Top 10 Y&T Songs

Photo: Stefan Brending

Y&T, which began as Yesterday & Today, formed in Oakland, California, in 1972, initially performing as a cover band. By 1974, the band had established its lineup, paving the way for their first album. Their initial releases were two albums under the name Yesterday & Today with London Records. With the onset of the 1980s, the band shortened its name to Y&T, a change that coincided with a new phase of albums released through A&M Records. Their discography expanded with collaborations with labels such as Geffen Records and Avex Records. Y&T’s journey through the music industry has been marked by a series of 18 studio albums and three greatest hits collections, contributing to over 4 million album sales globally.

# 10 – All American Boy

Opening our top 10 Y&T songs list is the classic hit “All American Boy.” The song was released on the band’s seventh LP, Down for the Count. The opening lyrics of the song referencing the 57 Chevy with a four on the floor paid homage to Bruce Springsteen’s “Racing In The Street,” song from the Darkness On The Edge Of Town album. “All American Boy.” was the second single released from the album. It served as the follow-up to the band’s hit “Summertime Girls.”

# 9 – Lipstick and Leather

At number nine on our Top 10 Y&T songs list is the cranking song “Lipstick And Leather.” The song’s opening groove reminds us of the opening riff of Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded.” The song’s verses throw a little ZZ Top Tush feel at the listener. In the end, it’s all good. We love it! The song was released on the album entitled In Rock We Trust. The album was released in 1984.

# 8 – Contagious

Rocking and rolling along on this fun list of Y&T songs, we present the eighth spot on the list with an outstanding cut called “Contagious.” The sound of 80s metal meets pop surrounds this brilliant song and its outstanding production. Some Bon Jovi like backing vocals fuels the song’s main hook, making it the perfect-sounding radio-friendly single.

# 7 – Mean Streak

The song “Mean Streak” is the opening song on Y&T’s 1983 album, Mean Streak. The guitar on the opening riff sounds like it’s talking. This one is loud, hard, mean and simply to die for. The album features Dave Meniketti on lead guitar and lead vocals, Joey Alves on rhythm guitar, Phil Kennemore on bass, and Leonard Haze on drums.

# 6 – Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark

In the number six spot on our Y&T songs list, we present the cranking metal ballad “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark.” The song was released on the band’s album entitled Ten. The album was recorded in 19890but not released until 1990. The album featured legendary Journey drummer Steve Smith on most tracks, including this smoking one. Also featured on the album were musicians Dave Meniketti, on vocals and guitar; Stef Burns, who played guitar and sang vocals; and Phil Kennemore, who played bass and sang vocals.

# 5 – Rescue Me

You know you must love that spooky guitar lick at the start of this smoking song. The guitar solar that lays over the opening lick sets up Dave’s lead vocals so perfectly. As soon as we hear that ritardando, we know something hard and special is coming. The band does not disappoint. This one was released in 1985, but it has a very 70s-sounding UFO Band vibe to it.

# 4 – Go For The Throat

One of our favorite Y&T albums will always be the magnificent record In God We Trust. Almost every track on the album knocked us out of our rock and roll shoes. The album was released in 1984. On an album loaded with astonishing rock and roll classics, we wanted to make sure to include this barn burner.

“Go For The Throat” strikes the listener with a drum solo at the start that stands as a master class in producing a classic heavy metal 80s drum sound. Loop that kit and sample it. That’s what I’m talking about, baby. Dave Meniketti’s howls sound a little like David Coverdale on this track. Meniketti delivers a vocal performance for the ages.

# 3 – Forever

In the number three spot on our Y&T songs list, we present the dramatic-sounding cut “Forever.” The song starts as a heavy ballad, but you know that’s not going to last. After about a minute into the track, it’s off to the metal races. I love those dueling guitar licks. The song was the closing track on Side one of the band’s fourth studio album, Black Tiger, which was released in 1982.

# 2 – I’m Coming Home

Landing in the number two position on our top 10 Y&T songs list is the fantastic track “I’m Coming Home.” The song was released on the band’s 2010 album entitled Facemelter. This was the band’s final studio album. “I’m Coming Home” was one of the album’s strongest tracks. The band would go on to release a video for the song. The album featured the lineup of Dave Meniketti on lead vocals and lead guitar, John Nymann on guitar and backing vocals, Phil Kennemore on bass, and Mike Vanderhule on drums.

# 1 – Summertime Girls

We close out our top 10 Y&T Songs list with one of the band’s most popular songs entitled “Summertime Girls.” You can hear this song had hit written all over it in the song’s great opening major chords. The song “Summertime Girls” was released on the band’s seventh studio album, Open Fire. The song broke into the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 55. On the US Mainstream Rock Charts, the song soared to the peak position of number 16. With some sweet verses a killer chorus, good time backing vocals, and a legendary lead vocal performance by Dave Meniketti, this one stands at the top of our Y&T songs list.