Steppenwolf Debut Album Songs Ranked

Steppenwolf is the debut album by Canadian-American rock band Steppenwolf, released in January 1968 on ABC Dunhill Records. The album was a successful debut for the band, featuring the songs “Born to Be Wild”, as well as “The Pusher”, both of which were used in the 1969 film Easy Rider. “Berry Rides Again” is a tribute to guitarist Chuck Berry. The spelling of track #4 on the vinyl is “Hootchie Kootchie Man”. The album credits say it was recorded at American Recording Company in Studio City, California; however, the actual name of the studio was American Recorders. Following the success of “Born to Be Wild”, later releases had a black box on the cover with the wording: “Including The Hit: Born to Be Wild”. The earliest 1968 versions of the album did not have this. Here are all of Steppenwolf Debut Album’s songs ranked.

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11. Your Wall’s Too High

Your Wall’s Too High” is one of those numbers in the Wolf canon that seemed to forge a sound and approach they often came back to, again and again, despite an ever-revolving cast of bassists and lead guitarists. The recording quality varied at times, but this is as genuine as it gets. The sound really does define how they sounded.”

10. The Ostrich

“The Ostrich” closes this release. Pulling heavily on a rhythm popularized by Bo Diddley, it’s about pretending all is okay as you chase the dollar sign all your life, i.e. putting your head into the sand, but it’s not okay. You will probably succeed at the expense of everyone and everything around. And you’d better at least pretend to like it, because if you don’t, you will be eliminated. Very dark and pessimistic, but it is a good closing number, up there with the band’s best work.”

9. Born to Be Wild

 “Born To Be Wild” is a very overplayed song, good as it is. Originally written as a ballad, it was later given a fast tempo and a solid punch which put the band in that echelon of rock “Superstars,” and deservedly so. Thankfully, they weren’t a “One Hit Wonder,” but if they were, this cut would be the reason.”

See more: Steppenwolf Albums Ranked

8. Take What You Need

“Take What You Need” is just another radio-friendly song, sort of self-explanatory in its message. (Note the false ending during playback)”

7. Hootchie Kootchie Man

“Willie Dixon’s “Hoochie Koochie Man” follows, and this is one of this releases standouts. This is one case where they put their own stamp on it, while making it their own creation as well.”

6. A Girl I Knew

“A Girl I Knew” is a radio-friendly song, delicate beginning, strong, enjoyable rhythm and tuneful melody throughout, a good, haunting melody on electric guitar for the instrumental break, and then a return to the beginning. Nothing pioneering, just a good song.”

5. Berry Rides Again

“Berry Rides Again” is John Kay’s tribute to Chuck Berry; it’s pretty obvious. The oft-used C,F,G chord pattern and melody borrows heavily from the Berry influence, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Many, many very good songs use this.”

See more; Steppenwolf Songs Ranked

4. The Pusher

“The Pusher” is their take on an old anti-drug Hoyt Axton song. Despite probable marijuana use by the band, John Kay in particular had and has a very strong anti-drug stance; it destroys lives and he sings this number with all the venom and vitriol in him to condemn the lowlife drug pusher. You won’t likely hear this gem on the radio anymore because the fascists at the FCC, and it’s a real shame. This is a masterpiece.

3. Everybody’s Next One

“Everybody’s Next One” has the same sound as its predecessor, but it’s not quite as much of a “strutter.” Just a nice piece of middle-of-the road rock/pop.”

2. Desperation

“Desperation” is a bluesy, somewhat sad sounding number, lyrics about dark emotions and just wanting to end it all, though it does contain a positive message. i.e., “I’ve been there too, I’ll be there for you if you need me.” That’s not in the lyrics, just the message I get from it.”

1. Sookie Sookie

“This debut opens with the hit “Sookie Sookie.” It immediately shows the swagger and attitude the band made into their image. The distorted guitar and organ became trademark for the band’s early years.”