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Our Top 10 FireHouse Songs list presents to us the best releases from a hard rock band who made a name for themselves through a blazing bravura in their 1990 eponymous debut album. Like most of the greatest bands, FireHouse would be made by members who shared a past with other bands. FireHouse’s history dates back to 1984 when guitarist Leverty’s former band White Heat required a drummer, signing Michael Foster with whom Leverty would visit rock clubs when the band wasn’t on tour. In one of their casual visits to clubs, Leverty and Michael were impressed by the talent of Maxx Warrior’s singer C. J. Snare and bassist Perry Richardson. And when Maxx warrior broke, Leverty took no hesitation in sending some of his songs, asking him to sing and record them on tape. Impressed by his amazing vocals yet again, Leverty and Michael tagged in C. J. Snare to be the band’s lead singer for a gig in Virginia. The three would later have Perry Richardson join them after he was done with his commitment to the Maxx Warrior band. Together, they would form FireHouse with White Heat already trademarked.
FireHouse would hit the ground running with the debut album that awarded them critical acclaim, winning the American Music Award for the Best New Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Band in 1991. The band has managed to stick together since 1989, with only bassist Perry Richardson leaving the group. He was replaced two times before the band found a permanent man on the bass guitar, Allen McKenzie, in 2004. Here are the Top 10 FireHouse Songs that promise to add glamour to your hard rock and heavy metal playlist.
#10 – Loving You is Paradise
Introducing us to the Top 10 FireHouse Songs is “Loving You is Paradise” from the band’s 2000 album O2. “Love You is Paradise” is one of the best love songs that you could not only listen to but dedicate to someone. As the song title suggests, it describes how great it is for the subject guy to love a woman who seems to impress him great. The vocals blend in with the backing vocals and a sublime guitar-led instrumental, yielding a melodious song from FireHouse.
#9 – Dream
“Dream” is yet another ballad that brings the best of the band’s expression about love. Featured on the band’s 1998 album, Category 5, the song is quite a sad song having this guy fall so hard in love with a woman who left him. The guy seems not to have moved on from the love and wishes that life would have got better for them then. “Dream” arouses the feelings that you might have had for a partner you trashed ages ago, knowing that he or she loved you. The guitar solo brings out the best of Leverty’s skills, adding glamour to this rock ballad.
#8 – You Are My Religion
Featured on the band’s 1996 album Good Acoustics is yet another song that showcases the great songwriting skills of the band in yet another love song. The song is about a guy who has fallen deep for a woman he ‘worships.’ So much love that the guy uses heaven and religion to refer to the woman and eternity to refer to loving her forever.
#7 – Don’t Treat Me Bad
At number 7 on our Top 10 FireHouse Songs is the ballad “Don’t Treat Me Bad.” Featured on the band’s debut album, “Don’t Treat Me Bad” is an impressive song that helped make their name as love inspired rock band. The band was trying to introduce a devious or rather psychotic female character, as brought out by the song’s video. “Don’t Treat Me Bad” performed great on the charts reaching number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.
#6 – All She Wrote
Featured on the band’s debut album as the fourth and final single, “All She Wrote,” was a hit featuring another of FireHouse’s hit songs. “All She Wrote” is a phrase commonly used to signify the end, and in this song, it can signify the end of a relationship. This is evidenced by what a girl wrote to the singer in a note announcing her uncompromising departure.
#5 – Reach for the Sky
FireHouse’s second studio album would not have been quite a hit without songs like “Reach for the Sky,” which helped solidify their place in the rock industry following a successful debut album. Written by the band’s singer C. J. Snare and guitarist Bill Leverty, “Reach for the Sky” brings the best of the talents in Snare and Leverty. Thanks to the sublime vocals and guitar skills that FireHouse brings to life, a true rock n roll vibe. Additionally, C. J. Snare’s vocal range in this song is phenomenal! The song went on to peak at number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100.
#4 – Here for You
“Here for You” is a great guitar-led song from the band’s 1996 album Good Acoustics. The great message that the song passes is that we cannot make it on our own. As social human beings, we need someone to walk within our life journey. From the song, the singer promises to be there for someone he seems to treasure.
#3 – When I Look into Your Eyes
Ushering to the best three songs in the Top 10 FireHouse Songs list is “When I Look into Your Eyes” from the band’s album, Hold Your Fire. This rock ballad is about seeing a lifetime of togetherness when one stares into their lover’s eyes. Thanks to its almost perfect lyrics, the song became a great hit song from the band, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 65 on the UK Singles Chart.
#2 – I Live My Life for You
Written by lead vocalist C. J. Snare and guitarist Leverty, “I Live My Life for You” was the best song from FireHouse’s 1995 album 3. Inspired by C. J. Snare’s wife, who they later sadly split, the song helped the band extend their popularity and success story, which ran from their debut album. Everything about “I Live My Life for You,” from sublime vocals by Snare to awe-inspiring guitar riffs and smooth backing vocals, makes it one of the greatest love compositions from FireHouse.
#1 – Love of a Lifetime
Number one in the Top 10 FireHouse Songs is the ballad “Love of a Lifetime” from the band’s debut album. “Love of a Lifetime” is a romantic song about unwavering devotion to a fiancée. Thanks to C. J. Snare for the sublime lyrics that this song became their first popular ballad great for lovers. The song charted at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving to be the highlight of their career to date.
Top 10 FireHouse Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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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)
