Our top 10 Ellen Foley songs list looks back at one of classic rock’s most iconic voices. If you were alive in the 1970s, the first time you ever heard of Ellen Foley might have been as the female voice on Meat Loaf’s “Paradise By The Dashboard Light.” A couple of years after her epic performance on the Meat Loaf album, Ellen Foley would release her debut solo album in 1979 entitled Night Out. From that point on, Ellen Foley would enjoy a very successful career in show business mixing it up with appearances as an actress on Broadway, television (Night Court) and the silver screen. She would make multiple guest vocal appearances as a guest artist with such legendary acts as The Clash, Blue Oyster Cult, Ian Hunter and Joe Jackson.
Throughout the course of her musical career, Ellen Foley has released five studio albums. After her debut album in 1979 entitled Night Out she released her sophomore record called Spirit of St. Louis in 1981. Two years later she returned with her third album entitled Another Breath in 1983. She spent the rest of the 80s in film roles and also was part of the Jim Steinman produced band Pandoras Box. There would be a thirty year gap between solos albums as after her 1983 release, her next solo album would not be released until 2013 entitled About Time. She recently released her fifth solo record in 2021 called Fighting Words.
We open up our Ellen Foley songs list with a few of the songs she sang on that were released by other artists. These are songs that she played a vital role in and we thought they should be separated from her own individual releases under her own name.
# 10 – Paradise By The Dashboard Light
We start our top 10 Ellen Foley Songs list with the legendary song entitled “Paradise By The Dashboard Light.” Even though this is clearly defined as a Meat Loaf song and one of his greatest by far, Ellen Foley owns a great deal of this herself. There was no way this song would have been as big without Ellen Foley’s legendary vocals. It’s a shame she didn’t get to appear in the video for the song in which Karla Devito lip synched Ellen Foley’s parts from the record. Nonetheless, Ellen Foley’s became a big part of the Story of Classic Rock forever with her brilliant performance on this song as it stands as the most famous song she has ever been a part off. We thought this would be a perfect way to open up this Ellen Foley songs list.
# 9 – We Gotta Get Out Here
Continuing with our top 10 Ellen Foley Songs list we take a listen to the great song entitled “We Gotta Get Out Of Here.” Ellen Foley was featured on this great song by Ian Hunter. The song was released on the double live album entitled Welcome to the Club. Her vocal on the song is very similar in style to what she did on Meat Loaf’s “Paradise By The Dashboard Light.” The album was released in 1980.
# 8 -Mirrors
In the number eight spot on our top 10 Ellen Foley Songs list we present the song entitled “Mirrors.” The song was released by Blue Oyster Cult on their album also entitled Mirrors. The album was released in 1979. Ellen Foley sings on the chorus and just takes the song to a whole other level. She sounds perfect on the fantastic tune. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, everyone wanted to work with Ellen Foley. We could probably fill up this entire list with her guest appearances but we wanted to leave room for her own songs.
# 7 – Stupid Girl
In the number seven slot on our top 10 Ellen Foley Songs list we showcase the song “Stupid Girl.” We thought it was important to start out with one of her most famous songs in the solo section of our list. Many younger music fans may know this song from the great cover version done by Shirley Manson and her band Garbage. Older music fans should know this one because it was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and released by The Rolling Stones in 1966 on the Aftermath album. The Ellen Foley version was released on the album entitled Night Out. The album was released in 1979. It was Ellen Foley’s debut album. “Stupid Girl,” was released as the fourth single from the album.
# 6 – Sad Song
Listen to that beautiful piano and guitar at the start of this spectacular song. You just know it’s going to be special. If some of it sounds familiar to you, it’s because the musicians who played on the record were all legends. Ellen Foley’s debut album Night Out utilized most of the players in the Ian Hunter Band including Ian Hunter. Both Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson produced the album and also performed on the record. The fantastic Martin Briley who was a member of the Ian Hunter Band and would also enjoy a successful solo carer played bass on Night Out. The sensational Tommy Mandel who was in Ian Hunter’s group and would later join up with Bryan Adams played keys. The track “Sad Song,” was released as the third single from the album. The song was originally released by Mark Middler who composed the song with Peter Mason.
# 5 – Torchlight
Smack in the middle of our top 10 Ellen Foley Songs list is the song entitled “Torchlight.” Now talk about someone with friends. For her second solo album called Spirit of St. Louis, Ellen Foley was backed up on the entire record by The Clash. Yes, the legendary band The Clash were Ellen Foleys back up band. Additionally, they composed many of the songs on the album including this killer cut titled “Torchlight.” If this song sounds like a Clash song to you, it’s because it pretty much is The Clash with Ellen Foley on lead vocals. Just simply awesome.
# 4 -Boys In The Attic
At the number four spot on our top 10 Ellen Foley Songs list we present the rocking song entitled “Boys In The Attic.” The song was released on the album entitled Another Breath. The album was released in 1983. It was Ellen Foleys third solo album and the last one she would release for thirty years.”Boys In The Attic.” was the album’s opening cut. It has that bouncy keyboard dominated 80s vibe that was very popular in 1983. The song was composed by Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Kent and Rob Parissi.
# 3 – This Won’t Last Forever
Over forty years after she released her debut album, Ellen Foley returned recently with a smoking album in 2021 entitled Fighting Words. This is such an amazing record and one of our all time favorites from Ellen Foley. We had to make sure this one was presented on our Ellen Foley songs list so we have showcased here our favorite song on the album entitled “This Won’t Last Forever.” Listen to how great this song is.
# 2 – The Shuttered Palace
As we begin to close out our top 10 Ellen Foley Songs list, we turn back once again to the great Spirit Of St. Louis album and the song “The Shuttered Palace.” They knew what they were dong when they opened the album up with this phenomenal song. “The Shuttered Palace,” was composed by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. It was also released as the first single from the album. Listen to how marvelous Ellen Foley’s vocals performance on this song is.
# 1 – We Belong to the Night
We close out our top 10 Ellen Foley Songs list with her most successful song of her solo career entitled “We Belong To The Night.” It also stands as her first single release of her solo career. The song was released on the album entitled Night Out. The album was released in 1979. With her first single release, Ellen Foley found herself with a number one record as the song hit number one in The Netherlands. Not a bad way to start out. The song was composed by Ellen Foley and Fred Goodman.
Feature Photo: Eddie Janssens, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, 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)
