Exploring Songs Where Drummers Took the Lead: A Unique Phenomenon in Music History

Music is a vast and diverse landscape, continuously evolving and producing new forms and styles. One fascinating phenomenon that stands out is the occasional lead vocals by drummers on hit songs. This article delves into the drummer lead vocals tradition, showcasing examples from various musical eras and genres. From Genesis to Velvet Underground, we will explore the intriguing stories behind these unique songs.

Genesis and Phil Collins

One of the most notable examples of a drummer stepping into the spotlight to lead a hit song is Phil Collins of the band Genesis. Despite his initial role as the drummer and percussionist, he eventually took on the lead vocals for numerous hit songs. This transition was especially apparent after Peter Gabriel left the band. Collins' singing abilities, combined with his drumming, contributed to some of Genesis' most beloved and enduring hits. His transition from a side member to the lead vocalist underscores the versatility and unique positions some musicians hold within their groups.

ABBA and Bjorn Ulveus

Another unique case is the Swedish pop sensation ABBA, where half of the songwriting team, Bengt Bernhard Stig Benny Andersson, took turns leading vocals. However, there is one song where Bjorn Ulveus, the other half of the songwriting duo, performed lead vocals. This is the song Does Your Mother Know, released in 1979. It's worth noting that Bjorn's lead vocals on this single represent a rare moment in ABBA's career, as he is primarily known for his songwriting and keyboard contributions. His lead vocals for this track exemplify the occasional moments where the lead singer takes a step back, allowing another band member a chance to shine.

The Velvet Underground and Maureen Tucker

Moving into another genre, we find the indie rock band The Velvet Underground. The band is well-known for its experimental and guitar-driven sound, but the band's decision to have their drummer, Maureen Tucker, sing the lead vocals on "After Hours" in 1969 stands out as an oddity. Despite Lou Reed's writings, Reed famously claimed he couldn't sing the song due to its "innocent and pure" nature. However, the choice to have Tucker sing was a bold artistic decision, one that proved to be a hit. This example highlights that sometimes, a change in perspective or stepping back from expectations can yield surprising success.

Squeeze and Paul Carrack

The drumming prowess of Paul Carrack of the band Squeeze is widely recognized, but he also made waves with his lead vocals. The song "Tempted" saw Carrack taking the lead, and the track became a hit. Interestingly, Carrack's vocal abilities extended beyond his time with Squeeze, as he went on to have many hits under his own name and with other groups. However, his lead vocal on "Tempted" with Squeeze stands out as a unique one-off contribution.

Peek at Other Cases

Other bands and musicians have similarly experienced this phenomenon. For instance, The Rolling Stones had Keith Richards occasionally sing lead vocals, but "Happy" is the only one of those that became a hit. Ringo Starr of the Beatles also occasionally sang lead vocals, but "Yellow Submarine" is the only successful hit from his folk-inspired contributions. These instances highlight the rarity and uniqueness of a drummer taking the lead.

Beyond these examples, we find the band Traffic, where Steve Winwood consistently provided the lead vocals. However, Dave Mason's song "Feeling Alright" stands out as the only instance where he stepped in, although it didn't reach the heights of a top 100 hit.

These stories showcase the diverse and sometimes unexpected ways that musicians contribute to their bands. In an era where lead vocals are typically the domain of a band's primary frontman or vocalist, these instances of drummers singing lead vocals on hit songs remain a fascinating and noteworthy phenomenon in music history.