Complete List Of Traffic Songs From A to Z

Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Steve Winwood, fresh from his success with the Spencer Davis Group, joined forces with Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood, and Dave Mason to form a band that would soon redefine what British rock could sound. Their early songwriting sessions took place in a secluded cottage in Aston Tirrold, Berkshire, a setting that allowed them to experiment freely with diverse styles, fusing rock, jazz, folk, and psychedelia into something unmistakably their own.

Their debut album, Mr. Fantasy, released in December 1967 on Island Records, immediately set them apart from their contemporaries. Produced by Jimmy Miller, the record featured Steve Winwood’s commanding vocals and multi-instrumental skill, Chris Wood’s rich saxophone and flute textures, Dave Mason’s inventive guitar and songwriting, and Jim Capaldi’s steady rhythmic drive. Songs like “Paper Sun,” “Hole in My Shoe,” and “Dear Mr. Fantasy” showcased the group’s innovative use of melody and improvisation. The album reached number sixteen on the UK Albums Chart and number eighty-eight in the United States, marking the beginning of a career defined by fearless musical exploration.

By 1968, Traffic had evolved rapidly, releasing their self-titled second album, Traffic, which contained the hit “Feelin’ Alright?” written by Dave Mason. The song became one of their most enduring compositions, later covered by Joe Cocker and many others. Although Mason briefly left the band after this release, Traffic continued as a trio, maintaining a rich and layered sound that leaned more heavily on improvisation and complex arrangements. Their live performances were gaining a reputation for unpredictability and creative freedom, a spirit that reflected the band’s commitment to musicianship over commercial trends.

After a brief disbandment in 1969, Steve Winwood began recording a solo project that soon evolved into Traffic’s fourth studio album, John Barleycorn Must Die, released in 1970. This marked a turning point for the band. The album blended rock, folk, and jazz influences into a cohesive and mature sound, highlighted by songs like “Glad,” “Freedom Rider,” and “Empty Pages.” Recorded at Island Studios in London and produced by Winwood, the record became their highest-charting effort to that point, reaching number five on the Billboard 200 and number eleven in the UK. Its success reestablished Traffic as one of the most sophisticated and musically accomplished bands of the era.

In 1971, Traffic followed with The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, an album that further cemented their legacy. Featuring the title track, a sprawling and hypnotic piece that became a signature of the band’s live performances, the record also included “Light Up or Leave Me Alone” and “Rock and Roll Stew.” Winwood’s leadership and production, combined with Capaldi’s writing and contributions from Rick Grech, Jim Gordon, and Reebop Kwaku Baah, created a sound that was both ambitious and accessible. The album reached number seven on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum in the United States, reflecting both critical and commercial success.

Traffic continued to evolve with albums such as Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory (1973) and When the Eagle Flies (1974), recorded with musicians including Rosko Gee and Roger Hawkins. Each record showcased their ongoing willingness to blend genres and expand their musical vocabulary. Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory reached number six in the US, while When the Eagle Flies climbed to number nine, further confirming their consistent appeal. Their music during this era revealed a growing maturity, mixing intricate compositions with soulful performances that continued to highlight Winwood’s unmistakable voice and Capaldi’s lyrical insight.

The band’s initial run came to an end in 1974 after years of extensive touring and recording, with each member moving on to other projects. Steve Winwood embarked on a highly successful solo career, while Jim Capaldi released a series of albums as both a performer and songwriter. Traffic briefly reunited in 1994 with the album Far from Home, recorded by Winwood and Capaldi. The record, released on Virgin Records, was followed by an extensive world tour that introduced their classic songs to a new generation of fans.

Complete List Of Traffic Songs From A to Z

(Sometimes I Feel So) Uninspired – Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory – 1973
Am I What I Was or Am I What I Am – Traffic – 1968
Berkshire Poppies – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Blind Man (live at the Fillmore) – Last Exit – 1969
Coloured Rain – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Cryin’ to Be Heard – Traffic – 1968
Dear Mr. Fantasy – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Dealer – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Don’t Be Sad – Traffic – 1968
Dream Gerrard – When the Eagle Flies – 1974
Empty Pages – John Barleycorn Must Die – 1970
Evening Blue – Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory – 1973
Every Mother’s Son – John Barleycorn Must Die – 1970
Every Night, Every Day – Far from Home – 1994
Far from Home – Far from Home – 1994
Feelin’ Alright? – Traffic – 1968
Feelin’ Alright? (mono single mix) – Traffic – 1968
Feelin’ Good (live at the Fillmore) – Last Exit – 1969
Freedom Rider – John Barleycorn Must Die – 1970
Giving to You (album version) – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Giving to You (mono single version) – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Glad – John Barleycorn Must Die – 1970
Graveyard People – When the Eagle Flies – 1974
Heaven Is in Your Mind – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Here Comes a Man – Far from Home – 1994
Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush – Traffic – 1968
Hidden Treasure – The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys – 1971
Hole in My Shoe – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Holy Ground – Far from Home – 1994
Hope I Never Find Me There – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
House for Everyone – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
John Barleycorn (Must Die) – John Barleycorn Must Die – 1970
Just for You – Last Exit – 1969
Light Up or Leave Me Alone – The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys – 1971
Love – When the Eagle Flies – 1974
Many a Mile to Freedom – The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys – 1971
Means to an End – Traffic – 1968
Medicated Goo – Traffic – 1968
Medicated Goo – Last Exit – 1969
Memories of a Rock n’ Rolla – When the Eagle Flies – 1974
Mozambique – Far from Home – 1994
No Face, No Name and No Number – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
No Time to Live – Traffic – 1968
Nowhere is Their Freedom – Far from Home – 1994
Paper Sun – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Pearly Queen – Traffic – 1968
Rainmaker – The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys – 1971
Riding High – Far from Home – 1994
Roamin’ Thru’ the Gloamin’ with 40,000 Headmen – Traffic – 1968
Rock & Roll Stew – The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys – 1971
Rock & Roll Stew Parts 1 & 2 – The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys – 1971
Roll Right Stones – Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory – 1973
Shanghai Noodle Factory – Traffic – 1968
Shanghai Noodle Factory – Last Exit – 1969
Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory – Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory – 1973
Smiling Phases – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Some Kinda Woman – Far from Home – 1994
Something New – When the Eagle Flies – 1974
Something’s Got a Hold of My Toe – Last Exit – 1969
State of Grace – Far from Home – 1994
Stranger to Himself – John Barleycorn Must Die – 1970
The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys – The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys – 1971
This Train Won’t Stop – Far from Home – 1994
Tragic Magic – Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory – 1973
Utterly Simple – Mr. Fantasy – 1967
Vagabond Virgin – Traffic – 1968
Walking in the Wind – When the Eagle Flies – 1974
When the Eagle Flies – When the Eagle Flies – 1974
Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring – Traffic – 1968
Withering Tree (B-side to the single Feelin’ Alright? – stereo single mix) – Traffic – 1968
Withering Tree (stereo single mix) – Traffic – 1968
Withering Tree – Last Exit – 1969
You Can All Join In – Traffic – 1968
You Can All Join In (mono single mix) – Traffic – 1968

Albums

Mr. Fantasy (1967): 15 songs

Traffic (1968): 18 songs

Last Exit (1969): 7 songs

John Barleycorn Must Die (1970): 6 songs

The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (1971): 7 songs

Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory (1973): 5 songs

When the Eagle Flies (1974): 7 songs

Far from Home (1994): 10 songs

Complete List Of Traffic Band Members

Top 10 Traffic Songs

Check out similar articles and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com

Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain Creative Commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.