In the vast universe of music, certain artists possess an extraordinary ability to transcend time and space. Her melodies echoing through the years like whispers of a secret lover. Judie Tzuke, the underrated singer-songwriter, is undeniably one such artist whose musical tapestry has woven its way into the hearts of listeners across generations. As we embark on a journey through the sonic landscapes she has crafted, we delve into the essence of Judie Tzuke’s artistry, exploring the top ten songs that stand as pillars of her prolific career.
Each song is a chapter in the book of Tzuke’s life, a poetic narrative set to music that has resonated with audiences worldwide. Her debut album’s hauntingly beautiful Stay with Me Till Dawn, her only hit in the UK, bought her music to thousands. Hits do not matter when you hear the soul-stirring melodies of her albums, Tzuke’s ability to marry profound lyrics with enchanting vocals has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Join me as we immerse ourselves in the magic of Judie Tzuke’s discography, uncovering the timeless gems that continue to captivate hearts and minds. These ten songs not only showcase Tzuke’s brilliance as a songwriter and singer but also serve as a testament to the enduring power of music to connect us all. So, let the harmonies unfold and the lyrics speak as we traverse the top ten songs that encapsulate the essence of Judie Tzuke’s musical legacy.
Rock Queen, Prog God with an angelic voice. Judie Tzuke should be famous worldwide. The fact that she is not brings shame on us all.
Such a challenging task from a body of work as brilliant as Judie Tzuke has produced. Do I pick the best song from an album, just to highlight all her albums but it is even more difficult to find the best album track. You will disagree with my selection. Hell, I will too.
My Personal Top Ten Tracks by Judie Tzuke.
10. The Cup of Tea Song. Songs (2007)
The title made me smile when I read it. A song about a brew, interesting. But this is Judie Tzuke, nothing is simple. The Mirror won’t give me a smile: It has not done for a while. With the acoustic guitars moving melodically through the tune you find she is wishing for her youth. Waking up to find her life has changed and she cannot go back, her bridges burnt. It is like a Cold cup of tea poured over her head.
9. Idiot Kings – Jude the Unsinkable (2023)
Eagerly waited for by her fans, Unsinkable – as it is known by fans – her 2023 album shows that age is not affecting her vocal and song writing talent.
With it hard to find a weak track it is understandable. This is social conscience rather than directly political. Birthed in the lockdown panic, which cost people more than we will ever know. The guitar intro flashing a melody that stays with you. As on all her songs her voice is just supreme.
8. Don’t let Me Sleep – Under the Angels (1996)
Once this song made it into the top ten, there was a choice. Should the original from ‘Moon’ or this rerecording from ‘Angels.’ What swung it was the sax intro and there is a ‘Moon’ track coming next. The first ballad in the top ten, this is classic Tzuke.
Don’t Let Me Sleep may not be everyone’s favourite, and it is certainly not in my top ten most played Tzuke songs – but whenever you hear her voice, you do become so relaxed you are mentally prone. (Sorry the Vid is from Shoot The Moon – could not find the version from Angels.)
7. Late Again – Shoot the Moon (1982)
When I first heard Shoot the Moon, the album was not an instant hit. For me, then, it was all about Sportscar and Phoenix. When I rushed out to buy Ritmo, my first listen gave me the thought – this was what she was trying to do with Moon. Do not mistake me, the comparison is between her albums alone.
Shoot the Moon was still better than other releases by other artists. The second ballad song but a lyric that resonates with me. I may not have liked this album on first release, but it has risen high. With all but one song rated on my iTunes it is certainly in my top three albums. And much better than Sportscar, Pheonix and Ritmo. Any one of the tracks could and should have made it into the top ten but this is the chosen one.
6. I’ll Be the One – The Cat is Out (1985)
I wish I were her one. For a time, I even dated a woman that had the look of Judie about her. That did not work. I am married now, and what wedding ceremony would it be if Judie Tzuke songs did not play a part of it.
This song was our first dance as a married couple. How could this not be in the top ten. I just love the bass at the beginning. ‘When I see your mouth, my brain goes foggy, like a misty field washed by the sun’ the glorious feeling whenever I see her in concert.
5. Bring The Rain – Welcome to the Cruise (1979)
The album that began her career, provided her hit single and swept fans off their feet. Bring the Rain is an emotional song (lyrics I do not understand but still adore) that tugs on me every time I hear it.
This could so easily have made the top three with this and the song sat at four.
‘I build my cities so high, that they break through the skies and bring the rain.’ I may not understand what she is singing about but it certainly is class.
4. Ladies Night – Welcome to The Cruise (1979)
The only album with two tracks in the top ten. Something I was trying to avoid as I tried to sort out the hundreds of tracks she has released. But when you cannot choose, you must have both. Every album has more than one track I love but this album the top two are so tight.
Ladies Night written after a gig (if I remember right) where her boyfriend at the time invited his new girlfriend to watch her sing. What a sad man he must have been. A sad lyric showing sang with full feeling on the album. But there is a touch of defiance in her voice as she sings ‘Looks like I locked it up so tight, even you didn’t see me falling, you didn’t watch me fight.”
3. Another Country – Ritmo (1983)
Entering the top three and here I have chosen a rockier track. As I said previous, I loved this album when I first played it. Though ‘How Do I feel’ was my instant love, but instant loves can fall from grace and never recover. This faddy fan will love it again.
This – musically – is full of rocking emotion and I adore hearing through headphones. Who is she writing about: ‘With your high ideals you think you can change the world. Though your thoughts are jaded, youth is on your side.’
2. Humankind – One Tree Less (2011)
Showing us her social conscience, Judie gives a call to all Humankind. The intro piano hook me in and the social injustices in the lyric made this top ten all the way. The emphasis on the individual says it all.
‘When the innocent suffer our Greed
I can’t silence the sound of their cries
When we kill for a sport, faith, oil or a fashion
We’re at peace, letting sleeping dogs lie.’
She is right, there is nowhere to hide. There are no excuses. We are Humankind, we must make changes. (my emphasis).
It was this song that made me change from using the term human beings to humankind.
Judie you are my hero, and I love you so many ways.
1. Understanding -Sportscar (1980)
There was never going to be any other Judie Tzuke song at number one. Her hit was never even in the running to be in the top ten. There are songs that just stick with you.
Music has been the only constant in my life since the late seventies. Through glories and disasters music has picked me up, soothed me, helped me bury the anger and help me express my love.
There are a mere two songs that I remember hearing for the first time. This is one of them.
It was a massive low point in my life. I was afraid to leave my flat, fearful of the outside world and – quite frankly – insane. I had this on single, in a plain black cover with a hole showing the label. I had bought it a ten pence bargain bin. Played it once and not taken to it. It was a year, or so, later when I placed the single with half a dozen others on the turn table and sat under my window feeling the sun on the back of my head.
Desperately lonely, feeling rejected by everyone, and lost in my own poverty. Judie Tzuke started singing. By the end of the track, I was crying. By the end of the sixth play – half an hour later – I was putting on my coat and planning a trip to the record shop to buy my first Judie Tzuke album.
I would love to say she saved me and from that day on I was well. She did not. But my desire to hear more of her dragged me from my house and Sportscar was quickly in my possession, and a fan was born.
That is my list. I doubt any Judie Tzuke fan would agree with the whole list; I would not agree with any list that I have seen. But being a fan of any artist is like that. With Judie making so many terrific albums, writing so many wonderful songs, there will always be a difference of opinion.
Supporting Media
The whole play list can be played here on you tube, or for apple music subscribers via my play list here. The best place to buy any Judie Tzuke, connect with concert tickets is via her website: Home | Judie Tzuke
Life is about connection. On a planet of billions, there are only two – you and me.
This site will always be free. No blog post, page, or fiction will ever be behind a pay wall. We will never affiliate to any store or product. Any links to other sites, the writer placed because they believe the product or service is good enough to share – not because they received payment for their endorsement.
We will accept donations at Kofi.com to help with the maintenance and hosting costs. We humbly receive any donation.
You can express your support by Sharing, liking, or following our profiles on the net. For Ease these have been gathered on link tree.
We hope you enjoy all our content enough to buy our Published books
Leave a Reply