Photo: MCA Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Our top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads list presents ten great ballads released by one of the most loved rock bands in classic rock history. This article will focus mainly on the output released by the band’s original lineup up until and including the Street Survivors album. However, we felt it was very important not to ignore the music that band continued to release after the band regrouped in the wake of the tragic plane crash of 1977. These aren’t love songs, although some may qualify a bit, these are rock ballads done Lynyrd Skynyrd style and the best way to define what we mean by that is to just ask you to take as listen to these 10 incredible Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads.
# 10 – Red White & Blue
We open up our top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads list with the fabulous song entitled “Red White & Blue.” This is the first of two songs on this Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads list that comes from the post Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines era. The band has continued on for many years since the 1970s releasing more albums than the original group and constantly touring keeping the music the group released in the 197os very much alive while giving fans the choice to also hear new music. Some have accepted it, some have not. We have been overjoyed that the group decided to continue and keep the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd very much alive for the past forty plus years. The song Red White & Blues was released on the 2003 Vicious Cycle album.
# 9 -Tomorrow’s Goodbye
Continuing with our top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads list we take a listen to the beautiful ballad entitled “Tomorrow’s Goodbye.” This is as modern as Lynyrd Skynyrd has ever sounded and in many ways it’s great to showcase what happened to the band and the directions they took at times in continuing the band’s legacy. Its in one of the lyrical lines of the song that speaks the truth in why it was important for the band to continue and how brave it was for Johnny Van Zant to step up to that microphone and sing the words “Like my brother before me all I can do is write this song.” The song was released on the album entitled Edge of Forever. The album was released in 1999.
# 8 – Coming Home
In the number eight spot on our top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads list we present the song entitled “Coming Home.” The song was released a little over year after Ronnie Van Zant and Steve and Cassie Gaines were killed in the tragic plane crash. The song was released on the album entitled Skynyrd’s First and…Last. The album was released in 1978. It’s a tune that starts out slow and then builds in tempo until it reaches a sort of “Free Bird,” style ending. It’s one of the best songs from the old band that was released after the band’s tragic accident.
# 7 – The Ballad Of Curtis Loew
In the number seven position on our top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads list is the killer song entitled “The Ballad Of Curtis Loew.” This is the definition of a pure southern rock ballad. The sound of the early 1970s is very much present here as you can hear snippets of Elton John’s Tumbleweed Connection and the sound of The Band on this track The song was released on the album entitled Second Helping. The album was released in 1974. This very cool tune was not often performed by the band live., It was covered many years later by the great jam group we know as Phish.
# 6 – Am I Losing
Landing in the number six spot on our top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads list we present the song entitled “Am I Losing.” This is a bit of an upbeat song for a ballad, but it still fits the requirement in our book. The song’s bridge is stunning. There is a bit of an Allman Brothers feel on this one. Its just got such a great mid tempo southern groove that is so incredibly addictive. The song asks some deep questions. “Am I Losing,” was composed by Gary Rossington and Ronnie Van Zant. It was released on the album Nothing Fancy.
# 5 – Every Mother’s Son
At the halfway point on our top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads list we take a listen to the great track entitled “Every Mother’s Son.” The acoustic guitars open this one up setting the scene for that magical voice of Ronnie Van Zant. This simmering ballad was released on the band’s album entitled Gimme Back My Bullets. The album was released in 1976. The song was composed by Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant. The album featured the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd lineup of Ronnie Van Zant on lead vocals, Gary Rossington and Allen Collins on guitars, Leon Wilkeson on bass, Artimus Pyle on drums and the spectacular Billy Powell one piano.
# 4 – One More Time
Sometimes it really hurts to listen to this album because it was just so good and the band seemed like they were on the verge of really taking another step to who knows where. The record was just so magical. And of course, we all know what happened when the record was released. The album is filled mostly with rockers but the one ballad that always stood out was the slow groovin number “One More Time.” This one just really hits home. The song was composed by Gary Rossington and Ronnie Van Zant. It was placed as the third track on the album right after “That Smell,” which is our favorite track on the album but a song that we just didn’t consider a ballad.
# 3 – Simple Man
Moving along on our top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads list we present the song entitled “Simple Man.” Hands down, this is a huge favorite among the millions of fans who have loved this band since the 1970s. The song speaks to so many people in a deep heartfelt way. The sound of Ronnie’s voice singing those words I’m A Simple Kind Of Man just never gets old. The song was released on the album entitled (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd). The song was composed by Gary Rossington and Ronnie Van Zant.
# 2 – Free Bird (First half)
Just of the top spot on our top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads list we celebrate the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd song entitled “Freebird.” We weren’t really sure what to do with this one because the first half of the song is one of the most emotionally charged and stunning rock ballads ever written. Yet, the second half explodes into perhaps the most legendary southern rock jam of all time outside of “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed.” So, how could we leave “Free Bird,”out? The answer is we could not. So let’s celebrate the extraordinary first half of this song in the number two spot. And if your wondering which version the live or the studio, well you you should know the answer to that one.
# 1 – Tuesday’s Gone
We close out our top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads list with the outstanding song entitled “Tuesday’s Gone.” Every single Lynyrd Skynyrd fan fell in love with this song the first time they heard it. The song was released on the album entitled (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd). It was Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album. The album was released in 1973. The band’s first record was produced by the brilliant Al Kooper who was a founding member of his own band Blood Sweat & Tears a few years earlier.
Top 10 Lynyrd Skynyrd Ballads 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)
