Gerry Rafferty Songs Ranked

Gerald Rafferty (16 April 1947 – 4 January 2011) was a Scottish rock singer-songwriter. His solo hits in the late 1970s included “Baker Street”, “Right Down the Line” and “Night Owl”, as well as “Stuck in the Middle with You”, which was recorded with the band Stealers Wheel in 1973. Rafferty was born into a working-class family in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland. His mother taught him both Irish and Scottish folk songs when he was a boy; later, he was influenced by the music of The Beatles and Bob Dylan. He joined the folk-pop group The Humblebums in 1969. After they disbanded in 1971, he recorded his first solo album, Can I Have My Money Back? Rafferty and Joe Egan formed the group Stealers Wheel in 1972 and produced several hits, most notably “Stuck in the Middle with You” and “Star”. In 1978, he recorded his second solo album, City to City, which included “Baker Street”, his most popular song. Here are all of Gerry Rafferty’s songs ranked.

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15. As Wise as a Serpent (Sleepwalking, 1982)

“The last track “As Wise as a Serpent” is really awesome with a haunting melody. With its lovely string arrangement and assortment of lovely sounds. A lovely very enjoyable record.”

14. City to City (City to City, 1978)

“The first single in the UK released from the eponymous “City To City” album didn’t make the chart but should have done, although where it missed, “Baker Street” certainly made up the difference, next time out. Like a lot of Rafferty’s songs, this charts a journey and comes with suitably-rendered train-noises as it reaches its destination. It’s a well-crafted, up-tempo number and ade fir a great album closer on the album.”

13. Didn’t I (Can I Have My Money Back?, 1971)

“One aspect that’s unmistakable is the easy-going vocal harmony of Gerry Rafferty singing along with himself. It’s a vocal blending technique that both he and Paul McCartney did so well in the recording studio. A prime example of Rafferty’s sweet harmony can be heard here on the songs “Didn’t I?”

12. Already Gone (Night Owl, 1979)

“Gerry’s masterpiece. There isn’t a crap song on the album. Best album of the bloody year for my money, and in 1979 there wasn’t fat lot of meat on the bone.”

See more: Gerry Rafferty Albums Ranked

11. A Change of Heart (Sleepwalking, 1982)

“I have always liked Gerry Rafferty ever since he was with Stealers Wheel way back when. i think he is a great singer songwriter top-class performer.”

10. Whatever’s Written in Your Heart (City to City, 1978)

“This is a gorgeous song, obviously very churchy in its construction and delivery. The instrumentation is lighter than usual for master-craftsman Rafferty and relies more on multi-track harmonies and a simple piano part in the main, which is really all the beautiful melody needs. The words catalogue a failed relationship and are typically direct from Rafferty, their effect enhanced by that rarity in his mature work, an understated production.”

9. A Dangerous Age (North and South, 1988)

“Autobiographical, as are many of his songs. Recorded as Gerry’s marriage was failing. He sings off days past, and pleads “Don’t tell me you’re leaving me now, when you know how hard I’ve been trying.” A very poignant song.”

8. Don’t Give Up On Me (On A Wing And A Prayer, 1992)

“It took me quite a number of listenings before I reached my conclusion about the album, but Gerry earned a five-star review because the material and the performance meet the standard he set with his earlier recordings. Most truly good music requires repeated listening to deliver the goods, and this is one such. It makes me miss the late musician even more. Get it.”

7. Get It Right Next Time (Night Owl, 1979)

“The stand-out track on “Night Owl”, this song seems less over-produced than the rest of the album, though you’d hardly call it spartan. It has a shifting, bustling tempo to complement the lyric and comes close to being that rarity in Rafferty’s repertoire, a positive, uplifting song. Or am I confusing cynicism with optimism…?”

6. Right Down the Line (City to City, 1978)

“This one plays by the rules more than “Baker Street”. It’s a love song, with a standard chorus and everything. This one stands out not by being unusual, but by being conventional and really good.”

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5. Cafe le Cabotin (Snakes and Ladders, 1980)

“After great success in the late 1970’s, Gery recorded this song about performing in a small cafe and loving life. A catchy tune.”

4. The Right Moment (Sleepwalking, 1982)

“Standing at the gates is a solid opening track with some great drumming and all round great playing. This leads me on to The Right Moment, which can bring a tear to the most hardened of rock metal fans, such an affecting song, it really is very beautiful. Rafferty’s ability to deliver a strong melody with the sweetest of singing voices remains intact here”

3. Shipyard Town (North and South, 1988)

“A full minute of bagpipe-y music, and then a great rocking song, which follows the time Gerry met his future wife to their eventual split 20+ years later.”

2. Moonlight and Gold (North and South, 1988)

“In this case I think that Moonlight and Gold illuminates with simplicity the beautiful way of composing of the master Gerald. Gerry will be immortal with the glorious works that he has given us.”

1. Baker Street (City to City, 1978)

“This is a great, great song with one of the best sax solos EVER! I am not going to say that this is a masterpiece in and of itself but the way the public reacted and still react to this is impressive beyond belief. I love it most of all for its unique epic but smooth atmosphere. The first time I heard that saxophone and that guitar solo I was amazed, and I am not surprised it had a similar effect on many others.”