Top 10 Firehouse Songs

Feature Photo by Shannon Wilk

Our “Top 10 FireHouse Songs” list highlights the best work of FireHouse, a hard rock band that made a big splash in the music world with their first album in 1990. Known for their skilled performances and tight teamwork, FireHouse came together from the varied musical backgrounds of its members. The band started in 1984 when Bill Leverty, then part of the band White Heat, was looking for a new drummer and met Michael Foster. During their time playing in rock clubs, they found C.J. Snare, the lead singer from Maxx Warrior, and bass player Perry Richardson.

After Maxx Warrior broke up, Leverty asked Snare to sing with his band. Impressed by Snare’s singing, Leverty and Foster made him their lead singer for a show in Virginia. Soon after, Richardson joined the band, completing the group. They had to change their name from White Heat to FireHouse due to a name issue. FireHouse’s first album received a lot of praise and even won them an award at the American Music Awards in 1991 as the Best New Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Band. Since starting in 1989, FireHouse has kept the same members except for bassist Perry Richardson, who left. After a few temporary bassists, Allen McKenzie joined as the permanent bass player in 2004. Our “Top 10 FireHouse Songs” collection offers a carefully chosen set of songs that showcase the best of FireHouse’s music.

# 10 – Loving You is Paradise

Kicking off our “Top 10 FireHouse Songs” is “Loving You is Paradise” from their 2000 album O2. This track stands out as a top-notch love song, perfect for sharing with that special someone. The song beautifully captures the joy of loving a remarkable woman, as conveyed by the lyrics. With its harmonious mix of lead and backing vocals, alongside a captivating guitar-led accompaniment, FireHouse delivers a truly melodious piece.

O2 marks the sixth studio album by FireHouse, released in the year 2000. Notably, it is the only album featuring the talents of the late Bruce Waibel on bass. The band lineup for this album includes C.J. Snare on vocals and keyboards, Bill Leverty handling the guitars, Michael Foster on drums, and Bruce Waibel playing the bass guitar.

# 9 – Dream

“Dream” is a moving ballad from FireHouse’s 1998 album Category 5. This poignant song tells the story of a man deeply in love with a woman who has left him, and he’s unable to move past his feelings for her. It evokes the kind of nostalgia for a past love that might have been lost long ago, highlighting the depth of his emotions and longing for what could have been. Bill Leverty’s guitar solo in “Dream” is a highlight, showcasing his exceptional talent and adding a layer of intensity to this rock ballad. Category 5, FireHouse’s fifth studio album, was first released in Japan in 1998 and then in the United States in 1999 by Lightyear Records.

This album stands out for its slightly different approach, incorporating more experimental elements compared to the band’s earlier hard rock sound. However, it still includes the kind of heartfelt ballads FireHouse is known for. “Dream” also marks a significant contribution from bassist Perry Richardson, making it his final studio album with the band. The lineup for this album featured C.J. Snare on vocals and keyboards, Bill Leverty on guitars, Michael Foster on drums, and Perry Richardson on the bass guitar.

# 8 – You Are My Religion

The song ” You Are My Religion” was released on the 1996 album Good Acoustics. This particular track delves into the feelings of a man profoundly in love with a woman he adores to the point of reverence. His love is so deep that he uses metaphors of heaven and religion to describe her, and speaks of eternity to express his everlasting devotion.

Released by Epic Records Good Acoustics is notable for presenting acoustic renditions of some of FireHouse’s most popular songs. Additionally, the album is enriched with four new tracks, one of which is a cover of “Seven Bridges Road,” originally by Steve Young but famously covered by the Eagles. This choice showcases FireHouse’s ability to interpret and honor the work of other artists while maintaining their unique sound.

Good Acoustics achieved significant success, earning Gold certifications in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, underscoring the global appeal of FireHouse’s music.

The band members contributing to this album included C.J. Snare on vocals and keyboards, Bill Leverty with his guitar work, Michael Foster on drums, and Perry Richardson handling the bass guitar, each playing a pivotal role in the creation of this acclaimed acoustic project.

#7 – Don’t Treat Me Bad

Landing at number 7 in our “Top 10 FireHouse Songs” is the engaging mid-tempo hit “Don’t Treat Me Bad.” This track is a standout with its captivating harmonies, making it a memorable rock anthem. As the second single from their debut self-titled album, “Don’t Treat Me Bad” showcases FireHouse’s signature sound.

The song was initially recorded in 1990 and officially released to the public in 1991. It quickly made its mark on the music charts, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement marked FireHouse’s first entry onto the chart and their first top 40 hit, signaling the band’s rising popularity. The creative minds behind “Don’t Treat Me Bad” include Cosby Ellis, Michael Foster, Bill Leverty, and C.J. Snare.

#6 – All She Wrote

Continuing our FireHouse songs list, we spotlight the dynamic track “All She Wrote.” This electrifying rocker served as the fourth and final single from FireHouse’s debut album. With its placement at number fifty-eight on the Billboard Hot One Hundred, “All She Wrote” underscores the band’s ongoing resonance with fans and their ability to produce hit after hit.

The song’s appeal is significantly enriched by the collaborative genius of guitarist Bill Leverty and vocalist C.J. Snare, whose combined efforts in songwriting bring “All She Wrote” to life. Further enhancing the track’s allure is its promotional video, set against the breathtaking scenery of the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah. This choice of location not only highlights the song’s robust energy but also adds a visual dimension that complements its sonic impact.

#5 – Reach for the Sky

The opening guitar arpeggios on “Reach for the Sky” truly set the stage for what unfolds into an electrifying rock anthem. This standout track by FireHouse, kicks off with an intro that perfectly primes listeners for the explosive energy that follows. “Reach for the Sky” marked its place as the first single from FireHouse’s second album, Hold Your Fire. It achieved notable success, reaching number eighty-three on the Billboard Hot One Hundred and number twenty-seven on the Album Rock Tracks chart. The creative minds behind this compelling song are guitarist Bill Leverty and vocalist C.J. Snare, whose collaboration continues to define the band’s signature sound.

#4 – Shake & Tumble

Taking the number four spot on our FireHouse songs list is the irresistibly catchy tune “Shake & Tumble.” This track is an absolute joy to listen to, blending a hard-hitting rock foundation with a funky groove that you can’t help but move to. C.J. Snare’s vocals soar with a glam metal brilliance, while Bill Leverty’s guitar work is nothing short of spectacular.

“Shake & Tumble” holds the honor of being the band’s very first single from their debut album, which hit the shelves in 1990. Although the song itself didn’t make it onto the charts, it paved the way for FireHouse’s subsequent success with the next three singles from the album, establishing a solid foundation for their burgeoning career.

#3 – When I Look into Your Eyes

Securing the number three position on our “Top 10 FireHouse Songs” list is “When I Look into Your Eyes” from the band’s album Hold Your Fire. This touching rock ballad captures the profound experience of envisioning a future together with a loved one, simply through the act of gazing into their eyes. Its deeply resonant lyrics helped the song become a significant hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot One Hundred and number sixty-five on the UK Singles Chart.

Released as the sixth single by FireHouse, “When I Look into Your Eyes” stands out as a powerful ballad that solidified the band’s reputation for crafting hit ballads. It achieved its peak position of number eight on the Billboard Hot One Hundred in the week ending October seventeenth, 1992, and reached its highest UK chart position at number sixty-five in the week ending December nineteenth, 1992. The song is the product of the collaborative songwriting talents of guitarist Bill Leverty and vocalist C.J. Snare, who together created this enduring and beloved track.

# 2 – I Live My Life for You

“I Live My Life for You” is recognized as the seventh single from FireHouse. This power ballad achieved notable success, securing the number twenty-six spot on the Billboard Hot One Hundred and climbing to number twenty on the Adult Contemporary charts. Its impact is particularly significant as it stands out as potentially the last track released by a band associated with the 1980s glam metal scene to make a substantial dent in the charts. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering its release in 1995, a time when the genre had largely been overshadowed by the grunge movement. The song is a collaborative creation by FireHouse’s guitarist Bill Leverty and vocalist C.J. Snare.

#1 – Love of a Lifetime

Well, we could not end this list with any other song but “Love of a Lifetime” This power ballad, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody, became FireHouse’s most successful single. It made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 on June 29, 1991, at number eighty-one and climbed to a peak position of number five by September 28, 1991, showcasing the song’s wide-reaching appeal and enduring popularity.

The song’s creation can be credited to the collaborative efforts of vocalist C.J. Snare and guitarist Bill Leverty. “Love of a Lifetime” has since become synonymous with the band, often hailed as their most recognizable and beloved track. It has gained a cherished place in the hearts of fans, many of whom have chosen it as the soundtrack for significant moments in their lives, particularly weddings. In interviews, Snare has expressed how touching it is to hear from fans about the song’s special role in their personal celebrations.