Top 10 Pat Travers Songs

Feature Photo: Bill Gordon from Toronto, Canada, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Canadian-born Pat Travers is one of the most respected and exciting rock guitarists to emerge from the 1970s classic rock era. The legendary Ronnie Hawkins discovered Pat Travers. Mr. Hawkins was known for his work in his band, the Hawks. He was also known as a mentor to many young musicians and played a pivotal role in the development of the careers of numerous well-known musicians. Pat Travers’ first album was released in 1976. After his debut album, Pat Travers released records steadily until 1984. From 1976 to 1984, Pat Travers released a total of 10 albums.

In 1990, Pat Travers signed with a different label and began releasing new music. From 1990 to 2015, Pat Travers released twenty-six albums. The Pat Travers band has continued to tour on a steady basis. Some writers have likened Pat Travers’ career and artistry to that of Robin Trower. Regardless of comparisons to other artists, one thing is for sure: Pat Travers has delivered a fantastic body of work. His constant touring and performances have anointed him as one of the hardest-working guitar players of the past forty years.

# 10 – Makin’Magic

“Makin’ Magic” is a perfect example of early 1970s rock, featuring great vocals, exceptional guitar work, and melodies and chord changes that fit perfectly on both AM and FM radio. The song “Makin’ Magic” always reminded me of the Edgar Winter Group. Excellent musicianship and great songs. Pat Travers’ solo at the end of this tune is to die for.

# 9 – Stop and Smile

If you’re a fan of classic rock, then you must be a fan of great guitar licks. Pat Travers’ music is loaded with classic rock guitar licks. “Stop and Smile” defines the art of the lick. This one was released on Pat Travers’ debut album in 1976. It was the opening song on the album.

# 8 – Women on the Edge of Love

The excellent track “Women on the Edge of Love” was released on Pat Travers’s last studio album of the 1980s, entitled Hot Shot. The album was released in 1984. “Women on the Edge of Love” was released as a single off the record.

# 7 – Hammerhead

The smoking instrumental “Hammerhead” was released on the 1978 album Heat in the Street. The album featured legendary drummer Tommy Aldridge. The well-known drummer recorded five albums as a member of the Pat Travers band. Aldridge would also record close to ten albums with Black Oak Arkansas and work on recordings with Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne, and Thin Lizzy.

The Heat in the Street album also features Peter ‘Mars’ Cowling on bass and Pat Thrall on guitar and keys. They would form the core of the Pat Travers band during the glory years of the 1970s and 1980s.

# 6 – Born Under A Bad Sign

Pat Travers’ great guitar licks open up his masterful cover of the classic tune “Born Under A Bad Sign.” The song was released on the 1980 Crash and Burn LP. Booker T Jones and William Bell initially wrote the music for Albert King. The song was covered by many artists, including Eric Clapton’s band Cream. Pat Travers rips it up on his cover version of this great classic song.

# 5 – I La La La Love You

Not to be confused with the Delfonics’ 1968 tune “La-La Means I Love You,” Pat Travers’ song “I La La La Love You” was released in 1982. The song “I La La La Love You” was issued on the Black Pearl album. The song was also featured in Nicolas Cage’s 1983 movie, Valley Girl. “I La La La Love You” stands as one of the most successful Pat Travers songs of the guitar player’s career.

# 4 – Life in London

Putting It Straight takes the prize as the best Pat Travers’ album cover. It also comes close to being one of the best Pat Travers albums. It was a smoking record that delivered some of the best Pat Travers songs of the artist’s career. The killer track “Life In London” defined the sound of 1970s rock. Just one listen, and you can hear the sound of bands like Deep Purple, Foghat, Thin Lizzy, and even a little Led Zeppelin, all reflected in the sound of the recording. One of our favorites.

# 3 – Crash and Burn

Pat Travers’ album Crash and Burn was the highest charting album of Pat Traver’s career. The great song “Crash and Burn” starts out with a tremendous flanged bass line that always reminds me of the opening bass line to Sonny and Cher’s “The Beat Goes On.” However, the song instantly dives into a series of minor chords that set up a track for the ages. Great keyboard work wraps around Travers’ guitar licks and chilling vocals on this one. Cool keyboard solo, too!

# 2 – Snortin’ Whiskey

If you have never heard of Pat Travers or at least are not sure if you know any Pat Travers songs, then one listen to the track “Snortin’ Whiskey” will make it clear that you have. Most Pat Travers fans will agree that Pat Travers’ “Snortin’ Whiskey” is easily one of the most popular Pat Travers songs ever released. The song was released as a single off the 1980 Crash and Burn LP. If you’re going to introduce a friend to Pat Travers, this is the one to play.

# 1 – Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights)

While “Snorting Whiskey” may be the most popular Pat Travers song, we could not help but choose Boom Boom Out Go The Lights as our number one choice on this Pat Travers song list. Rock and roll is all about the live experience, and Pat Travers’ 1979 live album proved that point times ten. The live version of “Boom Boom Goes Out The Lights” not only displayed the great party atmosphere that all great rock concerts define, but the song also featured some of Pat Travers’ most excellent guitar work. And isn’t that what it’s all about for a musician whose claim to fame is his talent as a guitar player?

Updated November 11, 2025

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