Top 10 Budgie Songs

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Our top 10 Budgie songs showcase a Welsh band renowned for its influence on heavy metal music. Formed in 1967, the original lineup included guitarist and vocalist Tony Bourge, drummer Ray Phillips, and vocalist and bassist Burke Shelley. Initially, they performed under the name Hills Contemporary Grass, but after a series of gigs, they adopted the name Budgie, inspired by Shelley’s affinity for playing loud, heavy rock.

Their debut album was released in 1971, produced by Rodger Bain, known for his work with Black Sabbath. The album delivered a strong, blues-infused hard rock sound. Budgie achieved critical acclaim with their third album, Never Turn Your Back on a Friend in 1973, featuring the track “Breadfan,” which would later be covered by Metallica, further cementing Budgie’s influence in the metal genre. Following this success, the band underwent several lineup changes, bringing in members who had previously played with bands like Hawkwind and Trapeze.

During the British new wave era of heavy metal, Budgie continued to enjoy success, touring Europe and performing alongside prominent acts such as Iron Maiden and Ozzy Osbourne. Although the band had limited success in the United States, they developed a cult following in Texas, where their music received airplay on several radio stations. This led Budgie to frequently perform in cities like Houston and Dallas, aiming to expand their fanbase in the US.

Budgie has primarily been recognized as a hard rock and heavy metal band, yet their music also incorporates elements of progressive rock and funk, often infused with a sense of humor. The band’s unique sound has been described by many as a blend of Black Sabbath’s heavy riffs and Rush’s complex compositions. In particular, Burke Shelley’s high-pitched vocals have drawn comparisons to Rush’s Geddy Lee. Despite their relative obscurity in the early part of their career, Budgie has been cited as a significant influence by numerous artists and bands, underscoring their impact on the heavy metal genre. Some of these artists/bands include Metallica, The Melvins, Soundgarden, Iron Maiden, Alice in Chains, and Megadeth. Here are the top 10 Budgie songs sampled from the band’s eleven studio albums.

# 10 – Hot As a Docker’s Armpit

Leading our top 10 Budgie songs is the dynamic track “Hot As a Docker’s Armpit,” featured on the band’s 1972 album Squawk. This song distinguishes itself with its powerful, stomping, and stuttering riff, which is cleverly mirrored in the vocal melody. “Hot As a Docker’s Armpit” is a perfect introduction to Budgie’s heavy metal sound, drawing listeners in with its energetic progression that picks up pace halfway through the track. While you might momentarily think you’re hearing Geddy Lee from Rush, it’s actually Burke Shelley’s impressive vocals driving the song. Shelley’s standout performance on this track solidifies his status as a critical figure in the band’s success.

Read More: Top 10 Rush Songs

# 9 – You Know I’ll Always Love You

Never Turn Your Back On a Friend (1973) stands as one of Budgie’s landmark albums, significantly influencing the future of progressive metal. A standout track from this album, “You Know I’ll Always Love You,” surprised fans with its awe-inspiring lyrical themes and high-pitched vocals reminiscent of bands like Rush and Led Zeppelin. Discussing the soothing vocals on this song, it’s clear that Burke Shelley was an incredible asset to Budgie. His emotive performance in this beautiful track raises the question: Can heavy metal acts deliver such poignant expressions? Budgie answers this with a resounding yes, captivating listeners with a song that lasts just over two minutes.

# 8 – Crash Course in Brain Surgery

Heavy metal takes on a richer flavor when the lyrics venture into the philosophical, and Budgie’s track “Crash Course in Brain Surgery” is a prime example. From their 1974 album In for the Kill, this song delves into the notion of a metaphorical ‘crash course in brain surgery.’ I might jest that there’s no such thing as a literal crash course in this delicate field, but in a broader sense, many of us do become makeshift psychiatrists and advisers, boldly attempting to tackle problems of any magnitude.

The song “Crash Course in Brain Surgery” showcases the lyrical talents of Burke Shelley, Ray Phillips, and Tony Bourge, making it a standout track in Budgie’s discography. Its compelling lyrics and powerful delivery resonated well beyond its initial release, catching the attention of Metallica, who later covered the song, introducing it to a new generation of heavy metal fans.

Read More: Top 10 Metallica Songs

# 7 – In The Grip of a Tyrefitter’s Hand

It might sound a bit amusing, but imagine shaking hands with a tire fitter who channels his joy through a firm handshake. If you haven’t experienced it, you might not fully appreciate the strength of a tire fitter’s grip. These individuals often have what could be described as iron fists—strong hands that are not only essential for their work but also emblematic of their resilience in life.

Budgie’s song “In The Grip of a Tyrefitter’s Hand” captures this concept in a uniquely poetic way. The track explores the tough aspects of life through the metaphor of a tire fitter’s powerful grip. Just as a tire fitter’s hands are toughened by their demanding job, the song suggests that people, too, are shaped by the challenges they face, using this gripping imagery to delve into deeper themes of strength and perseverance in everyday life.

# 6 – You’re The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk

The first time I heard the title “You’re The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk,” I couldn’t help but laugh and wonder, “How significant was powdered milk?” It seems powdered milk must have been quite the commodity back in the day—or at least for Budgie, it was something noteworthy.

This song title is a clever and romantic way to express feelings, infusing a bit of poetic flair and perhaps a sprinkle of exaggeration to capture someone’s attention. It’s possible that the humor and slight hyperbole in such phrases work wonders in making someone feel special and cherished. The idea that humor and heartfelt sincerity can combine to perfectly convey affection is what makes this song so charming. “You’re The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk” not only makes us smile with its unique title but also ushers in a vibe of playful and genuine adoration.

# 5 – Guts

Here comes one of the best tracks from Budgie’s debut self-titled album. Listening to “Guts” really highlights how underrated Budgie has been in the heavy metal scene. The song is characterized by its descending riffs, which perfectly complement the wonderfully twisted lyrics. Lyrically, “Guts” presents the perspective of a desperate soul who fails to recognize his own cruelty and arrogance toward the opposite gender. This depth in storytelling, combined with the band’s robust musical execution, showcases Budgie’s distinctive approach to heavy metal.

# 4 – In for The Kill

Returning to Budgie’s 1974 album In for the Kill, we encounter the remarkable title track, “In for The Kill,” penned by Burke Shelley and Tony Bourge. The song encapsulates everything you’d expect from a quintessential heavy metal/hard rock release. Its powerful riffs and compelling lyrics perfectly align with the genre’s energy and intensity. The quality and impact of “In for The Kill” are so notable that it caught the attention of Van Halen, who added their cover of the track to their repertoire, further testament to its enduring appeal and influence in the rock music scene.

# 3 – Baby Please Don’t Go

“Baby Please Don’t Go” originally emerged in the 1930s, crafted by Big Joe Williams, and has since become one of the most extensively covered tracks in blues history. Over the decades, numerous artists and bands have put their unique spins on this classic, including Muddy Waters, The Orioles, Them, Jimmy Page, AC/DC, and Aerosmith. Budgie also added their distinctive heavy metal/hard rock flair to the song, enriching its robust legacy. With such a diverse range of artists covering “Baby Please Don’t Go,” it’s clear that this romantic ballad holds a significant place in music history, making it a strong candidate for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

# 2 – Parents

In just over ten minutes, Budgie delivered one of their most outstanding compositions ever with the song “Parents,” featured on their album Never Turn Your Back On a Friend. Described as an almost-perfect portrayal of romantic despair, “Parents” captivates with its poignant lyrics and emotive delivery. The song showcases the band at their best: Burke Shelley’s powerful vocals deeply resonate, while guitarist Tony Bourge impresses with a compelling single riff played to perfection. This track stands as a testament to Budgie’s ability to blend intricate musicianship with deeply affecting themes.

# 1 – Breadfan

Number one on our top 10 Budgie songs list is the hit “Breadfan,” featured on the band’s acclaimed album Never Turn Your Back On a Friend. The title of the song cleverly uses the slang term ‘bread’ as a metaphor for money, exploring a person’s relationship with financial wealth. In “Breadfan,” Budgie delves into the moral complexities associated with money, discussing the various choices people face: spending it, saving it, giving it away, or striving to live without letting it dominate their lives.

The song is recognized as a significant influence in the development of progressive metal, blending complex musical structures with thought-provoking lyrics. This influence was further cemented when Metallica covered “Breadfan,” showcasing Budgie’s lasting impact on the genre and highlighting their influence on one of metal’s most iconic bands.