Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel are a British rock band that emerged in the early 1970s and made a significant impact on the music scene with their unique blend of progressive rock, glam, and art rock. Frontman Steve Harley’s distinct voice and songwriting skills helped the band carve out a niche for themselves in the music industry, and their songs continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike. With a career spanning over five decades, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel have produced some of the most enduring and beloved songs in the rock canon.
In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 best Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel songs of all time. From their breakthrough hit “Judy Teen” to their iconic anthem “Come Up and See Me (Make Me Smile)”, we will delve into the band’s rich catalog and examine their greatest musical achievements. We will also explore the cultural and historical context of each song, examining how Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s music reflects the social and political climate of the times in which they were created. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the band’s music, this article is sure to provide a fascinating insight into the enduring legacy of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel.
1. Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)
“Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)” is arguably the most iconic song by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel. Released in 1975, the song quickly became a massive hit in the UK and Europe, and its catchy melody and sing-along chorus made it an enduring classic. With its upbeat tempo and memorable guitar riff, “Make Me Smile” is a perfect showcase for Steve Harley’s distinctive vocals and clever wordplay. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a failed romantic relationship and the bitter aftermath, with Steve Harley’s witty lyrics and sardonic delivery adding a touch of dark humor to the proceedings. “Make Me Smile” has remained a staple of classic rock radio and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, cementing its status as one of the most beloved songs of the 1970s.
2. Big Big Deal
“Big Big Deal” is a lesser-known but no less impressive track by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel. Released in 1976, the song features a funky bassline and a catchy chorus, showcasing the band’s ability to mix different musical styles with ease. The song’s lyrics are a satirical take on the world of show business, with Steve Harley poking fun at the egos and excesses of the music industry. With its infectious rhythm and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, “Big Big Deal” is a standout track on the band’s album “Timeless Flight”. While it may not be as well-known as some of the band’s other hits, “Big Big Deal” is a testament to Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s versatility and creativity, and a reminder that their music is still as relevant and enjoyable today as it was over four decades ago.
3. Psychomodo
“Psychomodo” is the title track of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s second studio album, released in 1974. The song features a driving beat and a hypnotic guitar riff, with Steve Harley’s distinctive vocals soaring above the mix. The lyrics are a surreal and poetic exploration of the human psyche, with Steve Harley painting vivid pictures of the strange and twisted landscapes of the mind. The song’s title is a play on the word “psychomotor”, a term used in psychology to describe the relationship between the mind and the body. With its atmospheric sound and poetic lyrics, “Psychomodo” is a standout track on an album that has been hailed as one of the greatest works of the 1970s. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s innovative approach to rock music.
4. Mr. Soft
“Mr. Soft” is a standout track from Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s debut album, “The Human Menagerie”, released in 1973. The song features a catchy guitar riff and a driving rhythm, with Steve Harley’s distinctive vocals delivering the wry lyrics with aplomb. The song’s title is a reference to Steve Harley’s androgynous image at the time, with the lyrics exploring the tension between public persona and private identity. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable melody have made it a fan favorite over the years, and it remains a testament to Steve Harley’s songwriting skills and unique vocal style. With its blend of rock, glam, and art rock influences, “Mr. Soft” is a prime example of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s innovative approach to music, and a reminder of their enduring influence on the rock canon.
5. Judy Teen
“Judy Teen” is the breakthrough hit that launched Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel to stardom in 1974. The song features a catchy melody and a sing-along chorus, with Steve Harley’s distinctive vocals and clever wordplay making it an instant classic. The lyrics tell the story of a young girl navigating the complexities of adolescence, with Steve Harley’s poetic language and vivid imagery painting a picture of a world full of contradictions and uncertainties. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious energy captured the spirit of the era, making it a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio. “Judy Teen” remains one of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s most beloved songs, and a reminder of their enduring legacy as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1970s.
6. Cavaliers
“Cavaliers” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s album “Timeless Flight”, released in 1976. The song features a delicate acoustic guitar and a mournful violin, creating a melancholy atmosphere that perfectly complements Steve Harley’s emotive vocals. The lyrics are a poetic exploration of love and loss, with Steve Harley’s evocative language and vivid imagery painting a picture of a world filled with both beauty and pain. “Cavaliers” is a standout track on an album that is widely regarded as one of the band’s best, and a testament to Steve Harley’s songwriting skills and unique vocal style. The song’s timeless quality has ensured its enduring popularity among fans, and it remains a hauntingly beautiful example of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s innovative approach to music.
7. Sebastian
“Sebastian” is a masterpiece of psychedelic art rock by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, released in 1973 as part of their debut album “The Human Menagerie”. The song features a hypnotic melody and a soaring vocal performance by Steve Harley, with the band’s experimental instrumentation creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The lyrics are a poetic exploration of identity and self-discovery, with Steve Harley’s evocative language and cryptic imagery adding to the song’s mystique. “Sebastian” is a fan favorite and a testament to Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s innovative approach to rock music. Its enduring popularity over the years is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and the timeless quality of their music. With its blend of progressive rock and art rock influences, “Sebastian” remains one of the band’s most ambitious and impressive works.
8. Here Comes the Sun
“Here Comes the Sun” is a cover version of the classic Beatles song, performed by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel on their 1995 album “Stripped to the Bare Bones”. The song features a stripped-down arrangement, with Steve Harley’s acoustic guitar and emotive vocals taking center stage. The band’s interpretation of the song is faithful to the original, while adding a touch of Steve Harley’s unique vocal style and musical sensibility. The result is a hauntingly beautiful rendition of a beloved classic, with Steve Harley’s emotive delivery bringing a new depth of feeling to the song’s lyrics. “Here Comes the Sun” is a standout track on an album that showcases Steve Harley’s versatility and musical talent, and a reminder of the enduring appeal of the Beatles’ timeless music.
9. Riding the Waves (For Virginia Woolf)
“Riding the Waves (For Virginia Woolf)” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s album “The Quality of Mercy”, released in 2005. The song features a delicate acoustic guitar and a mournful violin, creating a melancholy atmosphere that perfectly complements Steve Harley’s emotive vocals. The lyrics pay tribute to the legendary writer Virginia Woolf, with Steve Harley’s evocative language and vivid imagery painting a picture of a world filled with both beauty and darkness. “Riding the Waves (For Virginia Woolf)” is a standout track on an album that showcases Steve Harley’s continuing creativity and musical talent, and a testament to the enduring influence of Virginia Woolf’s work on art and culture. The song’s timeless quality has ensured its enduring popularity among fans, and it remains a hauntingly beautiful example of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s innovative approach to music.
10. Black or White
“Black or White” is a standout track from Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s album “The Candidate”, released in 1979. The song features a driving rhythm and a catchy chorus, with Steve Harley’s distinctive vocals delivering the poignant lyrics with aplomb. The song’s lyrics explore the themes of love, identity, and belonging, with Steve Harley’s poetic language and evocative imagery adding depth and meaning to the song. “Black or White” is a fan favorite and a testament to Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s innovative approach to rock music. The band’s signature blend of rock, pop, and art rock influences is on full display here, with the result being a powerful and memorable song that has stood the test of time.
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.
