Three Best Steve Miller Songs (1975-1979)

Steve Miller, 2004 (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

After working for the better part of 15 years in conditions that ranged from obscure to pretty darn successful, Steve Miller exploded into the category of “rock star” in 1976 with the release of his multi-platinum album Fly Like An Eagle. The following year, he released his second (and last) album of the late ’70s, Book of Dreams. Here the three best songs from that era.

#3. “Jet Airliner” (from Book of Dreams)

Paul Pena wrote this song for his Ben Sidran-produced album, New Train, which was recorded in 1973. Due to contract issues, Pena’s album sat on the shelf for 17 years before it saw release. In the meantime, Miller helped line Pena’s pockets by making “Jet Airliner” a top 10 hit in ’77.

What makes it one of his best? The “funky shit going down in the city,” the signature guitar riff, Miller’s breathy vocals and, especially, the 1 minute 2 second intro (plenty of time for DJs to tell their life stories).

#2. “Wild Mountain Honey” (from Fly Like An Eagle)

The Gangster of Love didn’t completely abandon his hippie-dippie roots while he was selling 4 million copies of Fly Like An Eagle. In between the hits were takes on R&B classic (“You Send Me”), straight blues (“Mercury Blues”) and this, the second best Miller song from the late 70s, “Wild Mountain Honey.”

Miller did everything but bass and drums on this cut, brilliantly blending analog synths and sitars together in a sort of Beatles meets the ’70s folkie freakout. Add some ooh-ooh-oohs and you have the second best SM cut of the ’70s.

#1. “Take the Money and Run” (from Fly Like An Eagle)

After Jeff Porcaro’s reading of the “Purdie Shuffle” on “Rosanna,” Gary Mallaber’s drum riff on “Take the Money and Run” is the best in all of rock and roll. Add handclaps, a great story and the perfect length (just 2:50) and you have the perfect rock song. Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!

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