Brian Kachejian 10 minutes ago
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Greta Van Fleet burst onto the rock music scene straight from Frankenmuth, Michigan, a town better known for its Bavarian heritage than electric guitars and powerhouse vocals. The band’s story kicked off in 2012 when three brothers—Josh Kiszka on vocals, Jake Kiszka on guitar, and Sam Kiszka on bass and keyboards—joined forces with drummer Danny Wagner. Together, these four musicians quickly harnessed their shared passion for classic blues-based rock and began performing locally, making waves on stages throughout their home state, rapidly building a following hungry for authentic, hard-hitting rock and roll.
From local bars to global stages, Greta Van Fleet made their first major impact with the release of their debut EP, Black Smoke Rising, in 2017. This initial offering showcased their dynamic, retro-inspired sound, earning immediate praise with the blistering single “Highway Tune,” which soared straight to number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. The song’s explosive riff and Josh Kiszka’s striking vocals turned heads everywhere, signaling the band’s rapid ascent to rock prominence. That same year, they solidified their rising reputation by dropping another acclaimed EP, From the Fires, which included the massive singles “Safari Song” and “Black Smoke Rising,” further fueling their momentum and quickly building their passionate fanbase.
By the time Greta Van Fleet released their debut studio album, Anthem of the Peaceful Army, in 2018, expectations had skyrocketed—and the band delivered powerfully. The album hit number three on the Billboard 200, with the catchy yet heavy-hitting single “When the Curtain Falls” solidifying their reputation as one of rock’s most exciting young acts. Their authentic, raw approach was rewarded at the 2019 Grammy Awards, where the band won Best Rock Album for From the Fires and received nominations for Best New Artist, Best Rock Performance, and Best Rock Song. The music industry had clearly taken notice, as their energetic, Zeppelin-influenced sound bridged generations of rock fans and reignited excitement for classic-style rock and roll.
Greta Van Fleet kept pushing forward, releasing their ambitious second album, The Battle at Garden’s Gate, in 2021. Expanding their sonic horizons, the album marked a deeper exploration into psychedelic and progressive rock, proving the band’s willingness to evolve beyond their roots. This record was driven by tracks like “My Way, Soon” and “Heat Above,” furthering their impressive track record of hits. Commercially successful, the album reached number seven on the Billboard 200 and topped the charts in rock categories globally, emphasizing the band’s staying power.
Critics and fans alike have consistently celebrated Greta Van Fleet, which is evident from their growing collection of accolades. In 2019, the band took home the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for their EP From the Fires, while their music videos and live performances continue to garner widespread acclaim. Their dynamic stage presence, combined with relentless touring, has cultivated a fiercely loyal fanbase—a passionate following drawn not only by nostalgia but also the band’s authentic dedication to rock music’s core spirit and energy.
Beyond the acclaim and awards, Greta Van Fleet has displayed a deep sense of social responsibility, frequently using their platform to support causes close to their hearts. They’ve actively advocated for environmental sustainability, partnering with various organizations committed to fighting climate change. Their sincere efforts to promote positive change resonate strongly with their audience, further amplifying their appeal as artists who use their visibility for the greater good.
Ultimately, Greta Van Fleet’s meteoric rise isn’t just about nostalgia or their ability to evoke the golden era of rock music. It’s their authenticity, genuine passion, and relentless musical ambition that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. From the streets of small-town Michigan to headlining massive global stages, their journey underscores the timeless power and enduring vitality of rock music—capturing the hearts of longtime rock fans and breathing new life into the genre for a new generation.
Complete List Of Greta Van Fleet Songs From A to Z
- A Change Is Gonna Come – From The Fires – 2017
- Age of Machine – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- Age of Man – Anthem of the Peaceful Army – 2018
- Anthem – Anthem of the Peaceful Army – 2018
- Black Smoke Rising – Black Smoke Rising EP – 2017
- Brave New World – Anthem of the Peaceful Army – 2018
- Broken Bells – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- Built by Nations – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- Caravel – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- Edge of Darkness – From The Fires – 2017
- Farewell for Now – Starcatcher – 2023
- Fate of the Faithful – Starcatcher – 2023
- Flower Power – Black Smoke Rising EP – 2017
- Frozen Light – Starcatcher – 2023
- Heat Above – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- Heat Above (Live version) – The Battle at Garden’s Gate (Japanese edition) – 2021
- Highway Tune – Black Smoke Rising EP – 2017
- Light My Love – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- Lover, Leaver – Anthem of the Peaceful Army (Digital version) – 2018
- Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer) – Anthem of the Peaceful Army – 2018
- Meet on the Ledge – From The Fires – 2017
- Meeting the Master – Starcatcher – 2023
- Mountain of the Sun – Anthem of the Peaceful Army – 2018
- My Way, Soon – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- Runway Blues – Starcatcher – 2023
- Sacred the Thread – Starcatcher – 2023
- Safari Song – Black Smoke Rising EP – 2017
- Stardust Chords – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- Stardust Chords (Live version) – The Battle at Garden’s Gate (Japanese edition) – 2021
- Talk on the Street – From The Fires – 2017
- Tears of Rain – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- The Archer – Starcatcher – 2023
- The Barbarians – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- The Cold Wind – Anthem of the Peaceful Army – 2018
- The Falling Sky – Starcatcher – 2023
- The Indigo Streak – Starcatcher – 2023
- The New Day – Anthem of the Peaceful Army – 2018
- The Weight of Dreams – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- Trip the Light Fantastic – The Battle at Garden’s Gate – 2021
- Waited All Your Life – Starcatcher – 2023
- Watching Over – Anthem of the Peaceful Army – 2018
- When the Curtain Falls – Anthem of the Peaceful Army – 2018
- You’re the One – Anthem of the Peaceful Army – 2018
Album Song Count
Black Smoke Rising EP (2017): 4 songs
From The Fires (2017): 4 additional songs
Anthem of the Peaceful Army (2018): 11 songs (excluding duplicates)
The Battle at Garden’s Gate (2021): 14 songs
Starcatcher (2023): 10 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Greta Van Fleet articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Complete List Of Greta Van Fleet Albums And Discography
Complete List Of Greta Van Fleet Band Members
Top 10 Greta Van Fleet Songs
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Josh Kiszka Of Greta Van Fleet
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Complete List Of Greta Van Fleet Songs From A to Z article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025
About The Author
Brian Kachejian
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.