Northern Lights – Southern Cross Songs Ranked

Northern Lights – Southern Cross is the sixth studio album by Canadian-American rock group the Band, released in 1975. It was the first album to be recorded at their new California studio, Shangri-La, and the first album of all new material since 1971’s Cahoots. All eight songs are credited as compositions of guitarist Robbie Robertson. Three songs from the album – “It Makes No Difference”, “Ophelia” and “Acadian Driftwood” – were performed at The Last Waltz, the Band’s 1976 “final performance”. “It Makes No Difference” and “Ophelia” were included in the Last Waltz film and on the original 1978 soundtrack album, and “Acadian Driftwood” was included in the 2002 extended re-release of the soundtrack album. These songs in particular have enjoyed subsequent revivals and cover versions. “Acadian Driftwood” was featured in a 1984 CBC-TV special titled Murray McLauchlan’s Floating Over Canada. The only Band member to appear in the sequence was Levon Helm. In this presentation of the song, Levon, his wife Sandy Helm, and Murray McLauchlan depict the expulsion of Acadian citizens by British forces. Here are all of Northern Lights – Southern Cross songs ranked.

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8. Ring Your Bell

“Ring Your Bell” is sung by Manuel with Danko and Helm helping on the chorus. The horns, the danceable rhythm, the really memorable verse melody… I totally kid you not- it might seem strange to say the Band excels at disco arrangements and trust me I never would’ve believed it unless I heard it for myself. It works!”

7. Forbidden Fruit

“The album kicks off with the rocking “Forbidden Fruit,” a cautionary tale sung by Helm. One thing I actually like about Robertson’s somewhat egotistical prominence in the later Band material is his up-front, gnarly guitar–he starts using the whammy bar on this album, and the results are wicked to say the least. He takes a few blistering solos in “Forbidden Fruit” that make you wonder if he sold his soul for his guitar skills.”

6. Rags and Bones

“The album closes on a truly classic note with “Rags and Bones,” another darkly funky romp through a night-time city with some of Robbie’s most lively and creative guitar (check out that left channel–wow!).”

See more: The Band Albums Ranked

5. Acadian Driftwood

“The other well-known track is “Acadian Driftwood,” a song Robbie wrote about the Acadian Indians who were forced to move from Canada to Louisiana. It’s a heartfelt tribute, sung by all three vocalists and featuring a piccolo part by Garth Hudson.”

4. Jupiter Hollow

“Jupiter Hollow” is a long (for The Band) and experimental song–a great detour, with a lot of mythological and mystical imagery, and a whole lot of synth overdubs from Garth Hudson. It makes for a really cool listen and has a groovy vibe and some creative drumming from Levon.”

3. Ophelia

“Ophelia” is one of the more well-known tracks on the album. The Band uses an almost Dixieland horn arrangement and Levon Helm, in addition to singing, pounds the skins with reckless abandon.”

See more: The Band Songs Ranked

2. Hobo Jungle

“The second track is a “Hobo Jungle,” a mid-tempo narrative that features some excellent acoustic guitar from Robbie and one of the finest vocal melodies on Band record, sung by Richard Manuel. Despite his heavy drinking, his voice still sounds great, though it’s become quite weathered.”

1. It Makes No Difference

“One of Robbie Robertson’s best love ballads, this track became a sort of signature torch tune for Rick, and it’s buoyed by some of Robbie’s revelatory guitar and Garth on saxophone.”