Rory Gallagher Songs Ranked
William Rory Gallagher (2 March 1948 – 14 June 1995) was an Irish blues and rock multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer. Born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, and brought up in Cork, Gallagher recorded solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, after forming the band Taste during the late 1960s. His albums have sold over 30 million copies worldwide. In the 1980s he continued recording, producing Jinx, Defender, and Fresh Evidence. After Fresh Evidence, he embarked on a tour of the United States. In addition, he played with Box of Frogs, a band formed in 1983 by former members of The Yardbirds. Becoming obsessive over details and plagued by self-doubt, Gallagher nevertheless retained a loyal fanbase. During this period he stated, “I agonize too much”. Gallagher received a liver transplant in 1995 but died of complications later that year in London at the age of 47. Here are all of Rory Gallagher’s songs ranked.
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15. Walk On Hot Coals (Blueprint, 1973)
“WITHOUT DOUBT, the best of an amazing legacy and catalogue this amazing artist left us to enjoy! ‘ve loved everything Rory ever did in well over 40 years and this track in my humble opinion is SOLID GOLD.”
14. Maybe I Will (Deuce, 1971)
“The almost indie rock jangle of “maybe i will” where once again gallagher shows himself to be a surprising and entertainingly diverse player.”
13. Bad Penny (Top Priority, 1979)
“Top Priority is more great hard blues rock from this fantastic axe slinger. There is very little deviation record to record with Mr. Gallagher’s music and that’s okay because like Robin Trower or Roy Buchanan, Rory Gallagher’s talent shows on every track.”
12. Tattoo’d Lady (Tattoo, 1973)
“Long before tattoos became a banality, Rory dedicated this album to those travelling fairground attractions, shared his cherished childhood memories of how they’d mesmerized him, comparing theirs to his lifestyle, and even finding the opportunity to blow some discreet sax lines inside the pounding and lively opener “Tattoo’d Lady”; whatever his muse was, it supplied our Irish Bluesman with the necessary amount of energy and inspiration to record an amazing collection of songs, guaranteed to leave you totally breathless.”
See more: Rory Gallagher Albums Ranked
11. I’ll Admit You’re Gone (Calling Card, 1976)
“Without a doubt one of Gallagher’s strongest albums. If not the strongest of them all. Album was produced by Gallagher and Roger Glover and the production is just awesome.”
10. If I Had a Reason (Blueprint, 1973)
“Rory Gallagher shows his range on this album. It is mostly blues but he throws in some hard rock and a soft ballad and all along there is that great guitar.”
9. I Fall Apart (Rory Gallagher, 1971)
“This is heavily blues rock record (instead of his late 70-ties more straight ahead rock records). Fans of blues rock, and especially traditional usa blues, will be “blown away” with these songs, the casual listener may find this too much tradicional blues oriented music.”
8. Bullfrog Blues (Live in Europe, 1972)
“Bullfrog Blues,” a Gallagher classic, is a wonderfully executed throwback to this Taste days. Vocals are comparatively in control throughout the album and not as aggressive as some of his other live works.”
7. Easy Come, Easy Go (Jinx, 1982)
“But then there are some songs that doesn’t rock so well as the others. That’s pretty rare for Rory because his albums are usually very solid and you won’t find any fillers.”
6. Philby (Top Priority, 1979)
“No doubt, this one is a good blues rock album above standard. The first two tracks are the best in my opinion. The rest cannot hold this promise. There are some tracks which I would call blueprint for blues rock – they are not really special. If you like his first two albums, you will not find this kind of song writing here. It is just typical for his turn towards heavier blues rock and less singer songwriting.”
See more: Cher Albums Ranked
5. Edged in Blue (Calling Card, 1976)
“Keeping the blues rock flag flying in the late seventies with charisma and considerable skill – Calling Card is solid Rory Gallagher. A remarkably consistent personality and as likeable as the day is long – I particularly love the anxious Moonchild and the warm Edged in Blue. Lovely album.”
4. Moonchild (Calling Card, 1976)
“So effortless, so exuberant, just brilliant, especially live. Can’t beat this one, lots of great Rory tracks, but this crowns them all! “
3. Shadow Play (Photo-Finish, 1978)
“The cool rollin’ “Shadow Play” showcases Gallagher once more, with his guitar sound foreshadowing what would come from Mark Knopfler.”
2. I’m Not Awake Yet (Deuce, 1971)
“A beautiful acoustic number from Rory. I loved it when it was released, I adore it now. I have always thought this to be an amazing piece of acoustic work from Rory.”
1. A Million Miles Away (Tattoo, 1973)
“From my opinion this is his greatest song. The guitar was good along with the vocals but the best thing was the ending keyboard riffs. Its very rare to see a pianist banging his head like a guitarist.”