Vagabonds of the Western World Songs Ranked

Vagabonds of the Western World is the third studio album by Irish hard rock band Thin Lizzy, released in 1973. It was the band’s last album with original guitarist Eric Bell and the first to feature the artwork of Jim Fitzpatrick, whose work would appear on many subsequent albums by the band. After achieving a reluctant Top Ten hit with a rock version of the traditional Irish pub ballad “Whiskey in the Jar,” Thin Lizzy began work on Vagabonds of the Western World — their third, and ultimately last album for Decca Records. The single’s surprise success gave the band bargaining power to demand more money and time to record, resulting in their first sonically satisfying album. The environmentally-conscious R&B of “Mama Nature Said” kicks things off with Eric Bell leading the way on slide guitar. The overblown “The Hero and the Madman” and the tepid “Slow Blues” threaten to derail the proceedings, but all is well again when the band break into their first bona fide classic “The Rocker.” Brimming with attitude and dangerous swagger, Lynott sets the tone as drummer Brian Downey explodes into life for the first time on vinyl. Lizzy’s Irish heritage permeates the title track, and the beautiful “Little Girl in Bloom” is absolutely flawless, featuring Lynott, the poet, in top form. In many ways, Vagabonds actually rocks harder than Lizzy’s next album, the soulful Night Life — often considered the band’s first “important” record. And with the inclusion of four non-LP singles, including the aforementioned “Whiskey in the Jar,” this package becomes even more appealing. Here are all of Vagabonds of the Western World songs ranked.

Don’t miss out on the TIMELESS Thin Lizzy music below! Click to experience the greatest Irish band of ALL TIME!

8. A Song for While I’m Away

“Lynott is a pretty great songwriter, at least for his chosen genre. ’70s hard rock doesn’t have a lot of great songwriters so its’ pretty easy to stand out. And Lynott is just above average, but compared to some of these bands, his songs are both catchy and intelligent.”

7. Little Girl in Bloom

“The beautiful ballad Little Girl In Bloom. A minimalistic but emotionally resonant ringing bass line, some heartfelt and poetic lyrics and singing from Lynott (his trademark), topped off with some beautifully restrained guitar work, it’s a sin this song isn’t more recognized.”

6. The Rocker

“This aside from Whiskey, is the only track from the bands pre Robertson/Gorham era that most people know or was still done at their live shows and regularly appears on compilations. Phil really establishes that tough guy swagger he would perfect during the Jailbreak/Bad Reputation era. “

See more: Thin Lizzy Albums Ranked

5. The Hero and the Madman

“The Hero & the Madman is a little more adventurous. The band had hinted at these more prog like concepts on the first 2 albums but they really fine tuned into something here. This one has an interesting spoken intro from esteemed BBC dj David ‘Kid’ Jensen, who loved the band as well as other burgeoning British rock acts like Budgie.”

4. Mama Nature Said

“Opening with Mama Nature Said, there’s some good slide guitar work from Bell, and an overall good bouncy slightly country-ish rock feel, it’s probably one of the funnest combinations of country with hard rock. The expanded energy is noticed right away here. The Hero & the Madman is a little more adventurous.”

See more: Thin Lizzy Songs Ranked

3. Slow Blues

“Slow Blues is one of the weaker cuts here, being a little dated, it still has a good guitar groove and kinda sounds like an early blues period Fleetwood Mac tune.”

2. Vagabonds of the Western World

“The title track is the best example of this combining that i have ever heard & is both extremely exciting and evocative. The band gets serious with the title track, opening with Brian Downey’s rhythmic drum work, and some traditional irish chant from Lynott, it morphs into a really ripping rocker with a rolling groove on the verse countered by a real anthem chorus.”

1. Gonna Creep Up on You

“Gonna Creep Up On You also excels on the 3rd select style TL had been dabbling in at the time. The funk-rocker. There was a lot of this on the debut, and it was cool but this one really cooks, some slinky guitar work and good flashy drum work from Downey.”