When you think of evocative elements of nature, few compare to the imagery that thunder and lightning conjure. From the bright flashes of lightning to the grumbling roar of thunder, it brings a sense of awe and wonder.
Thunder and lightning are potent elements and, as a result, are commonly found within rock genres. But the potential metaphor of love has also made it an enticing candidate for songs from other genres. In this list, we check out the best songs with thunder and lighting in the title and lyrics.
“Lightning Crashes” by Live
Album: Throwing Copper
Genre: Alternative Rock
Released: 1993
There is perhaps no more powerful representation of using thunder in music lyrics than this absolute masterpiece from the American rock band Live. It’s hauntingly emotional, with an epic build-up that peaks in a massive crescendo of energy.
It was the third single from their second album and hit number 6 in the Mainstream Top 40 Billboard chart. It also performed well in Canada and Australia. It is an enthralling song that deserves its spot as one of the best songs featuring lightning in the lyrics.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Fire In The Title
“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
Album: The Razors Edge
Genre: Hard Rock
Released: 1990
Australian hard rock band AC/DC formed in the 70s, and they became a staple of the local scene with a long list of memorable albums. But this little gem of a song was released in the 90s, proving they still had the talent to make fantastic music later in their career.
Pure power and energy emanate from this song, making it one of their most recognized releases. It was a hit globally, reaching the top ten in Australia, Finland, Ireland, and Spain, to name a few. A true classic that still holds up amazingly well today.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Heat In The Title
“Thunder” by Imagine Dragons
Album: Evolve
Genre: Synth-Pop / Arena Rock / Pop Rock
Released: 2017
Next up on our list is this hit from the American pop-rock band Imagine Dragons. Blending various styles into one catchy and intriguing song, it helped them rocket into the top 10 in the charts for the fourth time.
But that success also translated beyond the US. It reached the top ten in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Belgium, and many others. It also has the highest hit rate of the words thunder and lighting in the lyrics than any other song in this list.
Similar Playlist: Good Snow Songs
“Greased Lightning” by John Travolta
Album: Grease: The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture
Genre: Rock and Roll
Released: 1978
Grease, the film needs no introduction. Based on the Broadway play, it went on to be a huge commercial success. And one of the most defining songs from the soundtrack is this wild rock and roll rollercoaster of a track sung by John Travolta.
Don’t get me wrong, the rest of the album is equally fantastic with hits like “Your the One That I Want” and “Summer Nights,” but nothing compares to the pure energy and joy that this classic delivers. And what better name for a car is there than Greased Lightnin’?
Similar Playlist: Songs About Storms And Rain
“Thunder” by Lana Del Rey
Album: Blue Banisters
Genre: Folk / Indie
Released: 2021
One of the most mesmerizing voices to emerge from the 2000s is the haunting and melancholic sound of Lana Del Rey. With an eclectic style that some call Hollywood Softcore, she has a knack for invoking emotions, and this song is no different.
You’ll unlikely know this song if you only know Lana Del Rey from her singles releases. It perfectly represents her style but is slightly more upbeat than usual. An expressive journey into the mind of a top-quality songwriter/singer.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Weather In The Title
“Lightning” by Mortimer
Album: Fight the Fight
Genre: Reggae
Released: 2019
Jamaican reggae artist Mortimer makes the list with this fantastic song from his Fight the Fight album. It weaves a soulful tale of love over irresistibly groovy reggae vibes that encapsulates a genre that is seeing a resurgence.
Coming off the back of a couple of other popular releases, this incredible song has racked up over 18 million views on YouTube in the short space of a couple of years. So what are you waiting for? Lose yourself in the beautiful lyrics and groove of this great track.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Wind In The Title
“Thunder” By Jessie J
Album: Alive
Genre: Pop
Released: 2013
English singer Jessie J certainly has a unique take on the Pop genre with a range of songs that highlight her ability to meld Soul, R&B, Rock, and Hip-Hop influences into a uniquely engaging sound that has resonated with fans.
This banger of a song from her second studio album sticks closer to the Pop genre than some of her other releases. But at the core, it still offers a powerful hook that utilizes the word thunder as a metaphor for love.
“Lightning Strikes” by Ozzy Osborne
Album: 1986
Genre: Hard Rock
Released: 1986
One of the most colorful characters in the Hard Rock scene is the indelible Ozzy Osbourne. He is an English-born superstar that started his mainstream career with Black Sabbath before embarking on a highly successful solo career.
The Ultimate Sin was his fourth studio album and featured Lightning Strikes on the B side. The album peaked at number 6 on the Billboard 200 Album charts and sold 2 million copies. A punchy classic rock track that is worth a listen.
“I’ll Be Thunder” by Tina Turner
Album: Break Every Rule
Genre: R&B /Soul / Pop / Rock
Released: 1986
When you think of Thunder and Tina Turner, you might find yourself at one of her most popular hits, “We Don’t Need Another Hero.” But this song from her sixth studio album is a better representation of using thunder and lightning as a lyrical hook.
It’s filled with power and emotion, and as with many other songs that use thunder and lightning in the lyrics, it tells the tale of love and the control it can have over your actions. A sleeper gem from the Queen of Rock’ n’ Roll.
“Thunder” by Solence
Album: Deafening
Genre: Rock
Released: 2021
Swedish powerhouse rock band Solence is a growing sensation with an impressive amount of streams online. This aggressive and punchy song from their Deafening album blends a more traditional Rock sound with bitey and engaging synth elements.
Perhaps even more impressive than the song itself is that this band has clawed its way to success without the help of a label. Thanks to a range of powerful covers and unique solo releases, they are growing in popularity. Keep an eye on these guys!
“Thunder in My Heart” by Leo Sayer
Album: Thunder In My Heart
Genre: Disco
Released: 1977
The explosion of Disco in the 70s brought a range of excellent songs and exceptional performers. One of the notable singers to emerge from this era was Leo Sayer, and this song from his fifth album perfectly encapsulates the period.
It was a successful release in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and the United States. It also experienced a second life thanks to an excellent remix by British DJ Meck. If for no other reason, it is worth watching the original music video just for Leo Sayer’s glorious afro!
“Thunder” by Boys Like Girls
Album: Boys Like Girls
Genre: Pop Rock
Released: 2008
American Pop Rock band Boys Like Girls makes the list with this song from their debut album. Utilizing thunder as a metaphor for love, something many artists like to do, it’s an anthemic and punchy pop-rock hit that climbed to position 76 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It started as an acoustic song before a rework for a radio release. As a sign of how much things have changed, the radio mix was first showcased on MySpace (remember that social network!). I’m sure everyone’s first friend Tom Anderson would have approved.
“God of Thunder” by Kiss
Album: Destroyer
Genre: Heavy Metal
Released: 1976
Legendary heavy metal band Kiss is among the most recognizable bands ever, thanks to their unique outfits. With a career that began in the 70s, they reached their peak popularity in the late 70s with a string of hit singles and albums.
As they approached the height of their popularity, they released their fourth album, which featured this song. It has become one of their most famous songs, and notably, they performed it on WCW Monday Nitro in 1999. They were paid an epic half a million dollars for the one-night performance!
“Down Under” by Men At Work
Album: Business as Usual
Genre: Pop Rock
Released: 1981
Down Under from the rock band Men At Work is one of the most iconic songs about Australia to ever be released. Its playful composition and cheeky lyrics have made it a national icon in Australia. It was also voted number 2 as the most Aussie song ever.
But it wasn’t just Australia that was enamored by this catchy tune. It hit the number 1 position in the United States, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It also recently received a banging drum and bass remix by Australian producer Luude which saw it hit the top 10 again in many countries.
“Ride The Lightning” by Metallica
Album: Metallica
Genre: Thrash Metal
Released: 1984
Something about thunder and lightning draws the attention of songwriters in the rock and metal genres. Not to be outdone, the iconic metal group Metallica also joins the tradition with this song from their second studio album.
While this song never saw a single release, the album sold six million copies in the United States. It cemented them as one of the most defining metal bands of the 80s. If you love epic guitar solos and aggressive lyrics, this one is for you.
“Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen
Album: Born To Run
Genre: Rock
Released: 1975
Bruce Springsteen has a career that spans decades, with 21 studio albums to his name. After a couple of mildly successful albums in the preceding years, Born to Run was released in 1975 and launched Bruce Springsteen into the limelight.
Thunder Road never saw a single release, but it has become one of his most popular and recognizable tracks and a staple of his live performances. Hearing that opening harmonica section and the crowd’s roar in anticipation highlights how timeless this song has become.
“Lightning Bolt” by Pearl Jam
Album: Lightning Bolt
Genre: Alternative Rock
Released: 2013
Pearl Jam is one of the defining alternative rock and grunge bands to emerge from the 90s. With a less in-your-face style than some contemporaries, they achieved commercial success and sold more than 85 million albums worldwide.
As a testament to their enduring appeal, the Lightning Bolt album released in 2013 went on to top the charts in several countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States. These legends of the alternative rock scene continue to deliver spectacular songs.
“Lightning Strikes” by Aerosmith
Album: Rock in a Hard Place
Genre: Hard Rock
Released: 1982
Rock and its various genres continue to dominate this list. This song from Aerosmith stands as one of the best and most successful releases from their 1982 album Rock in a Hard Place after a whirlwind run through the 70s.
While the album sold half a million copies, it was a notable change for the group, with founding guitarist Joe Perry not present. It’s a relatively safe album from the group that lacked some of the burgeoning changes the hard rock scene was experiencing at the turn of the 80s. Despite this, Lightning Strikes is still worth a listen.
18 Bonus Songs About Thunder & Lightning
“Distant Thunder” by Richard Clapton
“Heavy Metal Thunder” by Saxon
“Lightning Rod” by The Offspring
“Thunder And Lightning” By Chi Coltrane
“Lightning Strikes” by Cypress Hill
“Living in Lightning” by City and Colour
“Thunder and Lightning” by Thin Lizzy
“Ride the Lightning” by Warren Zeiders
“Some Loud Thunder” by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
“Thunder and Lightning” by Giant
“Thunder Island” by Jay Ferguson
“The Shock Of The Lightning” by Oasis
“Thunder on the Mountain” by Bob Dylan
“Thundering Hearts” by John Mellencamp
“Saw Lightning” by Beck
“The Lightning Strike (What If This Storm Ends)” by Snow Patrol
“Thunder and Lightning” by Phil Collins
“Thunder Kiss ’65” by White Zombie
Watch The Full Playlist
The full playlist with every song in this post can be watched via the video below or directly on our YouTube channel.
