Steel Panther is like an American equivalent of Spinal Tap (yes, yes, I know that Spinal Tap were actually American actors, but they played the part of a bunch of Brits, but you get the point). Anyway, Steel Panther gives Spinal Tap and songs like “Big Bottom” and “Stonehenge” a run for their money. If you like Metal and Rock music together with having a good laugh, then you have come to the right place.
Steel Panther is a fantastic Comedy Glam Metal band that writes some of the funniest songs I have ever heard. However, as well as being funny, the band is also highly competent musicians who can craft great songs. Although, very similar sounding songs to existing bands.
Putting together my Top 10 Steel Panther songs has been a lot of fun. And I hope you enjoy listening to them and especially watching the videos. So, let’s get straight to it and take a look at the first song.
Top 10 Steel Panther Songs
“Death To All But Metal”
Let us start at the beginning, which takes us back to 2008 and Steel Panther’s debut single, “Death to All But Metal,” following their name change from Metal Skool. The single was released as the lead single from the album, Feel the Steel. However, the single came out a full year before the album in 2009.
With that kind of song title and the name of the band, it will be no surprise at all that this is a Heavy Metal and Glam Metal track. There are lots of heavy riffs, banging bass lines, and screaming vocals from their lead singer Ralph Saenz.
All good stuff, but not enough to get them onto any of the major charts. However, the album got to #98 on the mainstream US Billboard charts. Additionally, it got to #38 in Japan and #52 in the UK and earned the band its first silver disc.
“Fat Girl”
It’s not too hard to see where the band gets its reputation as a bunch of misogynistic sexists. Just a cursory glance at the lyrics of “Fat Girl” may lead you to believe that you have a good idea of what this band is about.
However, in essence, they are a Comedy Glam Metal/Rock group. This is, therefore, all tongue-in-cheek. Although, it is done so well that sometimes, it can leave you wondering where the lines were drawn.
The track was released off their second album in 2011, Balls Out, more comedy evidence if you need it, but was never released as a single. The album went to #40 in the US and #37 in the UK.
“The Burden of Being Wonderful”
Another brilliant song. These guys are so amazingly wonderful and superb that their true magnificence and incredible talent can never be properly acknowledged or appreciated. I worship their comedic wonderfulness. And I hope their collective burdens are not too much to bear.
Like most of their other singles…
“The Burden of Being Wonderful,” released in 2014, only made a showing on the US Comedy Charts reaching #8. That is a joke in itself. Obviously, they should have reached #1 on every chart in the world as well as in outer space.
The track was taken as the second single from their third studio album, All You Can Eat. The album broke out of the comedic charts and made it to #24 on the mainstream US charts and #12 on the mainstream UK chart. It also made it to #2 in Australia, which is the band’s highest chart position for an album or single, excluding comedy categories.
“Party All Day”
This sounds so like Bon Jovi; it is unreal. I am not sure how the band would take it, but it is meant as a compliment. Despite their comedic roots, “Party All Day” demonstrates that they can sure as hell play, and Ralph Saenz can sure as hell sing. The song was taken from the album, Feel the Steel in 2009 but was never released as a single.
“Don’t Stop Believing”
If you are still in doubt that this band can play, you need to take listen to this 2009 cover of Journey’s wonderful original song, which was initially released in 1981. It is a much-loved track and was made even more famous after those kids from “Glee” did their version.
Surprisingly, it is a faithful rendition of the original song. So much so that Ralph Saenz sounds freakishly like Steve Perry. The rest of the band also sounds so similar that if you close your eyes, you could easily be fooled into thinking it was Journey playing the song. Even the guitar solo is bang on point, and there was no joking around with this one.
“She’s Tight”
This is another great Steel Panther cover song originally recorded by Cheap Trick in 1982. The song was released in 2016 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Lower the Bar. It got to #1 on the US Comedy charts and reached #25 on the US Rock charts.
The album also got to #1 on the US Comedy Album Charts and #40 on the US Billboard charts. Additionally, it peaked at #10 in Australia and #26 in the UK. Also, the video is a riot.
“Critter”
Oh, my goodness! I haven’t heard this in ages, and I am crying with laughter hearing the lyrics again. The song was released in 2011 from the album Balls Out. However, when I listen to this, it feels as if 2011 is now a hundred years ago.
How on earth this has not been flagged and canceled, I have no idea. It is obviously a comedy song, but I honestly don’t think you could get away with something like this in the current climate. How the feminist warriors haven’t got hold of this and hung them out to dry, I don’t know. “Critter” is an A to Z guide on how not to talk or treat women. I’m still laughing.
“If You Really Love Me”
This was the lead single from Balls Out which was released in 2011. I think, in many ways, the song was a precursor to “The Burden of Being Wonderful,” which was released in 2014. That is because “If You Really Love Me” leads with plenty of self-congratulation and wonderment at the singer’s magnificence. Any girl in the world would be lucky to have this aging rocker, and she would know it.
Musically, it again has hints of Bon Jovi. However, the solo does remind me of some of Gun N’ Roses’ songs. Specifically, “Paradise City.” This is no big surprise because, in some of their live shows, they do a parody of Gun N’ Roses. Sadly, it failed to chart anywhere.
“Gloryhole”
This was the third single to be released from the album, All You Can Eat. It got to #4 on the UK Rock Charts but did not chart anywhere other than this.
If you are wondering what it is about and thinking, “Is it really about what I think it is?” The answer is yes; it is about what you think it is. The lyrics are as straightforward as they can be. And the video gives you some comedic and graphic ideas of what to expect if you think this particular activity might be for you. A semi-naked lady is in the video, as seems obligatory for most popular Steel Panther songs.
“Community Property”
This is the last of the Top 10 Steel Panther songs on my list, and I promise you it is a good one. It was the second ever single they released. It came out in 2011 and was taken from their album, Feel the Steel. The song gave them their first charting hit, #30 on the US Heritage Rock Charts.
It is a beautiful love song that catalogs the singer’s undying devotion to his girlfriend. He opens himself up emotionally to express the depth of his love. He also lets her know that although his love for her knows no bounds, his male anatomy is community property and that it is only fair to spread his physical affection around his adoring fans.
Since he is a Rock star, that all seems very reasonable to me. Very inclusive.
Need More Metal and Rock Music in Your Library?
If so, check out our thoughts on the Top 10 Papa Roach Songs, the Top 10 Offspring Songs, the Top 10 Meat Loaf Songs, the Top 10 Styx Songs, and the Top 30 Insane Clown Posse Songs for more amazing song selections.
Top 10 Steel Panther Songs – Final Thoughts
I am sure that must have been as much fun for you as it was for me. Looking back at some of the best songs by Steel Panther, I’m honestly surprised that they got away with a lot of what they have written and performed.
But, I am pleased they have and that they continue to do so. People need to lighten up and realize that this is just a joke and a bit of harmless fun. It would be great to see a few other bands enter this genre, and hopefully, there will be at some point.
Although I selected ten of the best Steel Panther songs, I could have easily made this a list of the best fifty. I hope you have had a blast, and let me know in the comments if I have made any glaring omissions. I probably have.
Until next time, happy listening.
