The late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed a fascinating chapter in rock and roll history, marked by the prominent incorporation of brass sections. Bands like the Buckinghams, Chase, Lighthouse, and the massively successful Chicago, all contributed to this horn-driven sound that defined an era. Among these successful acts, Blood, Sweat & Tears carved a unique and lasting legacy.
Born from the vision of the talented Al Kooper, Blood, Sweat & Tears initially made waves with their debut album, ‘Child Is The Father To The Man’ in 1968. However, Kooper’s departure after this initial success paved the way for vocalist David Clayton-Thomas to join the band. This marked a turning point, propelling them to the top of the pop charts with a string of hits. Even though their chart dominance eventually faded, the Songs Of Blood Sweat And Tears – the music they created – have resonated for over four decades. Here, we delve into the essential tracks that define their sound, presenting a countdown of the Top 10 Blood, Sweat & Tears Songs.
- Sometimes In Winter
Kicking off our list is ‘Sometimes In Winter,’ a hidden gem from the band’s self-titled second album, a massive commercial success. Guitarist Steve Katz, a founding member and crucial contributor, takes the lead vocals on this beautiful ballad. Often overshadowed by the album’s bigger hits, ‘Sometimes In Winter’ showcases the band’s signature sound with an added baroque touch, highlighting Katz’s vocal talent beyond his guitar and songwriting contributions.
- Lucretia MacEvil
‘Lucretia MacEvil,’ penned by singer David Clayton-Thomas, is a prime example of Blood, Sweat & Tears’ distinctive soul-funk fusion. Propelled by assertive horn accents and Thomas’s powerful vocals, the song features a dynamic interplay between guitar and horns in its mid-section. Reaching No. 29 in the fall of 1970, ‘Lucretia MacEvil’ played a key role in driving their third album to the coveted No. 1 spot, demonstrating the band’s consistent hit-making ability.
- Morning Glory
Blood, Sweat & Tears often found success interpreting songs from other writers, and their rendition of Tim Buckley’s ‘Morning Glory’ is a testament to this. Originally appearing on Buckley’s 1967 album ‘Goodbye and Hello,’ ‘Morning Glory’ is inherently beautiful. While Buckley’s version remains definitive for many, Blood, Sweat & Tears infused it with their own brass-rock style, reimagining the song in their signature image. Notably, Linda Ronstadt, with the Stone Poneys, also covered this song early in her career, underscoring its appeal to various artists.
- Go Down Gamblin’
‘Go Down Gamblin” bursts onto the scene as the opening track of the band’s fourth album, showcasing their full-throttle rock energy. Blaring horns and Steve Katz’s impressive lead guitar work are central to the song’s driving force. Bobby Colomby’s impeccable drumming provides the rhythmic backbone, pushing the track forward. ‘Go Down Gamblin” achieved Top 40 status, peaking at No. 32 in the summer of 1971, proving their ability to evolve while maintaining chart relevance.
- High on a Mountain
‘High on a Mountain’ stands out as a highlight from the group’s fourth album. Written by founding member Steve Katz, this song exudes a dynamic soulfulness that remains captivating decades later. Lyrically evocative with lines like “Wild eyed and lonely running out of time, some will say I died half crazy,” and enhanced by David Clayton Thomas’s distinctive vocals and, of course, the brilliant horns, ‘High on a Mountain’ demonstrates the depth and enduring quality of their music.
- And When I Die
Another of their most recognized songs, ‘And When I Die’ was the band’s third consecutive No. 2 hit. Written by singer-songwriter Laura Nyro, it was first recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1966. Nyro herself recorded a version for her 1967 debut album, ‘A New Discovery.’ However, it was Blood, Sweat & Tears’ 1969 rendition that truly propelled the song to widespread fame. ‘And When I Die’ solidified the success of their self-titled second album, becoming a defining track in their discography.
- I Can’t Quit Her
‘I Can’t Quit Her,’ a gem from the pen of Al Kooper, sounds like a hit that inexplicably never reached its full potential. This soul-infused pop record possesses all the elements of a chart-topper but surprisingly made little commercial impact. Echoes of Kooper’s earlier band, The Blues Project, are discernible, interwoven with a strong Motown influence. The addition of brass and strings elevates ‘I Can’t Quit Her’ to a true, albeit underrated, classic.
- You’ve Made Me So Very Happy
Blood, Sweat & Tears’ breakthrough hit, ‘You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,’ stormed the charts in March 1969, maintaining momentum for over three months and peaking at No. 2. Originally recorded by Brenda Holloway for Motown in 1967, who co-wrote it with Berry Gordy, her version barely cracked the Top 40. Blood, Sweat & Tears took the song and, as they masterfully did with other material, completely transformed it, making it undeniably their own.
- I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know
‘I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know,’ another Al Kooper composition, highlights the band’s soulful and bluesy depths. As the opening track of their debut album, ‘Child Is The Father To Man,’ it served as a powerful introduction to their distinctive sound and style. Beyond that, it firmly established Kooper’s significant talent as more than just a sideman, showcasing his songwriting prowess and vision for the band.
- Spinning Wheel
Topping our list of the Top 10 Blood, Sweat & Tears Songs is ‘Spinning Wheel,’ their second major hit released shortly after their self-titled second album in early 1969. Written by David Clayton Thomas, ‘Spinning Wheel’ epitomizes the band’s core approach. Horn-driven pop/rock combined with soulful vocals reached its zenith with this track. ‘Spinning Wheel’ reached No. 2 in the spring of 1969, marking the second in an impressive streak of three singles that narrowly missed the top spot, solidifying their place in music history with their unique blend of songs of blood sweat and tears, emotion, and instrumental brilliance.
Next: Top 10 Al Kooper Keyboard Songs
