10 Criminally Underrated Three Dog Night Songs You Need To Hear

Three Dog Night stands out for their unique blend of sounds, creating a rich, smooth tapestry of music that defined the era. Their performances were marked by powerful piano arrangements, tight rhythms, and vocals that resonated with the confidence of a full chorus. Although the band delivered a range of genre-defining hits, they are most famously remembered for their reflective track “One” and their playful tune about a frog, “Joy to the World.”

Nobody
From their debut album, “Nobody” offers a dynamic introduction to Three Dog Night. The track is distinguished by the harmonizing voices of Danny Hutton, Cory Wells, and Chuck Negron, who blend their distinctive rock styles into a single, cohesive sound. The song’s energetic pace and powerful vocals make it an ideal showcase of the band’s harmonizing prowess.

An Old Fashioned Love Song
Three Dog Night is renowned for popularizing the works of many talented songwriters through their covers. They brought songs by artists like Randy Newman, Hoyt Axton, and Harry Nilsson into the spotlight. The band’s rendition of “An Old Fashioned Love Song” stands out as a quintessential example of their ability to transform a tune into something uniquely their own.

Heavy Church
In “Heavy Church,” Three Dog Night showcases the distinct voices of its members without allowing any single performer to overshadow the others. The song’s rich harmonies and lively rhythm highlight the band’s talent for creating complex, engaging music.

It Ain’t Easy
Exploring blues with “It Ain’t Easy,” the band delves into southern rock themes with a minimalistic, swampy sound. The track features occasional, sharp harmonica bursts, adding to its raw, earthy quality.

Put Out The Light
“Put Out The Light” is a gospel-influenced piece that combines stern, deep vocals with a fiery chorus and emotive guitar work. The song stands out for its intense energy and rich harmonic layers.

Play Something Sweet (Brickyard Blues)
Written by rhythm and blues legend Allen Toussaint, “Play Something Sweet (Brickyard Blues)” is a New Orleans classic covered numerous times. However, Three Dog Night’s version remains a standout for its energetic and captivating performance.

Woman
The track “Woman” offers a stark contrast to the band’s earlier pop-oriented hits, showcasing a darker, more sensual side of Three Dog Night. It’s a powerful example of their versatility.

Shambala
With “Shambala,” Three Dog Night infuses a song with Tibetan Buddhist influences with gospel elements. The term “Shambala” refers to a legendary hidden kingdom, adding a mystical dimension to the song.

Never Been To Spain
“Never Been To Spain,” a hit penned by Hoyt Axton, is one of the band’s most memorable tracks. The song’s quirky, humorous lyrics and catchy melody helped solidify the band’s reputation as a major rock act.

Mama Told Me (Not To Come)
Originally recorded by Eric Burdon & The Animals, “Mama Told Me (Not To Come)” was popularized by Three Dog Night. The band’s version extended the song and added a funk twist, enhancing its appeal and cementing its place in their discography.