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Dirty Honey are one of the most exciting rock n roll bands around right now and if they are not currently on your radar then they need to be! Although they have only been together since 2017, they are already looking set to being one of the next great hard rock bands of the twenty-first century. They have already made a pretty big impact, having topped the Billboard charts with their second single “When I’m Gone” before they were even signed to a label.
Hailing from Los Angeles, the band consists of vocalist Marc LaBelle, guitarist John Notto, bass player John Smolian, and drummer Jaydon Bean. They have two self-titled releases, an ep that came out in 2019 and then their full-length debut album which they put out in 2021. They are about to release their second album titled Cant Find The Breaks which, if the songs heard so far are anything to go by, looks set to be another great piece of work.
Dirty Honey’s music channels the sound of many of the great hard rock bands of the past whilst at the same time making their sound fresh and exciting enough to appeal to a whole new generation. Their unique mix of Blues and Hard Rock makes for a very riveting listen with all of the band being excellent musicians. Their main influences are bands such as Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and Guns N’ Roses and the quality of their work resembles those bands at their peak. In addition to this, their lyrics are often very deep and meaningful, talking about struggles in life and wanting to be in a better place. So , with this article, we are going to give a rundown of the ten best songs to hear from this band for anyone who might not currently be aware of them.
# 10 – California Dreamin
Kicking off this Dirty Honey songs list we have a track from their self-titled debut album which was released in 2021. As the title would suggest, the song’s lyrics deal with following your dreams and wanting a better life for yourself. A lot of people can relate to this and it is a great track that the listener can really rock out to. It was also a commercial success for the band, reaching number twelve on the Mainstream Billboard charts as well as twenty-two on the Rock Airplay charts and thirty-four on the Canadian Rock charts.
# 9 – Wont Take Me Alive
Up next we have a stomping track from the upcoming Cant Find The Brakes that resembles classic Led Zeppelin with its bouncy grove and vocalist Marc Labelle’s very Robert Plant-esque performance. The lyrics are reportedly influenced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and it is specifically about the pain that the people of Ukraine are currently facing. It has been a successful single release having reached number thirteen on the Mainstream Rock charts.
# 8 – Rolling 7’s
Our next track is a number from Dirty Honey’s self-titled EP released in 2019 that really brings out the band’s Bluesy elements and another that shows their Zeppelin influence. It is also rather reminiscent of Aerosmith, who are clearly an influence on the song’s chorus. The lyrics deal with a man taking a chance with a woman and wondering if he truly loves her. It is one of their most successful singles to date having reached number three on the Mainstream Rock charts as well as twenty-three on the Rock Airplay charts and eleven on the Canadian Rock charts.
# 7 – Another Last Time
The next track on this list is from the group’s first album which reached number twenty-three on the Mainstream Billboard charts. It is a ballad that brings to mind the likes of Guns N’ Roses and the Black Crowes when they would perform such tracks. It is another song that deals with relationship issues, being about not wanting to let go of a toxic lover. It is a rather sad and melancholy number where the listener can feel Marc Labelle’s heartbreak, not just with the lyrics but also with the way that the song is put together. In the end, this is just killer stuff…..
# 6 – Coming Home (Ballad of the Shire)
Next up on our Dirty Honey songs list, we have another track from Cant Find the Breaks which once again is reminiscent of Led Zeppelin who are clearly Dirty Honey’s biggest Influence. This anthemic track is sure to be a staple of the band’s live shows with its massive sing-along chorus and is also proof that this band is destined for stadium rock stardom. Despite being released as a single it has not managed to chart, which is a shame because it has all of the makings of a hit.
# 5 – Fire Away
This song which was the band’s debut single was actually released on its own, not being featured on either the EP or the first album. It once again lyrically deals with the recurring theme in the band’s work of overcoming hardships in life. Musically, it is another blues-influenced number and shows Dirty Honey playing with a slightly different sound, being somewhat reminiscent of late-period Artic Monkeys, which is probably an unlikely comparison to make with this band.
# 4 – The Wire
At number four we have a track from the band’s self-titled full-length album. Written at a time when the band was just starting out, it talks about the frustration of wanting to get out of a place where you don’t want to be. It is a very soulful and energetic track that really shows how good this band is at making great music that comes from the heart. It is one of Dirty Honey’s lowest charting tracks, reaching only forty-six on the Rock Airplay charts whilst reaching the significantly higher position of nineteen on the Mainstream Charts.
# 3 – Gypsy
At number three on this very cool Dirty Honey list is a track from the first record that is fast and energetic and talks about living recklessly. It brings to mind classic AC/DC and it is one of those songs that is perfect to party to. It is also a song that shows how great Dirty Honey is as a rock and roll band. The riff on this song is very catchy but what is particularly impressive is how effortlessly great Marc LaBelle’s vocals sound here, being very strong and soulful with the way that they are delivered.
# 2 – Can’t Find The Breaks
Just off the top spot, we have the title track from the band’s second album. The band could not have picked a better song to share its name with the album as this song is very heavy and all of the band deliver a brilliant performance. There is some definite musical progression here, as although it still has the signature Dirty Honey trademarks, it seems that the band is experimenting with a slightly more aggressive style of playing.
# 1 – When I’m Gone
At the top of our top ten Dirty Honey songs list, we have the track that was the first single to be released from their self-titled EP which topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts when they were an unsigned band. With this feat, Dirty Honey made rock music history as no other unsigned band had achieved this before. Given that the song is about triumphing in the face of adversity, this is very apt. As well as reaching this position it is amazingly their highest charting track as a whole, making waves on the US, Canadian, and the Czech Republic rock charts.
Top 10 Dirty Honey Songs You Must Hear Now 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. 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)
