Top 50 Redbone Songs

Redbone was and is a classic Swamp Rock band from the good ol’ U.S. of A. The band was founded by brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas, who hailed from California. They started writing and playing music in 1958 and by 1959 were living in L.A. and playing clubs and as session musicians on other artists’ albums.

Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, the brothers formed Redbone as a serious band in 1969 and put out their first album in 1970. This original band included Peter DePoe on drums and Tony Bellamy on guitar. All the members were of Native American or Mexican-American descent, and their music and costumes often reflected this.

They’ve also been inducted into the Native American Music Association Hall of Fame. Their popularity, however, extended to the whole of the US and beyond. So, let’s have a look at the top 10 Redbone songs of all time.

Top 50 Redbone Songs

1

Come and Get Your Love (1973)

We can’t talk about Redbone without talking about their biggest hit of all, “Come and Get Your Love.” This is the track the band is most known for, and for good reason – it’s excellent! It was first released as a demo and was named “Hail.” But, it was reworked a bit and re-released under the name we all now know, first on their fifth album Wovoka in 1973 and then as a single in 1974.

This song is funky and fun, bright and upbeat…

The album version starts with an “ooh-ahh” introductory part that was cut on the radio single. But, any way you slice it, this is a great song. It has a Soul, Rock, Pop sound and sweet vocals that make for some pretty easy listening. The guitar riff here is so simple but super-memorable and effective. But guess what? It’s not a guitar on the record – it’s an electric sitar!

It got the band into the Billboard Top 100 Top 5 and has been featured in other media ever since, like on the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack and as the theme song for F is for Family. In other words, this classic Redbone song is a hit that keeps on giving!

2

Light As A Feather (1970)

The next song on our list comes from the band’s 2nd album, Potlatch, which came out in 1970. The word “potlatch” refers to a large communal feast that was part of the cultures of many native groups on the West Coast. And this song is definitely a feast for the ears!

This is a pretty fast, funky Rock song with some of the funkiest wah-wah guitar in the band’s history, care of Tony Bellamy. The vocals are also fantastic. They’re bright, high, and full of cool vibes.

They also start with a sort of Native American-inspired chant of the song’s title, plus some powerful woo-hoos towards the end. The lyrics are a simple tribute to the soul – “And it’s true, I don’t let it show me a reason – To believe I’ve got soul – It’s gonna make me feel better – Light as a feather.”

3

The Sun Never Shines on the Lonely (1971)

In the following year, 1971, Redbone was already putting out their third album. It was released as Message From a Drum in North America but called The Witch Queen of New Orleans in Europe. This album presented a more mature band that had toured and tightened up.

“The Sun Never Shines on the Lonely” is a classic song that combines everything that this band does best. The vocals, despite it being a sort of sad song, are high and bright. The guitar work is detailed and perfectly suited to this song. And the beat is solid and pulsing.

With people ready to embrace new perspectives…

This is a song that speaks to a New Age culture that was developing at the time. In this case, the song is about self-help and re-setting yourself to have a better life.

Lyrics include lines like, “Realign your senses with the universe – Be aware of the forces of beyond – Look into your heartbeat and re-aim the truth – Let the dawn of your yesterdays and go.” If you were a hippie in 1971, this was the sort of thing you were looking for!

4

Only You and Rock and Roll (1974)

By 1974, Redbone had already had a big hit with “Come and Get Your Love,” and they’d put out five full albums to date. Their sixth album, Beaded Dreams Through Turquoise Eyes, gave a much more professional sound, with a big focus on funk. And “Only You and rock and Roll” is one of the band’s funkiest songs ever!

This track has strings and a smoothly AM-radio-sounding production. But it’s also beautifully layered. It has a kick-drum-heavy Funk beat driving it along and, of course, wah-wah guitars. But it’s the vocal work here that makes the track really sing.

Despite just being a 4-piece band, they make it sound like a Parliament song with a 10-person chorus. And when the chorus hits, you can’t help but sing along. “In the still of the night, I sincerely pledge my love – What’s your name, honey child? – Only you and rock and roll – No, no, no, no, no-no-no.”

5

Niji Trance (1971)

Here’s another track that comes from 1971’s Message From a Drum. This one has a very strong Native American theme and sound, making it a distinctive track and one of the top 10 Redbone songs ever.

It starts with a drum-led chant, then breaks into a funky Rock song. But, the vocals are sung with a high-pitched Native American chanting sound. The percussion here also speaks to native sounds, making this an incredible Native American funk song, if there is such a genre.

This song is clearly a tribute to ancestors, with this chorus, “Wailing song, oh, spirit dance – Haiya, haiya, the Niji trance – Wailing song, the warrior sings – Free my people, give freedom wings.”

6

Suzie Girl (1974)

Here’s another top Redbone song that comes from 1974’s Beaded Dreams Through Turquoise Eyes. While the band explored many different sonic landscapes, “Suzie Girl” returns to the sound they created with “Come and Get Your Love.” It has a real AM radio sound, with very forward vocals, swirling strings, a light, sing-along chorus, and even a gentle fade out at the end.

But they put in cowbell to keep it at least a little funky! This song is a light love song for a woman named Suzie. They sing about how love feels like flying, in lines like “Swooping in air at impossible speeds – And I head for the moon, and I’m there in a flash of light – That’s how I feel when I’m with you, Suzie girl.”

7

We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee (1972)

The classic “We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee” was a single released in 1972. It was also included on extended versions of the band’s fourth album, which came out in 1972. This album was titled Already Here, which already gives you an idea about the content.

This was the band’s most political album, and this song was definitely their most serious lyrically. It refers to the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre of the Lakota people by the U.S. 7th Calvary Regiment.

This song was originally banned in the US because of its lyrical content…

And yes, these lyrics are politically charged. “They penned us in like Buffalo – Drove us like a heard – And finally on the reservation – We were going for our preservation – We were all wiped out by the seventh Calvary.”

However, it became a #1 hit in Europe, making it impossible to ignore. The song starts with a thudding beat and a chant of the title in a native style. But it also incorporates Funk and Disco elements.

8

The Witch Queen of New Orleans (1971)

This next song comes from the 1971 album Message From a Drum, which was also titled The Witch Queen of New Orleans in Europe. The song by this name is real swampy Southern Rock. It has a grinding beat and guitar licks that remind me a bit of CCR.

This strong, fun song is about a voodoo practitioner, Marie Laveau, from New Orleans. They talk about the voodoo spells, potions, and so-called witchcraft of this famous historical figure. This song is fun and funky, though it has a bit of a dark, scary sound to it as well.

9

Maggie (1970)

“Maggie” comes from Redbone’s 2nd album, 1970’s Potlatch. This song is a seriously fun jam. It has a big rock sound, with brass bleats and funky guitar. The beat is fast and funky, and you can get up and shake your tail feathers to this song.

The lyrics sing about a woman named Maggie, who seems to have been a tragic figure. “But oh, she loved to tantalize – Make it feel like paradise – Oh, nobody cry when Maggie died.” But the music is nothing but fun. The breakdown of this song is super-funky, with a wicked bass line and a guitar solo that really gets down. Try to keep your toes from tapping – I dare you!

10

Wovoka (1973)

This last Redbone song was the title track of the album Wovoka, which also featured Redbone’s biggest hit song. “Wovoka” is the name of a Paiute leader. The song tells a story of Wovoka’s message or even his prophesy.

He said, “Our people must dance – Keep on dancing, keep on dancing – Our people must sing – Keep on singing, keep on singing for the good times to come.” This is a reference to the Ghost Dance, which Wovoka believed was key to the continued existence of Native American culture.

Although the lyrical content is heavy, the song is a seriously fun number. It’s a sort of funky disco-inspired Swamp Rock number. And, telling you to keep on singing and dancing? Well, that works to make any song fun! This is easily one of Redbone’s best songs ever.

11

Speakeasy (1974) by Redbone

12

Fais Do (1970) by Redbone

13

Poison Ivy (1970) by Redbone

14

Wounded Knee (Alternative Version) (1973) by Redbone

15

Clouds In My Sunshine (1971) by Redbone

16

Sweet Lady of Love (1973) by Redbone

17

Hoochie Coochie Man (1971) by Redbone

18

Day After Day (1972) by Redbone

19

Realization (1971) by Redbone

20

Bad News Ain’t No News At All (1974) by Redbone

21

Peace Pipe (1970) by Redbone

22

Alcatraz (1971) by Redbone

23

Joy, Woke Up This Morning (1972) by Redbone

24

Un Mondo In Mille Pezzi (1970) by Redbone

25

Good Enough for Jesus (1971) by Redbone

26

We’re All Wounded At Wounded Knee (Alt. Version) (1971) by Redbone

27

Heartache (1970) by Redbone

28

Money (That’s What I Want) (1974) by Redbone

29

Redbone in the Sunset (1971) by Redbone

30

Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) (1973) by Redbone

31

Painted Desert (1974) by Redbone

32

Sooner or Later (1970) by Redbone

33

Criminals (1972) by Redbone

34

Now or Never (1973) by Redbone

35

Pots and Pans (1970) by Redbone

36

My Kind of Music (1971) by Redbone

37

Never Gonna Lose It (1972) by Redbone

38

Ruben’s Train (1973) by Redbone

39

Thank You (1974) by Redbone

40

Voice in the Wind (1970) by Redbone

41

Losin’ Sight of You (1971) by Redbone

42

Midget Messiah (1971) by Redbone

43

Queen of New Orleans (1972) by Redbone

44

Dinosaurs (1973) by Redbone

45

No Reservation (1970) by Redbone

46

Where is Your Heart (1971) by Redbone

47

Get You Next to Me (1973) by Redbone

48

Sky (1970) by Redbone

49

Love Ya (1971) by Redbone

50

Trust in You (1973) by Redbone

Want More Great Music from the 1970s?

If so, check out our thoughts on the Best 70s Songs, the Best 70s Rock Songs, the Best 70s Rock Bands, the Most Famous Singers Of The 1970s, and the Most Famous Black Singers Of The 1970s for more great musical selections.

Top 50 Redbone Songs of All Time

Redbone is a band that is pretty overlooked in music history. Perhaps that’s because of their Native American political stance, or perhaps it’s because they refused to be nailed down to a single style. Instead, this band played Soft Rock, Funk, Swamp-Rock, and basically just really knew how to get down.

I hope you’ve discovered some real gems here. While “Come and Get Your Love” is a pretty well-known track, the band has a whole lot more to offer. So, enjoy these top 10 songs by Redbone, but you don’t have to stop there. They have eight albums of great music to explore.

So, until next time, happy listening.