Photo: CMA-Creative Management Associates (management), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Our Top 10 Climax Blues Band songs list introduces us to a British band best known for their outstanding impact in the blues-rock and soft rock music genres. Formed in Stafford, the band enjoyed quite a successful moment in the 1970s thanks to the wondrous skills exhibited by their original lineup. While they might not have been the best in their time, Climax Blues Band made several top 10 hit songs that helped propel their career in the UK and internationally. The original lineup of Climax Blues Band included vocalist Colin Cooper, bassist Richard Jones, guitarist, and vocalist Pete Haycock, drummer George Newsome, guitarist Derek Holt, and keyboardist Arthur Wood. Sadly, death has robbed us of most of the original members of the band.
Most of the best Climax Blues Band songs have been drawn from the band’s releases from the 1970s. This comes not as a surprise having all the band’s albums released between 1972 and 1980 feature on the US Billboard 200 Album Chart. With twenty-two studio albums on their name, the band has been one of the most active 1970s bands in the music industry. Climax Blues Band retains the same blues and soft rock vibes from the 1970s and 1980s, proving to be a rare gem in the current music world. The band continues to tour the world to entertain and sell their name despite lacking any of the original members in their current lineup. Here are the top 10 Climax Blues Band songs that bring the best of the band’s 1970s and 1980s blues and soft rock sensations.
#10 – Reaching Out
Opening up our top 10 Climax Blues Band songs is the hit “Reaching Out.” The song is featured on the band’s 1974 album Sense of Direction, which is one of Climax Blues Band’s favorite. “Reaching Out” starts with a breathtaking tune that acts as the song’s signature guitar solo. The song fuses blues, jazz, funk, and rock vibes to yield quite a pulsating tune. “Reaching Out” is a wake-up call asking its listeners whether they are reaching out to someone.
#9 – Shake Your Love
“Shake Your Love” is one of the best Climax Blues Band songs from the band’s 1972 album Rich Man. The song had the Climax Blues Band members collaborate with producer and songwriter Richard Gottehrer in coming up with its lyrics. “Shake Your Love” is about a confession a man makes on the transformation a woman made to his life thanks to the love she showered him with. Debbie Gibson released a song with a similar title from her album Out of the Blue. Debbie’s version, which had different lyrics, is one of her best releases, with the song peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart in 1987.
#8 – Country Hat
Featured on the band’s album, A Lot of Bottles, “Country Hat” is Climax Blues Band’s instrument skills put in a single song. While Climax Blues Band might not have had the most successful career, it is without a doubt that the band’s original members were talented. All of them, including the vocalists, would play at least one instrument. “Country Hat” is an all-instrumental solo by the band members exhibiting skills from each one of them.
#7 – Amrita / Sense of Direction
“Amrita / Sense of Direction” is one of the best Climax Blues Band songs from their 1974 album Sense of Direction. Written by the band members, “Amrita / Sense of Direction” tries to strike a balance between blues and rock. Thanks to Pete Haycock’s skills on the guitar that the song features some nice guitar solos. The song is one of the reasons that the 1974 album Sense of Direction peaked at number thirty-seven on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart.
#6 – Mole on the Dole
The Climax Blues Band’s 1972 album Rich Man was their second album to chart on the Billboard 200 Album Chart. Thanks to songs like “Mole on the Dole,” that the album spent ten weeks on the chart peaking at number 150. The song brings the best of jazz and blues vibes in a quite melodious and catchy tune. Colin Cooper and Pete Haycock provided the song with quite some sublime harmonious vocals that prove to be irresistible to any music lover!
#5 – Using the Power
“Using the Power” is one of the best Climax Blues Band songs from their 1975 album Stamp Album. The upbeat song brings more rock vibes thanks to the sublime and rock-influenced instrumentation. Climax Blues Band tells its audience to wake up and use the power it has in its hands to change situations. Credit to Pete Haycock for such a sublime guitar solo as the song nears the end. “Using the Power” peaked at number ten on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles Chart.
#4 – Makin’ Love
Number four on our top 10 Climax Blues Band songs is the hit “Makin’ Love.” Written by Climax Blues Band’s members, the song is featured on the band’s 1978 album Shine On. The song reveals the true nature of being human. Despite having quite a huge catalog of troubles, we all hide them away, trying to forget them and make love. We all have problems, and probably this is the best way to handle them instead of whining each time. “Makin’ Love” went on to peak at number ninety-one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
#3 – Gotta Have More Love
Flying the Flag (1980) is the last album from Climax Blues Band to chart in the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, peaking at number seventy-five. Thanks to songs like “Gotta Have More Love,” that the album was quite a success in the US. The timeless song features one of the most electrifying guitar solos from Pete Haycock, making him one of the best guitarists ever to feature on the band’s lineup. “Gotta Have More Love” peaked at number forty-seven on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for twelve weeks.
#2 – I Love You
Number two in our top 10 Climax Blues Band songs is “I Love You,” from the band’s 1980 album Flying the Flag. Written by Derek Holt, “I Love You” is a love song about a lady who enters a guy’s life-impacting his life positively. The song developed a cult following and still receives some airplay to date on some radio stations. “I Love You” was featured in the indie-comedy film Cherish. The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for twenty-seven weeks.
#1 – Couldn’t Get It Right
“Couldn’t Get It Right” is by far the best Climax Blues Band song in the band’s career. Featured on the band’s 1976 album Gold Plated, the breakthrough song brings the best of the band’s dual vocal technique. The band’s breakthrough with the song would come after releasing eight albums. As revealed by the band’s vocalist Derek Holt, the song is about being on the road in America. The song peaked at number three and ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart.
Photo: CMA-Creative Management Associates (management), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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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. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. 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)
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