song titles with journey in them

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The Top 20 Journey Songs, Ranked

For fans of classic rock and those nostalgic for the golden era of Journey, there's something magical about revisiting the iconic hits that defined a generation. From anthems of love and heartache to anthems of resilience and hope, Journey's music has left a mark on the hearts and minds of listeners worldwide.

Here, we’ll embark on a journey (pun intended) to rank the top 20 Journey songs of all time. Drawing upon sales certifications, Billboard Hot 100 rankings, and the timeless appeal of each track, we'll look into the band's rich discography to celebrate the songs that have stood the test of time.

Whether you're reminiscing about belting out "Don't Stop Believin'" while it blasted from your Walkman or looking back on a summer fling while listening to “Stone in Love,” Journey's music has a way of transcending generations and resonating with fans of all ages.

So, grab your air guitar and get ready to sing along as we count down the greatest hits from one of the most beloved bands in rock history.

20. “Walks Like a Lady”

• Album: Departure
• Hot 100 Peak Position: 32

"Walks Like a Lady,” released in 1980 as part of the album "Departure," is a classic rock anthem known for its energetic guitar riffs and soulful message. With its driving rhythm and Steve Perry's strong vocals, the song describes the magnetic power and complexities of women.

19. “After The Fall”

• Album: Frontiers
• Hot 100 Peak Position: 23

"After the Fall" is a poignant ballad exploring post-breakup emotions. It spent 12 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100’s Chart! Steve Perry's emotive vocals convey themes of heartbreak, reflection, and resilience. The song dives into the aftermath of a relationship, portraying vulnerability and eventual strength, showcasing Journey's emotional depth and melodic prowess.

18. “Still They Ride”

• Album: Escape
• Hot 100 Peak Position: 19

This song tells the story of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. With its melodic hooks and Steve Perry's impassioned vocals, the song chronicles the journey of individuals overcoming challenges, and holding onto hope despite the odds. It's a testament to resilience and the human spirit's ability to endure hardships.

17. "Suzanne"

• Album: Raised on Radio
• Hot 100 Peak Position: 17

"Suzanne" is a heartfelt ballad expressing longing and devotion. Steve Perry's soulful vocals convey a man’s deep affection for Suzanne, a woman he can’t have. The song captures the essence of romantic yearning, evoking emotions of love and longing with its melodic arrangement and poignant lyrics.

16. “Be Good to Yourself”

• Hot 100 Peak Position: 9

"Be Good to Yourself" made its way to the top 10 of the Billboard Top 100 list for a reason– it’s an uplifting anthem about self-care! With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, the song encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being and pursue their dreams, serving as a reminder to cherish oneself amidst society’s challenges.

15. “Send Her My Love”

"Send Her My Love" is a poignant ballad about longing and regret. Penned by band members Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain, and Neal Schon, the song reflects on a lost love, with the vocalist stating that the girl he loved “needed so much more” than he could give. It’s based on a teenage breakup that Cain experienced– ouch!

14. “Girl Can’t Help It”

This rock anthem celebrates the irresistible allure of a captivating woman. With its infectious rhythm and catchy hooks, the lyrics embody the bittersweet love of a couple who return to each other after a breakup. The man in the song has a “fire in his eyes” for the woman who just can’t help the fact that she needs more.

13. “I’ll Be Alright Without You”

• Hot 100 Peak Position: 14

The aftermath of a breakup is discussed in "I'll Be Alright Without You.” The song's lyrics suggest a sense of resignation and acceptance, with the protagonist acknowledging the pain of separation but also expressing determination to move forward and find solace in independence. This heartfelt ballad that resonates with those experiencing the end of a relationship.

12. "Only the Young"

• Album: Vision Quest

"Only the Young" reflects on the resilience of youth and the pursuit of dreams. The first person to hear the song after its creation was 16-year-old Journey fan Kenny Sykaluk through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, one day before his untimely death. It conveys a message of hope and perseverance, urging young listeners to stay strong in the face of challenges.

11. “Stone in Love”

Possessing one of Journey’s many Platinum awards, “Stone in Love” describes the feeling of falling in love, likening it to being “stoned,” or intoxicated by love. The song captures the excitement, passion, and energy of newfound, summer romance. It's a celebration of the joy and thrill that young love brings!

10. “When You Love a Woman”

• Album: Trial by Fire
• Hot 100 Peak Position: 12

"When You Love a Woman" is a tender ballad exploring the depth of love and the commitment it entails. The song delves into the complexities of relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding, and cherishing each other's presence. It conveys a heartfelt message about the transformative power of love and the willingness to overcome obstacles together.

• Album: Infinity
• Hot 100 Peak Position: 68

“Lights” was one of the first songs that Steve Perry wrote for Journey. Originally written about Los Angeles, Perry eventually changed the lyrics to be about San Franciso. Interpretations suggest it's a reflection on returning home after being gone, capturing the sense of belonging and comfort found in familiar surroundings. This song eventually became a staple on every “Oldies” radio station.

8. “Wheel in the Sky”

• Hot 100 Peak Position: 57

This song was the first Journey song to ever make the Hot 100 list– and for good reason! The lyrics stem from a poem that bass player Ross Valory’s wife, Diane, wrote about the longing she felt for her husband while he was on tour. Valory then revamped the poem to be about missing Diane while on the road, reflected in the lyrics: “Haven’t been home in a year or more, I hope she holds on a little longer.” How sweet!

7. “Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'”

• Album: Evolution
• Hot 100 Peak Position: 16

This song describes the heartbreak and confusion that comes with being cheated on, with the song’s first lines being “You make me weep and wanna die.” Inspired by Steve Perry’s life, this blues-esque rock anthem convey the depth of infidelity and the turmoil it causes.

6. “Who’s Crying Now”

• Hot 100 Peak Position: 4

This chart topper is a poignant ballad featuring Steve Perry's emotive vocals and Neal Schon's melodic guitar. Lyrically, it discusses the complexities of a troubled relationship, with the protagonist pondering who bears the most pain amidst the turmoil, resonating with listeners seeking solace in heartfelt music.

5. “Any Way You Want It”

"Any Way You Want It" is a feel good anthem released in 1980. It's known for its infectious energy, catchy guitar riffs, and memorable chorus. The song expresses a sense of freedom and spontaneity in love, with the protagonist proclaiming their willingness to adapt to their partner's every whim.

4. “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”

• Hot 100 Peak Position: 8

"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" is characterized by its energetic rhythm, catchy synthesizer riff, and Steve Perry's powerful vocals.The song speaks about the end of a relationship and the emotional fallout. The song became a signature hit for Journey, known for its memorable hook and anthemic quality.

3. “Open Arms”

• Hot 100 Peak Position: 2

This chart topper camped out on the #2 spot of the Billboard Hot 100’s list for a shocking 6 weeks! The lyrics detail the efforts to reignite a relationship between two people who have drifted apart. The singer says, “now I come to you, with open arms, nothing to hide, believe what I say.” A sweet power ballad, this song welcomes listeners with open arms.

3. “Faithfully”

"Faithfully" is a power ballad that explores the challenges and rewards of life on the road for a touring musician. Written by Jonathan Cain, it reflects on the sacrifices made in pursuit of a dream, particularly the strain it places on relationships. Steve Perry's emotive vocals convey the longing for connection despite physical distance, making it a timeless anthem of devotion and dedication.

1. “Don’t Stop Believin'”

The most iconic Journey song, “Don’t Stop Believin’” hasn’t stopped gracing the airways since its release in 1981. This song shot up to the 9th postion on the Top 100s list and stayed on the Billboard 200’s list for 700 weeks! The biggest song of all time, it has sold a stunning 20 million units.

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Journey’s 10 Best Songs

Sure, "Don't Stop Believin'" -- but there's a whole lot more.

By Gary Graff

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Though it arrives amidst lawsuits , social media sniping and infighting, Journey is turning 50 this year.

During that half century, the group has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, logging 11 platinum-or-better albums (including Diamond certifications for 1981’s Escape and 1988’s Greatest Hits) , earning eight top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 and 25 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s also been a reliable ticket-selling act for most of its career, and in 2017, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Journey’s is the story of eras. When the group originally formed in San Francisco in 1973, original manager Herbie Herbert helped bring together guitarist Neal Schon and keyboard player/vocalist Gregg Rolie from Santana, bassist Ross Valory and rhythm guitarist George Tickner from Frumious Bandersnatch and drummer Prairie Prince from The Tubes. Prince would be replaced by David Bowie/Frank Zappa skins man Aynsley Dunbar, while Tickner would leave after Journey’s self-titled first album in 1975. The remaining quartet recorded two more albums before Steve Perry came on board for 1978’s Infinity, which began the band’s run of multi-platinum smashes — also marking the first appearance of Alton Kelley and Stanley Mouse’s iconic scarab logo for the band. Dunbar was replaced by Steve Smith for 1979’s Evolution , and Rolie would leave in 1980 with Jonathan Cain of The Babys joining to help elevate the band to even greater fortunes on Escape and Frontiers .

The palette has been diverse, but there are common elements among Journey’s best songs — sturdy melodies and sing-along choruses, usually leading into one of Schon’s majestic guitar solos. But within that mold there’s also been plenty of invention and clever arrangements that have never been as formulaic as some of the band’s detractors (particularly during their early ‘80s heyday) would have you believe.

Journey has gone through its fair share of lineups, with singer Arnel Pineda on board since 2007 — the longest continuous tenure of any Journey frontman. The group released Freedom , it’s first new studio album in 11 years, in 2022, and despite the current legal fractures (which you can read about in detail here ), still they ride, as the Escape track says — and may they keep on runnin’ for a long time.

With all that in mind, here are our picks for Journey’s 10 best songs — not all of which come from the biggest hits.

"Someday Soon" ( Departure , 1980)

This album track from Rolie’s finally studio effort with the band is a hypnotic tone poem, with a ringing, cushy ambience and a hippie kind of optimism – not to mention the best give-and-take Perry and Rolie achieved during their time together in the band. It’s of course been eclipsed by Journey’s myriad hits (“Any Way You Want It” is the enduring top 40 Hot 100 hit from Departure ), but it’s a gem worthy of discovery.  Listen here.

"Escape" ( Escape , 1981)

The title track from Journey’s Billboard 200-topping studio album straddled the hard rock/pomp attack of the group’s mid-‘70s output with the melodic sensibility of the Perry-Cain axis. Its five-minute length provides room for the arrangement to stretch out and flow from one song part to the next, with a crunch that was part of Journey’s palette at the time. Listen here.

"Of a Lifetime" ( Journey , 1975)

The Journey of 1973-77 was certainly a different creature than the hitmaking colossus so many know and love. The group’s initial lineups flexed instrumental muscles, smoothly knitting together a number of styles more interested in the journey (ba- dum ) than any commercial destination. The first track from its first album is a prototype, leaning into blues, psychedelic rock and a touch of Latin, with the first of what would become many standout Schon solos, and a tuneful sturdiness delivered by Rolie’s soulful vocal. Listen here.

"Faithfully" (Frontiers , 1983)

The melody of this top 20 Hot 100 hit came to Cain in a dream on a tour bus, and his paean to the struggle between home and the road was written in a half-hour. The result was a swoon-inducing ballad tailor-made for a sea of lighters (back then) and cellphone flashlights (now), capturing one of Perry’s best recorded performances and one of Schon’s most inspired solos. One of its great side stories is that Prince contacted Cain after he wrote “Purple Rain,” concerned that it might be too similar to “Faithfully.” Cain determined it wasn’t, but joked to Billboard that, “After seeing what it became, I should have asked for a couple of points….”

"Ask the Lonely" (single, 1983)

Recorded for Frontiers , this one wound up in the romcom Two of a Kind (starring the Grease duo of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John) and rocked its way to No. 3 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Like “Only the Young,” which wound up in Vision Quest two years later, it showed that Journey was on roll – and well-suited for big soundtrack moments. Listen here.

"Who's Crying Now" ( Escape, 1981)

The best of Journey’s swoon songs — started by Perry while driving into Los Angeles and finished with Cain — has a subtlety and dynamic build that sets it apart from the many others of its ilk they’d create. The verse slips into the chorus with a soulful ease, and Schon’s guitar accents deftly build up to his searing solo at the end. The Escape single reached No. 4 on the Hot 100. Listen here.

"Feeling That Way" ( Infinity , 1978)

If fans at the time wondered how Steve Perry and Gregg Rolie would co-exist, this was the answer — an ebb-and-flow tradeoff that proved they could complement each other as lead singers as well as harmonize smoothly together (first evidenced by Infinity ‘s lead track “Lights”). Its medley-like pairing with the next track, “Anytime,” was gravy that would become a motif on the next few Journey albums. Listen here.

"Just the Same Way" ( Evolution , 1979)

Journey’s fifth album had a punchier sound than Infinity — though they shared producer Roy Thomas Baker — which worked to the benefit of the album’s first single. Led by Rolie’s piano and muscular lead vocal, with Perry responding on the choruses and bridge, it reached No. 58 on the Hot 100 in 1979. In a perfect world this would have been as big as anything from Escape or Frontiers, but it’s still a convincing introduction to the Rolie era of the band. Listen here.

"Don't Stop Believin'" ( Escape , 1981)

More than a billion Spotify streams, a Library of Congress National Recording Registry placement and plays at virtually every sporting event around the world don’t lie — this one is Journey’s pinnacle of success. Created during a rehearsal at the group’s warehouse HQ in Oakland, Calif., it gave us the “streetlight people” of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip and put the non-existent South Detroit on the map. And it saves the chorus for the song’s end, after the guitar solo. A cross-generational hit? Believe it, gleefully.

"Stone in Love" ( Escape , 1981)

Schon reportedly called this “Stoned in Love” when he wrote the riff, and it’s certainly an addictive track that’s the best roll-down-the-windows-and-crank-it-up Journey fix you could ask for — not to mention a frequent show opener. A No. 13 Mainstream Rock Airplay hit in 1981, the song is practically a deep cut today. But its anthemic chorus is a spirit-lifter and the dynamic breakdown that segues into the song-closing guitar solo harks back to the ambitious musicality of the first few albums. “Stone” is a gem that still shines bright. Listen here.

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Top 10 Journey Songs

From the ashes of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch born this beast of a band in San Francisco in 1973. Full of artistic ups and downs, Journey’s strongest times were between 78′ and 87′ when Steve Perry was the lead vocalist.

For some of us, they are the band that wrote “that song from 80’s movies(Song #3),” and for some of us, they’re the summit of our teenage years. Let’s take a look at the top 10 songs of this amazing band!

Table of Contents

1. In My Lonely Feeling / Conversations

Released in one of their earliest albums ‘Journey’, the band influenced by the psychedelic feels of their previous bands, decided to take on a memorable riff that has you bobbing your head for days. 

Here’s a link to the performance at Winterland:

2. Nickel & Dime 

Journey got you covered with this 1977 instrumental, this track is filled with energy and real rock n’ roll. A classic hit from their third album that cannot be skipped! 

Here’s a link to the instrumental: 

3. Look Into The Future

We all like to reminiscence every now and then, or ‘reflect’ for those that don’t want to admit it. With all their emotions literally felt through the song, this song is probably the best option for a get together. 

Here’s a link to the winner of the list: 

4. It’s All Too Much

It’s summer, burgers are nearly done and in the meanwhile you’re nibbling on chips whilst you’re trying to dance in a socially acceptable manner. You just can’t help but shake it with this song! 

Here’s a link to the track: 

Released in their third album, this song meets the criteria of ‘I want a song that’s perfect start to my drive’. 

Here’s a link to your new Sing-A-Long track: 

6. Sweet & Simple

I mean, the song is sweet and simple… 

Here’s a link to something that will have you in your feels: 

7. Natural Thing

Soulful & genuine, the vocals alone will have you in a trance for the whole 3 mins. 

Here’s a link to that long needed shower song: 

Compared to the likes of Hendrix, this rockin’ piece will help you move on and let go of whatever it is that made you want to listen to this in the first place. 

Here’s a link: 

9. Any Way You Want It 

This opening track of Departure is an immense, energy-filled, good vibes track. It is usually used as the last song on any Journey show. Finishing in a  high tune like that is an experience that sticks in a good way. If you haven’t heard this song in 2010 during the heavily saturated world of Glee advertisements everywhere on your screen, then you’re quite lucky. 

Here’s a link to probably one of the second most famous Journey songs:

10. Keep on Runnin’ 

You’re missing out on that Journey tribute that’s going on in town? Don’t fret, this performance will have you feeling like you’re back in 1981! 

Here’s a link to the song: 

11. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ 

From the romantic mind of Perry, this extremely personal song about a relationship (which is believed to be inspired by true events) was the band’s first song to break into the Billboard top twenty, and It peaked at number 16.

12. Only The Young 

As you can guess from the title, this song is about the infinite promise and freedom of youth. Unfortunately, there’s a sad story about this song; this song was played to a 16-year-old fan with cystic fibrosis as part of a request from Make a Wish Foundation. Unfortunately, the fan died a day later, leaving the band with a broken heart.

13. Wheel In the Sky 

Started slowly by peaking at number 57 in the US – this song has gone on to become one of the strong Journey classics.

14. Lights 

One of the first Journey songs featuring Steve Parry, this one also started as a minor hit (#68 on charts) but became one of the signature songs.

15. Who’s Crying 

This soulful piece is Dressed in a beautiful piano riff. It is one of the most successful songs of the band. Peking at #4 in the US and becoming the highest UK charting Journey single at the time.

16. Open Arms 

This track is also one of the most successful songs of the band, earning them their highest position on the Billboard 100 (#2). Song was introduced to a wider and more contemporary audience by becoming a staple of many pop artists’ covers, including Mariah Carey.

17. Faithfully 

One of the most powerful Journey songs. Written by Jonathan Cain on the road and was completed very quickly (which the religious Cain puts down to divine intervention). 

18. Separate Ways 

The song tells the story of a couple who have broken up and gone their separate ways but will still always share a connection because of the time they spent together. As some of us know as ” that song from the 80s’ movies.”

19. Don’t Stop Believin’ 

The most iconic song of this band. This amazing song taken from 1981’s Escape is one of the most anthem-like catchy rock songs of all time. 

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The 10 best Journey songs

Let's face it, AOR just wouldn't have been the same without them – here are Journey's ten best tracks

For many, Journey are the band who define AOR better than anyone else. Their catalogue glitters with unforgettable anthems, which not only contain massive choruses, but also the sort of musicianship you might expect from a band who began life as jazz rock instrumentalists before embracing the melodic rock style for which they’re renowned. We've gone through the band's back catalogue and hand-picked their 10 finest moments.

10. Girl Can’t Help It (1986)

After taking a break from the band to work on his solo album Street Talk , vocalist Steve Perry was persuaded to return to the fold for 1986's Raised On Radio album. While the production shows a clear-cut influence of the times, Perry’s vocals shine as brightly as ever, while Jonathan Cain’s smooth keyboards complement Neal Schon ’s edgy guitar stride.

9. Faithfully (1983)

This is the way Journey explained the problems of trying to carry on a relationship while out on the road touring. One of the stand-out tracks from 1983's Frontiers , Faithfully has a soft lilt that exposes an emptiness. However, this is augmented by the lush rhythm and the way that Steve Perry croons his way through without ever wallowing in over emotional hyperbole. A power ballad in the best Journey tradition.

8. Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’ (1979)

Anyone who thinks that Journey aren’t capable of anything other than slushy ballads really should check out Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’ from 1979's Evolution album. It has a funk groove, and while the tempo is very much of the balladic kind, Neal Schon stabs through with some electrifying moments. What’s more, Steve Perry’s vocals soar impressively to ensure maximum dramatic impact. One of the highlights on Evolution .

7. Lights (1978)

The opening song from 1978's Infinity record – the album that introduced Steve Perry to the world, and also put the band’s new-found melodic style on display for the very first time. It’s easy to tell why American radio fell in love with Journey at this point in time. The music is filled with commercial astuteness, the harmonies are sublime and the whole timbre of Lights is evocative and stylish. This oozes the sort of class that would become the norm for Journey in the coming years.

6. Who’s Cryin’ Now (1981)

Who’s Cryin’ Now begins with an unvarnished piano piece from Jonathan Cain, on which Steve Perry builds his rich tone. And Ross Vallory provides some tasteful bass lines, to underline the whole feel of the song. This is the type of track that accentuates Perry’s love for great soul singers, while it also showcases the way in which Journey stood apart from all the huge selling AOR masters, and why Escape is regarded as the classic Journey album.

• Inside AOR, the most under-appreciated sub-genre of all time
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5. Stone In Love (1981)

The fact this song opens up with shards of Neal Schon's guitar riffing proves that Journey were always prepared to give full weight to the heavier side of their talent. And Steve Perry also comes across with a lot more power than you might expect. This is a song where Journey never forget about the melody, but also give free rein to a rocky vibe. It also accentuates that Escape was always far more than just a collection of power ballads.

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4. Any Way You Want It (1980)

It may seem odd, but this song was actually inspired by Thin Lizzy , with whom Journey had toured a couple of years before recording the Departure album in 1980. But when you dig down and analyse the way in which the vocals are constructed, and the interchange between the instruments, then the influence becomes a lot clearer. There’s a gliding feel to the guitar parts that does feel like it is Thin Lizzy influenced, and Steve Perry adopts a storytelling style that is close to the Phil Lynott approach – and the whole feel suits Journey superbly.

3. Wheel In The Sky (1978)

Wheel In The Sky was co-written by Robert Fleischman, the band’s original choice of vocalist when they moved into a more commercial direction. However, when Fleischman didn’t work out and was replaced by Steve Perry, the song was thankfully retained. It starts with a flashing guitar groove, through which Perry cuts with a vibrant performance. In some ways, this is a basic live performance from the band, bringing a heavier dynamic to bear, but this fitted right into the whole feel of Infinity , and showed Journey could pound with the best.

2. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (1983)

After the enormous success of the Escape album, how did the band choose to open up their next album Frontiers ? With a powerhouse rocker than fitted right into an era where AOR was beginning to become a little less reliant on studio technology and celebrated talent. Of course, the rich production is evident here, but what makes the song work superbly is that way Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry and Neal Schon intertwine. There’s a buoyancy in Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) that tells of a band who are really playing off of each other’s strengths. The result is undeniably passionate.

1. Don’t Stop Believin’ (1981)

Is there anyone on the planet who does not know this song? It has got to be one of the most exposed tracks over the past two decades or so. And, because it’s so well known, it’s very easy to lose sight of just why this is so popular. Because Don’t Stop Believin’ is a peerless example of musical genius. Everything about it is simply perfect – the musicality, the vocals, the simple structure, the insistent melody… hell, this is not just Journey’s best song, it’s one of the truly landmark moments of the 80s.

Malcolm Dome had an illustrious and celebrated career which stretched back to working for  Record Mirror  magazine in the late 70s and  Metal Fury  in the early 80s before joining  Kerrang!  at its launch in 1981. His first book,  Encyclopedia Metallica , published in 1981, may have been the inspiration for the name of a certain band formed that same year. Dome is also credited with inventing the term "thrash metal" while writing about the  Anthrax  song  Metal Thrashing Mad  in 1984. With the launch of Classic Rock magazine in 1998 he became involved with that title, sister magazine Metal Hammer, and was a contributor to Prog magazine since its inception in 2009. He died in 2021 . 

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Journey From Mariabronn

Journey Through a Burning Brain

Love Is a Long Journey

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Journey Through the Snow; Waltz of the Snowflakes

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Are you the "music guy" on your trivia team? Read up for some fun facts and little-known info that will score you maj points.

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Top pop songs by journey, top rock songs by journey, rock classics by journey, explore and find more.

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• Andorra - Colin Blunstone
• Another New World - Josh Ritter
• Any Heart In A Storm - Tide Lines
• Arkansas - Chris Stapleton
• Around The World - Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Around The World In A Day - Prince
• Awaken - Natalie Grant
• Back of the Van - Ladyhawke
• Be - Neil Diamond
• Bending Hectic - The Smile
• Bless The Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
• Blood Red Roses - Rod Stewart
• Blue Smoke - Dolly Parton
• Blue Tacoma - Russell Dickerson
• Broken Stones - Paul Weller
• Brooklyn - Maisie Peters
• Cairo, IL - Natalie Hemby
• Caledonia - Dougie McLean
• California - Melissa Etheridge
• California (There Is No End To Love) - U2
• Car Wheels On a Gravel Road - Lucinda Williams
• Carolina In My Mind - James Taylor
• Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas
• Closer To Fine - Indigo Girls
• Come Sail Away - Styx
• Crash on the Highway - Hurray for the Riff Raff
• Cruisin' - Smokey Robinson
• Darkness Into Light - Matisyahu
• Departure - R.E.M.
• Driftwood - Cody Simpson
• Drive - The Shires
• Driving Home for Christmas - Chris Rea
• Driving Rain - Slash
• Drop Top - Keith Urban
• Ebb Away - ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
• Echoes in Rain - Enya
• El Paso - Marty Robbins
• Every Mile Mattered - Nichole Nordeman
• Everyday Is A Winding Road - Sheryl Crow
• Everything We Need - A Day to Remember
• Falling Dove - Crowded House
• Far Alaska - Jethro Tull
• Fields of Fire - Big Country
• Final Step - Jason Crosby
• Firth Of Fifth - Genesis
• Free Ride - Edgar Winter
• Glasgow to London - Edwyn Collins
• Global Warming - Gojira
• Go The Distance - Michael Bolton
• Going Mobile - The Who
• Going Up The Country - Canned Heat
• Goodnight Oslo - Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus Three
• Gotta Love the Ride - Mr. Big
• Graceland - Paul Simon
• Grapevine - Weyes Blood
• Greyhounds - De La Soul
• Harleys in Hawaii - Katy Perry
• Heading South On The Great North Road - Sting
• Heaven on Earth - Melissa Etheridge
• Heaven Wait - White Lies
• Hitch Hike - Marvin Gaye
• Hollywood Romance - Lynsey de Paul
• Home Before Dark - Neil Diamond
• How Far I'll Go - Alessia Cara
• I Know The End - Phoebe Bridgers
• I'm a Rider (Finally Home) - Blue Sky Riders
• I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers
• Journey Of 1000 Years - Kiss
• Justified And Ancient - The KLF
• Key West & Colorado - Chase Rice
• La Bicicleta - Shakira
• Last Ride - Beach House
• Last Rider - Seth Lakeman
• Learning To Fly - Pink Floyd
• Life on the Moon - David Cook
• Locomotive - Rancid
• Longboat Pass - Tennis
• Looking Into You - Jackson Browne
• Magdalena - Brandon Flowers
• Magic Carpet Ride - Steppenwolf
• Magical Mystery Tour - The Beatles
• Many Rivers To Cross - Jimmy Cliff
• Marrakesh Express - Crosby, Stills & Nash
• Misfit Love - Queens of the Stone Age
• Mistral Wind - Heart
• Money Road - Rosanne Cash
• Mother Road - Grace Potter
• Motorway - Little Boots
• Mountain Trip To Japan, 1959 - Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players
• My Way to You - Jamey Johnson
• Namaste - Beastie Boys
• Never Once - Matt Redman
• New Horizons - Brian May
• Night Drive - Garbage
• Nightmare - Avenged Sevenfold
• Nights I Can't Remember, Friends I'll Never Forget - Toby Keith
• No Hook - Jay-Z
• Nothing Left to Lose - Mat Kearney
• Ohio - Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
• On Deronda Road - Elbow
• On The Road - Keane
• On The Road To Find Out - Cat Stevens
• One Black Sheep - Mat Kearney
• Oo-De-Lally - Roger Miller
• Paris, Texas - Lana Del Rey
• Perth - Beirut
• Photographs (You Are Taking Now) - Damon Albarn
• Pioneer - The Band Perry
• Playing with Fire - Brandon Flowers
• Point Of Know Return - Kansas
• Promised Land - Chuck Berry
• Puff The Magic Dragon - Peter, Paul and Mary
• Ramble On - Led Zeppelin
• Rattlesnake - St. Vincent
• Reminisce Part One - Dexys Midnight Runners
• Riding To New York - Passenger
• Roadtrip - Dream & PmBata
• Rocket Man - Elton John
• S.A.T.O. - Ozzy Osbourne
• Safe And Sound - Justice
• Saint Claude - Christine and the Queens
• Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti & Spearhead
• Secret Journey - The Police
• Seven Ways Of Going - Patti Smith
• Shockwave Supernova - Joe Satriani
• Sinner In A Sin - Bo Bice
• Sit and Wonder - The Verve
• Sky Musings - Wolf Alice
• Song of the Lonely Mountain - Neil Finn
• Soul Companion - Mary Chapin Carpenter
• Southern Cross - Crosby, Stills & Nash
• Space Oddity - David Bowie
• Speed Drive - Charli XCX
• Spill The Wine - War
• Stairway To Heaven - Led Zeppelin
• Street Lights - Kanye West
• Subway - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• Sugar Mountain - Neil Young
• Sunday Drive - Brett Eldredge
• Sunroof - Nicky Youre
• Take It Easy - Eagles
• Take Me I'm Yours - Squeeze
• Temple of the King - Rainbow
• Tempus Fugit - Yes
• Tennessee - Arrested Development
• The Big Rock Candy Mountain - Harry McClintock
• The Blanket of Night - Elbow
• The Citizen - Billy Sherwood
• The Delayed 3:15 - Elbow
• The Journey Continues - Mark Brown featuring Sarah Cracknell
• The Keeper - Chris Cornell
• The Long Way Around - The Chicks
• The Passenger - Iggy Pop
• The Pilgrim - Iron Maiden
• The Ride Of The Valkyries - Richard Wagner
• The Sacred Harp - Paul Simon
• The Seeker - The Who
• The Wanderer - U2
• The Way - Macy Gray
• There's Gold In Them Hills - The Black Crowes
• This Is It - Scotty McCreery
• To The Key Of Evergreen - The Devil Wears Prada
• To Try For the Sun - Donovan
• Town & Country - Loudon Wainwright III
• Town Called Ugley - Ward Thomas
• Trans-Europe Express - Kraftwerk
• Travelin' Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Traveller's Chant - Rizzle Kicks
• Trip To The Fair - Renaissance
• Tryin' To Get To Heaven - Bob Dylan
• Vahevala - Loggins and Messina
• Wagon Wheel - Old Crow Medicine Show
• Walk - Nadine Shah
• Waste A Moment - Kings of Leon
• What a World - Common
• What It Feels Like - FFH
• Wheel Of The World - Carrie Underwood
• Wheels on Fire - Truly
• When Am I Gonna Lose You - Local Natives
• White Is Red - Death From Above 1979
• Working Man's Cafe - Ray Davies

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Top Songs with Day in Title - Timeless Hits!

Kristian Gorenc Z

In the realm of music, certain themes resonate across eras, transcending the boundaries of time and genre. One such enduring theme is the mention of days in song titles . From the Beatles' classics to the energetic anthems of modern bands, songs with day in title have formed a significant part of our musical landscape. Let's embark on a journey through these timeless tunes and also explore how Viberate's comprehensive song database and analytics can enhance our understanding of their impact.

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The Classics and Their Continued Reverberation

"beautiful day" by u2.

One of U2's most iconic tracks, "Beautiful Day," released in 2000, not only secured a place in the hearts of millions but also clinched three Grammy Awards. Its optimistic lyrics and memorable melody make it a standout track in U2's "All That You Can't Leave Behind" album.

The Beatles' Timeless Trilogy

The Beatles, a band synonymous with timeless music, have given us several classic songs with day in titles. "Day Tripper," a 1965 release, marked a shift in their songwriting towards greater complexity. "A Hard Day's Night," both an album and a film title from 1964, is celebrated for its iconic opening chord. Lastly, "Yesterday" is not just a melancholic melody from 1965 but also one of the most covered songs in music history.

Diverse Musical Landscapes

• "Green Day" by Green Day : This eponymous track from their 1990 album "39/Smooth" is a raw punk anthem that also inspired the band's name.
• "One Fine Day" by The Chiffons : A 1963 hit that epitomizes the girl group era with its harmonious vocals and upbeat tempo.
• "Perfect Day" by Lou Reed : From Reed's 1972 "Transformer" album, this song's haunting beauty was brought back into the spotlight with its inclusion in the film "Trainspotting."
• "Sunny Day" by Sesame Street (Joe Raposo) : A cheerful melody that has been a staple of "Sesame Street" since its debut in 1969.
• "Have a Nice Day" by Bon Jovi : Known for its anthemic sound, this 2005 song embodies Bon Jovi's signature rock style.
• "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors : An indie rock sensation from 2013, celebrated for its optimistic vibe.

Viberate's Analytics: A Deep Dive into Song Performance

The power of data in music.

In today's digital age, understanding a song's performance across various platforms is crucial. Viberate offers a comprehensive solution to analyze a song's cross-channel performance, including platforms like Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, and radio stats, all in one place.

Spotify Insights

• Stream Tracking : Observe the song's streaming trajectory over time.
• Playlist Performance : Analyze top playlist placements and their reach within the past year.

YouTube Analytics

• Views and Likes : Monitor the evolution of views and likes on YouTube.
• Channel Overview : Get a comprehensive analysis of different uploading channels.

Radio Airplay Analysis

• Radio Spins : Track the airplay of songs over time.
• Geographical Distribution : Understand the country and city distribution of a song's radio airplay.

Soundcloud, Shazam & Beatport Stats

• Key Music Stats : Access crucial data like Shazams, SoundCloud plays, and Beatport rankings.

The Song Chart Feature

Viberate's song chart ranks over 58 million songs, offering insights into their overall performance or specific metrics like Spotify streams and YouTube views. It also includes advanced filters like release date, genre, and performance in different timeframes. 

The Art and Science of Song Analytics

Viberate's platform provides an invaluable tool for artists, producers, and music enthusiasts to understand the multifaceted nature of a song's journey. Whether analyzing the Beatles' historic tracks or exploring the latest hits by American Authors, Viberate's detailed analytics offer a window into the evolving landscape of music consumption and popularity. 

Bridging the Past and Present

The beauty of songs with day in their titles lies in their ability to connect generations. The analytics provided by Viberate help us appreciate not just the artistry but also the science behind these timeless tracks' enduring popularity. 

In summary, songs with day in their titles form an essential part of our musical heritage. From the classic melodies of the Beatles to the modern rhythms of Green Day and American Authors, these songs continue to resonate with audiences. Viberate's powerful analytics tools allow us to delve deeper into the performance of these songs, providing insights that are as valuable to music industry professionals as they are fascinating to music lovers worldwide.

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The Ultimate Mother’s Day Playlist

By Rob Sheffield

Rob Sheffield

The annals of music folklore are full of unforgettable moms. There’s tough mothers, saintly mothers, evil mothers, motorcycle mamas, mothers of invention. Some stars love to do emotional tributes to their mamas, from Tupac to Taylor, from Dolly to Drake. Others celebrate the fearsome bad-ass maternal figures — whether it’s  LL Cool J ’s mama telling him to knock you out, or Rosalita’s mama chasing  Bruce Springsteen  off the porch with a broom. So here’s a few of our favorite mom songs, from pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, and country.

Queen, ‘Tie Your Mother Down’

Don’t do that!

Mr. T, ‘Treat Your Mother Right’

Drake, ‘Look What You’ve Done’

Of all the many women in Aubrey Graham’s songs, none has a place in his heart like his mother Sandi. “Look What You Done” is a highlight from Take Care , where Drake thanks the women of his family: his aunt, his grandmother, but especially his mother. He recalls her health struggles and their arguments, but he promises her, “After all the things that we’ve been through, I got you.” 

Dolly Parton, ‘Coat of Many Colors’

One of Dolly’s most beloved songs—a down-home ballad about growing up in a poor family with a mama who taught her what love is all about, sewing her a coat from a box of rags. Dolly has given the world so many different mother figures, but they’re not all saints—as in “Travelin’ Man,” on the same Coat of Many Colors album, where her mama steals her guy. 

2Pac, ‘Dear Mama’

So many rap classics about the heroic moms who held it down, from Snoop Dogg’s “I Love My Momma” to Biggie’s “Juicy” to Nas’ “Dance.” But Tupac did the most famous of them all with “Dear Mama,” paying tribute to the Black Panther revolutionary Afeni Shakur. As Pac says, “Ain’t a woman alive that could take my mama’s place.”

Victoria Monet, ‘On My Mama’

“When they say, ‘She get it from her mama’? I’m-a say, ‘You fucking right.” Any questions? Respect due to Victoria Monet’s mama and the fierce daughter she raised.

The Beatles, ‘Let It Be’

Paul McCartney sends out a prayer to his real-life Mother Mary, a Liverpool nurse who passed away when he was just a boy of 14. But in times of trouble, he still hears Mary McCartney’s voice, speaking words of wisdom. “Let It Be” has been a light in the darkness for listeners ever since. 

The Beatles, ‘Julia’

John Lennon, like Paul, lost his mother at a young age, and like Paul, he wrote a tribute that taught the world to say her name. “Julia” is a tender White Album love song, from a free-spirited son to his equally free-spirited mother. No rock band ever mythologized their mothers like The Beatles—even Ringo gave his Mum an entire album of her favorite songs in Sentimental Journey .

Taylor Swift, ‘The Best Day’

Taylor has spent her whole life singing the praises of Andrea Swift, but never more beautifully than in “The Best Day.” It’s a tearjerker for sure, telling their whole mother/daughter story. Every time Taylor performs live, one of the fan-fave moments is right before the show when Andrea walks to her seat and gets her own ovation.

Ghostface Killah & Mary J. Blige, ‘All That I Got Is You’

The Wu-Tang Clan’s Iron Man gives it up to the iron woman who raised him, saying, “This is dedicated to all the families that went through the struggle.” He gets real about how his mother (“my earth”) and grandmother kept the family together in the bleakest poverty, even the times when “mommy wasn’t strong enough.” It’s one of the rawest, most poignant rapper’s-mama tributes, with Mary J. Blige adding her heavenly soul vocals. Ghostface updated it in “Momma” on Fishscale , except with a lot more money, promising “I’ll Dior you out.”

The Shirelles, ‘Mama Said’

So much good advice to be learned from the wise moms of Sixties girl-group pop. In Motown, Diana Ross and the Supremes took their troubles to “Mother Dear”; over in Chicago, Jan Bradley sang “Mama Didn’t Lie.” But the sentimental faves have to be The Shirelles, who get through tough times by remembering, “Mama said there’ll be days like this.”

Merle Haggard, ‘Mama Tried’

Hag’s ultimate outlaw tale, sung from behind the bars of a jail cell. He grew up the rebel child of the family, while his saintly mama cried over him. Turning 21 in prison, doing life without parole, Merle recalls how she struggled to raise him right. But as he sings, “That leaves only me to blame, ‘cause mama tried.”

Kacey Musgraves, ‘Mother’

A short interlude on Golden Hour , only 1:18 long, but straight from the heart, as Kacey sings about living too far away from her mother, missing her over the miles from Tennessee to Texas. She revealed that she wrote it after getting a text from her mom while tripping on acid. Now that’s relatable.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, ‘Simple Man’

Can you imagine how tough Ronnie Van Zant’s mama must have been? Now there’s a hard-ass Southern matriarch for you – she probably shot down a lot of free birds in her day. But Marion Van Zant gave Ronnie this advice: “Baby, be a simple kind of man/Be something you love and understand.” And he spent his life doing her proud. Of all the classic-rock mom tributes, “Simple Man” is the one that never fails to get those lighters lifted high and bring a tear to a biker’s eye.

Beyoncé, ‘Ring Off’

Beyoncé pledges her love to Tina Knowles, in one of her most personal songs, in the aftermath of her parents’ divorce. She tells her mother, “Always know you got a daughter who’s proud you took the high road,” and adds, “You a killer, you so sexy!” It ends with words from Tina herself: “If you’re going through it, just know it’s called ‘going through it’—you’re not gonna get stuck there. You’re not gonna die, you’re gonna survive.”

Lucy Dacus, ‘My Mother and I’

Dacus wrote this for Mother’s Day in 2019, but she isn’t going for hearts and flowers, as you can tell from the opening lines: “My mother hates her body / We share the same outline / She swears that she loves mine.” It’s for both her mothers—the one who raised her and the biological one she just met at 19. An astoundingly powerful song about growing up, guilt, and inheritance, with the kicker: “All she has given/All I have taken / All is forgiven / All is forsaken.”

Danzig, ‘Mother’

Glenn Danzig, the musclebound Misfits belter from hell, warns the mothers of the world not to let their children listen to evil music like this. He isn’t wrong.

Jay-Z, ‘December 4’

Has any artist ever created so many classic songs about his mother? Shawn Carter might hold the record, from “Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)” to “Smile,” where he stands by Gloria Carter as she comes out. But the Black Album jam “December 4″ is where they co-narrate the whole story of their hard-knock life together. Gloria recalls that he was “the only one who didn’t give me any pain when I gave birth to him.” Jay admits he made up for that later.

Carole King, ‘Where You Lead’

Carole King wrote a classic ode to mom/daughter bonding—without even realizing she’d done it. When she sang “Where You Lead” on Tapestry , she considered it an adult love song. But years later, when it became the Gilmore Girls theme, King finally realized this is what the song was always meant to be. She asked Toni Stern to rework the lyrics, and sang it as a duet with her daughter Louise Goffin.

The Stratford 4, ‘Telephone’

A psychedelic shoegaze guitar tale about a rock & roll mom who’s partied harder than you ever will. Alone late at night, weary from too much dancing and decadence every night, he calls his mother for advice. She tells him, “When I was 22/I was a lot like you,” and orders him to go play some more  Dylan  and  Stones  albums. Coolest rock & roll mom in any song, ever.

Diana Ross and the Supremes, ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’

The Supremes scored a Number One hit with this Motown mama-said classic. When these lonely girls feel like they can’t go on, all they have to do is remember what mama taught them: “You can’t hurry love / No, you just have to wait / Just trust, give it time/No matter how long it takes.” Listen to the woman—she knows what she’s talking about. Diana Ross gives one of her finest vocals, while James Jamerson lays down the mother of all basslines.

LL Cool J, ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’

You know, LL was totally right about the whole “don’t call it a comeback” thing. He’d just had one of his biggest and best hits in 1989, “I’m That Type of Guy.” But somehow the criticism spurred him to prove to Ma Dukes that her boy was indeed the future of the funk, in this old-school rap banger. LL’s mama Ondrea Smith makes a cameo in the video, calling him by his given name “Todd.”

Alicia Keys, ‘Superwoman’

Alicia sends this anthem out to superwomen everywhere, especially the moms, singing, “This is for all the mothers fighting for better days to come.”

Joni Mitchell, ‘Let The Wind Carry Me’

A Seventies meditation on changing gender roles, as Joni Mitchell looks at her own troubled relationship with her mother, re-evaluating her rebellious teen years in light of her adult perspective. A highlight of her most underrated masterpiece, For The Roses .

Funkadelic, ‘Cosmic Slop’

A young man moans over grimy Hendrix-gone-uptown guitars about being haunted by his mama’s deal with the forces of evil: To feed her kids, she sold herself as a dancer to the devil. (Take that,  Ozzy !) He hears her voice calling in his drugged-out head – “Would you like to dance with me?/I’m doing the cosmic slop” – as the guitars voice her soul.

OutKast, ‘Ms. Jackson’

Of all the songs for the baby-mamas’ mamas, this OutKast classic has to be the saddest and most honest. Andre 3000 sings, “Never meant to make your daughter cry.”

Japanese Breakfast, ‘Psychopomp’

A poignant moment on Japanese Breakfast’s breakthrough album. Michelle Zauner devotes Psychopomp to mourning her mother Chongmi, a woman she portrays so beautifully in her memoir Crying in H Mart . It’s a synth-and-guitar setting for a voicemail from her mother consoling her, by saying “gwenchanta,” or “it’s all right” in Korean.

The Beach Boys, ‘Mama Says’

Brian Wilson leads his bros through a brief a cappella tribute to maternal wisdom: “Eat a lot, sleep a lot, brush ’em like crazy/Run a lot, do a lot, never be lazy.” It’s the finale to their classic Wild Honey , ending on a note of family harmony.

2Chainz featuring YG and Offset, ‘Proud’

Three rap legends remind everyone they’re in the game just to make their mamas proud. 2Chainz remembers how they used to trap together out of the same house: “Me and mama got busted at the same time/Went to court and told the judge the same damn lies.” As he said, “We starved together, struggled together, hustled together, smiled together.”

Jan Bradley, ‘Mama Didn’t Lie’

A Chicago soul classic from Jan Bradley. Her mama didn’t raise no fool, teaching her the ways of the world: men are trash, don’t believe a word they say, stay in school. “She said, ‘Girl, stay in your class / You got a whole lot of growing and a-learning to do / So girl, don’t you go so fast.” Jan Bradley’s mama didn’t lie, and neither did Jan.

Madonna, ‘Promise To Try’

Madonna at her most autobiographical. “Promise To Try” was never a hit, or even a single, but it’s the intimate piano ballad at the heart of her classic confessional Like a Prayer . Madonna Louise Ciccone remembers the mother who shared her name, telling herself, “Never forget her eyes/Keep them alive inside.” She dedicated the album “to my mother, who taught me to pray.”

The Spinners, ‘Sadie’

If your mama has a taste for old-school Philly soul—and who doesn’t?—“Sadie” is the one. The Spinners never sounded sweeter, with everyone on the team putting their hearts into it—the genius producer Thom Bell, the house band MFSB, lead singer Phillipe Wynne hailing “the premier of ladies.”

Kanye West, ‘Hey Mama’

Kanye pays tribute to Donda West, a few years before her tragic death, with an emotional powerhouse from the jam-packed back-half of Late Registration , when he was still touching the sky. And there’s a sample of “Sadie.”

Sleater-Kinney, ‘Little Babies’

A catchy, hilarious, but tough-talking guitar rager about moms and daughters, with all of their conflicts. The punk rock goddesses in Sleater-Kinney make “Little Babies” one of the highlights of their classic Dig Me Out , with Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein trading off lines in a good-cop/bad-cop maternal dialogue, until they explode into the irresistibly rowdy chorus. Best rock-mom line: “Are you hungry? Did you eat before the show?” 

B.B. King, ‘Nobody Loves Me But My Mother’

B.B. King sings the blues, with the immortal line, “Nobody loves me but my mother, and she could be jiving too.”

Kate Bush, ‘Mother Stands For Comfort’

You know how sometimes you decide to drop in on your mom for a little surprise visit? Because you’ve just committed a murder and you need a place to hide, and you know she’ll take you in no matter what? Kate Bush makes this one of her most beautifully disturbing odes to motherly devotion.

Bruce Springsteen, ‘Rosalita’

“I know your mama, she don’t like me/’Cause I play in a rock & roll band.” Rosie’s ma is a real hard-ass, but she’s a lot cooler than Sherry’s. To this day, Mama Rosalita is probably still shaking her damn head at that skinny guy from the swamps of Jersey.

Bruce Springsteen, ‘The Wish’

Another Bruce classic, but a very different story: “The Wish” is a tribute to his real-life mother Adele, and an emotional highlight of his Springsteen on Broadway show. He pulls up in a hot rod and tells mom, “We’ll find us a little rock & roll bar and baby, we’ll go out and dance.” They always loved that. “My mother and her two sisters were dancing machines,” he recalls in the Broadway introduction. “When she comes in the door, we make sure there’s music on. She wants to dance.”

The Shangri-Las, ‘Bull Dog’

Four tough-as-leather beehived girls from the mean streets of Queens – including a set of twins – they had the most epic battles with their moms, fighting over greaser boys in hits like “Leader of the Pack.” This time, though, it’s their boyfriend’s mother. “I’m in love with the prettiest boy in the U.S.A./But his momma bought a dog just to keep little me away!” Ma  tries to scare off those lust-crazed Shangri-Las, but it doesn’t work, because no bulldog is as fearsome as a Shangri-La in raging-pheromone mode. If you doubt punk rock women were kicking ass in the Sixties, start here.

The Backstreet Boys, ‘The Perfect Fan’

The boy-band tradition is full of maternal devotion, going back to how New Edition and the New Kids both dedicated their debut albums to their moms. Brian, Howie, Kevin, Nick, and A.J. sum it up with their thank-you to “The Perfect Fan.”

ABBA, ‘Hey Hey Helen’

Abba give some love to the Seventies divorced moms—not a demographic that got much attention on pop radio at the time. But Abba were a lot more candid chronicling the 1970s feminist revolution than supposedly edgier bands. Anni-Frid and Agnetha ask, “Is it worth the pain to see the children cry? Does it hurt when they ask for Daddy?” But they cheer on Helen as she rebuilds her life, to become “a woman of today.” Question: How did Abba’s best mom song get left out of both Mamma Mia movies? 

Junior, ‘Mama Used To Say’

A great one-shot from the Eighties, with Junior Giscombe rising out of the London R&B scene. “Mama Used To Say” was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, with its zippy electro-soul beat and Junior testifying in the voice of a young Stevie Wonder, as he quotes his mother’s advice: “Live your life!”

Patti Smith, ‘Mother Rose’

Nobody tells family stories like Patti Smith—she wrote the all-time greatest baby-sister song (“Kimberly”), while also chronicling her father, her husband, her kids. But “Mother Rose” is a mystic tribute to her South Jersey mom: “She felt our tears, heard our sighs/And turned to gold before our eyes.”

Neil Young, ‘Cinnamon Girl’

“Mom, send me money now”: How many footloose hippies have sent a letter like that back home since 1969? But only Neil Young was honest enough to admit it in a song.

Ernie K-Doe, ‘Mother-in-Law’

And then there’s this less sentimental blast of New Orleans funk, where Ernie K-Doe compares his wife’s meddling mother to Satan. Allen Toussaint provides the ice-coldest nine-note piano solo in history.

The Intruders, ‘I’ll Always Love My Mama’

Another Philly soul classic from Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the Intruders’ most famous hit is a family affair, proclaiming, “She’s my favorite girl!” From their album Save the Children , which also had their heart-tugging version of Paul Simon’s “Mother and Child Reunion.”

BTS, ‘Mama’

J-Hope sings of his gratitude to “Mama,” in a gospel-style standout from the BTS album Wings . It starts out in 2006, when he’s a child learning to dance with her help; it follows her support and encouragement over the years, as she teaches Hobi that failure is the mother of success.

The Five Stairsteps, ‘O-o-h Child’

Few vintage soul sounds can soothe a troubled mind like Aloha Burke’s voice as she sings the opening lines of this dusty Chicago groove: “Ooooh child, things are gonna get easier / Ooooh child, things’ll get brighter.”

Al Wilson, ‘Queen of the Ghetto’

The late, great R&B singer is best remembered today for his Number One hit, “Show and Tell,” one of the Seventies’ suavest love jams. But Wilson got grittier in his ode to a matriarch who did what she had to do to put food on the table – and he’s nothing but proud.

Johnny Paycheck, ‘I’m The Only Hell (My Mama Ever Raised)’

A classic of outlaw country, the twanged-up honky-tonk tale of a bad, bad man who’s done some evil deeds—but he’s always got a soft spot for Mama. (And ONLY for Mama.) Johnny Paycheck, the ornery hombre who sang “Take This Job and Shove It,” makes the whole bar sing along: “She tried to turn me on to Jesus/But I turned to the devil’s ways/And I turned out to be the only hell my mama ever raised!”

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