Molly Hatchet, the iconic Southern rock band that took the world by storm, made a name for themselves with their unique blend of hard rock, blues, and country. Formed in the late ’70s, they quickly found success with their legendary guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and memorable anthems. From their humble beginnings in Jacksonville, Florida, Molly Hatchet quickly rose to fame and earned their place in the annals of rock history. As we take a journey through their extensive discography, let’s rank their albums from worst to best, and reminisce about the music that shaped a generation.
- 15- ‘Justice’ (2010)
- 14- ‘Silent Reign of Heroes’ (1998)
- 13- ‘Kingdom of XII’ (2000)
- 12- ‘Warriors of the Rainbow Bridge’ (2005)
- 11- ‘The Deed Is Done’ (1984)
- 10- ‘No Guts…No Glory’ (1983)
- 9- ‘Devil’s Canyon’ (1996)
- 8- ‘Take No Prisoners’ (1981)
- 7- ‘Lightning Strikes Twice’ (1989)
- 6- ‘Molly Hatchet’ (1978)
- 5- ‘Beatin’ the Odds’ (1980)
- 4- ‘Double Trouble Live’ (1985)
- 3- ‘Flirtin’ with Disaster’ (1979)
- 2- ‘Southern Rock Masters’ (2008)
- 1- ‘Regrinding the Axes’ (2012)
- From Humble Beginnings To Rock Royalty
15- ‘Justice’ (2010)
As the lowest-selling album in Molly Hatchet’s discography, ‘Justice’ is often overlooked. However, the album contains some noteworthy tracks, such as ‘Been to Heaven, Been to Hell’ and ‘Safe in My Skin.’ Despite its lesser-known status, ‘Justice’ showcases the band’s ability to evolve with the times while staying true to their roots.
14- ‘Silent Reign of Heroes’ (1998)
‘Silent Reign of Heroes’ is a fan-favorite for its powerful storytelling and lyrics that touch on themes of war and honor. The album features the popular track ‘Mississippi Moon Dog,’ which captures the essence of Southern rock.
13- ‘Kingdom of XII’ (2000)
Following up on the success of ‘Silent Reign of Heroes,’ ‘Kingdom of XII’ is a robust album featuring tracks like ‘Heart of the U.S.A.’ and ‘Edge of Sundown.’ The album maintains the band’s signature sound while exploring new themes and instrumentation.
12- ‘Warriors of the Rainbow Bridge’ (2005)
Dedicated to the memory of late guitarist Bobby Ingram’s wife, ‘Warriors of the Rainbow Bridge’ is a heartfelt and emotional album. Standout tracks include ‘Son of the South’ and the touching ballad ‘Rainbow Bridge.’
11- ‘The Deed Is Done’ (1984)
A departure from their earlier albums, ‘The Deed Is Done’ saw Molly Hatchet embracing a more polished, radio-friendly sound. The album features the hit single ‘Satisfied Man’ and the catchy ‘Stone in Your Heart.’
10- ‘No Guts…No Glory’ (1983)
Known for its heavier sound, ‘No Guts…No Glory’ features songs like ‘Fall of the Peacemakers’ and ‘Under the Gun.’ The album marks a return to the band’s roots after the commercialized sound of ‘Take No Prisoners.’
9- ‘Devil’s Canyon’ (1996)
A comeback album of sorts, ‘Devil’s Canyon’ saw Molly Hatchet returning to their classic sound. The album is filled with hard-hitting tracks like ‘Down from the Mountain’ and ‘Rolling Thunder.’
8- ‘Take No Prisoners’ (1981)
Despite its commercial sound, ‘Take No Prisoners’ remains a fan favorite due to hits like ‘Bloody Reunion’ and ‘Respect Me in the Morning.’ The album showcases the band’s versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles.
7- ‘Lightning Strikes Twice’ (1989)
After a brief hiatus, Molly Hatchet returned with ‘Lightning Strikes Twice,’ which features powerful tracks like ‘There Goes the Neighborhood’ and ‘I’ll Be Running.’ The album’s raw energy and passion reignited fans’ love for the band.
6- ‘Molly Hatchet’ (1978)
The band’s self-titled debut album introduced the world to their signature blend of Southern rock and hard-hitting riffs. With tracks like ‘Bounty Hunter’ and ‘Gator Country,’ ‘Molly Hatchet’ quickly became a classic and cemented the band’s place in music history.
5- ‘Beatin’ the Odds’ (1980)
The first album with new vocalist Jimmy Farrar, ‘Beatin’ the Odds’ proved that Molly Hatchet could continue to produce great music despite lineup changes. Tracks like ‘Beatin’ the Odds’ and ‘Penthouse Pauper’ showcase the band’s relentless energy and musicianship.
4- ‘Double Trouble Live’ (1985)
This live album captures the raw power and intensity of Molly Hatchet’s stage performances. With renditions of classics like ‘Flirtin’ with Disaster’ and ‘Bounty Hunter,’ ‘Double Trouble Live’ is a must-listen for any fan of the band.
3- ‘Flirtin’ with Disaster’ (1979)
As their second studio album, ‘Flirtin’ with Disaster’ propelled Molly Hatchet to stardom with tracks like ‘Flirtin’ with Disaster’ and ‘Whiskey Man.’ The album showcased the band’s growth as musicians and their ability to craft memorable songs.
2- ‘Southern Rock Masters’ (2008)
As a runner up comes ‘Southern Rock Masters,’ a tribute to their Southern rock influences. ‘Southern Rock Masters’ features Molly Hatchet covering classics from Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, and ZZ Top. The album breathes new life into iconic tunes like ‘Free Bird’ and ‘T for Texas,’ showcasing their signature style. ‘Sharp Dressed Man’ includes guest appearances from Dave Hlubek and Duane Roland.
1- ‘Regrinding the Axes’ (2012)
On top of our list we have ‘Regrinding the Axes,’ Molly Hatchet takes on classic rock hits from legends like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix. Tracks such as ‘Wild Horses’ get a Southern rock twist, demonstrating the band’s versatility. As a tribute to George Thorogood, the album also features a cover of ‘Bad to the Bone.’
From Humble Beginnings To Rock Royalty
From their humble beginnings to their reign as southern rock royalty, Molly Hatchet’s extensive discography has left an indelible mark on the music world. As we’ve ranked their albums from worst to best, it’s clear that their passion for music and commitment to their craft have created a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. So whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the magic of Molly Hatchet, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in their iconic sound and celebrate the timeless music that has made them legends.
