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Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes were formed in 1975 in Asbury Park, New Jersey, a hotspot for the Jersey Shore sound. The band was founded by “Southside” Johnny Lyon, with significant contributions from Steven Van Zandt (guitarist and producer) and Bruce Springsteen, both of whom provided songs for the band.
I Don’t Want to Go Home
Released 1976
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes’ debut album, I Don’t Want to Go Home, was a cornerstone of the Jersey Shore sound, blending rock, R&B, and soul. The album featured a mix of original songs and covers, with contributions from Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt. The album was produced by Steven Van Zandt and recorded at Columbia Studios in New York City in early 1976.
The album featured Southside Johnny on lead vocals, Steven Van Zandt on guitar and backing vocals, Al Berger on bass, Kevin Kavanaugh on keyboards, Kenny Pentifallo on drums, and Richie Rosenberg on trombone and backing vocals. The Jukes’ horn section added a distinctive flavor to their sound.
CD Track Listings:
- “I Don’t Want to Go Home” – 3:43
- “Got to Get You Off My Mind” – 3:05
- “How Come You Treat Me So Bad” – 3:24
- “The Fever” – 5:06
- “Broke Down Piece of Man” – 3:27
- “Sweeter Than Honey” – 3:37
- “Fanny Mae” – 3:32
- “It Ain’t the Meat (It’s the Motion)” – 2:40
- “I Choose to Sing the Blues” – 2:48
- “You Mean So Much to Me” – 3:38
This Time It’s for Real
Released 1977
This Time It’s for Real was Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes’ second studio album, continuing their exploration of rock and R&B with a distinct ’50s influence. The album was produced by Steven Van Zandt and featured guest appearances from members of The Drifters, The Coasters, and The Satins. Recorded at the Record Plant in New York City in 1977, it included several songs co-written by Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt.
CD Track Listings:
- “This Time It’s for Real” – 4:04
- “Without Love” – 4:27
- “Check Mr. Popeye” – 3:58
- “First Night” – 4:02
- “She Got Me Where She Wants Me” – 4:06
- “Some Things Just Don’t Change” – 3:40
- “Little Girl So Fine” – 3:51
- “I Ain’t Got the Fever No More” – 3:55
- “Love on the Wrong Side of Town” – 3:11
- “When You Dance” – 3:40
Hearts of Stone
Released 1978
Hearts of Stone is often considered the pinnacle of Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes’ early career. Produced by Steven Van Zandt, this album featured a stronger rock influence and more mature songwriting. Recorded at Secret Sound Studio in New York City in 1978, it included notable contributions from Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt.
CD Track Listings:
- “Got to Be a Better Way Home” – 3:24
- “This Time Baby’s Gone for Good” – 3:28
- “I Played the Fool” – 3:27
- “Hearts of Stone” – 4:29
- “Take It Inside” – 3:14
- “Talk to Me” – 4:01
- “Next to You” – 3:38
- “Trapped Again” – 4:22
- “Light Don’t Shine” – 4:35
The Jukes
Released 1979
The Jukes was Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes’ fourth studio album. Produced by Bruce Botnick and Steven Van Zandt, the album featured a mix of original material and covers, showcasing the band’s versatility and strong R&B roots. The album was recorded at CBS Studios in New York City in 1979.
CD Track Listings:
- “All I Want Is Everything” – 3:57
- “I’m So Anxious” – 3:42
- “Paris” – 4:29
- “Security” – 3:24
- “Living in the Real World” – 3:28
- “Your Reply” – 4:34
- “The Time” – 4:04
- “I Remember Last Night” – 4:07
- “Wait in Vain” – 4:20
- “Vertigo” – 4:15
Love Is a Sacrifice
Released 1980
Love Is a Sacrifice saw Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes exploring a harder rock sound while maintaining their soulful roots. Produced by Mike Appel, the album was recorded at Power Station in New York City in 1980. The album’s sound marked a departure from their previous work, showcasing the band’s evolving musical direction.
CD Track Listings:
- “Why” – 3:55
- “Love When It’s Strong” – 3:55
- “Goodbye Love” – 3:39
- “Murder” – 4:05
- “Keep Our Love Simple” – 3:23
- “Restless Heart” – 3:44
- “Why Is Love Such a Sacrifice” – 3:57
- “On the Beach” – 4:20
- “Long Distance” – 4:02
- “It Hurts” – 4:10
The next three albums were credited as Southside Johnny and The Jukes
Trash It Up
Released 1983
Trash It Up marked a significant stylistic shift for Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, incorporating elements of funk and dance music into their rock and soul foundation. The album was produced by Nile Rodgers and recorded at The Power Station in New York City in 1983. This experimentation with a new sound was evident throughout the album, which featured a more polished production. This one was very strange, but it still got a lot of plays on my car cassette deck.
CD Track Listings:
- “Trash It Up” – 4:05
- “Passion Street” – 3:57
- “I Just Want to Make Love to You” – 3:58
- “Dance Forever” – 4:06
- “Slow Burn” – 4:07
- “On the Beach” – 4:12
- “New Romeo” – 3:40
- “Walk Away Renee” – 3:56
- “Captain’s Chair” – 3:55
In the Heat
Released 1984
In the Heat continued Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes’ exploration of new sounds, blending rock, pop, and soul. Produced by Billy Rush and recorded at House of Music in New Jersey in 1984, the album showcased a more contemporary sound with the band’s signature energy and musicianship.
CD Track Listings:
- “Love Goes to War” – 3:54
- “New Coat of Paint” – 3:27
- “A Woman’s Got the Power” – 4:10
- “I Can’t Live Without Love” – 3:57
- “Over My Head” – 3:25
- “In the Heat” – 4:10
- “Security” – 3:55
- “Paris” – 4:29
- “Dangerous” – 3:38
- “Under the Sun” – 4:02
At Least We Got Shoes
Released 1986
At Least We Got Shoes saw Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes returning to their rock and soul roots while maintaining a modern sound. Produced by Jeff Baxter and recorded at The Hit Factory in New York City in 1986, the album combined energetic rock tracks with soulful ballads, highlighting the band’s versatility and Johnny’s powerful vocals.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hard to Find” – 4:07
- “Tell Me Lies” – 3:35
- “Walk Away Renee” – 3:34
- “Take My Love” – 4:02
- “Till the End of the Night” – 4:22
- “All I Want Is Everything” – 3:57
- “Ride the Night Away” – 4:00
- “I Can’t Wait” – 3:32
- “Take a Look at My Heart” – 4:05
- “Coming Back” – 3:45
The following album is considered a Southside Johnny solo album.
Slow Dance
Released 1988
Slow Dance marked a significant solo effort by Southside Johnny.The album was produced by Rick Chertoff and recorded at House Of Music, West Orange, NJ in 1988. It features a mix of upbeat tracks and soulful ballads that showcase Southside Johnny’s versatility.
CD Track Listings:
- “On the Air” – 3:59
- “Sirens of the Night” – 4:23
- “Ain’t That Peculiar” – 3:46
- “Little Calcutta” – 4:23
- “Act of Love” – 4:18
- “Slow Dance” – 4:21
- “Your Precious Love” – 2:54
- “No Secret” – 3:58
- “When the Moment Is Right” – 3:49
- “Walking Through Midnight” – 4:38
Better Days
Released 1991
Better Days was perceived as a comeback album for Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, marking their first album release in 11 years. The album was significant as it reunited Southside Johnny with Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt, who contributed to the album. The album was produced by Steven Van Zandt and recorded at Sanctuary Sound in New Jersey and Soundtrack Studios in New York City in 1991.
CD Track Listings:
- “Coming Back” – 4:03
- “All the Way Home” – 4:09
- “I Played the Fool” – 4:17
- “Walk Away Renée” – 3:59
- “Let It Be Me” – 4:23
- “Got to Be a Better Way Home” – 3:36
- “I’ve Been Working Too Hard” – 4:30
- “Better Days” – 4:36
- “I’ve Been Waiting” – 4:32
- “Ride the Night Away” – 4:35
- “The Right to Walk Away” – 4:10
- “All Night Long” – 4:10
- “All the Way Home (Reprise)” – 2:18
Messin’ With the Blues
Released 2000
Messin’ With the Blues is a collection of blues covers and originals that showcase the band’s deep-rooted appreciation for the blues genre. The album was produced by Southside Johnny and recorded at Sanctuary Sound in New Jersey in 2000.
CD Track Listings:
- “Gin-Soaked Boy” – 3:25
- “Living With the Blues” – 4:10
- “Walkin’ Through Midnight” – 3:52
- “Messin’ Around With the Blues” – 3:55
- “You Don’t Know Like I Know” – 3:10
- “I Can’t Live Without You” – 4:30
- “Come Home Little Girl” – 3:50
- “Another Night of Love” – 4:05
- “Walkin’ in the Rain” – 4:02
- “When the Moment of Truth Comes Down” – 4:15
- “My Aching Heart” – 3:50
- “People Get Ready” – 4:35
Going to Jukesville
Released 2002
Going to Jukesville marked a return to the band’s classic sound with a mix of rock, blues, and soul. The album was produced by Southside Johnny and Jeff Kazee and recorded at Sanctuary Sound in New Jersey in 2002.
CD Track Listings:
- “Passion Street” – 3:58
- “Baby Don’t Lie” – 3:45
- “I Can’t Dance” – 4:15
- “Gladly Go Blind” – 4:00
- “Jukebox” – 3:40
- “Some Things Just Don’t Change” – 4:10
- “Somewhere South of Nowhere” – 3:55
- “Lonesome Avenue” – 4:05
- “When Rita Leaves” – 3:45
- “Change for You Baby” – 3:40
- “Lost in the Night” – 4:10
- “Some Things Just Don’t Change (Reprise)” – 2:05
Into the Harbour
Released 2005
Into the Harbour continued Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes’ journey with a mix of soulful rock and heartfelt ballads. The album was produced by Jeff Kazee and Southside Johnny, and recorded at Sanctuary Sound in New Jersey in 2005.
CD Track Listings:
- “Happy” – 4:00
- “Dance the Night Away” – 3:55
- “You’re My Girl” – 4:10
- “Into the Harbour” – 4:05
- “Hang Down Your Head” – 3:40
- “The Time Between” – 3:45
- “When the Night Stood Still” – 4:15
- “I Won’t Sing” – 3:50
- “Time to Say Goodbye” – 4:02
- “Keys to the Kingdom” – 4:20
- “All in My Mind” – 4:25
- “Livin’ in the Real World” – 3:50
Grapefruit Moon: The Songs of Tom Waits
Released 2008
Grapefruit Moon: The Songs of Tom Waits is an album by Southside Johnny with LaBamba’s Big Band that pays tribute to the legendary songwriter Tom Waits. The album features reinterpretations of Waits’ songs, blending Southside Johnny’s soulful vocals with the rich arrangements of LaBamba’s Big Band.
CD Track Listings:
- “Yesterday Is Here” – 3:38
- “Down, Down, Down” – 3:16
- “Walk Away” – 2:42
- “Please Call Me Baby” – 4:25
- “Grapefruit Moon” – 4:31
- “All the Time in the World” – 3:55
- “Tango Till They’re Sore” – 2:49
- “Johnsburg, Illinois” – 1:38
- “New Coat of Paint” – 3:47
- “Shiver Me Timbers” – 4:02
- “Dead and Lovely” – 5:40
- “Temptation” – 4:39
Pills and Ammo
Released 2010
Pills and Ammo saw Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes returning with a raw and energetic sound, blending rock, blues, and soul with a contemporary edge. The album was produced by Jeff Kazee and recorded at Sanctuary Sound in New Jersey in 2010.
CD Track Listings:
- “Harder Than It Looks” – 4:05
- “Umbrella in My Drink” – 4:10
- “One More Night to Rock” – 3:55
- “A Place Where I Can’t Be Found” – 4:15
- “Keep on Moving” – 4:00
- “Lead Me On” – 4:05
- “Heartbreak City” – 4:20
- “Cross That Line” – 4:10
- “Lying in a Bed of Fire” – 3:50
- “It’s Your World” – 3:45
- “All the Way Home” – 4:12
Songs from the Barn
Released 2013
Songs from the Barn is an album by Southside Johnny & The Poor Fools, showcasing a blend of rock, blues, folk, and country. This album features a more acoustic and roots-oriented side of Southside Johnny, differing from the usual high-energy rock and soul of the Asbury Jukes.
CD Track Listings:
- “Soon I Will Be Gone” – 3:48
- “Mexicali Waltz” – 2:59
- “Can’t Let Go” – 4:01
- “Gone Underground” – 4:26
- “Down Home Girl / Something You Got” – 6:06
- “Blood from a Stone” – 3:28
- “So Good” – 3:25
- “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” – 5:15
- “Beneath Still Waters” – 3:50
- “I Can Tell” – 3:38
- “Winter in Yellowknife” – 3:00
- “Old Kentucky Home” –
Soultime!
Released 2015
Soultime! is an album that celebrates the soulful roots of Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, with a collection of tracks that embody the spirit of classic R&B and soul music. The album was produced by Jeff Kazee and recorded at Sanctuary Sound in New Jersey in 2015.
CD Track Listings:
- “Spinning” – 3:50
- “I’m Not That Lonely” – 3:58
- “The Soulmate” – 3:55
- “Looking for a Good Time” – 4:05
- “Words Fail Me” – 4:12
- “Walkin’ on a Tightrope” – 4:10
- “All I Can Do” – 3:45
- “Don’t Waste My Time” – 4:00
- “Tear Stained Letter” – 4:15
- “Reality” – 3:55
- “Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness” – 4:08
Asbury Park to Paris: Non-Stop
Released 2017
Asbury Park to Paris: Non-Stop is a live album that captures the energy and spirit of Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes’ performances. Recorded during their tour in Paris, the album features live versions of some of their greatest hits and fan favorites. The album was recorded live in 2017 and showcases the band’s powerful stage presence.
CD Track Listings:
- “This Time Baby’s Gone for Good” – 4:00
- “Got to Be a Better Way Home” – 4:12
- “Love on the Wrong Side of Town” – 3:45
- “Walk Away Renée” – 3:50
- “Talk to Me” – 4:15
- “Baby’s Gone for Good” – 4:05
- “Trapped Again” – 4:10
- “The Fever” – 5:00
- “I Don’t Want to Go Home” – 3:45
- “We’re Having a Party” – 4:20
Read More: Top 10 Southside Johnny Songs