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Our Top 10 Sammy Hagar 70s songs list looks back at the red rockers’ best material from the decade of the 1970s. Like many classic rock fans, we first discovered Sammy Hagar in the 1970s as a solo artist. Of course, there were many rock fans who know of him as the vocalist for Montrose. Although, he had not made a name for himself on a mass cultural level yet. In that band as he was simply a band member and their lead vocalist. It was as the opening act for Boston in 1977 when many rock and roll fans were first introduced to the passionate vocals and high-energy performances that Sammy Hagar delivered every night on the concert stage. This writer saw Sammy Hagar open for Boston at New York’s Madison Square Garden in 1977, went straight to the record store the next day, and purchased what we all call the Red album. From that moment on, Sammy Hagar has been at the top of our list as one of the greatest rock and roll singers and artists of all time.
Sammy Hagar’s debut solo album, Nine On A Ten Scale, was released in 1976. While that album loomed mainly under the radar in the music business, his sophomore album, entitled Sammy Hagar, released in 1977, made a lot of noise. A genuinely excellent rock record, the album has remained a favorite of Sammy Hagar fans since its release. Sammy Hagar released his third album in 1977 called Musical Chairs. Sammy Hagar’s final album of the decade, entitled Street Machine, was released in 1979. We also can’t forget the excellent live album that Sammy Hagar released in 1978 entitled All Night Long.
Our Top 10 Sammy Hagar Songs of the 1970s celebrates ten of our favorite Sammy songs from the decade that gave us all so much great rock and roll music.
This list focuses on the songs Sammy Hagar released as a solo artist in the 1970s. However, we have also included a second list that features the great songs he wrote while in Montrose. We thought that would be the best way to represent some of his best 1970s material
Top 10 Sammy Hagar 70s Songs – Solo Albums
# 10 – Rock ‘N Roll Romeo
We open up our top 10 Sammy Hagar 70s songs list with the grooving song entitled “Rock ‘N Roll Romeo.” The song was released on the album entitled Nine On A Ten Scale. It was the closing track on the album. The album was released in 1976. The song “Rock ‘N Roll Romeo,” was written by John Carter, and Sammy Hagar. Some of the lyrics of the song might not sit too well in today’s age, but the song rocks hard and was the perfect album closer. Sammy Hagar sounds a little like Foghat’s Dave Peverett on this track.
# 9 – Rock And Roll Weekend
Continuing with our top 10 Sammy Hagar 70s songs list we take a listen to the great song entitled “Rock And Roll Weekend.” There are two versions of this song that are actually quite different. We love both of them. The first version was released on Sammy Hagars Red album in 1977. The second version Sammy Hagar released was a live version issued on the All Night Long album. The live version sounds nothing like the original. The band plays the song at about three times the speed of the original. Both versions are killer. We have included the live version below.
# 8 – This Planet’s on Fire (Burn in Hell)
Many fans never really think of Sammy Hagar as a metal artist, but the riffs that he writes could definitely be utilized in the Metal Genre. “This Planet’s on Fire (Burn in Hell),” is a perfect example. In fact, you don’t have to take our word for it, just check out Megadeath’s blasting cover version of this killer cut. Sammy Hagar’s original version of the song was released on his Street Machne album in 1979. The musicians featured on this track included Sammy Hagar on lead vocals and guitar, Gary Pihl on guitar, Bill Church on bass, and Chuck Ruff on drums.
# 7 – Fillmore Shuffle
We will never get tired of listing to that opening acoustic guitar riff and the very cool bass line. This has always been one of our favorite Sammy Hagar songs that have kind of gotten lost in the shuffle. The song appears on Sammy Hagar’s sophomore album entitled Sammy Hagar. This one always sounded so good because it opens up the album’s second side and was given the vinyl’s widest grooves. This one also has a great chorus that you just can’t stop singing. The song was written by Bruce Stephens.
# 6 – I’ve Done Everything for You
Landing in the number six spot on our top 10 Sammy Hagar 70s songs list we present the song “I’ve Done Everything for You” The song was released as a stand-alone single by Sammy Hagar in 1978. It would be included on his classic 70s live album All Night Long. The song was never a hit in the US. but broke the top 40 in the United Kingdom peaking at number thirty eight. Of course in the US. the song became a monster hit when Rick Springfield recorded his version of the song that broke the US Billboard Top 10 in 1981.
# 5 – Reckless
The song’s title pretty much defines the feel of this roaring rocker. At the halfway point on our top 10 Sammy Hagar 70s songs list is the song entitled “Reckless.” The song was issued on the album entitled Musical Chairs. The album was released in 1977. The song appeared as the fourth track on the album. It was the fourth of four straight tracks in a row on side one written by Sammy Hagar and John Crater. The recording featured Sammy Hagar on lead vocals and guitar, Gary Pihl on guitar, Bill Church on bass, Alan Fitzgerald on keyboards and Denny Carmassi on drums.
# 4 – Plain Jane
At the number four spot on our top 10 Sammy Hagar 70s songs list we present the high-spirited song entitled “Plain Jane.” The song was released on the album entitled Street Machine. This is one of Sammy Hagar’s most underrated albums. The album was released in 1979. The Street Machine album featured guest appearances by Brad Delp, Barry Goudreau and Sib Hashian of Boston.
# 3 – Urban Guerilla
Moving along on our top 10 Sammy Hagar 70s songs list we present the song entitled “Urban Guerilla.” The song was released on the album entitled Nine On A Ten Scale The album was released in 1976. This is the one that got away. It’s a ferocious track that almost sounds like it would fit perfectly on a Chickenfoot album. One of Sammy’s earliest in-your-face metal rockers. Listen to that scream at the song’s start. This one has a bit of a UFO feel.
# 2 – Trans Am (Highway Wonderland)
Just off the top spot on our top 10 Sammy Hagar 70s songs list, we celebrate the song entitled “Trans Am (Highway Wonderland).” The song was released on the album entitled Street Machine. This song would become a Sammy Hagar classic. Its opening riff and groove really defined the Sammy Hagar sound of the 1970s. It’s a great closing statement on the work Sammy Hagar had done for a decade. The 80s would become so much more successful for Sammy Hagar on a commercial level, but many fans still love the songs and style of music Sammy Hagar delivered on his solo albums released in the 1970s.
# 1 – Red
We close out our top 10 Sammy Hagar 70s songs list with the song entitled “Red.” The song was released on the album entitled Sammy Hagar. The album was released in 1977. Red was the opening track on the album. It would also become the opening song Sammy Hagar would utilize during his live performances. It was the perfect opening song with its driving beat that gets more intense with each slamming guitar chord that creeps in one by one. Surprisingly, this song has not been used in many motion pictures because it’s the perfect opening sequence song. One of Sammy Hagar’s all-time great recordings.
Sammy Hagar 70s Songs Written In Montrose
# 8 – I Don’t Want It
“I Don’t Want It” is the first of eight songs we have included on this list that were written or co-written by Sammy Hagar while he was in the band Montrose. “I Don’t Want It” was released on the debut Montrose album. Songwriting credit was given to Sammy Hagar and Ronnie Montrose.
# 7 – “One Thing on My Mind”
“One Thing On My Mind” was released on the debut Montrose album. Songwriting credit was given to Sammy Hagar, Ronnie Montrose, and J. Sanchez.
# 6 – The Dreamer
“The Dreamer,” was released on the Paper Money Montrose album. Songwriting credit for the song was shared by Sammy Hagar and Ronnie Montrose.
# 5 – Spaceage Sacrifice
“Spaceage Sacrifice,” was released on the Paper Money Montrose album. Songwriting credit for the song was shared by Sammy Hagar and Ronnie Montrose.
# 4 – Make It Last
“Make It Last,” was released on the debut Montrose album. Sammy Hagar received sole songwriting credit for the song.
# 3 – Space Station # 5
“Space Station # 5” was released on the debut Montrose album. Songwriting credit for this one was shared by Sammy Hagar and Ronnie Montrose.
# 2 – Bad Motor Scotter
“Bad Motor Scooter,” was released on the debut Montrose album. Sammy Hagar received sole songwriting credit for the song. Sammy Hagar has continued to play the song throughout his career. The song also appeared on Sammy Hagar’s All Night Long live album released in 1978.
# 1 – Rock Candy
“Rock Candy” was released on the debut Montrose album. Songwriting credit was given to all members of the band including Sammy Hagar, Ronnie Montrose, Denny Carmassi and Bill Church.
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
