The Band, a legendary rock group formed in 1967, quickly rose to fame with their unique sound that fused elements of rock, folk, blues, and country music. The group, which originally consisted of Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, and Rick Danko, produced some of the most enduring and influential songs in rock history. Their music captured the spirit of their time and continues to resonate with fans around the world today. The Band’s songs were marked by insightful lyrics, virtuoso musicianship, and a deep emotional resonance that set them apart from their contemporaries. Their music was both nostalgic and forward-looking, with a sound that was simultaneously familiar and fresh. Over the years, The Band’s music has continued to influence countless artists across genres and generations. In this article, we will explore the 10 best songs by The Band, from their early hits to their later masterpieces. We will take a closer look at what makes each song unique and why they continue to stand the test of time.
1. RAG MAMA RAG
“Rag Mama Rag” is a lively and upbeat track from The Band’s 1969 self-titled album. The song features a catchy, bluesy melody and energetic vocals from drummer Levon Helm. With its rollicking piano and infectious rhythm, “Rag Mama Rag” perfectly encapsulates the band’s unique sound that blended elements of rock, country, and folk music. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who keeps a house full of music and dancing, and the song itself feels like a joyous celebration of life and music. The track features excellent musicianship from all members of the band, with Garth Hudson’s organ and Richard Manuel’s piano adding to the song’s lively feel. “Rag Mama Rag” has become one of The Band’s most beloved and enduring songs, showcasing their talent for crafting memorable melodies and irresistible rhythms. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious energy make it impossible not to tap your feet and sing along.
2. KING HARVEST (HAS SURELY COME)
“King Harvest (Has Surely Come)” is a haunting and powerful song from The Band’s 1970 album “Stage Fright”. The track features a somber melody and mournful vocals from Richard Manuel, which perfectly captures the sense of loss and disillusionment that pervades the song. The lyrics tell the story of a farmer struggling to make ends meet, and the sense of despair and hopelessness is palpable throughout. The song’s sparse instrumentation, with a simple acoustic guitar and plaintive harmonica, adds to the sense of melancholy and resignation. Despite its bleak subject matter, “King Harvest” is a beautiful and moving song that showcases The Band’s talent for crafting deeply emotional music. Richard Manuel’s soulful vocals are particularly effective, conveying the pain and anguish of the song’s protagonist. The song has become a classic in The Band’s catalog, and is a testament to their ability to write songs that are both musically and lyrically profound.
3. UP ON CRIPPLE CREEK
“Up on Cripple Creek” is a rollicking and infectious song from The Band’s 1969 self-titled album. The track features a catchy and upbeat melody, with Levon Helm’s distinctive vocals driving the song forward. The lyrics tell the story of a man who falls in love with a woman from Cripple Creek, and the song’s energy and vitality perfectly capture the sense of excitement and joy that comes with new love. The song features excellent musicianship from all members of the band, with Garth Hudson’s organ and Richard Manuel’s piano adding depth and texture to the track. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat tempo have made it a beloved classic, and it remains one of The Band’s most popular songs. “Up on Cripple Creek” showcases The Band’s talent for crafting songs that are both musically engaging and lyrically rich, and it continues to be a favorite among fans of all ages.
4. THE WEIGHT
“The Weight” is a classic song from The Band’s 1968 debut album, “Music from Big Pink”. The track features a distinctive and memorable melody, with Levon Helm’s vocals carrying the song’s narrative forward. The lyrics tell the story of a man traveling through various towns and encountering a series of strange characters, and the song’s sense of mystery and intrigue is heightened by its eerie instrumentation and haunting harmonies. The song’s chorus, with its famous refrain “take a load off, Fanny”, has become one of the most iconic in rock history. “The Weight” is a testament to The Band’s ability to craft songs that are both musically compelling and lyrically rich, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its lasting impact. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, and its influence on the genre of roots rock cannot be overstated. “The Weight” remains one of The Band’s most beloved and enduring songs, and a true classic in the canon of American rock music.
5. CHEST FEVER
“Chest Fever” is a dynamic and explosive song from The Band’s 1968 debut album, “Music from Big Pink”. The track features a driving and intense rhythm, with Garth Hudson’s virtuoso organ playing taking center stage. The song’s sense of urgency and intensity is heightened by Levon Helm’s powerful vocals, which add a raw and emotional edge to the track. The lyrics are enigmatic and somewhat surreal, adding to the song’s sense of mystery and intrigue. “Chest Fever” is a showcase for The Band’s incredible musicianship, with each member contributing to the song’s complex and dynamic sound. The song has become a fan favorite and a staple of The Band’s live shows, with its powerful energy and memorable melody ensuring that it never fails to get audiences on their feet. “Chest Fever” is a testament to The Band’s ability to fuse different genres and musical styles into something entirely unique and powerful, and it remains one of their most enduring and beloved songs.
6. THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN
“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” is a poignant and emotional song from The Band’s 1969 self-titled album. The track features a mournful melody and haunting vocals from Levon Helm, who tells the story of a Confederate soldier and the aftermath of the Civil War. The song’s powerful imagery and evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggle and hardship faced by those living in the South during that turbulent time in American history. The song’s simple yet powerful instrumentation, with a steady drumbeat and somber acoustic guitar, adds to the song’s sense of melancholy and loss. “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” is a true masterpiece of American music, a testament to The Band’s ability to craft songs that are both musically engaging and lyrically profound. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years and remains a beloved classic, its enduring popularity a testament to its lasting impact.
7. WHISPERING PINES
“Whispering Pines” is a haunting and melancholic song from The Band’s 1971 album “The Brown Album”. The track features Richard Manuel’s soulful vocals, which add a raw and emotional edge to the song’s narrative. The lyrics tell the story of a man struggling with heartbreak and loss, and the song’s sense of sadness and longing is palpable throughout. The song’s sparse instrumentation, with a simple acoustic guitar and plaintive piano, adds to the song’s sense of melancholy and resignation. The song’s chorus, with its haunting refrain of “whispering pines”, is particularly effective, adding to the song’s sense of mystery and sadness. “Whispering Pines” is a testament to The Band’s ability to craft songs that are both musically engaging and lyrically profound, and it remains a fan favorite and a true classic in the band’s catalog. The song’s emotional intensity and sense of yearning make it a powerful and unforgettable listening experience.
8. ACADIAN DRIFTWOOD
“Acadian Driftwood” is a beautiful and poignant song from The Band’s 1975 album “Northern Lights – Southern Cross”. The track features a lush and evocative melody, with a sweeping arrangement that includes strings, horns, and ethereal backing vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of the Acadian people, a French-speaking minority who were forcibly removed from their homes in Canada in the 18th century, and the song’s sense of history and cultural identity is palpable throughout. The song’s chorus, with its memorable refrain of “take what you need and leave the rest”, is particularly effective, adding to the song’s sense of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. “Acadian Driftwood” is a testament to The Band’s ability to craft songs that are both musically complex and emotionally resonant, and it remains a fan favorite and a true masterpiece in the band’s catalog. The song’s sense of history and cultural heritage make it a powerful and important listening experience.
9. OPHELIA
“Ophelia” is an upbeat and infectious song from The Band’s 1975 album “Northern Lights – Southern Cross”. The track features a catchy and memorable melody, with Levon Helm’s distinctive vocals driving the song forward. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman named Ophelia and the narrator’s love for her, and the song’s energy and vitality perfectly capture the sense of excitement and joy that comes with new love. The song features excellent musicianship from all members of the band, with Garth Hudson’s organ and Richard Manuel’s piano adding depth and texture to the track. The song’s chorus, with its memorable refrain of “Boards on the window, mail by the door, what would anybody leave so quickly for?”, has become one of the most iconic in The Band’s catalog. “Ophelia” is a testament to The Band’s ability to craft songs that are both musically engaging and lyrically rich, and it remains a fan favorite and a true classic in the band’s catalog.
10. TO KINGDOM COME
“To Kingdom Come” is a dynamic and intense song from The Band’s 1968 debut album, “Music from Big Pink”. The track features a driving and urgent rhythm, with Levon Helm’s powerful vocals driving the song forward. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who fears the end of the world is near, and the song’s sense of urgency and intensity is palpable throughout. The song’s intricate instrumentation, with Garth Hudson’s distinctive organ playing and Robbie Robertson’s skillful guitar work, adds to the song’s sense of drama and tension. “To Kingdom Come” is a showcase for The Band’s incredible musicianship and their ability to create music that is both musically complex and emotionally resonant. The song has become a fan favorite and remains one of the band’s most beloved and enduring tracks, its enduring popularity a testament to its lasting impact on American music.
Erica Henderson 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.
