Top 10 Nazareth Songs

Photo: Ken Papai [CC BY-SA 3.0

Our Top 10 Nazareth Songs list looks at a 1970s band that most rock fans remember from the song “Love Hurts.” The band Nazareth first formed in the late 1960s. The group was originally from Scotland. Like many bands that originated on the Eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean, Nazareth was far more popular in Europe than it was in the United States. However, their 1975 album Hair of the Dog contained a cover of an old Everly Brothers song entitled“Love Hurts.”

The song was a massive hit for the band, which helped them become a household name worldwide in the mid-1970s. The band was never able to achieve another hit single as big as “Love Hurts.” Nonetheless, the band continued to tour and release albums continuously for 50 years. Once again, like many other bands that have hailed from the Eastern side of the Atlantic, the group went through many lineup changes over time.

Our top 10 Nazareth songs list presents 10 essential Nazareth songs that many fans may have never heard before. Most of us Classic Rock Fans who grew up in the 70s all brought the Hair of the Dog album and the follow-up record Close Enough for Rock ‘n’ Roll. Yet, the band released some great tracks before those records and, of course, after. Here are 10 Nazareth songs I think you will enjoy.

# 10 – Dear John

We open our Top 10 Nazareth Songs list with “Dear John,” an exceptional track from the band’s 1971 self-titled debut album Nazareth. This was an era when the band was still shaping its sound, combining hard rock and blues influences with a gritty vocal delivery that would soon make them famous. Nazareth was produced by David Batchelor and recorded at Trident Studios in London. The lineup included Dan McCafferty on lead vocals, Manny Charlton on guitar, Pete Agnew on bass, and Darrell Sweet on drums. This song set the tone for Nazareth’s career, showcasing their unique blend of rough, raw rock and roll, coupled with emotional storytelling.

“Dear John” served as the album’s first single, offering a strong introduction to the band’s musical capabilities. It’s important to note that this song should not be confused with Elton John’s later track of the same title. The narrative of Nazareth’s “Dear John” centers around themes of love and regret, with the narrator lamenting a failed relationship. The band’s ability to evoke such strong emotions right from their debut shows their knack for crafting songs with both lyrical depth and musical intensity.

Lyrically, “Dear John” touches on a common theme in rock music: lost love. McCafferty’s signature raspy voice perfectly conveys the sorrow and frustration of a man left behind, reading a letter that finalizes the end of a relationship. The repeated refrain, “Goodbye, John, you’ve lost your girl,” reflects the resignation of someone who has seen the inevitable come to pass, a narrative that many can relate to. Musically, the song combines a solid rhythm section with Manny Charlton’s blues-inflected guitar work, creating a sound that’s both melodic and rough around the edges—a perfect match for the song’s emotional core.

“Dear John” sets the stage for Nazareth’s long-standing career, marking the band’s first exploration of themes that would recur in their later work: heartache, perseverance, and raw, unabashed rock. As the opening song in this list, it highlights Nazareth’s early promise and their ability to craft songs that feel both timeless and deeply personal. As we move through the rest of the tracks on this list, we will explore how the band’s sound evolved over time, but this debut single is a strong testament to where it all began.

# 9 – Goin’ Loco

Next up on our Top 10 Nazareth Songs list is “Goin’ Loco,” the opening track from their 2008 album The Newz. This album marked a significant milestone for the band, arriving forty years after their formation. Despite the passage of time, Nazareth proved with this release that they were far from slowing down. The album featured all the original members except for drummer Darrell Sweet, who tragically passed away in 1999. His absence was felt, but the band continued with Lee Agnew stepping in as drummer, ensuring the classic Nazareth sound was kept alive.

“Goin’ Loco” kicks off The Newz with a punch, showcasing Nazareth’s ability to still deliver powerful rock riffs and heavy beats. Manny Charlton’s distinctive guitar work shines here, with tight, chugging rhythms that grab you from the start. Pete Agnew’s bass lines provide the perfect backbone for the track, and Dan McCafferty’s unmistakable vocals carry the grit and power that fans had come to expect from the band. This song shows that even after four decades, Nazareth could still rock just as hard as they did in their early years, and it sets the tone for the rest of the album.

Lyrically, “Goin’ Loco” captures the energy and madness of someone who’s pushed to the edge, reflecting the chaos and instability hinted at in the song’s title. McCafferty’s raw delivery amplifies the intensity of the lyrics, with lines that dive into the idea of losing control—perhaps a metaphor for the band’s relentless energy despite years on the road and in the studio. The track’s high-energy tempo and aggressive instrumentation make it one of the most dynamic songs on The Newz and a perfect opener for an album that was met with enthusiasm by longtime fans.

In comparison to “Dear John” from their debut album, “Goin’ Loco” displays the evolution of Nazareth’s sound. While “Dear John” was steeped in bluesy rock and emotional vulnerability, “Goin’ Loco” is a testament to their harder-edged, modern sound. Both tracks, though decades apart, showcase the band’s knack for storytelling and creating music that resonates with their audience, whether through heartbreak or fiery passion.

# 8 – Telegram (Parts 1-4)

Continuing our Top 10 Nazareth Songs list is the epic suite “Telegram,” from the 1976 album Close Enough for Rock and Roll. This track is a standout not just for its musical brilliance but also for the way it serves as a perfect showcase of Nazareth’s ability to merge different song ideas into a cohesive and dynamic piece of rock artistry. What many fans, including myself, may not have realized at first is that the first four tracks on the album are actually part of a larger suite, which together form the journey that is “Telegram.” This album was a true representation of Nazareth’s artistic evolution, and the cover itself, featuring a rock band’s tour bus, became iconic in the 1970s, perfectly capturing the spirit of rock and roll.

The suite is divided into four parts: “Part 1: On Your Way,” “Part 2: So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” “Part 3: Sound Check,” and “Part 4: Here We Are Again.” Each part flows seamlessly into the next, and together they tell the story of life on the road as a rock star—full of excitement, chaos, and the grind of touring. The opening segment, “On Your Way,” starts with a rising tension, mimicking the anticipation of a journey about to begin. McCafferty’s gravelly voice cuts through as the band sets the tone with driving guitars and a sense of urgency. It’s a reflection of the highs and lows that come with the rock star life, something the band knew all too well at this point in their career.

As the suite progresses, the second part, “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” references the pressures and expectations placed on musicians. Nazareth cleverly blends their hard rock sound with an almost introspective look at the industry, adding layers to the suite’s narrative. The third part, “Sound Check,” highlights the technicalities of life on tour, while the final section, “Here We Are Again,” brings the suite to a rousing conclusion, echoing the sentiment that despite everything, Nazareth was still standing strong and ready to rock. The suite builds upon itself both musically and thematically, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish.

In comparison to earlier tracks like “Dear John” and “Goin’ Loco,” “Telegram” is a more complex and ambitious piece, showcasing the band’s growth and willingness to experiment. While “Dear John” leaned into their blues-rock roots and “Goin’ Loco” exhibited their ability to stay fresh after four decades, “Telegram” is Nazareth at their peak, both as songwriters and performers. The suite is a perfect encapsulation of what made Close Enough for Rock and Roll such a memorable and beloved album in the band’s discography.

# 7 – Morning Dew

Nazareth’s rendition of “Morning Dew,” originally by Bonnie Dobson and popularized by the Grateful Dead, became a standout track on the band’s 1971 debut album, Nazareth. This cover showcases Nazareth’s ability to take a classic folk-rock song and infuse it with their signature hard rock style. “Morning Dew” is a haunting song, written in the context of post-apocalyptic imagery, a conversation between two people following a devastating event. Nazareth’s version gives the track an extra edge with Dan McCafferty’s powerful, gravelly vocals and Manny Charlton’s intense guitar work, transforming the song into something much heavier than previous versions.

The band’s decision to cover “Morning Dew” on their debut album was a bold one, and it set the tone for the kind of music they were going to create: raw, emotionally charged, and sonically intense. McCafferty’s delivery of the lyrics — “Walk me out in the morning dew” — captures the desperation and melancholy of the song, while the band’s gritty, hard-hitting instrumentation adds a sense of urgency. The live versions of “Morning Dew,” particularly the one featured in the video below, are not to be missed, as they capture the electric atmosphere Nazareth brought to the stage during their performances. The band was exhilarating to see live, often lighting up the stage with their energetic and impassioned performances.

Compared to other songs like “Dear John” from the same album, “Morning Dew” shows a darker, more introspective side of the band. Where “Dear John” was rooted in a bluesy, more straightforward rock sound, “Morning Dew” ventures into deeper, more atmospheric territory. The song’s themes of loss and desolation resonate deeply, contrasting with tracks like “Telegram” and “Goin’ Loco” from later in their career, which focused on life as a rock star and the pressures of the road. “Morning Dew” stands as a testament to Nazareth’s versatility and their ability to reinterpret songs while staying true to their hard rock roots.

# 6 -Shanghaid In Shanghai

As we hit the halfway mark on this list of Nazareth’s top songs, “Shanghaid In Shanghai” stands as a prime example of the band’s ability to combine infectious riffs with explosive, larger-than-life choruses. Released in 1974 on Rampant, the song quickly became a fan favorite. The album was produced by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover, adding a touch of the hard-hitting production style that was synonymous with classic rock of that era. The song also features Jon Lord of Deep Purple on synthesizer, further enhancing the sonic depth of the track.

“Shanghaid In Shanghai” kicks off with a killer guitar riff that drives the energy of the entire song. The slide guitar in the track, which evokes comparisons to Lynyrd Skynyrd, gives it a southern rock feel, blending seamlessly with Nazareth’s hard rock sound. McCafferty’s powerhouse vocals on the chorus, coupled with the explosive instrumentation, create an anthemic feel that draws listeners in and refuses to let go. The song’s tale of being stuck in a foreign city, delivered with such ferocity, feels almost autobiographical for a band that spent much of its career on the road, constantly touring and living the highs and lows of life as rock stars.

“Shanghaid In Shanghai” is not just a highlight of Rampant but a defining track in Nazareth’s catalog. The production captures the essence of the 1970s rock sound, with the guitars, amps, and recording consoles producing a unique harmonic texture that listeners with a trained ear can instantly recognize. This gritty, full-bodied sound sets the track apart from others on this list, such as the more introspective “Morning Dew” or the radio-friendly “Dear John.” “Shanghaid In Shanghai” reflects Nazareth’s ability to tap into both the energy of southern rock and the hard rock muscle that defined the decade. It stands as one of their most enduring and electrifying songs.

# 5 – Miss Misery

“Miss Misery” is a powerhouse track from Nazareth’s iconic Hair of the Dog album, released in 1975. This song exemplifies the hard-hitting, raw energy that propelled Nazareth to the forefront of classic rock during the 1970s. From the opening riff, you’re immediately drawn into a gritty, unrelenting sonic landscape. The dry-sounding guitar riff, set against a backdrop of thunderous bass and pounding drums, creates a heavy yet tight sound that defines the band’s signature style.

McCafferty’s high-tenor vocals soar above the mix, delivering the lyrics with a biting intensity that perfectly complements the music’s forcefulness. “Miss Misery” tackles themes of emotional turmoil and heartbreak, but instead of wallowing in despair, it channels that frustration into a cathartic, hard rock anthem. The song’s relentless energy mirrors the frustration and anguish conveyed in the lyrics, making it a visceral listening experience.

On Hair of the Dog, every track delivers, but “Miss Misery” stands out as one of the album’s purest examples of classic hard rock. Compared to other tracks on this list, like the southern-tinged “Shanghaid in Shanghai” or the introspective “Dear John,” “Miss Misery” takes a no-nonsense, straight-ahead approach that pulls no punches. It captures the essence of Nazareth’s raw power and their ability to fuse lyrical pain with musical aggression, making it an unforgettable moment in their catalog and a staple in any discussion of the greatest classic rock songs.

# 4 – This Flight Tonight

Nazareth’s rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “This Flight Tonight” became a standout track on their 1973 album Loud ‘N’ Proud, marking one of the most successful covers in rock history. While the original by Joni Mitchell was more acoustic and introspective, Nazareth’s version gave the song a hard rock twist that captured the energy of the early ’70s rock scene. Released as part of their fourth studio album, Loud ‘N’ Proud, the song has since become a fan favorite, cementing its place as a defining track for both the band and their listeners.

The transformation of “This Flight Tonight” from a folk-infused ballad into a powerful rock anthem showcases Nazareth’s ability to interpret songs and make them their own. The band introduced heavier guitar riffs, driven by Manny Charlton’s distinct tone, and paired them with Dan McCafferty’s gritty, emotive vocals. These elements gave the track a new intensity, while still preserving the reflective mood of the lyrics, which explore themes of regret and longing. The contrast between the song’s origin and Nazareth’s reinterpretation demonstrates their artistic versatility.

Compared to other songs on Loud ‘N’ Proud, such as their hard-hitting cover of Bob Dylan’s “The Ballad of Hollis Brown” or the raucous “Teenage Nervous Breakdown,” This Flight Tonight stands out for its blend of folk roots and hard rock delivery. The track also plays an important role in Nazareth’s live shows, where its explosive energy never fails to ignite the crowd. This classic cover helped broaden the band’s appeal and remains one of their most enduring tracks, embodying the unique way Nazareth breathed new life into the songs they covered.

# 3 – Razamanaz

“Razamanaz” is the title track from Nazareth’s third album, Razamanaz, released in 1973, and stands as one of the defining moments in the band’s career. The song is an energetic rock anthem that encapsulates the raw power and excitement of the early ’70s hard rock scene. Produced by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover, who was instrumental in refining the band’s sound, “Razamanaz” is full of blistering guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Dan McCafferty’s unmistakable gritty vocals.

At this point in their career, Nazareth was rising through the ranks of hard rock, and their collaboration with Glover played a key role in sharpening their sound and making them more commercially viable. Glover’s production lent a polished but still rough-edged quality to the band’s already powerful performances, giving songs like “Razamanaz” an explosive energy. Manny Charlton’s guitar work on the track shines, delivering relentless, fast-paced riffs that would become a signature of the band’s style.

Lyrically, “Razamanaz” embodies the high-octane, rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. The title itself is a playful, nonsensical word that conveys the excitement and energy of the music. As a live track, it became a staple in Nazareth’s performances, often revving up audiences with its infectious rhythm and raw power. Compared to the other songs on this list, Razamanaz stands out for its pure, unfiltered rock energy, capturing the essence of Nazareth’s rise to prominence during their early years and their deep connection with the hard rock ethos of the time.

# 2 – Hair Of The Dog

“Hair Of The Dog” is one of Nazareth’s most iconic tracks and the title song from their 1975 album Hair Of The Dog. The song is instantly recognizable for its powerful opening drum riff, which draws comparisons to Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band.” With its gritty, hard-hitting sound, this track became a defining anthem of the 1970s hard rock era and helped solidify Nazareth’s place among rock’s elite.

The song features one of the most memorable guitar riffs in rock history, courtesy of Manny Charlton, along with Dan McCafferty’s snarling vocals, delivering the defiant lyrics: “Now you’re messin’ with a son of a bitch!” The combination of these elements gave “Hair Of The Dog” a rebellious edge that resonated with rock audiences. The title itself plays on the phrase “hair of the dog that bit you,” a colloquial term for drinking alcohol as a hangover cure, but here it doubles as a metaphor for the confrontational tone of the song.

The Hair Of The Dog album was a commercial breakthrough for the band, becoming their best-selling record and making a significant impact in the United States. The album peaked at number 17 on the Billboard charts and sold over two million copies, marking Nazareth’s biggest success. This track, with its infectious chorus and bold energy, became a staple in their live performances and remains one of their most enduring songs.

In terms of comparison to other songs on this list, “Hair Of The Dog” represents the pinnacle of Nazareth’s raw, no-holds-barred rock sound. Its aggressive tone and swaggering attitude stand in contrast to the more introspective tracks like “Racing In The Street” and the melodic stylings of “This Flight Tonight,” showcasing the band’s versatility and ability to create hard rock anthems that defined the era.

# 1 – Love Hurts

Topping our list of the best Nazareth songs is their timeless ballad, “Love Hurts.” Released in 1975 on the Hair of the Dog album, this track became the band’s biggest hit, securing its place in rock history. Originally written by Boudleaux Bryant and first recorded by The Everly Brothers, Nazareth’s version of “Love Hurts” took on a whole new life with Dan McCafferty’s unmistakably raw and emotionally charged vocals, turning it into a global sensation.

Nazareth’s rendition of “Love Hurts” showcases their versatility, stepping away from the heavier rock sound of tracks like “Hair Of The Dog” and “Razamanaz” to deliver a poignant, heart-wrenching ballad that resonated deeply with listeners. McCafferty’s gravelly voice gave the song a unique vulnerability, capturing the universal pain of love and loss, while the simple yet powerful arrangement of acoustic guitar, bass, and light percussion highlighted the emotion in the lyrics.

The song became a massive radio hit, especially in 1975 and 1976, and remains one of the most recognizable classic rock ballads of all time. It reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it Nazareth’s highest-charting single in the U.S. The track’s success extended worldwide, with its popularity cemented through constant radio play and its use in various media over the years.

As the closing song on this list, “Love Hurts” represents the pinnacle of Nazareth’s career and highlights the band’s ability to create both hard-hitting rock anthems and deeply affecting ballads. Compared to other songs on the list like “Hair Of The Dog” and “Shanghaid In Shanghai,” “Love Hurts” stands out for its emotional depth and softer tone, illustrating the band’s dynamic range and McCafferty’s powerful vocal presence.