Top 5 Songs About Whisky: A Sonic Ode to the Liquid Gold
Whisky, that amber elixir with a centuries-old legacy, has been a muse for musicians across genres, inspiring soulful ballads and foot-stomping anthems. Here at Whisky Centurion, we love whisky but we also love music so we thought we would go on a wander through the songs about our favourite golden spirit.
While Country music stands tall among the enthusiasts of whisky-inspired tunes, a common theme prevails – the use of whisky to drown sorrows or heal heartaches. However, in curating this list, the aim is to diverge from the melancholy. The spotlight here falls on songs that lift spirits, spark joy, and celebrate the spirited essence of whisky without dwelling in the shadows of woe.
So, brace yourself for a playlist that transcends heartbreaks and revels in the exuberance of whisky's embrace. Cheers to a melodic journey into the depths of the top 5 songs that beautifully encapsulate the spirit of whisky that's as uplifting as a well-aged dram!
5. "Whisky" (featuring A$AP) by Maroon 5:
Maroon 5, known for their pop prowess, teamed up with A$AP Rocky to create a contemporary anthem titled "Whisky." This collaboration infuses a modern sound with the timeless theme of whisky, offering a refreshing take on the intersection of pop, rap and spirits.
4. "Oh! Whisky" by Jimi Goodwin:
In "Oh! Whisky," Jimi Goodwin takes a soulful and introspective approach to explore the intricate relationship between the artist and the beloved golden nectar. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics provide a contemplative backdrop, allowing listeners to connect with the emotional depth that whisky often stirs. It's a heartfelt ballad that resonates with those who appreciate the complex nuances of both music and spirits.
3. "Whiskey Ballad" by Seasick Steve:
Seasick Steve, the blues troubadour, presents the "Whiskey Ballad," a soul-stirring narrative of love, loss, and the solace found in a bottle of whisky. With his distinctive vocals and a twangy guitar, Steve paints a vivid picture of the emotional journey one can embark on while sipping on the amber elixir. It's a blues-infused testament to the bittersweet symphony of life and whisky.
2. "Whiskey in the Jar" by Metallica:
Metallica's thunderous rendition of the traditional Irish folk song "Whiskey in the Jar" injects a heavy metal fervor into our whisky-infused playlist. The pounding drums and scorching guitar solos, coupled with James Hetfield's powerful vocals, give the classic tune a headbanging edge. It's a musical fusion that bridges the gap between centuries-old folk traditions and the electrifying energy of rock and roll.
1. "Have a Drink on Me" by AC/DC:
Taking center stage is AC/DC's electrifying anthem "Have a Drink on Me." This hard-rock masterpiece is a high-voltage celebration of camaraderie and revelry, fueled by Angus Young's iconic guitar riffs and Brian Johnson's gravelly vocals. The song is an invitation to let loose, raise a glass, and immerse oneself in the infectious energy of the moment. Whilst the whole song is not technically about whisky, the opening lyrics is - so I’m claiming it! It's a sonic testament to the joyous connection between music, friends, and a dram of the good stuff.
Some honourable mentions to finish with. Whilst I’ve chosen Metallica’s version of “Whisky in the Jar”, I also love the, arguably more famous, version by Thin Lizzy - I just needed to get a metal song on the list!
The ethereal “Whisky Girl” by Gillian Welch is also excellent, but a little too melancholy and slow for my list.
“Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)” by the Doors narrowly missed out on a slot in my top 5 - haven’t we all been on a search for a great whisky bar!
As I mentioned at the start - Country music dominates with songs about whisky. One particularly excellent song in this genre is “Whisky River” by Willie Nelson
Finally, a slightly bleak picture is painted by The Who in “Whisky Man” but a great tune nonetheless.
Have I missed any of your favourites? Let me know what else I should have included in the comments below.