers’ story is ongoing, with new chapters being written as they continue to release music and connect with fans around the world. Their contribution to American roots music is secure, and their willingness to explore the emotional depths of life through bluegrass continues to inspire listeners and musicians alike.

The SteelDrivers

Released – January 15, 2008

1. “Blue Side of the Mountain” 3:28
2. “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” 2:53
3. “Midnight Train to Memphis” 3:02
4. “Midnight Tears”
5. “If You Can’t Be Good, Be Gone” 2:30
6. “If It Hadn’t Been for Love” 3:58
7. “Hear the Willow Cry”
8. “Sticks That Made Thunder” 4:08
9. “East Kentucky Home” 2:37
10. “To Be With You Again” 3:34
11. “Heaven Sent”

Reckless

Released – September 7, 2010

1. “The Reckless Side of Me” 3:13
2. “Good Corn Liquor” 3:40
3. “Where Rainbows Never Die” 3:49
4. “The Price” 4:09
5. “Can You Run” 4:58
6. “Peacemaker” 4:03
7. “You Put the Hurt On Me” 3:45
8. “Midnight on the Mountain” 2:41
9. “Guitars, Whiskey, Guns and Knives” 2:35
10. “Angel of the Night” 4:00
11. “Higher Than the Wall” 3:47
12. “Ghosts of Mississippi” 6:14

Hammer Down

Released – February 5, 2013

1. “Shallow Grave” – 2:55
2. “How Long Have I Been Your Fool” – 3:26
3. “When You Don’t Come Home” – 3:02
4. “I’ll Be There” – 3:57
5. “Burnin’ the Woodshed Down” – 3:25
6. “Wearin’ a Hole” – 3:24
7. “Lonesome Goodbye” – 4:31
8. “Hell on Wheels” – 2:53
9. “Cry No Mississippi” – 4:05
10. “When I’m Gone” – 3:01

 

The Muscle Shoals Recordings

Released – June 16, 2015

1. “Long Way Down” – 3:44
2. “Drinkin’ Alone” – 2:41
3. “Ashes of Yesterday” – 3:13
4. “Day Before Temptation” – 3:11
5. “Here She Goes” – 3:26
6. “California Chainsaw” – 2:47
7. “Hangin’ Around” – 2:52
8. “Brother John” – 3:41
9. “Six Feet Away” – 3:07
10. “Too Much” – 3:43
11. “River Runs Red” – 4:00

Bad for You

Released – February 7, 2020

1 Bad For You
2 The Bartender
3 12 O’Clock Blues
4 I Choose You
5 Falling Man
6 Forgive
7 Glad I’m Gone
8 Innocent Man
9 Mama Says No
10 Lonely And Being Alone
11 When A Heart Breaks

Tougher Than Nails

Released – September 8, 2023

1 Somewhere Down the Road
2 Tougher Than Nails
3 Just a Little Talk with Jesus
4 Farther Along
5 Magdalene
6 30 Silver Pieces
7 I Will Someday
8 His Eye Is on the Sparrow
9 At the River
10 Going Home
11 Amazing Grace

Outrun

Released – May 23, 2025

1 Outrun
2 The River Knows
3 Booze and Cigarettes
4 Cut You Down
5 Prisoner’s Tears
6 Rosanna
7 When the Last Teardrop Falls
8 Painted and Poison
9 Traveling Trouble Blues
10 You Should See the Other Guy
11 Emma Lee
12 On My Way