Steve Miller Band Albums Ranked
The Steve Miller Band is an American rock band formed in 1966 in San Francisco, California. The band is led by Steve Miller on guitar and lead vocals. The group is best known for a string of (mainly) mid- to late-1970s hit singles that are staples of classic rock radio, as well as several earlier psychedelic rock albums. Miller left his first band to move to San Francisco and form the Steve Miller Blues Band. Shortly after Harvey Kornspan negotiated the band’s contract with Capitol Records in 1967, the band shortened its name to the Steve Miller Band. In February 1968, the band recorded its debut album, Children of the Future. It went on to produce the albums Sailor, Brave New World, Your Saving Grace, Number 5, Rock Love, Fly Like an Eagle, Book of Dreams, and more. The band’s Greatest Hits 1974–78, released in 1978, sold over 13 million copies. In 2016, Steve Miller was inducted as a solo artist in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Steve Miller Band has sold over 24 million albums in the US. Here are all Steve Miller Band albums ranked.
Relive the music of one of the most notable rock and roll band. Click below and listen to the songs of the Steve Miller Band.
10. Abracadabra (1982)
“This is my boiler plate song review. It’s a great addition to anyone’s music collection, whether you use it for driving or just background noise while reading.”
9. Number 5 (1970)
“This album is really great-the last one with Tim Davis-the drummer and sometime’s lead singer from the original band-this album ranks right up there with the previous 4 albums-non commercial rock n roll-this is where Steve Miller is at his best-after this album he kind of went commercial-not as deep feeling music like on this and the previous 4 albums–I saw him at the Fillmore thru out the first 5 albums on many occasions-Get this one and previous ones and you will appreciate the real STEVE MILLER BAND-ROCK and BLUES at his best–In addition Tim Davis has two albums he made right after this-on LP only-it is definitely worth it to try to find these-sounds like the Miller Band-good lyrics and guitar-he had a good band-one of the albums is called Pipe Dream. He was a great singer and drummer–its a shame he is not living anymore-I think he died around 1978.”
8. Children Of The Future (1968)
“Was my go to music for feeling connected back in the day. Had to give it a listen all these years later and I still really like it. Along with the clear tasteful experimentation with Chicago blues, the band seems to incorporate Native American roots blues touches, perhaps without even being aware. Hard to say. Never the less, crisp, balanced sound and presentation of great original songs. Most enjoyable conceptually as well, playing on “We are Children of the Future” throughout the entire album, developing and expressing a perception of attitudes, meaning and value which many of us shared. I sometimes think this band never got true recognition for their work!”
7. Recall The Beginning…A Journey From Eden (1972)
“The 1972 album that bridges the gap between the Miller Band’s blues-based origins and the Pop Radio and Classic Rock success that began with 1973’s The Joker. In between came a 1972 compilation (Steve Miller Band Anthology), well worth checking out, which turned out to be the band’s most successful release to that point. But “… Journey From Eden” is something of a revelation of its own, a kind of musical journey through the story of rock from the ’50s through the early ’70s, and it’s a good one. The album also marks the first appearance of “the pompitous of love,” via Enter Maurice. And the epic title track remains one of Steve Miller’s most enduring compositions. Highly recommended.”
6. Your Saving Grace (1969)
“My all-time favorite Steve Miller album. My only beef with it is I originally bought this in 8-track (yeah, I’m that old) and came to love the song order on the tape, not the album order. Wore out several tapes and vinyl, finally bought it on CD. The mastering is fabulous by the way. If you’ve only heard the radio stuff, this is a must-have. By the way, the 8-track order (using the CD track numbers) is 1, 5, 2, 3, 4, 8, 6, and 7. Try it, you’ll like it!”
See more: Talking Heads Albums Ranked
5. Brave New World (1969)
“This is my favorite Steve Miller Band album. His early stuff was interesting in terms of the songwriting. Silly songs, serious songs, blues and rockers, the production and performances are splendid. This and the other two that Glynn Johns produced have excellent production. Miller was shrewd to have touches of Psychedelia but never let that overwhelm the songs.”
4. Sailor (1968)
“One of the great albums from the 60’s. Sailor had several classic rock hits including Gangster of Love and Living in the U.S.A.. Song For Our Ancestors provided one of the greatest beginnings of any song with the blowing of a foghorn, piercing out of the imagined darkness. Truly one of the best of the late 60’s albums.”
3. The Joker (1973)
“This is a rock staple from days past. Always nice to listen to. Representative of an important music era.”
2. Book Of Dreams (1977)
“Time to ‘fess up: this is the first record I ever bought. Several decades later of multiple-genre music purchases, and this is still one of my favorite rock albums. Heck, it’s worth the price for the grabby intro hook that starts off, “Jet Airliner.” (As you might know this wonderful intro is criminally truncated in a Best Of version.) This and Fly Like and Eagle are, to me, the best of Steve at the peak of his pop years.”
1. Fly Like An Eagle (1976)
This timeless album from the ’70s is a masterpiece. The Hammond organ on Fly Like An Eagle is a virtuous performance. I really think it captures what it would sound like if a Hammond Organ could fly like an eagle. It stands the test of time as it is one of my 8-year-old grandson’s favorite songs. He loves the synthesizers and calls this song the “Super Mario Brother’s” song. I would agree, it is indeed a super album.”