Born in 1988, Lukas Nelson began his career at a young age, thanks to his country legend father, Willie Nelson. Lukas grew up traveling inside his father’s tour bus as they hopped from one city to another. Since he was exposed to country music more often than not, he was able to establish a name for himself with his own band, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, in 2008 at the age of 20, releasing great songs like “Fool Me Once,” and “Just Outside Austin.”
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real consists of five members: Lukas Nelson, Tato Melgar, Anthony Logerfo, Corey McCormick, and Logan Metz. Compared to other country bands, what sets Lukas Nelson’s group apart is their country soul funk music style.
According to Lukas, they intend to choose this style because it has a nice backbeat. This makes it something listeners could move to, making them want to sing along. It seems like they made the right decision since their songs are a hit among listeners.
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Aside from being a great singer, Lukas is also quite a gifted songwriter. He was actually one of the songwriters who helped Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga write eight songs for the blockbuster Hollywood movie A Star Is Born.
In an interview, Lukas mentioned that having his footprints on an Oscar-decorated film feels so honoring for him. That is why if you are interested in knowing which Lukas Nelson’s top songs you should listen to first, scroll down—we have the list for you.
1. Fool Me Once
“Fool Me Once” is definitely one of the best songs Luke Nelson and his band have ever released. It is part of their 2017 self-titled album and has that honky-tonk feel. The music video was filmed in the southern countryside, which is something near Lukas’s heart since this was the place where he grew up.
2. Just Outside Austin
In this song, Lukas Nelson proves that he has the talent to effortlessly diversify his music style anytime he wants. Compared to his usual country rock tune, Lukas plays “Just Outside Austin” in a more cosmic folkie way, giving listeners a fresh new style.
3. Start To Go
Released in 2009, this EP is definitely among the listener’s favorites. The song has that thumping kick to it, especially when Lukas sings the chorus, listeners can’t help but vibe with it.
For You
4. Shallow
This song might be familiar to many of you, considering it is one of the pivotal songs in the hit movie “A Star Is Born.” But did you know? Lukas was one of the songwriters who contributed to making the song possible. So it would be reasonable to add this to his best songs list.
5. Find Yourself
Although the song was originally released using Lady GaGa’s backing vocals for her movie “A Star Is Born,” just like “Shallow,” Lukas Nelson also contributed to writing this song. According to Music Feeds, the song plays out like the roots and soul treatment of The Beatles’ ‘Don’t Let Me Down,’ but just makes it a little bit more country. “Find Yourself” became such a hit among listeners because of its meaning, which simply talks about taking power back and owning the love that somebody deserves.
6. Bad Case
Compared to other songs in this list, “Bad Case” has that wow factor that will make listeners play it day and night. As part of the group’s album, Turn Off the News (Build a Garden), “Bad Case” definitely has that unique sound to it. From its guitar tones and harmonies in the chorus, there is no denying that this song is a beautifully crafted country rock tune that country listeners of any age would definitely enjoy.
7. Out of Time
Lukas definitely did go all in when he decided to take on the job as a songwriter for “A Star Is Born.” “Out of Time” is yet again one of Lukas’s credits on the movie soundtrack and was co-written by actor Bradley Cooper.
8. Carolina
Released in 2010 as part of the group’s album Promise of the Real, the song is simply an appreciation of the beauty of Carolina. From its sandy beaches to its tasty beers, Carolina indeed has a special place in the singer’s heart. The song also has that nostalgic feel to it that would definitely bring listeners to the good old times.
9. Already Great
This Neil Young song featuring Lukas and his group made it to the list because of its rockabilly vibe. It is known that Lukas and Young had quite a friendship, which all started when they first met at Young’s concert in LA. So seeing them both sing in one song just makes this a hit among fans.
10. My Own Wave
Released in 2020 as part of their album Naked Green, “My Own Wave” reflects the relaxed vibe of the whole album. Compared to their other releases, this song has that modern country thing to it. Accompanied by the group’s rock flair, the song simply gives fans a glimpse behind the curtain on what’s happening behind the scenes. Aside from the fact that it is simply a good song talking about the good times, it is also an easy-going rocker who seems to benefit from the laid-back atmosphere of the group’s musical sessions.
If you haven’t listened to any Lukas Nelson songs, then you are missing out on. But worry no more since you can check out all the songs on the list below.
