Halestorm burst onto the rock scene in 2009 with their self-titled debut album and have since cemented their status as a leading force in modern rock. Known for Lzzy Hale’s powerful vocals and the band’s dynamic energy, Halestorm has consistently delivered chart-topping hits and captivating performances. This exploration delves into 20 of their best songs, showcasing the evolution of their sound and their enduring appeal to rock fans worldwide. From Grammy-winning tracks to fan-favorite anthems, we rank Halestorm Songs that define their impactful career.
20. “Bet U Wish U Had Me Back” – ‘Halestorm’ (2009)
“Bet U Wish U Had Me Back,” a hidden gem from Halestorm’s debut album, reveals the band’s early versatility. This melodic power ballad, tinged with wistful emotion, demonstrates their ability to craft compelling songs beyond their hard-rocking singles. It’s a testament to Halestorm’s depth from the very beginning, proving they were more than just a collection of catchy riffs; they were skilled songwriters capable of nuanced and resonant tracks. This song highlights their capability to blend powerful vocals with softer, more introspective musical arrangements.
19. “It’s Not You” – ‘Halestorm’ (2009)
“It’s Not You” captures the liberating feeling of moving on from a relationship and realizing you’ve found someone better. The lyrics, “You’ve probably never been shut down before/I’ll try and make it easier,” resonate with anyone who’s experienced the satisfaction of a clean break and a fresh start. This song is a relatable anthem of empowerment, delivered with Halestorm’s signature rock edge. Its straightforward message and energetic delivery make it a standout track from their debut album, showcasing their knack for turning personal experiences into widely appealing rock anthems.
18. “Black Vultures” – ‘Vicious’ (2018)
Opening Halestorm’s fourth studio album, Vicious, “Black Vultures” immediately grabs attention with Lzzy Hale’s commanding vocals. This aggressive track is a powerful display of Halestorm’s ability to create empowering anthems. While their catalog is full of songs promoting strength, “Black Vultures” stands out for its raw intensity and unflinching energy. The song’s driving rhythm and fierce lyrics make it a quintessential Halestorm track, ideal for energizing listeners and showcasing the band’s hard rock prowess.
17. “Daughters of Darkness” – ‘The Strange Case Of…’ (2012)
“Daughters of Darkness” is a rallying cry for women in rock. Acknowledging the historically male-dominated rock scene, this song celebrates the growing presence of women both on stage and in the audience. It emphasizes the sisterhood within the genre, recognizing the supportive community that underpins rock music. This track is more than just a song; it’s an anthem of solidarity and empowerment, resonating deeply with female rock fans and artists alike, reinforcing the inclusive spirit of the Halestorm community.
16. “Break In” – ‘The Strange Case Of…’ (2012)
“Break In” showcases Lzzy Hale’s exceptional ability to deliver powerful piano ballads. Balancing vulnerability with strength, she navigates the emotional complexities of the song with captivating artistry. The lyrics, “Yeah, it’s perfectly reckless/Damn, you leave me defenseless/So break in,” capture a sense of longing and surrender. Hale’s vocal performance, combined with the delicate piano melody, solidifies her reputation as one of the leading vocalists in rock today, demonstrating her range and emotional depth.
15. “The Steeple” – ‘Back from the Dead’ (2022)
From Halestorm’s latest album, Back from the Dead, “The Steeple” is a profound reflection on the importance of music. Lzzy Hale describes it as a rediscovery of her love for music during uncertain times, a period she referred to as “purgatory.” The song embodies music as a “life source, survival tool, communion, sanctuary, and identity.” It’s an invitation to reconnect with the transformative power of music, echoing the sentiment of finding solace and redemption in sound. This track serves as a powerful testament to music’s ability to heal and inspire, core themes within Halestorm’s work.
14. “Here’s to Us (Guest Version)” – ‘The Strange Case Of…(Deluxe Edition)’ (2013)
The “Guest Version” of “Here’s to Us” elevates the celebratory anthem with an impressive lineup of rock icons. Featured on the deluxe edition of The Strange Case Of…, this version boasts vocals from Wolfgang Van Halen, Brent Smith, Myles Kennedy, James Michael, Tyler Connolly, David Draiman, and Maria Brink, alongside a guitar solo from Slash. This star-studded collaboration transforms the song into a grand rock party, highlighting Halestorm’s respected position within the rock community and their ability to bring together some of the genre’s biggest names.
13. “Dear Daughter” – ‘Into the Wild Life’ (2015)
“Dear Daughter” is a deeply personal and touching song inspired by Lzzy Hale’s upbringing and her parents’ encouragement. Reflecting on the simple yet profound advice she received, Hale wrote this song as a message to young girls, urging them to embrace their individuality and persevere through life’s challenges. The lyrics offer universal themes of hope and resilience, making it a poignant and inspirational track that resonates far beyond its personal origins. It’s a testament to Halestorm’s ability to infuse their hard rock sound with heartfelt messages.
12. “Mz. Hyde” – ‘The Strange Case Of…’ (2012)
“Mz. Hyde,” inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, is a thematic exploration of embracing one’s darker side. Lzzy Hale infuses a sense of playful danger into the song, welcoming her “evil side” with a mix of camp and rock edge. This track injects a dose of theatricality and intrigue into Halestorm’s discography, showcasing their willingness to experiment with concepts and add layers of complexity to their hard rock sound. It’s a fun, slightly sinister track that adds a unique flavor to their album.
11. “Love Bites (So Do I)” – ‘The Strange Case Of…’ (2012)
“Love Bites (So Do I),” the lead single from The Strange Case Of…, marked a significant step forward for Halestorm. Joe Hottinger’s powerful opening guitar riff and Arejay Hale’s intense drumming immediately set a high-energy tone. This Grammy-winning track, recognized for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 2013, elevated Halestorm’s status and broadened their audience. The song’s raw energy and catchy hooks exemplify Halestorm’s growth and their ability to create hard-hitting rock anthems that garner both critical acclaim and fan adoration.
10. “I Am the Fire” – ‘Into the Wild Life’ (2015)
“I Am the Fire” is a quintessential Halestorm empowering anthem. Lzzy Hale’s acrobatic vocal performance is a standout feature, showcasing her incredible range and control. The song’s simple yet profound lyric, “I am the one I’ve been waiting for,” encapsulates a powerful message of self-reliance and inner strength. This track is a potent reminder of Halestorm’s ability to craft songs that inspire and uplift, resonating with listeners seeking motivation and empowerment through music. It’s a perfect example of their anthemic rock style.
9. “I Get Off” – ‘Halestorm’ (2009)
“I Get Off,” Halestorm’s debut single, remains a strong track that highlights their early sound and potential. The song, themed around voyeurism, is delivered with catchy rock energy and showcases the band’s ability to create memorable hooks from the start. Often underrated for its impact as a debut single, “I Get Off” effectively introduced Halestorm to the rock world and laid the foundation for their subsequent success. It’s a testament to their consistent quality and their ability to make a strong first impression.
8. “Amen” – ‘Into the Wild Life’ (2015)
“Amen” is a deeply personal song inspired by Lzzy Hale’s cousin coming out as gay and facing rejection from religious family members. The song serves as an anthem of support and encouragement for her cousin to embrace her true self, while also challenging religious intolerance. Hale’s “middle finger” to prejudice is delivered with passion and conviction, making “Amen” a powerful statement of acceptance and self-love. This track showcases Halestorm’s willingness to tackle important social issues within their music, adding depth and meaning to their hard rock sound.
7. “Apocalyptic” – ‘Into the Wild Life’ (2015)
“Apocalyptic” captures the tumultuous energy of a dysfunctional relationship fueled by intense physical attraction. The song embodies the push-and-pull dynamic of staying in a relationship that isn’t right, but is hard to leave. Energetic and engaging, “Apocalyptic” sets the tone for the Into the Wild Life album with its raw emotion and driving rhythm. It’s a relatable and high-energy track that exemplifies Halestorm’s ability to turn complex relationship dynamics into compelling rock anthems.
6. “I Like It Heavy” – ‘Into the Wild Life’ (2015)
Recorded in Nashville, “I Like It Heavy” blends Halestorm’s hard rock sound with a noticeable country twang. The lyrics, “I got a ringing in my ears getting ready to burst/Screaming hallelujah motherf—er take me to church,” showcase this fusion of styles. This track demonstrates Halestorm’s musical versatility and their ability to bridge seemingly disparate genres. By incorporating country influences, “I Like It Heavy” broadens Halestorm’s sonic palette and highlights the surprising common ground between rock and country music.
5. “Mayhem” – ‘Into the Wild Life’ (2015)
“Mayhem” is an absolute rock banger, a high-energy track that could easily have been a lead single for most bands. Serving as the fourth single from Into the Wild Life, it underscores the album’s overall strength. Its anthemic quality is undeniable, evidenced by its use as the theme song for WWE’s NXT TakeOver: Dallas in 2016. “Mayhem” perfectly encapsulates Halestorm’s ability to create powerful, arena-ready rock anthems that resonate with large audiences and amplify the energy of any event.
4. “Freak Like Me” – ‘The Strange Case Of…’ (2012)
“Freak Like Me” became an anthem of self-acceptance and community for Halestorm fans. Lzzy Hale recounts how the song originated from feeling like an outsider at age 11 and how it evolved into a rallying cry for their fanbase, who even rebranded themselves as “Freaks.” Halestorm’s first number-one hit on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, “Freak Like Me” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone for the Halestorm community, celebrating individuality and belonging.
3. “Uncomfortable” – ‘Vicious’ (2018)
“Uncomfortable” is Halestorm at their most defiantly glorious. The lyrics, expressing the intention to challenge and provoke, are delivered with infectious energy. Despite its confrontational message, Lzzy Hale describes the song’s creation as coming “from a place of joy.” This pop-metal gem, co-written by the entire band, celebrates the liberating feeling of defying expectations and finding happiness in one’s own truth. It’s a powerful anthem of self-assertion and unapologetic individuality.
2. “I Miss the Misery” – ‘The Strange Case Of…’ (2012)
“I Miss the Misery” stands as Halestorm’s most commercially successful song and a lasting active rock radio staple. A decade after its release, it continues to resonate with its perfect “Oh oh oh oh oh” hook and impactful bridge. This track embodies the qualities of a timeless rock hit, achieving a universal appeal that transcends trends. “I Miss the Misery” is a testament to Halestorm’s songwriting prowess and their ability to create songs that endure and captivate audiences across generations.
1. “Do Not Disturb” – ‘Vicious’ (2018)
Topping our list of Halestorm songs is “Do Not Disturb,” a track unlike anything else in their catalog. Inspired by a real threesome Lzzy Hale experienced, the song is both bold and uniquely Halestorm. Lyrically daring, with lines like “I love you accent/I wonder what it’ll sound like when you c-m,” it’s both provocative and empowering. The song’s impact extends beyond the music, inspiring a fan trend of bringing “Do not disturb” signs to meet-and-greets. “Do Not Disturb” is a celebration of sexual empowerment and artistic freedom, marking it as Halestorm’s most daring and ultimately, best song.
These 20 Halestorm songs represent a diverse and powerful catalog, showcasing their evolution from a promising debut to rock icons. From anthems of empowerment to deeply personal reflections, Halestorm songs continue to resonate with fans worldwide, solidifying their place in the modern rock landscape.
