If you are a music fan of the 80s and 90s, chances are you have some of your favorite Blues Traveler songs.
Frontman John Popper seems to have improved the use of harmonica in rock music. Other groups included it in their mix, but the harp’s mouth was less active in the late 70s. Blues Traveler music cuts into many genres of music. Influenced by the rock bands, folk, psychedelic, and blues in front of them, their songs reach the hearts of music lovers of all kinds.
But still, letβs take a look at what we think are the seven biggest Blues Traveler songs out there!
About Blues Traveler
The Blues Traveler began its journey in 1987 as a high school band in Princeton, New Jersey. At first, they called themselves The Establishment. After a few musicians changed and recorded some audio recordings, they changed their name to Blues Traveler.
The original members were singer and harmonist John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, bassist Bobby Sheehan, and Drummer Brendan Hill.
After high school, the band hit the ground running in the late 1980s. The four-and-a-half moved to New York City and played gigs at clubs around the city. They arrived at Wednesday’s weekly show at The Wetlands, an area known for promoting some of the biggest bands of the 1990s.
Blues Traveler released their debut album self-titled studio in 1990. The lead album, however, raised the music charts and brought music fans to their chosen sound.
The following year, David Letterman joined them as guests on the Late Show, telling viewers that they were his favorite band. This appearance on the popular TV program inspired their work.
Four
It was not until the Blues Traveler’s fourth album, released, was released in 1994 that they became a major. The album reached # 8 on the Billboard 200 album chart. For many Blues Traveler fans, this stands out as a favorite.
Throughout the last half of the 1990s, Blues Traveler achieved success and released two more albums.
Sadly, in August 1999, Bobby Sheehan died in an accident from a drug overdose. Instead of collapsing, the Blues Traveler decided to move on. They hired Tad Kinchla, Chan’s brother, as their new bassist and brought Ben Wilson on the boards.
Since then, they have released nine more albums, up to fourteen, and continue performing. They had a fully planned trip for the last half of 2021 but had to cancel daily due to injuries sustained in a bus accident. While in Minnesota in August 2021, their tour bus veered off course, and John Popper’s knee was badly injured.
Hopefully, 2022 will see the band healthier and hit the road to other accounts. Now, let’s get into the Blues Traveler’s seven great songs.
# 7 Carolina Blues
About the Song: This song is one of the best blues traveler songs But it did well on the music charts when they released a single in 1997.
The words are about fighting a loved one and wanting to catch a train in the morning.
# 6 Mountains Win Again
About the Song: Bobby Sheehan, a band singer, wrote Mounts Win Again. The studio version features Warren Haynes on a slide guitar. Haynes is best known as the first member of the band Gov’t Mule.
The phrase in the song “men should not cry” is a strong word. Men feel as much heartache as women. This song goes through a series of frustrating and trying to find love in the future.
# 5 Brother John
About the Song: Bobby Sheehan and Chan Kinchla wrote a song about Bobby’s brother, John. He was in a difficult situation in his life. So, the men created Brother John as a “resurrection” to them.
Popper’s harmonica sounds shine on this blues traveler’s best hits. You can feel the excitement coming through the lyrics and the pulse from the whole band in this song.
# 4 Look Everywhere
About the Song: Look Around a compelling number sung by a deep passion. The words seem to be directed at the loved one as the relationship ends. But it can be easy to be someone who is serious about talking to you.
# 3 Hoko
About the Song: John Popper wrote lyrics as a humorous message about what makes people love certain songs. The “hook” refers to the grip of the number that the audience holds on to and which may be memorable. Usually, that’s the chorus.
In the case of Hook, Popper explains that words should not be so deep and objective that people need a song.
# 2 But still
About the Song: Popper and guitarist Chan Kinchla wrote the lyrics of But Still. When the band released the single in 1990, it reached # 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart. Their first hit single was able to gain new band fans quickly.
# 4 Run-Rotating
About the Song: John Popper wrote this uplifting song. It tells the story of his relationship with the band’s first band, Felicia, who was with them for a while. The song earned them their first and only Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by Band.
First Appearance: This song by Blues Traveler is available on Four, but they made it live twice before the album was released in 1994. The first was at the John Popper solo show in June 1993. The second performance took place with a full band in February 1994 at the popular CBGB club in New York City.
What is your favorite Blues Traveler song?
There are many blues travelers’ best songs catalogs to choose from as you like. Maybe it’s one from this list or one of their strange songs like Mountain Cry.
Either way, you can find some new favorites if you take the time to listen to a few of their albums.