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
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 organization 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 the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.
![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)
