Billy Squier stands as a testament to rock and roll resilience. Hailing from Boston, much like his peers Bob Seger, Warren Zevon, and Eddie Money, Squier navigated years in the musical trenches, refining his songwriting within the confines of lesser-known bands. This persistent grind eventually forged his signature sound, culminating in a mainstream breakthrough in the early 1980s.
The advent of MTV proved to be a pivotal moment, catapulting Squier into the burgeoning world of music videos. He became an early icon of this visual medium, albeit with the ensuing mixed blessings that fame can bring. His music became synonymous with the decade, providing the soundtrack to an era. Join us as we delve into the definitive tracks that cemented his legacy, presenting a countdown of the top 10 Billy Squier songs.
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- The Big Beat
Before arena-filling fame, there was “The Big Beat,” a track that offered Billy Squier his initial taste of success. Emerging from his debut solo album, 1980’s The Tale of the Tape, this song marked the culmination of a decade spent honing his craft after an earlier stint with the band Piper. “The Big Beat” is characterized by its potent blend of resonant power chords and, as the title suggests, commanding drum rhythms. Its influence extends beyond rock, becoming a much-sampled bedrock for hip-hop artists, proving its enduring rhythmic appeal. This track laid the sonic foundation for many of Squier’s subsequent hits, foreshadowing the chart-topping anthems to come.
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- You Know What I Like
Just a year later, Billy Squier’s hit-making momentum was undeniable. “You Know What I Like,” while arguably single-worthy, found itself in the shadow of even bigger hits from the same period. This track showcases Squier’s signature punchy guitar work, amplified by Bobby Chouinard’s driving shuffle beat. Adding a layer of 80s innovation, pulsing synthesizers are woven into the mix, hinting at the increasing role of technology in rock music of the era. Squier’s early embrace of these elements highlights his forward-thinking approach to rock production.
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- Stronger
As the 1980s drew to a close, the musical landscape shifted, but Billy Squier remained a chart presence. 1989’s Hear and Now album arrived in a world dominated by synth-pop and the burgeoning hair metal scene. Despite these trends, the album spawned three Billboard 200 singles. While “Don’t Say You Love Me” achieved higher chart success, reaching No. 4, it’s the saxophone-infused “Stronger” that resonates more profoundly today. This track exemplifies Squier’s ability to adapt and maintain his classic rock edge while incorporating contemporary sounds, resulting in a song that has stood the test of time.
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- Love Is the Hero (with Freddie Mercury)
Venturing slightly into pop-leaning territory, “Love Is the Hero” from 1986’s Enough is Enough album is elevated by its historic collaboration: a duet with the legendary Freddie Mercury. This standout track was born from Squier’s friendship with Queen and their shared producer Reinhold Mack. While Peter Collins handled production duties on this album, lending a polished, perhaps overly sleek, late-80s sheen, the sheer vocal power of Squier and Mercury together makes this song unforgettable. It stands as a testament to Squier’s connections within the rock royalty and his willingness to experiment with collaborations.
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- Rock Me Tonight
Forget the music video for a moment (if you can!). Focus solely on the infectious energy of “Rock Me Tonight.” This hit from Squier’s Gold-certified 1984 album Signs of Life, produced by Jim Steinman (known for his work with Meat Loaf), is undeniably catchy. While embracing the synthesizer-heavy trends of the mid-80s, the song retains Squier’s rock core with robust, choppy guitar riffs. “Rock Me Tonight” represents Squier’s successful navigation of the evolving 80s rock sound, blending commercial appeal with his signature guitar-driven style, resulting in a track that remains instantly recognizable.
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- Lonely Is the Night
“Lonely Is the Night” is the third single from 1981’s seminal album Don’t Say No, a record so rich with classic rock gems that its praises are often sung, and rightly so. This track serves as an homage to Led Zeppelin, particularly Jimmy Page’s masterful use of dynamic shifts between hard and soft passages. “Lonely Is the Night” is built upon a foundation of steady, powerful drumming, layers of chunky guitar riffs, and surprisingly melodic choruses. Its dramatic stop-start structure has solidified its status as a long-standing fan favorite among Billy Squier songs, showcasing his ability to blend power and musicality.
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- Everybody Wants You
The lead single from 1982’s triple-platinum album Emotions in Motion, “Everybody Wants You,” propelled Squier and his band to the top of Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart for an impressive six consecutive weeks. This track demonstrates Squier’s musical versatility, incorporating new wave elements while maintaining a distinct funkiness. “Everybody Wants You” highlights his songwriting prowess and willingness to experiment, resulting in a song that effortlessly earns its place among the top Billy Squier songs. Its chart dominance and genre-bending approach underscore its impact.
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- My Kinda Lover
The fourth hit single from Don’t Say No, “My Kinda Lover,” possesses a raw, almost Spartan energy reminiscent of The Rolling Stones, particularly Keith Richards’ guitar style with its sharp, stabbing riffs. Layered with processed percussive elements, the song culminates in what is perhaps the most irresistible singalong chorus in Squier’s extensive catalog. “My Kinda Lover” has proven its staying power, remaining a career highlight alongside its parent album. Its blend of Stones-esque rock and catchy hooks explains its enduring appeal and consistent presence on classic rock playlists.
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- In the Dark
For many who grew up watching MTV in its early days, the video for “In the Dark” served as their introduction to Billy Squier. The band’s energetic, visually captivating (though mimed) performance in the video instantly converted viewers into fans. “In the Dark” encapsulates Squier’s most successful musical formula: powerful power chords, searing guitar leads, a hypnotic keyboard riff, and in this instance, lyrics with a menacing edge, delivered with Squier’s characteristic vocal intensity. This song and its accompanying video became synonymous with Squier’s MTV-era popularity and his ability to craft visually and sonically arresting rock anthems.
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- The Stroke
Crowning our list of top 10 Billy Squier songs is “The Stroke,” the third chart-topping single from Don’t Say No. It’s a song that perfectly embodies contagious classic rock perfection. “The Stroke” achieved Top 20 status, striking an ideal balance between pop sensibility and genuine rock and roll grit. Even its subtly provocative lyrical content did little to hinder its widespread success. To this day, the urge to shout along and air guitar to “The Stroke” is practically irresistible for anyone with a rock and roll spirit, regardless of whether they’ve ever truly deciphered the song’s meaning. It’s simply a quintessential rock anthem.
What’s Your Favorite Billy Squier Song?
This concludes our countdown of the top 10 Billy Squier songs. Are there any other tracks you believe deserve a spot on this list? Share your thoughts and favorite Billy Squier songs in the comments below!
