Frank Zappa Songs Ranked
Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American multi-instrumentalist musician, composer, and bandleader. His work is characterized by nonconformity, free-form improvisation, sound experiments, musical virtuosity, and satire of American culture. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa composed rock, pop, jazz, jazz fusion, orchestral and musique concrète works, and produced almost all of the 60-plus albums that he released with his band the Mothers of Invention and as a solo artist. Zappa also directed feature-length films and music videos and designed album covers. He is considered one of the most innovative and stylistically diverse rock musicians of his era.
As a self-taught composer and performer, Zappa’s diverse musical influences led him to create music that was sometimes difficult to categorize. While in his teens, he acquired a taste for 20th-century classical modernism, African-American rhythm and blues, and doo-wop music. He began writing classical music in high school, while at the same time playing drums in rhythm and blues bands, later switching to electric guitar. His 1966 debut album with the Mothers of Invention, Freak Out!, combined songs in conventional rock and roll format with collective improvisations and studio-generated sound collages. He continued this eclectic and experimental approach whether the fundamental format was rock, jazz, or classical. Zappa was a highly productive and prolific artist with a controversial critical standing; supporters of his music admired its compositional complexity, while critics found it lacking emotional depth. Here are all of Frank Zappa’s songs ranked.
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20. Zomby Woof (Over-Nite Sensation, 1973)
“My favorite song from the hundreds of amazing songs of Frankf, simply amazing! Puts you in a really good mood. He can turn any lyrics into a masterpiece… this song already had great lyrics so he did not need to turn it into a masterpiece…he still did.”
19. Camarillo Brillo (Over-Nite Sensation, 1973)
“From my humble opinion, this definitely Bobby’s best song. The recipe is simple, nice & slow riddim, the voice at its apex. Can Listen all day long This song is a beauty!
18. Cosmik Debris (Apostrophe (‘), 1974)
“This song always got me in the best of moods and that’s what it will do till the damn day I die. It reminds me of everything I did when I was little when I heard it playing.”
17. Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow (Apostrophe (‘), 1974)
“This is one of the best song.. Music, Vocals, Lyrics.. All sounds perfect and top performance by miles. I love this song, It’s so easing and makes me feel good whenever I listen to it. Gives me peace of mind.”
See more: Frank Zappa Albums Ranked
16. My Guitar Wants to Kill Your Mama (The Old Masters, Box Two, 1986)
“Great message behind this song, beautiful lyrics with an uplifting message. This song is not just the best song of Frank Zappa, but the best song of all time!
15. I’m the Slime (Over-Nite Sensation, 1973)
“Such a catchy, enjoyable tune, with very rhythmically pleasing lyrics. Not provocative like today’s music, it’s good to hear something like this nowadays”
14. Inca Roads (You Can’t Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 2, 1988)
“This song is timeless, and one of my favourite songs by the legend. But it is hard to say it’s my favourite since there are so many songs and versions. So beautiful”
13. Catholic Girls (Joe’s Garage Act I, 1979)
“One of the greatest tunes ever. Greatness! Too great to not be one of my favorite songs of all time. Marvelous! So pure. Such a catchy line and said so smoothly”
12. Trouble Every Day (Freak Out!, 1966)
“The brutally honest truth about western culture. Makes the hairs on back of my neck stand. This song is no doubt one of Frank Zappa’s best.
11. Watermelon In Easter Hay (Joe’s Garage: Acts II & III, 1979)
“You know for as simple as the message of this song is, it works very well. This is just one of those songs, no matter what type of music you prefer, you can just feel happy listening to”
10. Montana (Over-Nite Sensation, 1973)
“From his legendary “Over-Nite Sensation” album, this song is everything Frank’s music stood for. It makes for one legendary song”
9. Dancin’ Fool (Sheik Yerbouti, 1979)
“This song is great and I like the beat and tempo of this song! The lyrics make me happy and this could put all of my stress behind my back! This is one of my most favorite songs all time!”
8. Oh in the Sky (Road Tapes, Venue 1 (1968)
“It just makes me feel so good, amazing lyrics, incredible music and tempo, when I hear this song it makes me stop what I’m doing, close my eyes, and simply enjoy this perfect creation.”
See more: Mother of Invention Albums Ranked
7. Peaches En Regalia (Hot Rats, 1969)
“Incredible how some of the songs can remain timeless in their meaning. I’m sure that messages of songs like this one can live for many years.”
6. Tell Me You Love Me (Chunga’s Revenge, 1970)
“Awesome song… The voice is so good that you forget your pain… I think it’s a gem of a song… Once in a life time made song…”
5. Little Umbrellas (Hot Rats, 1969)
“Gives me goosebumps and makes me emotional and it can make me feel like every thing will be alright. No one can sing this song better than Frank, truly amazing, it gives hope, love and happiness.
4. Muffin Man (The Muffin Man Goes To College (Live), 1975)
“This song is great and I like the beat and tempo of this song! The lyrics make me happy and this could put all of my stress behind my back! This is one of my most favorite songs all time!”
3. Joe’s Garage (Joe’s Garage Acts 1, 2 & 3, 1979)
“I’ve listened and watched Zappa for longer than I can remember and provided the inspirational at platform for many to follow, a guitar genius – must be a top ten contender”
2. Bobby Brown Goes Down (Sheik Yerbouti, 1979)
“The tune makes you feel great. I just can’t help but sway my head when I hear it. I love it I use it when I’m down and it’s like I’m free. Best Frank song ever!
1. Willie the Pimp (Hot Rats, 1969)
“This song always got me in the best of moods and that’s what it will do till the damn day I die. It reminds me of everything I did when I was little when I heard it playing..”
