Our top 10 Ugly Kid Joe songs list presents the music of an American rock and roll band with a most memorable name and famed for its heavy rock funk sound. The band was formed by Roger Lahr, Cordell Crockett, Mark Davis, and childhood friends Whitfield Crane and Klaus Eichstadt. Ugly Kid Joe started as a parody of the glam metal band Pretty Boy Floyd. Blending satirical humor and heavy metal had the band gain popularity in the early 1990s. The band also covered several Black Sabbath songs citing this legendary act as one of its influences. Ugly Kid Joe would later begin touring the US in support of the eclectic thrash metal act Scatterbrain. The band also opened for Ozzy Osbourne.
Ugly Kid Joe released its first EP, As Ugly as They Wanna Be in 1991. In 1992, the band tasted what success feels like following the success of the single “Everything About You.” The song peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, making it to the Top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100. The band purposed to release the album America’s Least Wanted in the same year. However, its original lineup started falling apart owing to the musical differences. This saw Roger Lahr leave the band, having him replaced by Dave Fortman from Sugartooth. In the album, Ugly Kid Joe invited Rob Halford of Judas Priest for guest vocals for the hit “Goddamn Devil.”
America’s Least Wanted (1992) put the band among reputable acts in the metal scene, having it sell over six hundred thousand copies. Ugly Kid Joe went on to entertain its fans in sold-out shows in Japan and Australia. The band was later tagged as an opening act in a Def Leppard six-week tour. Ugly Kid Joe later embarked on a tour in support of its album America’s Least Wanted (1992) while still opening for other bands like Van Halen and Bon Jovi.
The band worked on releasing its sophomore album Menace to Sobriety (1995). Upon its release, the album achieved success in the UK but failed to match the same impact in the US. Ugly Kid Joe was soon after dropped by Mercury Records, prompting the band to make its independent record label Evilution Records. The band released its third studio album Motel California (1996), under Evilution Records. However, the album failed to outshine the band’s previous releases.
Ugly Kid Joe sadly disbanded a year after the release of the band’s third album. Its members joined other bands like Godsmack, Life of Agony, Medication, and Another Animal.
After more than a decade, Klaus Eichstadt revealed that Ugly Kid Joe was reuniting in the summer of 2010. The band released a new EP, Stairway to Hell, in 2012, which the band promoted in a series of festivals. With time, the band started touring with reputable artists/bands, including Alice Cooper, Guns N’ Roses, and Skid Row. Ugly Kid Joe finally released its fourth album Uglier Than They Used ta Be (2015). Currently, the band is working on a follow-up to its fourth studio album, which is scheduled for release in 2022. Here are the top 10 Ugly Kid Joe songs from the band’s short but impactful musical career.
#10 – Neighbor
Ushering us to the top 10 Ugly Kid Joe songs is the heavy-sounding hit “Neighbor.” The song is featured on the band’s debut album America’s Least Wanted (1992). Frontman Crane sings from the standpoint of a drunk guy who relocates into a serene suburban community only to have him ruin the neighborhood. Guitarist Klaus Eichstadt penned the song revealing that its lyrics were about him. The song peaked at number twenty-eight on the UK Singles Chart.
#9 – Tomorrow’s World
“Tomorrow’s World” is one of the best Ugly Kid Joe songs from the band’s sophomore album Menace to Sobriety (1995). The song finds the band reintroducing itself to the world as a metal band with some varied yet tuneful sounds. In the song, lead vocalist Whitfield Crane takes on some new vocal style which has some compare him to W. Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses. “Tomorrow’s World” features great drumming from Shannon Larkin, who has been a driving force on the drums for several other bands, including Godsmack, Souls at Zero, Amen, and Candlebox.
#8 – I’m Alright
After several years in limbo, Ugly Kid Joe revived its music career and soon after released a new EP, Stairway to Hell. The EP had its title as a portmanteau of the song “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin and “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC. One of the gems from the EP includes the three-minute ballad “I’m Alright.” The song is sandwiched among hypnotic rockers but manages to fight for its position as a reputable song by the band. Unlike most of the grooving and melodic ballads in the EP, “I’m Alright” is famed for its overwhelmingly unforgettable chug and chorus that take us back to the same old Ugly Kid Joe.
#7 – Cloudy Skies
Another great song from the band’s sophomore album is the mid-tempo ballad “Cloudy Skies.” The song feels quite soft compared to other metal ballads by the band. “Cloudy Skies” features traces of Southern rock flavor while bringing Crane’s best vocal performances in the album Menace to Sobriety (1995). Lead vocalist Whitfield Crane and guitarist Dave Forman teamed up in penning the song.
#6 – Madman
Number six on our top 10 Ugly Kid Joe songs is the hit “Madman.” The song is featured in the band’s first EP, As Ugly as They Wanna Be (1991). “Madman” is a twisted tune that finds the band sinking deep into the imagination of a freak at Disneyland opportunistic about kidnapping children. Lead vocalist Whitfield Crane revealed that the song was inspired musically by “Backwoods” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
#5 – Busy Bee
“Busy Bee” is a harmonious ballad from the band’s album America’s Least Wanted (1992). The song alludes to a man who is content with life, having him watch life go by, with people around him okay to let him do that. Guitarist Dave Fortman is credited with penning lyrics for this song. “Busy Bee” features a spectacular guitar solo as the song approaches the end.
#4 – Milkman’s Son
“Milkman’s Son” is not much different from the ballad “Clouds Skies,” having the two songs feature a Southern rock flavor. One great thing about this song is its heavy yet magnificent guitar riffs which stand unique from those in other songs. A memorable corny chorus and awe-inspiring vocals from Crane adds glamour to this ballad from the band’s sophomore album Menace to Sobriety (1995).
#3 – So Damn Cool
The Multi Platinum-selling album America’s Least Wanted (1992) is by far the best Ugly Kid Joe album. The album brings on the true metal sound of the band compared to other releases. “So Damn Cool” is one of the great songs from the album that sounds so fresh to date. You could tell how much of a talent the band was at the time thanks to the amazing quality of the song’s arrangement and brilliance of its members. The song brought the best of Mark Davis’ drumming skills, leaving a mark despite his short career in the band.
#2 – Cats in The Cradle
Ugly Kid Joe decided to do a cover of Harry Chapin’s 1974 song “Cat’s in The Cradle” for the band’s album America’s Least Wanted (1992). “Cats in The Cradle” is a heartbreaking hit that alludes to a father and son who can barely schedule a time to spend time with each other. Through this, the song serves as a warning against placing your career before the family at any one point in life. Ugly Kid Joe’s version peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, which is the band’s highest rank on the chart.
#1 – Everything About You
Number one on our top 10 Ugly Kid Joe songs list is the hit “Everything About You.” The song was initially featured on the band’s EP, As Ugly as They Wanna Be but was later included in America’s Least Wanted (1992). “Everything About You” is a song written by childhood friends vocalist Whitfield and guitarist Klaus. The song was inspired by their friend Farrell, who they described as a cynical yet charming man. “Everything About You” peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and number three on the UK Singles Chart.
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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)
