The Drive-By Truckers are an American Southern rock band that has been active since the late 1990s. With a discography spanning over two decades, the band has become known for their raw and powerful storytelling, often focusing on the lives and experiences of people from the American South. They are widely regarded as one of the best rock bands of their generation, and their influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary artists.
In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 best Drive-By Truckers songs of all time. These songs represent the band’s unique blend of storytelling and rock ‘n’ roll, showcasing their ability to tackle complex themes such as politics, race, and class in a way that is both thought-provoking and accessible. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the band’s music, this list is sure to provide an insightful look into the Drive-By Truckers’ impressive body of work. So sit back, turn up the volume, and get ready to experience the best of the Drive-By Truckers.
1. Surrender Under Protest
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“Surrender Under Protest” is a politically charged anthem from the Drive-By Truckers’ 2016 album, “American Band”. The song deals with themes of systemic racism and police brutality in the United States, with lyrics that reference the Black Lives Matter movement and the murder of Eric Garner. The band’s signature blend of rock, country, and punk is on full display in this track, with a driving rhythm section and searing guitar riffs that build to a cathartic climax. The song’s message is powerful and urgent, and its relevance has only grown in the years since its release. “Surrender Under Protest” is a standout track in the Drive-By Truckers’ discography, and a testament to the band’s ability to use their music to confront the most pressing issues of our time.
2. The New OK
“The New OK” is the title track of the Drive-By Truckers’ 2020 EP, released just months after their critically acclaimed album “The Unraveling”. The song is a response to the ongoing political and social turmoil in the United States, with lyrics that reflect on the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, police brutality, and the 2020 presidential election. The band’s signature blend of Southern rock, punk, and country is in full force on this track, with a driving rhythm section and searing guitar solos. The song’s message is both incisive and hopeful, encouraging listeners to stay engaged and fight for a better future. “The New OK” is a powerful reminder of the Drive-By Truckers’ continued relevance as one of America’s most vital rock bands.
3. Thoughts and Prayers
“Thoughts and Prayers” is a poignant and powerful song from the Drive-By Truckers’ 2020 album, “The Unraveling”. The song was inspired by the mass shootings that have become all too common in the United States, and the empty platitudes that often follow them. The lyrics are a scathing critique of political inaction and the culture of gun violence in America, with lines like “Thoughts and prayers, just a distraction, while the planet burns” cutting to the heart of the issue. The band’s raw and emotional performance on the track is highlighted by haunting piano and slide guitar, underscoring the gravity of the song’s message. “Thoughts and Prayers” is a sobering reminder of the toll that gun violence takes on American society, and a call to action for change.
4. What It Means
“What It Means” is a socially conscious track from the Drive-By Truckers’ 2016 album, “American Band”. The song was written in response to the killings of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and Eric Garner, and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests. The lyrics offer a scathing critique of systemic racism and police brutality in the United States, with lines like “I mean, Barack Obama won and you can choose your gender / But you best believe, somebody’s gonna get killed” driving home the urgency of the issue. The band’s performance on the track is powerful and emotional, with a haunting melody and stirring guitar solos. “What It Means” is a testament to the Drive-By Truckers’ ability to tackle complex social issues with honesty and empathy, and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America.
5. Carl Perkins Cadillac
“Carl Perkins Cadillac” is a standout track from the Drive-By Truckers’ 2004 album, “The Dirty South”. The song is a tribute to the pioneering rock ‘n’ roll musician Carl Perkins, who is best known for his hit song “Blue Suede Shoes”. The lyrics trace Perkins’ rise to fame, with references to his collaborations with Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The band’s infectious energy and driving rhythm section perfectly capture the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, with electrifying guitar solos and a sing-along chorus that will get stuck in your head for days. “Carl Perkins Cadillac” is a celebration of the power of music and the enduring legacy of rock ‘n’ roll, and a testament to the Drive-By Truckers’ ability to pay homage to their musical forebears while still sounding fresh and original.
6. Decoration Day
“Decoration Day” is the title track of the Drive-By Truckers’ 2003 album, and one of the band’s most beloved songs. The track tells the story of a family feud that stretches back generations, with vivid and poetic lyrics that evoke the beauty and tragedy of life in the American South. The band’s performance on the song is a masterclass in Southern rock, with soaring guitar solos and a driving rhythm section that perfectly capture the intensity of the story. “Decoration Day” is a haunting and powerful song, full of heart and soul, and a testament to the Drive-By Truckers’ ability to weave complex narratives into their music. It is a true classic of the genre and a fan favorite.
7. Where the Devil Don’t Stay
“Where the Devil Don’t Stay” is a standout track from the Drive-By Truckers’ 2004 album, “The Dirty South”. The song is a driving, high-energy rocker that showcases the band’s trademark blend of Southern rock, country, and punk influences. The lyrics speak to the band’s roots in the American South, with references to moonshine, pickup trucks, and dirt roads. The band’s performance on the track is electrifying, with pounding drums, searing guitar riffs, and a sing-along chorus that will have you tapping your foot and nodding your head. “Where the Devil Don’t Stay” is a quintessential Drive-By Truckers song, full of passion, energy, and a love for the land and culture that inspired it. It’s a must-listen for fans of the band and Southern rock in general.
8. Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife
“Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife” is a heartfelt ballad from the Drive-By Truckers’ 2008 album, “Brighter Than Creation’s Dark”. The song tells the story of a man reflecting on his life and the things that matter most to him, with poignant lyrics that speak to the universal experience of love and loss. The band’s performance on the track is restrained and soulful, with a gentle acoustic guitar and haunting slide guitar that perfectly complement the emotional weight of the lyrics. “Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife” is a reminder of the Drive-By Truckers’ ability to craft intimate and personal songs that connect with listeners on a deep level, and a testament to their enduring talent as songwriters and musicians.
9. Never Gonna Change
“Never Gonna Change” is a raucous and anthemic track from the Drive-By Truckers’ 2004 album, “The Dirty South”. The song features a driving rhythm section, blazing guitar solos, and a sing-along chorus that will have you pumping your fist and shouting along. The lyrics speak to the band’s rebel spirit, with lines like “I ain’t never been right and I ain’t never been wrong / It’s a hell of a feeling to belong” capturing the wild and free energy of rock ‘n’ roll. “Never Gonna Change” is a standout track in the Drive-By Truckers’ discography, full of passion, energy, and a love for the power of music. It’s a song that will get you moving and feeling alive, and a testament to the band’s enduring legacy as one of America’s great rock ‘n’ roll bands.
10. Gravity’s Gone
“Gravity’s Gone” is a hard-hitting rock track from the Drive-By Truckers’ 2006 album, “A Blessing and a Curse”. The song features a driving rhythm section and searing guitar riffs that perfectly complement the song’s gritty lyrics about addiction and self-destruction. The band’s performance on the track is powerful and raw, with a sense of urgency that captures the desperation and pain at the heart of the song. “Gravity’s Gone” is a reminder of the Drive-By Truckers’ ability to tackle difficult themes with honesty and empathy, and a testament to their skill as musicians and songwriters. It’s a song that will get under your skin and stay with you long after it’s over, and a must-listen for fans of hard-hitting rock ‘n’ roll.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
