Our top 10 The Godz songs list looks at the music catalog of a band that emerged as a significant force in the late ‘70s American hard rock scene. Formed in 1976, The Godz was renowned for its hard-edge blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and biker metal sound. Despite being dominated by their more commercially successful peers, the band gained a cult status thanks to its artistic depth and raw performances.
The Godz, an Ohio-based band, is not to be confused with the New York City-based psychedelic rock band that went by the same name. Notably, The Godz came a few years after the New York City-based band’s hiatus. As a result, The Godz pursued a monetary settlement with the New York City-based band to keep the name. The Godz’s unadulterated energy and gritty sound provided metalheads and hard rock aficionados with an adrenaline-infused experience that embodied the true rock and roll spirit.
Over the years, the band issued five full-length studio albums, two of which graced the Billboard 200 Chart. At the core of the band’s creative musical approach were vocalist Eric Moore, drummer Glen Cataline, and Mark Chatfield, with his scorching guitar work. Despite failure to achieve commercial success, The Godz remains an important figure in Ohio music history. The band’s endearing contribution to the rock genre is also noteworthy.
In 1978, The Godz issued their eponymous debut studio album. The album is a seminal work of the band’s blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and biker metal influences. The Godz was issued through Millennium Records under the production of Don Brewer, a founding member of Grand Funk Railroad. Don Brewer has also worked with other reputable musicians, including Frank Zappa and Bob Seger.
The Godz showcased the band’s soft spot for high-energy riffs. Eric Moore’s gritty vocals added to this album’s raw and flawless instrumentation. The Godz graced the Billboard 200, peaking at position one hundred and ninety-one. “Gotta Keep a Runnin’,” “Go Away,” “Cross Country,” and “Under the Table” are some of the best The Godz songs from the band’s eponymous debut studio album.
Nothing is Sacred, issued in 1979, marked the band’s second album. The album is a testament to the band’s musical growth and persistent creativity. Nothing is Sacred also showcased the band’s versatility and songwriting prowess. The band maintained tight and masterfully executed instrumentation in this album.
Nothing is Sacred was pretty successful in the mainstream, peaking at position one hundred and eighty-nine on the Billboard 200. However, the album wasn’t any more successful than The Godz’s eponymous debut. As a result, Casablanca Records dropped the band from its roster. “714,” “He’s A Fool,” and “Hey Mama” are some of the high-octane rockers featured on Nothing is Scared.
The Godz returned in 1985 with their third studio album, I’ll Get You Rocking. I’ll Get You Rocking was issued through Heavy Metal America, a label (once) home to White Sister, Lost Generation, Leatherwolf, Sabu, and Vigilants. The album was barely successful compared to The Godz’s first two records. Nevertheless, I’ll Get You Rocking featured several classics, including “Hey You,” “Mississippi,” and the album title track.
Mongolians, issued in 1987, marked the band’s fourth studio album. The album was issued through Grunge Records, a label (once) home to Roy Orbison, Frank Marino, Crack the Sky, and Deadringer, among others. Mongolians featured a few new tracks and revamped versions of songs from I’ll Get You Rocking. “Criminal Mind (Rock & Roll Heart),” “Burning Bridges,” and “Mongolians” are some of the best The Godz songs from the album. Mongolians also features The Godz’s cover of “Chest Fever,” a song initially issued by The Band.
In 2012, The Godz returned with their fifth full-length studio album, Last of the Outlaws. The album was issued through Xtremely LTd Records. While Last of the Outlaws was barely successful, the band’s exceptional musical talent and adeptness at merging different styles in this record was perceptible. “Ever Lovin’ Chains,” “Last of the Outlaws,” and “Born at the Wrong Time” are some of the popular musical gems from the album. This article reviews ten of the best songs by the Ohio-based band The Godz.
#10 – Hey Mama
Welcoming us to the top 10 The Godz songs list is the captivating hit “Hey Mama.” The song is among the top tracks featured on the band’s sophomore effort, Nothing is Sacred. “Hey Mama” is an exceptional piece of music that epitomizes the band’s blend of hard rock and gritty southern rock. The song draws in the listener from the start thanks to its driving rhythm and catchy melody. Adding to this song’s exquisiteness are the infectious guitar riffs by Mark Chatfield and commanding vocals by Eric Moore.
What sets this song apart is the band’s ability to effortlessly blend different genres, creating an eclectic sound that appeals to a broad audience. On the other edge, the lyrics of “Hey Mama” delve into themes of rebellion, lust, and the struggle for freedom. Eric Moore’s gritty vocal delivery perfectly complements the song’s rebellious spirit.
#9- Candy’s Going Bad
“Candy’s Going Bad” is a ten-minute unadulterated hard rock affair. This cover song is the longest track featured on the band’s eponymous debut studio album. “Candy’s Gone Bad” was composed by George Kooymans and Barry Hay and initially released by the Dutch rock band Golden Earrings. The Godz’s cover version features an impressively executed instrumental section.
Flamethrower riffs, a driving bassline, and powerful drumming greatly enrich the song’s instrumentation. A mesmerizing keyboard arrangement adds depth to this song’s sound. Upon release, “Candy’s Going Bad” became one of The Godz’s concert staples, later featuring on the band’s 1995 live album Greatest Hits Live. The Godz’s cover of the hit “Candy’s Going Bad” is an excellent tribute to Golden Earrings, one of the oldest Dutch bands.
#8- I’ll Get You Rockin’
Coming in at the eighth spot on our top 10 The Godz songs list is the energetic hit “I’ll Get You Rockin’.” The song is the title track of the band’s third studio album. A revamped version of the song was later featured on the band’s fourth studio album, Mongolians. “I’ll Get You Rockin’” contains lyrics emphasizing rock music’s ability to uplift one’s spirit. With its memorable hooks and infectious chorus, “I’ll Get You Rockin’” is a testament to the band’s ability to create timeless headbangers.
#7- Criminal Mind (Rock & Roll Heart)
“Criminal Mind (Rock & Roll Heart)” is a thrilling hit from the band’s fourth studio album, Mongolians. The song embodies The Godz’s adroitness in penning thought-provoking lyrics and delivering unadulterated rock and roll experience in their songs. Through lyrics such as “I got a criminal mind, I got a rock & roll heart,” The Godz deftly captures their love for the rock and roll culture. The phrase “I got a criminal mind” in this song is not confined to illegal activities but rather the band’s attitude of non-conformity and independence.
In addition, the juxtaposition between this song’s reference to criminality and the heart-driven quest for true artistic expression divulges the lyrical depth within this track. In a nutshell, “Criminal Mind (Rock & Roll Heart)” is an exceptional song that captures the essence of rock music and the band’s distinctive musical style, solidifying The Godz‘s place in rock music history.
#6- Mississippi
Coming in sixth on our top 10 The Godz songs is the enchanting hit “Mississippi.” The song is featured on the band’s third studio album, I’ll Get You Rockin’. “Mississippi” portrays the band’s astute artistic expression using lyrics that evoke a sense of longing through reflection on the past. The song finds the band paying homage to Mississippi, a place well-known for its profound history in the evolution of music.
“Mississippi” reflects on memories and experiences associated with the place. Undoubtedly, Mississippi holds sentimental value to the singer, as suggested by the experiences narrated in the song’s lyrics. “Mississippi” was featured on the band’s 1995 live album Greatest Hits Live, confirming its status as one of The Godz’s concert staples.
#5- Go Away
Our top 10 The Godz songs list wouldn’t be complete without cult classics such as “Go Away.” The song is the lead track on the band’s eponymous debut studio album. “Go Away” encapsulates the singer’s desire for disconnection from toxic influences. In detail, the singer calls out a lady for her debauched lifestyle.
The heartfelt lyrics to this song convey a profound sense of withdrawal from the lady. Without a doubt, the theme of rejection seems to be the most prevalent in this song. However, in the song “Go Away” lies the theme of personal growth—the song serves as an anthem for anyone seeking reprieve from toxicity while advocating for self-reflection. With its flaming guitar riffs and the blistering vocal performance by Eric Moore, “Go Away” is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
#4- He’s A Fool
Despite not featuring on the band’s live album Greatest Hits Live, “He’s A Fool” remains a timeless musical gem that adds glamour to The Godz’s music catalog. The song is featured on the band’s sophomore studio album, Nothing is Scared. In the song “He’s A Fool,” the protagonist showcases his pleasure-seeking traits that left some branding him a fool. The protagonist confesses his love for girls, quoting having a blonde girl in Detroit and a Mexican girl in Texas.
While the protagonist deemed his pleasure-seeking traits acceptable, many people threw cautionary phrases about his tendencies. However, the protagonist seems to have been fully immersed in a hedonistic lifestyle, showcasing rebelliousness to those calling him out for his “foolish” tendencies. Besides the exceptional songwriting, “He’s A Fool” is revered thanks to its tight instrumentation, from the captivating guitar riffs to the driving rhythm section.
#3- Under the Table
Ranking third on our top 10 The Godz songs list is the hard-hitting track “Under the Table.” The song is featured on the band’s eponymous debut studio album. “Under the Table” continues to show the band’s endearment for fast living while maintaining an insubordinate attitude. In the song, the singer highlights the extent to which individuals often go to conform to societal norms. Hiding their unconventionalities and desires under the metaphorical table and using many different names are part of the tricks explored by the singer to conform to societal norms, as revealed by the song’s lyrics.
The singer expresses a deep desire for freedom from societal constraints. “Under the Table” is yet another thought-provoking track that urges its listeners to challenge superficial societal conventions for genuine self-expression. Eric Moore’s gritty vocal delivery in this track solidifies the band’s desire for authentic self-expression, reflecting The Godz’s resistance to conformity. The song reached position fifty on the Dutch Single Top 100 Chart in 1978.
#2- 714
“714” is among The Godz’s songs that give listeners an unapologetic hard-edge rock and roll experience. The song is featured on the band’s second studio album, Nothing is Sacred. “714” is not your ordinary hard rock ballad! The song is an unadulterated classic crafted with poetic precision. With its title inspired by the sedative drug quaalude, “714” is a metaphor for one’s escape from reality.
“714” conveys a poignant message about the desire to transcend mundane life and the search for personal growth. The song’s lyrics highlight the protagonist’s struggles with his thoughts after making mistakes/bad choices in life. However, using the sedative drug quaalude, alias 714, helps the protagonist “feel good,” giving him a perfect escape from reality. “714” is among The Godz’s revered concert staples.
#1- Gotta Keep a Runnin’
Despite the subjective nature of our top 10 The Godz songs list, most of the band’s fans will undoubtedly agree with making “Gotta Keep a Runnin’” the top pick. Relatively, no song by The Godz fully epitomizes the band’s rock and roll spirit than “Gotta Keep a Runnin’.” The song is featured on the band’s most acclaimed eponymous debut studio album. “Gotta Keep a Runnin’” is also The Godz’s only song to have received decent radio airplay.
The Godz proved their rock and roll junkies’ status with their self-indulgent acclamations in the song “Gotta Keep a Runnin’.” This is incredibly captured in this song’s extended spoken word section, with The Godz branding themselves rock and roll machines. “Gotta Keep a Runnin’” resonates with rock and roll fans thanks to its fast-paced rhythm and blistering guitar performance by Mark Chatfield, whose talent earned him a spot to play with the legendary Bob Seger.
Top 10 Songs By The Godz article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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