The Kingsmen are an American garage rock band that emerged in the early 1960s and quickly became one of the most popular and influential acts of the era. With their raw sound and high-energy performances, The Kingsmen helped to define the sound of garage rock and inspired countless musicians around the world. Over the course of their career, they released a string of classic hits that continue to be beloved by music fans of all ages.
In this article, we will be exploring the 10 best The Kingsmen songs of all time. These are the tracks that have defined the band’s sound and style, and that continue to be recognized as some of the greatest songs of the 1960s. From their iconic version of “Louie Louie” to other hits like “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “The Jolly Green Giant,” we will be taking a deep dive into The Kingsmen’s discography and exploring what makes these songs so special.
The Kingsmen’s music is not just about loud guitars and raucous energy; it’s also about the rebellious spirit and freedom of youth. Their songs are filled with infectious rhythms and catchy hooks, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless garage rock and punk rock bands today. Listening to The Kingsmen’s music is like taking a trip back in time to the heyday of the garage rock era, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The Kingsmen or just discovering their music for the first time, this article is sure to provide insights and appreciation for the band’s incredible body of work. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the 10 best The Kingsmen songs of all time.
1. Louie Louie
“Louie Louie” is a classic rock song by The Kingsmen. The song features a simple yet catchy melody and was originally written by Richard Berry in 1955. The Kingsmen’s version of the song, released in 1963, features a more upbeat tempo and an iconic guitar riff. The song’s lyrics are notoriously difficult to understand, leading to accusations of obscenity and an FBI investigation. Despite the controversy, “Louie Louie” remains a beloved classic rock song and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of simple, infectious rock ‘n’ roll music.
2. The Jolly Green Giant
“The Jolly Green Giant” is a hit single by The Kingsmen, a garage rock band from Portland, Oregon, released in 1964. The song features a catchy melody and memorable lyrics, referencing the fictional character Jolly Green Giant, and has a distinctively upbeat and cheerful vibe. The Kingsmen’s version of the song, with its driving guitar riffs and energetic vocals, helped to establish the band as a prominent force in the ’60s garage rock scene and remains a classic of the genre. “The Jolly Green Giant” has been covered by several other artists over the years and continues to be a beloved favorite of rock and roll fans.
3. Money (That’s What I Want)
“Money (That’s What I Want)” is a classic Motown song originally recorded by Barrett Strong in 1959. The song features a driving beat and a memorable melody, with lyrics that celebrate the pursuit of material wealth. The song’s themes of greed and ambition made it an instant hit, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Beatles, who recorded their own version in 1963. “Money (That’s What I Want)” remains a classic Motown hit and a testament to the enduring popularity of R&B and soul music.
4. Death Of An Angel
“Death of an Angel” is a song by Donald Woods and The Vel-Aires, an American doo-wop group, released in 1955. The song features a mournful, slow melody and haunting lyrics about the death of a loved one, with soulful vocals and harmonies that capture the emotions of loss and grief. “Death of an Angel” is considered a classic of the doo-wop genre and has been covered by several other artists over the years, including Hank Ballard and The Midnighters. The song’s timeless themes of love and loss continue to resonate with listeners today, making it a cherished favorite of music fans.
5. Little Latin Lupe Lu
“Little Latin Lupe Lu” is a classic rock and roll song that was originally written and recorded by The Righteous Brothers in 1963. The song features a driving beat and catchy chorus, with lyrics that celebrate the energy and excitement of the dance floor. With its infectious groove and high-energy vocals, “Little Latin Lupe Lu” has become a beloved staple of rock and roll, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, The Kingsmen, and Bruce Springsteen.
6. Annie Fanny
“Annie Fanny” is a song by The Kingsmen, an American garage rock band, released in 1965. The song features a catchy melody and playful lyrics about a woman named Annie Fanny and her romantic escapades, with a fast-paced beat and energetic guitar riffs that capture the carefree spirit of the ’60s. “Annie Fanny” is a classic of the garage rock genre, with its infectious energy and memorable chorus inspiring countless covers and parodies over the years. The song remains a beloved favorite of rock and roll fans, a testament to The Kingsmen’s enduring influence on music.
7. The Climb + The Waiting
A mashup of two popular songs by Miley Cyrus, “The Climb” and “The Waiting”, creating a powerful and emotional ballad. “The Climb” is a motivational anthem about overcoming obstacles and reaching for one’s dreams, while “The Waiting” is a poignant love song about longing and patience.
8. Killer Joe
“Killer Joe” is a classic jazz tune written by Benny Golson and first recorded by Art Farmer in 1960. The song features a catchy melody and upbeat, swinging rhythm that makes it a popular choice for jazz musicians to this day. Its title has been said to be inspired by the slang term “killer diller”, which was used to describe something excellent or outstanding. “Killer Joe” has since become a jazz standard, recorded by many artists including Quincy Jones, Buddy Rich, and Stanley Turrentine. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of catchy, upbeat jazz music.
9. Weekend
“Week End” is a song by French electronic music duo Justice, released in 2007 as part of their album “Cross”. The song features a funky, upbeat rhythm and catchy vocal samples, with a danceable beat that makes it a favorite of electronic music fans. “Week End” is a playful tribute to the joys of partying and letting loose, with the lyrics expressing a celebratory, hedonistic spirit that perfectly captures the exuberance of weekend revelry. The song is a standout track on “Cross,” a groundbreaking album that helped define the sound of French electro and influenced a new generation of electronic musicians.
10. When Mama Prayed
“When Mama Prayed” is a soulful gospel song by The Kingsmen, known for their upbeat and energetic performances. The song features powerful vocals and a moving melody that expresses the importance of prayer and faith in times of struggle. The lyrics describe the impact of a mother’s prayers on her child’s life and the comfort it brings during difficult times. The song builds to a powerful crescendo, featuring passionate vocal harmonies and an uplifting instrumental arrangement. “When Mama Prayed” is a testament to the enduring power of gospel music and the role it plays in inspiring and uplifting listeners.
Edward Tomlin 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.
