Our top 10 Sick Puppies songs introduces us to a rock band that has won almost every award they have been nominated for. Sick Puppies was formed in 1997 in a high school music room by vocalist and guitarist Shimon Moore and bassist Emma Anzai. At this time, the two were fighting over who would use the music after they coincidentally double-booked it. However, their love for similar artists/bands would create some bond between them join hands playing Silverchair, Green Day, and Rage Against the Machine songs. They would later take the bold move to compose their music. The band would later recruit drummer Chris Mileski to fill up its lineup. The band didn’t have much ability to have them record, so when the Triple J Unearthed band competition was open in 2000, they registered to try their luck.
Thanks to the years of practice and perfecting their skills that Sick Puppies co-won the Sydney region alongside another band with their demo song “Nothing Really Matters.” Sick Puppies were awarded a management deal with Paul Stepanek Management which enabled them to release the album Welcome to the Real World and the EP Fly. With the departure of Chris Mileski and the collapse of their contract with their record label, Sick Puppies decided to move to Los Angeles. Here, the band hired drummer Mark Goodwin who they found after posting an ad on Craigslist. They released their debut studio album Dressed Up as Life in 2007, which shot the band to success. However, Moore left the band after he attempted to dissolve the band through his lawyer, replacing him with former Glass Intrepid and Dev Electric vocalist Bryan Scott. Our top 10 Sick Puppies songs list looks at the band’s best releases from its four studio albums.
# 10 – Stick to Your Guns
Ushering us to the top 10 Sick Puppies songs is a song whose title is crafted from a common idiomatic phrase. “Stick to Your Guns” is a phrase meaning declining change and/or compromising in spite of criticism. Sick Puppies released a lead single for their fifth album, Fury, under the title “Stick to Your Guns” with the purpose of empowering their fanbase. In a great way, the song points to a scenario of a soldier who has to maintain his position under enemy fire. Written by the band members, “Stick to Your Guns” was the first song to feature Bryan Scott, the new vocalist, and guitarist. The song peaked at number thirteen on the US Mainstream Rock chart.
# 9 – Gunfight
“Gunfight” was released as the sophomore single from the band’s album Connect. The song was written by Emma Anzai, Shimon Moore, and Rock Mafia (Tim James and Antonina Armato). Rock Mafia would help Sick Puppies produce this upbeat song famed for its sublime guitar riffs. The song tells of a protest in Tiananmen Square in China where people rose up against the government after the passing of a communist leader. And guess what! The government deployed tons of tanks to try to stop the riots ending up killing hundreds when thousands were arrested. Sick Puppies used this song to remind people that they don’t stand a chance fighting with knives in a gunfight. The song peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
# 8 – Street Fighter (War)
If you have played the video game Street Fighter IV, then it’s quite possible that you have heard “Street Fighter (War).” Featured on the band’s album Tri-Polar, the song was picked by Street Fighter IV to advertise the game prompting even WWE to seek using “You’re Going Down” for one of their spots too. Thanks to the song that the band received even greater exposure, helping it enlarge its fanbase.
# 7 – Odd One
“Odd One” is another great ballad from Sick Puppies’ album Tri-Polar. The song calls anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider telling them to be themselves, and it will be okay. “Odd One” also shows how others can be envious that you are not like everyone else, making you not fit in the society. However, Sick Puppies cannot stress it enough that we should never let judgments define who we are at any point in life.
# 6 – My World
Number six on our top 10 Sick Puppies songs is the ballad “My World.” The song is an original composition by Emma Anzai, Shimon Moore, and Rock Mafia featured in the band’s 2007 album Dressed Up as Life. “My World” is a pulsating song that features sublime hard rock and post-grunge vibes making the Australian band among true rockers of the new decade. The song peaked at number twenty on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
# 5 – There’s No Going Back
Producers Rock Mafia, Sick Puppies’ Emma Anzai and Shimon Moore, and Desmond child collaborated in penning “There’s No Going Back.” The song is an electrifying post-grunge and alternative rock ballad from the band’s fourth studio album Connect. Thanks to the sublime instrumentations and awe-inspiring vocals from the song that “There’s No Going Back” peaked at number two on the US Mainstream Rock chart.
# 4 – Riptide
While “Odd” might have beat “Riptide” to featuring as the sophomore single on the band’s album Tri-Polar, “Riptide” stole the hearts of many compared to “Odd.” While the band might have perceived that “Odd” had stronger lyrical content than “Riptide,” the masses proved that they loved more of “Riptide” than “Odd” owing to its carefree attitude. The song lyrics allude to no need to justify oneself to critics, a message that felt more very powerful and practical for the masses. “Riptide” peaked at number three on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
# 3 – All the Same
“All the Same” has been regarded by many to be Sick Puppies’ breakthrough song from the band’s 2007 album Dressed Up as Life. Written by Emma Anzai, Shimon Moore, and Rock Mafia, the song’s lyrics allude to a relationship that is breaking to pieces. “All the Same” was featured in the Free Hugs Campaign, a social act where hugs were offered as a random act of kindness. The song is Sick Puppies’ second-most successful ballad on the Alternative Songs chart peaking at number eight.
# 2 – You’re Going Down
Featured on the band’s album Tri-Polar, “Maybe” a single from the band’s album Tri-Polar. Written by Emma Anzai, Shimon Moore, and Rock Mafia, the nu-metal/alternative metal song was used by WWE in representing their Extreme Rules 2009. The song peaked at number eight on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and number forty on the Canada Rock chart.
# 1 – Maybe
Number one on our top 10 Sick Puppies songs list is “Maybe,” an original composition by Shimon Moore, Emma Anzai, and Marti Frederiksen on Tri-Polar. Released in June 2010, “Maybe” features a bright post-grunge sound which serves the song’s mood right. The song lyrics allude to having enough courage to see oneself through change, reminding us of the risk or, rather, the gamble that Sick Puppies made with coming to America. If not for the chance they took to embrace change, Sick Puppies would probably not have been where they are with their success story, beginning with their move to Los Angeles. The song peaked at number fifty-six on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the band’s first song to do so.
Feature Photo: Takakococo, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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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)
