Our top 10 Pop Evil songs list looks at the catalog of an American band famed for its blend of hard rock, post-grunge, and alternative metal. The band was formed in 2001, with its members initially playing music in clubs. Its members endured playing music all night just to raise enough money to record decent demos. During this time, Pop Evil would play covers for its audience.
War of the Roses (2004) marked the band’s first release of its own songs. The album was later followed by an EP Ready or Not (2006). Ready or Not (2006) featured three songs, one of them being “Somebody Like You.” “Somebody Like You” attracted the attention of music talent scouts and record labels.
Pop Evil released its debut album Lipstick on the Mirror (2008) on Pazzo Music. The album would later be re-issued by Universal Republic Records in 2009. Some of the reputable hits from the album included “100 in a 55” and “Stepping Stone.” The band joined Whitesnake in support of Judas Priest on his tour.
After quite an active 2009, Pop Evil was back in the studio to record its sophomore studio album. While the band announced the recording of the sophomore album in January 2010, it was released in July 2011. The band cited the delay as being caused by unavoidable conflicts. “Last Man Standing” was the first song on the album War of Angels (2011). The song is famed for use by UFC fighter Frank Mir and NHL game shows.
The band embarked on tours with other reputable artists, including Drowning Pool, Escape the Fate, Theory of a Deadman, Papa Roach, and 3 Doors Down. Sadly, the band’s original guitarist Tony Greve left the ensemble. Nick Fuelling occupied his position. Once more, the band went on tour, performing alongside other reputable artists, including Killswitch Engage and Five Finger Death Punch.
The band started preparing to release a new studio album under the title Onyx. “Trenches” was among the first songs released for Onyx (2013). After the album’s release, Pop Evil went on tour with Five Finger Death Punch as a supporting act. With its fanbase growing, Pop Evil was prompted to keep releasing music.
Pop Evil’s next effort was releasing its fourth studio album, Up (2015). Some of the renowned hits from the album include “Footsteps,” “Take It All,” and “Ways to Get High.” The album rose to the peak position on the Billboard Independent Albums. On the Billboard 200, the album rose to number twenty-five.
The band went on to release its eponymous fifth studio album in 2018. “Waking Lions” is the best song from this album, having it deliver a number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart. The album peaked at number sixty-three on the Billboard 200. Pop Evil’s most recent album is Versatile (2021), which reached number twenty-one on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart.
Pop Evil’s lineup has changed through the years. The only remaining original members are vocalist Leigh Kakaty and rhythm guitarist Dave Grahs. Nick Fuelling has since 2012 filled in for Tony Greve on the lead guitars. On the other hand, Hayley Cramer has been the band’s drummer since 2016. Since its inception, Pop Evil has maintained its sound, a blend of hard rock, post-grunge, and alternative metal. Here we present the best Pop Evil songs from the band’s six studio albums.
#10 – Somebody Like You
Opening our top 10 Pop Evil songs is the hit “Somebody Like You.” The song is featured on the band’s album, Lipstick on the Mirror (2008). “Somebody Like You” finds the band’s vocalist heartbroken, wondering how he will push on without a lady he really treasures. This emotional song was penned by Pop Evil’s original band members.
#9 – Monster You Made
“Monster You Made” is a musical gem featured on the band’s sophomore album War of Angels (2011). Vocalist Kakaty was inspired to pen this song when he had some issues with his father. While the song’s title feels like an attack on his dad, “Monster You Made” is a tribute to his father, David Bassett. His father was a legendary songwriter penning lyrics for iconic acts, including Halestorm, Walk Off The Earth, Elle King, and Vance Joy.
#8 – Breathe Again
Coming in at number eight is the marvelous hit “Breathe Again.” The song is featured on the band’s most recent album Versatile (2021). “Breathe Again” alludes to rising from tough situations and finally feeling that the whole pressure is off. This is one of the songs that helped the band connect with fans having it released during the Covid-19 pandemic era.
#7 – Be Legendary
“Be Legendary” is a heavy-sounding track from the band’s 2018 eponymous fifth album. The song’s lyrics serve as a motivation for Pop Evil’s listeners to be legendary. “Be Legendary” is an anthemic tune that reminds its listeners that despite the world not playing it fair, it is one’s character that really matters.
#6 – 100 in A 55
Number six on our top 10 Pop Evil songs is the hit “100 in A 55.” The song is featured on the band’s debut album Lipstick on the Mirror (2008). “100 in A 55” finds the band’s vocalist Kakaty expressing himself on how he wishes he go full-blown on a goal hoping it will pay off. This relates to how the band started its music career, playing covers overnight in clubs. Through patience and pushing themselves to the limit, members of Pop Evil finally achieved success.
#5 – Waking Lions
“Waking Lions” is an outstanding track from the band’s eponymous studio album. Like the title suggests, “Waking Lions” is an empowering rock ballad. The band encourages its fans to remain resilient despite the tough biting days. Through the song, the band hits its mission of telling the masses never to let fear take over. “Waking Lions” reached number fifteen on the Billboard Rock Airplay Chart.
#4 – Deal With the Devil
Released on the band’s third studio album Onyx (2013), “Deal With the Devil” is one of the band’s most reputable tracks. The song was released as the follow-up to the band’s successful hit “Trenches.” “Deal With the Devil” serves as a reminder that life is wonderful yet merciless. The ban members remind the song’s listeners that the decisions one makes have consequences.
#3 – Boss’s Daughter
Coming in at number three is the hit “Boss’s Daughter.” The song is featured on the album War of Angels (2011). “Boss’s Daughter” alludes to a lady who walks around like she is the daughter of the boss. The song finds the band reminiscing about rock music its members grew up listening to. Predominantly, the band is moved by the rock art exhibited by Mötley Crüe. The band tagged guitarist Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe in co-writing the song and its recording.
#2 – Trenches
“Trenches” is a hard rock ballad featured on the band’s album Onyx (2013). The song is one of the band’s most hard releases. Its lyrics allude to the band’s constant struggles to remain relevant and successful in the music scene. The song rose to number nine on the Billboard Rock Airplay.
#1 – Torn to Pieces
Number one on our top 10 Pop Evil songs list is the hit “Torn to Pieces.” The song is the brightest gem on the band’s third studio album Onyx (2013). “Torn to Pieces” finds the band’s vocalist Kakaty mourning the death of his dear dad. Kakaty revealed that nothing is heavier and haunting for someone’s soul than losing a loved one without a goodbye. The song reached number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
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Top 10 Pop Evil Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022
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