All Time Favorite MusicWar | War emerged as one of the most unique and influential bands of the 1970s, celebrated for their multicultural lineup and seamless fusion of funk, rock, Latin, jazz, and R&B. Their laid-back grooves and socially conscious lyrics created a distinctive sound that dominated the charts.
All Time Favorite Music
Their signature style often featured infectious, hypnotic rhythms, prominent harmonica and horn sections, and a distinct Southern California vibe. This sound perfectly captured street life and generated timeless anthems, including an iconic, slow-grooving ode to cruising culture that became instantly recognizable worldwide.
Released as the title track and lead single from Warrant's second album in 1990, "Cherry Pie" became an instant smash hit, climbing into the Top 10. Reportedly written quickly to serve as a radio-friendly single, this glam metal track perfectly captured the sound and attitude of the time.
Driven by its memorable guitar riff and Jani Lane's energetic vocals delivering notorious double entendres, "Cherry Pie" was inescapable in 1990. Accompanied by an iconic music video, this glam metal song remains Warrant's most recognizable, albeit controversial, contribution to rock history.
SONG MEANING: This song is known for its heavy use of sexual innuendo, with "cherry pie" serving as a thinly veiled metaphor for female genitalia or sex. The lyrics express lust and desire using suggestive food-related comparisons ("Swingin' on the front porch, swingin' on the lawn / Swingin' where we want 'cause there ain't nobody home").
Released as a single in 1978 from the acclaimed album Excitable Boy, "Werewolves of London" captured listeners with its infectious blend of rock, bluesy piano, and humorous, offbeat lyrics. Featuring Mick Fleetwood and John McVie of Fleetwood Mac on rhythm section duties, the track perfectly blended rock sensibilities with comedy rock novelty.
This 1978 rock staple tells the tale of a dapper lycanthrope navigating London nightlife. Warren Zevon's deadpan delivery, coupled with the song's simple structure and unforgettable piano hook, cemented "Werewolves of London" as an enduringly popular and distinctively witty contribution to rock history.
SONG MEANING: This song presents a humorous, absurdist narrative about a well-dressed werewolf enjoying life in London – visiting Chinese restaurants, drinking piña coladas, and maintaining perfect hair. It's less about deep meaning and more a playful, character-driven vignette inspired by horror movie imagery and delivered with a comedic, blues-rock feel.
Released as a major hit single from War's 1975 album Why Can't We Be Friends?, "Low Rider" perfectly captured a specific cultural vibe. The song's unique fusion of funk rhythms, Latin rock percussion, soulful harmonica, and memorable horn lines created an irresistible groove that dominated the airwaves.
Built on a simple yet hypnotic foundation, "Low Rider" evokes the feeling of cruising down the boulevard. Its minimalist structure, featuring Howard Scott's cool lead vocal and Charles Miller's saxophone, cemented its status as a timeless funk and Latin rock standard deeply associated with lowrider car culture since 1975.
SONG MEANING: This song is an ode to the Chicano lowrider car culture of the 1970s. The lyrics and laid-back, cruising groove celebrate the style, attitude, and community associated with driving customized cars ("low riders") slowly and proudly down the street ("Low rider knows every street yeah"). It paints a cool, atmospheric picture of that scene.
Released as the second single from Warrant's multi-platinum debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich (1989), "Heaven" showcased the band's melodic capabilities. This quintessential glam metal power ballad stormed up the charts, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Warrant's place in the spotlight.
From its gentle acoustic intro building into a powerful rock chorus, "Heaven" captured the sound and sentiment of 1989's glam metal scene. Jani Lane's emotional delivery and the song's memorable melody made this love song an enduring favorite, representing the peak of the power ballad era for many rock fans.
SONG MEANING: This power ballad uses "heaven" as a metaphor for the perfect peace, refuge, and happiness found within a loving relationship. The singer describes finding solace and their personal paradise not in an afterlife, but in the arms and presence of the person they love ("Heaven isn't too far away / Closer to it every day").
His 1978 breakthrough perfectly showcased his signature style, blending catchy rock arrangements with quirky, often bizarre narratives. This period yielded his biggest commercial hit, an unforgettable comedy rock single driven by piano and featuring surreal, character-based lyrics about a dapper monster enjoying London nightlife.
Their chart dominance included massive power ballad love songs, like their iconic glam metal hit released July 5th, 1989, known for heartfelt lyrics, alongside infamous, high-energy party anthems fueled by driving riffs and rock and roll swagger, solidifying their place in the era.
