Top 10 Michael Stanley Band Songs

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Our top 10 Michael Stanley Band songs list looks at the body of work of an American ensemble renowned for its heartland rock sound. The band was founded by the late Michael Stanley, an iconic DJ, and singer. Before unleashing the Michael Stanley Band, Michael Stanley started his career in the early ‘70s. Often dubbed the king of Cleveland by Joe Walsh, Michael Stanley formed the band after releasing two solo LPs.

It took the band six years after its inception to reach mainstream success. “He Can’t Love You” catapulted the band to fame. This was the band’s first song to reach the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number thirty-three. The band managed to release seven songs that charted on the Billboard Hot 100. “Someone Like You” and “My Town” were among the final charting hits by the band. During its prime, the Michael Stanley Band filled the arenas and was often seen as a Midwest powerhouse.

Michael Stanley’s songwriting skills have been cited as the key driving force towards the band’s success. However, the Michael Stanley Band dissolved in 1987. Michael Stanley started his DJ career later from 1991 till his demise in 2021. Here we present the best Michael Stanley Band songs that bring the band’s best heartland rock and folk-rock vibes.

#10 – Take the Time

Opening up our top 10 Michael Stanley Band songs list is the stunning hit “Take the Time.” Just take a listen to that great opening and subtle guitar riff. This one reminds us a little of Mink Deville. “Take the Time” is featured on the band’s eighth LP MSB, which was released in 1982. “Take the Time” finds the band singing about taking your time to avoid making wrong verdicts about life and love. The song peaked at number eighty-one on the Billboard Hot 100.

#9 – Why Should Love Be This Way?

This song opens up with a sort of Moody Blues sounding string line and rolling piano riff. Every once in awhile they use the melody from “Nights In White Satin,” in between. verses. “Why Should Love Be This Way?” is one of the musical gems released on the band’s 1978 album Cabin Fever. The song finds the band contemplating the nature of love. The singer wishes there was something else that could replace the feeling of love, which seems to be so tormenting. “Why Should Love Be This Way?” is among the songs that pushed the album to chart at number ninety-nine on the Billboard 200.

#8 – Somewhere in the Night

At the eighth spot is the striking hit “Somewhere in the Night.” The song is featured on Michael Stanley Band’s album North Coast, issued in 1981. “Somewhere in the Night” is a rock ballad that brings the best of Michael Stanley’s lyrical prowess. The song finds the singer envisioning what a great night would be like with the love of his life.

#7 – In the Heartland

“In the Heartland” is a rip-roaring hit from the Michael Stanley Band’s North Coast. The song is among the musical gems that bring the best of the band’s awe-inspiring instrumentation. “In the Heartland” finds the band singing about the distinctive life of the American Midwest. The song also shows how everything that adds up to life’s greatness happens in the Midwest. “In the Heartland” has been lauded by critics for its powerful delivery that aided the band to fill arenas.

#6 – When I’m Holding You Tight

Number six on our top 10 Michael Stanley Band songs list is the outstanding hit “When I’m Holding You Tight.” “When I’m Holding You Tight” is featured on the band’s album MSB. When most of the songs by the band have been penned by Michael Stanley, “When I’m Holding You Tight” is one of the songs penned by Kevin Raleigh. While the album failed to create much buzz compared to the band’s previous album, “When I’m Holding You Tight” still managed to peak at number seventy-eight on the Billboard Hot 100.

#5 – Someone Like You

The number five song on our top 10 Michael Stanley Band songs is the raving hit “Someone Like You.” “Someone Like You” is featured on the band’s LP You Can’t Fight Fashion, issued in 1983. You Can’t Fight Fashion is the band’s final charting LP on the Billboard 200. “Someone Like You” peaked at number seventy-five on the Billboard Hot 100. Adele released a song with a similar title in 2011. Van Morrison also released a song with a similar title on his seventeenth LP, Poetic Champions Compose, issued in 1987.

#4 – Lover

“Lover” is one of the concert staples by the Michael Stanley Band. The song is featured in the band’s 1980 LP Heartland. “Lover” finds the singer asking for his heart back from a girl who doesn’t seem to requite his love. “Lover” peaked at number sixty-eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The song features some of the best lyrics ever penned by Michael Stanley. Often, the band’s audience at concerts used to sing along to the song’s lyrics.

#3 – Falling in Love Again

At the third spot on our top 10 Michael Stanley Band songs list is the charming hit “Falling in Love Again.” Michael Stanley and Bob Pelander penned the song. This blue-collar rock ballad finds the singer wishing to be with a woman he feels is the one for him. “Falling in Love Again” peaked at number sixty-four on the Billboard Hot 100.

#2 – My Town

Number two on our top 10 Michael Stanley Band songs list is the rock ballad “My Town.” “My Town” has been lauded as one of the patriotic songs to one’s hometown. The basic message delivered by the song’s lyrics is that, east or west, home remains the favorite place. This is despite the imperfections of the city. The singer showcases in the song his love for the town when he sings about how he will stand and fight for the city. “My Town” peaked at number thirty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100.

#1 – He Can’t Love You

“He Can’t Love You” is yet another love-influenced ballad from the Michael Stanley Band. The song is featured on Michael Stanley Band’s album Heartland, issued in 1980. “He Can’t Love You” finds the singer trying to talk a lady out of allowing another man to win her heart. “He Can’t Love You” peaked at number thirty-three on the Billboard Hot 100.