Long Island, New York has given the world some of the greatest rock and roll acts in classic rock history. One of Long Island’s most treasured bands began their forty years career back in 1967 in a town known as Stony Brook. First formed as the Soft White Underbelly by guitarist Donald Roser of Blue Oyster Cult fans known as Buck Dharma, drummer Albert Bouchard, and guitarist/keyboardist Allen Lanier, the band began its ascension towards eventual rock stardom. In 1968, Eric Bloom joined the band as they soon became known as the Stalk Forest Group. After developing their sound and paying their dues in some pretty tough Long Island clubs, the band was signed to Columbia Records in 1972 under the new name of Blue Oyster Cult.
The band’s first four years saw the release of five albums on the Columbia label. While the records garnered critical acclaim, their fan base was still quite limited. That all changed in 1976 with the release of the band’s Agents Of Fortune
album. From that record came the biggest hit of their career. The song “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” was a huge smash record and sealed the band’s fate as one of the legendary bands in rock and roll history.
The band continued to release albums and enjoyed great success throughout the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. Since the late 1980s, the band has continued to perform and release records with multiple lineup changes. However, since 1969, Eric Bloom has been the one constant member and driving force at the wheel. If you are unfamiliar with the band’s legacy, we hope this list will serve as a quick introduction to one of rock and rolls greatest bands.
The Meaning of the band’s name Blue Oyster Cult
Many classic rock fans often wonder where the band’s name came from. The story goes that the origins of the name comes from a poem that the band’s manager named Sany Pearlman composed. The poem was about an alien named Imaginos. It was all tied into an alien conspiracy to take over the Earth. However, the name itself came from a restaurant menu item that Sandy Pearlman had seen.
Top 10 Blue Oyster Cult Songs
# 10 – The Red and the Black
The song “Red and the Black,” was released on the Tyranny & Mutation
album. The record was released in 1972. The first song listed on our Top 10 Blue Oyster Cult Songs list presents the listener immediately with the vintage guitar riffs and bass lines that the band became known for. Listen to the amazing guitar work on this record. The song’s opening riff features Buck Dharma tearing it up on guitar. It only gets better when Buck Dharmer rips open a killer solo at about the two-minute mark.
The song featured Eric Bloom on rhythm guitar, and lead vocals on this track. Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser played lead guitar, Allen Lanier was featured on keyboards and rhythm guitar, Joe Bouchard on bass guitar, and Albert Bouchard on drums. Don’t forget to listen to Joe Bouchard’s rocking bass solo at around the three-minute mark. This is the way to open up a best of Blue Oyster Cult songs list.
# 9 – Flaming Telepaths
This great Blue Oyster Cult song “Flaming Telepaths” was released on the band’s 1974 album Secret Treaties. The Secret Treaties album spent almost four months on the Billboard Top 200 album charts back in 1974. While the first songs on our Top 10 Blue Oyster Cult Songs list featured the great guitar work of the band, “Flaming Telepaths,” introduced the listener to the keyboard orient progressive side of the band. The song’s great chorus echoes some of rock’s great 1960’s band’s. A true gem from the early years. The track Flaming Telepaths featured Eric Bloom on lead vocals. The song was written by Eric Bloom, Albert Bouchard, and Buck Dharma.
# 8 – This Ain’t The Summer of Love
From the album that made the band a household name, Blue Oyster Cult’s “This Ain’t The Summer of Love,” was easily one of the strongest tracks from the album. Released in 1976, the song was the opening track on the album. It was written by Albert Bouchard, Murray Krugman, and Don Waller. The great track featured the lead vocals of Eric Bloom.
# 7 – Take Me Away
“Take Me Away,” was released on the 1980’s album The Revolution By Night. Released in 1983, the song “Take Me Away,” was the opening track on the album. The song once again featured the lead vocals of Eric Bloom. The songwriting credit for the song was shared between Eric Bloom and the great Aldo Nova.
# 6 – Cities On Flame With Rock and Roll
Sounding a bit like Cream, this great Blue Oyster Cult song was one of the band’s earliest recordings for Columbia Records
. The song was released on their debut album entitled Blue Oyster Cult in 1971. The song “Cities On Flame With Rock and Roll,” was the only single released from the record. The song featured the lead vocals of Albert Bouchard.
# 5 – Black Blade
Black Blade was the opening track on Blue Oyster Cult’s Cultösaurus Erectus album. The album was released in 1980. During that period in time, Blue Oyster Cult was enjoining massive success touring as co-headliners with Black Sabbath in what was billed as the Black and Blue Tour. The song was written by Eric Bloom in collaboration with science fiction writer Michael Moorcock
# 4 – E.T.I (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)
Another great cut from the classic Agents of Fortune album. The song E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) became a true concert favorite for years for Blue Oyster Cult fans. The song was written by Donald Roeser and the album’s producer Sandy Pearlman. Eric Bloom sang lead vocals on the track.
# 3 – Burning For You
Blue Oyster Cult presented fans with so many great guitar riffs that drove home their biggest hits. However, this song was all about mood and groove. Probably one of the coolest songs to come out of the early 1980s rock period. The song was released on the band’s 1981 Fire of Unknown Origin album. The song hit Number 1 on the United States Billboard Rock Tracks Chart.
# 2 – Godzilla
Well, there are monster riffs and then there are quite literally MONSTER RIFFS. Perhaps the most famous riff that the band ever recorded, Blue Oyster Cult’s “Godzilla,” was just that. The band’s classic track was issued on their Spectres album. The record was the follow-up to their mega-hit album Agents of Fortune. The song “Godzilla,” was written by Donald Roeser, also known as Buck Dharma. Buck sang the lead vocal on the song.
# 1 – (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
It would be pretty hard to argue against “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” coming in at the Number 1 spot on our Top 10 Blue Oyster Cult Songs list. The song was one of the most famous rock songs to come out of the classic rock era. It was easily Blue Oyster Cult’s biggest hit. And in the simplest terms, it’s one helluva song! The lead vocal on the track was sung by Buck Dharma. The song’s message according to multiple interviews with Buck Dharma. was one of eternal love. Regardless of the message, the song will never fade from the memories of any young adult or teenager growing up in the 1970s. One of those soundtrack of your life songs.
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Updated June 12, 2023
Top 10 Blue Oyster Cult Songs
article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. 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I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
I’ll agree with this list, largely because I’m guessing the list was based on chart performance. It just sadden’s me that songs from Club Ninja and Mirrors get overlooked.
The list was not based on chart performance, it was based on the factors that were written about which is more closer to an essential list than a chart topping list. Most people never ever read the articles they just look at the songs and then complain. We actually write these articles to pay tribute to these great bands. We are always going to miss some songs because its a top 10 list and it’s purely subjective. Those albums you mentioned are also great. You should have named some of the songs you thought we missed and then by doing that, they got mentioned. Thanks for your comment. And don’t be sad…..
I like the list (not your typical which I like) but will name a few more that might be honorable mentions:
Screams – just an eerie tune off their first album
Then Came the Last Days of May
Hot Rails to Hell
Career of Evil
Dominance and Submission
Astronomy
Death Valley Nights
Nosferatu (I Love the Night and good)
Spectres very underrated album.
E.T.I
The Revenge of Vera Gemini (Patti Smith co-writes another great one)
The Great Sun Jester
The Vigil
Divine Wind
Deadline
Unknown Tongue
Shooting Shark
Veteran ofvthe Psychic Wars
Dancin’ in the Ruins
Perfect Water
Beat’Em Up
I Am The One You Warned Me Of
See You In Black
Harvest Moon
Dance on Stilts
Pocket
I could go on and on…. ?
I’d swap Astronomy for Take me away, fun song but sounds more like Aldo Nova’s fantasy than BOC. If I had to put a post ETL song on there it would be Perfect Water. Greatly happy with inclusion of Flaming Telepaths.
“Astronomy” definitely needs to be on the list, whether you add more tunes, as I’ll admit I’m not up on more recent stuff after “Revolution By Night”, or substitute something else. “Astronomy” should have been a song on the same legendary level as “Stairway To Heaven”, “Iron Man”, “You Shook Me All Night Long”, etc.
And I hated Metallica’s ruining that great song but that’s just me.
Blue Oyster Cult did score big with “Don’t Fear The Reaper” and “Burnin’ For You”. But they have an interesting dichotomy between the first three studio albums and the rest of their catalogue. Long time BOC fans consider “Blue Oyster Cult”, Tyranny And Mutation” and “Secret Treaties” the “dark” albums, and then after a live album with “Agents Of Fortune” their sound was more polished. No less great by any call, but jazz started making its mark with tunes like “Searching For Celine” and “Tenderloin”‘s great ending.
For me, I would pick:
The Red And The Black
Teen Archer
7 Screaming Diz Busters
All of “Secret Treaties”
“Tattoo Vampire”
“Golden Age Of Leather”
“I Love The Night”
“In Thee” My wife LOVES this very very nice ballad, and it should have been a huge hit.
“Divine Wind” Probably as heavy as BOC would get after “Cultosaurus Erectus”.
“Florida Man” Even with just Buck Dharma and Eric Bloom, BOC can still write good ballads, and we can easily hear where Ghost (aka Tobias Forge) got his influences for melodic heavy metal.
Many of BÖC’s greatest songs missing, particularly “Tenderloin”, “The Revenge of Vera Gemini” and “Debbie Denise”.