Our top 10 Saigon Kick songs list looks at the body of work of an American band well-known for fusing many different styles of metal music. Saigon Kick was formed in 1988 by guitarist Jason Bieler and vocalist Matt Kramer. Bieler and Kramer teamed up with drummer Phil Varone and bassist Sean Puckett to form the band’s initial lineup. Saigon Kick started playing music in the local clubs, where it gained quite a following.
The band attracted the attention of Third Stone Records, signing a recording contract with the label in 1990. Saigon Kick immediately started plotting for the release of an album. The result was the band’s eponymous debut album released in 1991. Saigon Kick (1991) featured the backing vocals of Jeff Scott Soto, renowned for his time Journey and Yngwie Malmsteen. The album blended hard rock, heavy metal, alternative rock, psychedelia, and punk rock elements.
Saigon Kick (1991) achieved moderate success thanks to the inspirational songwriting skills exhibited by the songs on the album. The amazing chops from lead guitarist Jason Bieler remain a notable element from the band’s debut album. Saigon Kick resumed to the studio for the recording of a sophomore album. The band released the album The Lizard (1992).
The Lizard (1992) is the band’s most acclaimed album. It is also home to “Love Is on the Way,” Saigon Kick’s only song to rise to the Billboard Hot 100. Both “Love Is on the Way” and The Lizard (1992) were Gold-certified after their sales surpassed the five hundred thousand copies mark. Saigon Kick hit the road for a nationwide tour to promote this sophomore album. The Lizard (1992) is the only album by Saigon Kick to rise to the Billboard 200. On the chart, the album managed to rise to the eightieth position.
Saigon Kick tried to capitalize on the success of its sophomore album by releasing a third studio album. Water (1993) saw the band take on glam metal throwing in some hard rock and heavy metal elements in some songs. Unfortunately, Saigon Kick failed to replicate the success of the sophomore album with Water (1993).
With Water (1993) failing to make the projected sales, Atlantic Records dropped Saigon Kick in 1994. CMC International signed the band in 1995, with the band releasing its fourth LP, Devil in the Details (1995). Vocalist Matt Kramer was absent, having Jason Bieler take on the vocals role. The band also added guitarist Pete Dembrowski to its lineup. Once again, the band failed to match the performance of The Lizard (1992) with this album. Devil in the Details (1995) only sold about fifteen thousand album copies.
The band members attempted to rejuvenate the Saigon Kick’s successful ways in 1997, trying out a reunion with Matt Kramer. Saigon Kick released the compilation album Moments from the Fringe (1998) and the LP Bastards (1999). However, none of the two releases were acclaimed enough to guide the band to mainstream success.
Eventually, Saigon Kick disbanded only to revive its musical pursuits in 2012. Since its reunion, Saigon Kick has not made any major release. The current lineup comprises the band’s original members Kramer and Bieler, bassist Chris McLernon, drummer Jonathan Mover, and rhythm guitarist Steve Gibb. Here are the best Saigon Kick songs of all time.
#10 – Come Take Me Now
We open up our top 10 Saigon Kick songs with the charming hit “Come Take Me Now.” The song is featured on the band’s eponymous debut album. Matt Kramer and Jason Bieler teamed up in penning the lyrics to this song. “Come Take Me Now” features the backing vocals of Jeff Scott Soto.
#9 – The One
By the time Saigon Kick was releasing Devil in the Details (1995), the band was without its reputable lead vocalist Matt Kramer. Nevertheless, the band didn’t bother looking for a new lead vocalist since Jason Bieler was ready to fill the gap. “The One” is a musical gem by Saigon Kick that showcase the best of Jason’s vocal skills. This splendid ballad was released as a bonus track to the Austrian, German, and Swiss edition of the band’s fourth LP.
#8 – Space Oddity
Coming in at number eight on our top 10 Saigon Kick songs list is the cover hit “Space Oddity.” Initially, the song was penned and released by David Bowie on his sophomore LP. The song’s lyrics allude to a story about Major Tom, an imaginary astronaut.
“Space Oddity” is one of the most complex songs ever penned by David Bowie. Nevertheless, Saigon Kick took on the song, delivering this epic rendition. Retired astronaut and Canadian singer Chris Hadfield released his version of “Space Oddity” in 2013.
#7 – On and On
“On and On” is a groovy hit from the band’s third studio album, Water (1993). This song was penned by the band’s primary songwriter, Jason Bieler. Other than the striking lyrics to this song, “On and On” is praised for its outstanding bassline. “On and On” is one of the most straightforward love ballads by Saigon Kick.
#6 – What You Say
Number six on our top 10 Saigon Kick songs is the terrific ballad “What You Say.” The song is featured on Saigon Kick’s 1991 eponymous debut album. “What You Say” is one of the band’s best hard rock/heavy metal songs of all time. The song features an energetic and perfectly delivered guitar solo by Jason Bieler.
#5 – One Step Closer
Water (1993) is the home to our fifth track of the top 10 Saigon Kick songs, “One Step Closer.” The song is delivered in a rare yet adventurous metal sounds. “One Step Closer” finds Saigon Kick giving a mind-blowing performance. The song showcases once more how heavy its music can go.
#4 – Body Bags
“Body Bags” is among the few songs that featured drummer Phil Varone on the songwriting process. Phil teamed up with Matt Kramer in penning the lyrics to the song while Jason wrote the music to this song. The song’s instrumentation finds this ode bringing the best of the band’s heavy metal elements. “Body Bags” remains a reputable political-oriented ballad from The Lizard (1992).
#3 – All I Want
The number three track on our top 10 Saigon Kick songs is the anthemic hit “All I Want.” This masterpiece is featured on Saigon Kick’s sophomore album The Lizard (1992). “All I Want” is a perfectly arranged romantic ballad that finds the singer craving for a certain lady alone. Thanks to his emotion-driven delivery in this romantic ballad, Matt Kramer’s vocals on this song also stand out. The song peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
#2 – I Love You
“I Love You” is yet another romantic ballad from Saigon Kick. The song is featured on Saigon Kick’s album Water (1993). “I Love You” finds the singer claiming that he is neither the best man for a woman nor the best version of what he desired to be. However, one thing that he knows for sure is that he loves the subject woman.
#1- Love Is on the Way
Number one on our top 10 Saigon Kick songs list is the hit “Love Is on the Way.” The song is featured on The Lizard (1992). “Love Is on the Way” finds the band deviating a little from its metal sound, recording this power ballad in an acoustic manner. This Gold-certified ballad was the band’s only hit to make it to the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100.
Feature Photo: Shutterstock
Top 10 Saigon Kick Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022
Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business or any organizations is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain creative commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at end of article.
