Uriah Heep. For many, the name conjures up instant recognition, but often for just one song: the anthemic rock classic, “Easy Livin'”. This track, from their seminal 1972 album Demons and Wizards, undoubtedly remains a staple of classic rock radio. However, to define Uriah Heep solely by “Easy Livin'” is to miss out on a vast and rewarding catalog spanning over five decades and twenty-five studio albums. With their latest release, Chaos & Colour, the band proves their enduring relevance, offering a potent reminder of their signature sound: a powerful blend of slightly progressive hard rock, driven by prominent keyboards, a relentless rhythm, and soaring, sing-along choruses. If you’re a devotee of this particular brand of rock music, exploring the world of Uriah Heep Songs is an absolute must.
While advocating for every corner of their extensive discography might be a stretch, it’s undeniable that Uriah Heep’s early work laid a foundation of exceptional quality, and remarkably, their contemporary output stands shoulder-to-shoulder with their finest moments. The band’s initial formation featured the steadfast guitarist Mick Box, the dynamic vocalist David Byron, the multi-talented keyboardist and guitarist Ken Hensley, and bassist Paul Newton. Yet, even in their nascent stages, the lineup was a revolving door. Their debut album, Very ’Eavy…Very ’Umble…, saw three different drummers – Alex Napier, Nigel Olsson, and Keith Baker – take the stool. Baker persisted through Salisbury but was then succeeded by Iain Clark for Look at Yourself. Newton’s departure after Look at Yourself paved the way for Gary Thain. Tragically, Thain’s untimely death in 1975 led to a brief but notable stint with former King Crimson bassist John Wetton.
In total, the Uriah Heep songs have been forged through the contributions of a staggering 17 distinct lineups. However, the current iteration has achieved remarkable stability, holding together for over 15 years with just one personnel change. This enduring lineup comprises Mick Box, the sole remaining original member, the commanding vocals of Bernie Shaw, the intricate keyboard work of Phil Lanzon, the powerful drumming of Russell Gilbrook, and bassist Dave Rimmer, who joined in 2013 following the passing of Trevor Bolder.
The initial five Uriah Heep studio albums – Very ’Eavy…Very ’Umble… (1970), Salisbury (1971), Look at Yourself (1971), Demons and Wizards (1972), and The Magician’s Birthday (1972) – along with the essential live double LP, Uriah Heep Live (1973), showcase a band brimming with creativity and cohesion. They emerged as prominent figures within the British hard rock scene, distinguished by their prominent use of keyboards, alongside contemporaries like Deep Purple, UFO, and Atomic Rooster. While each of these bands carved their own niche, Uriah Heep stood their ground as equals. Their debut album hinted at a Cream influence, but Salisbury marked a significant step forward into heavier and more refined territory. The opening track, “Bird of Prey,” unleashes a galloping hard rock assault, complete with soaring falsetto vocals that foreshadowed elements of Judas Priest’s sound. “High Priestess” delivers a relentless, jackhammering boogie groove. Tracks like “Love Machine” and “I Wanna Be Free” from Look at Yourself possess an undeniable hit potential that, surprisingly, went largely untapped commercially at the time. These early Uriah Heep songs established their signature blend of power and melody.
Uriah Heep’s classic lineup, showcasing the musicians who crafted many iconic Uriah Heep songs.
The latter part of the 1970s saw Uriah Heep navigate a period of stylistic exploration, initially leaning towards a more mainstream AOR sound and subsequently, from 1981’s Abominog onwards, embracing a more metallic edge (along with the New Wave-infused “On the Rebound”). Their studio output then went quiet after 1998’s Sonic Origami. While they remained a touring entity, their presence as a recording band diminished for a considerable period.
However, Uriah Heep roared back with a renewed sense of purpose in 2008 with the album Wake the Sleeper. This marked the beginning of what can only be described as a remarkable resurgence. The title track itself serves as a bombastic overture, reminiscent of a live show intro, built around a searing riff, chanted vocals, and explosive guitar and drum work. The ten tracks that follow on Wake the Sleeper are a masterclass in heavy yet melodic hard rock, drawing comparisons to the sonic landscapes of Deep Purple and Opeth. These Uriah Heep songs are characterized by their catchiness, punctuated by dynamic guitar and organ solos, and enriched by the almost ethereal vocal harmonies that have long been a hallmark of the band’s sound. While ballads and slower tempos find their place (“What Kind of God,” “Angels Walk With You”), the album largely maintains a high-octane energy, unapologetically embracing the spirit of 70s rock without succumbing to mere retro imitation.
The subsequent trilogy of albums – Into the Wild (2011), Outsider (2014), and Living the Dream (2018) – continued this trajectory of consistent quality. In a manner akin to bands like Motörhead or Obituary, Uriah Heep had honed a mature and distinctive style, capable of producing albums filled with strong material every few years, while maintaining a robust touring schedule, particularly across Europe. Mick Box’s guitar work is the bedrock of their sound; his riffs are instantly engaging, building towards anthemic heights, and his solos are bursts of focused energy, perfectly serving the song without unnecessary indulgence. The arrangements of Uriah Heep songs are meticulously crafted, with instrumental passages that build dramatic tension, vocal harmonies that deliver both power and nuance, and a general conciseness in songwriting. While their early catalog featured some more overtly progressive epics, even their longest contemporary track, “Rocks in the Road” from Living the Dream, clocks in at a manageable 8:19.
Chaos & Colour stands as a testament to their ongoing creative vitality, seamlessly fitting alongside its acclaimed predecessors. The songs are characterized by a soaring quality, with Box’s guitar and Lanzon’s keyboards weaving intricate textures, underpinned by Rimmer’s robust basslines and Gilbrook’s driving drumming. One notable aspect of Chaos & Colour, as observed by many, is a lyrical focus that leans towards universal themes and evocative imagery, often centered around light and positivity. Song titles such as “Silver Sunlight,” “Hail the Sunrise,” and “One Nation, One Sun” exemplify this, alongside tracks like “Age of Changes” and “Freedom to Be Free.” While the lyrical content might be described as employing archetypal rock themes, it serves as a fitting vehicle for the music’s uplifting and powerful nature. In this regard, Uriah Heep share a common thread with bands like Scorpions, masters of crafting impactful rock anthems.
The album art for Uriah Heep’s Chaos & Colour, representing their latest contribution to their impressive catalog of Uriah Heep songs.
Uriah Heep‘s enduring career, spanning over 50 years, is nothing short of remarkable. Their ability to produce some of their strongest work at this stage is genuinely exceptional and perhaps unprecedented in rock history. While earlier comeback albums like Wake the Sleeper, Into the Wild, and Outsider are unfortunately absent from major streaming platforms, Living the Dream and Chaos & Colour offer an excellent starting point for those eager to delve into the contemporary sound of Uriah Heep songs. For dedicated fans and newcomers alike, exploring their recent albums, and indeed their wider discography, is a rewarding journey into the enduring power of classic hard rock. So, move beyond “Easy Livin'” and discover the rich tapestry of Uriah Heep songs that await. Consider exploring their available albums – you might just find your new favorite rock anthems.
