Have you ever noticed the resemblance between the hit songs “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon? Many people have pointed out that these two songs sound strikingly similar, but why is this the case? In this article, we’ll explore the history behind these songs and discover the reason for their uncanny resemblance.
The Similarities Between Sweet Home Alabama and Werewolves of London
If you listen to both “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Werewolves of London,” you’ll immediately notice the similarities in their opening riffs. The guitar riff in “Sweet Home Alabama” is instantly recognizable, with its catchy melody and Southern rock feel.
Similarly, “Werewolves of London” features a distinctive piano riff that’s just as memorable. But it’s not just the opening riffs that sound alike – both songs share a similar chord progression and tempo.
The History Behind Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd released “Sweet Home Alabama” in 1974 as part of their second album, Second Helping. The song was a response to two songs by Neil Young – “Southern Man” and “Alabama” – which were critical of the South and its history of racism. The band wanted to defend their home state against these accusations and show pride in their Southern heritage.
The writing process for “Sweet Home Alabama” was fairly simple. Guitarist Ed King came up with the opening riff while staying at a friend’s house in California.
He played it for frontman Ronnie Van Zant, who immediately liked it and began writing lyrics around it. The song became an instant hit upon its release, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Story Behind Werewolves of London
Warren Zevon released “Werewolves of London” in 1978 as part of his third album, Excitable Boy. The song was inspired by a conversation Zevon had with Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers, during which Everly mentioned watching a movie about werewolves in London. Zevon loved the idea and wrote the song around it.
“Werewolves of London” became one of Zevon’s most popular songs, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It’s known for its catchy piano riff and memorable lyrics, which include references to famous London landmarks like Piccadilly Circus and Soho.
The Reason for the Similarities
So why do “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Werewolves of London” sound so similar? The answer lies in who played on each song. Both songs feature the same session musician on piano – none other than Ian Stewart, who was a frequent collaborator of the Rolling Stones.
Stewart’s piano style is distinctive and instantly recognizable. He often played with a boogie-woogie feel, which gave both “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Werewolves of London” their upbeat energy. It’s no surprise that both songs share a similar feel when you consider that they both feature Stewart on piano.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Werewolves of London” sound alike because they share the same session musician on piano – Ian Stewart. While this similarity may be coincidental, it certainly adds to the appeal of both songs. So next time you’re listening to either one, pay attention to the piano riff – you might just hear some boogie-woogie magic from Ian Stewart himself!