23 Best Songs About Storms

The best songs about storms can be found in a range of artists, from the American rock band Deep Purple to singers such as Adele.

These songs reflect the power and might of the full force of the weather, using storms to represent our most challenging emotional states.

Check out this playlist for the definitive songs about storms that capture the essence of this phenomenon.

The 23 Best Songs About Storms

Storms have inspired music throughout the ages, from classic rock songs to modern-day chart-topping hits from some of the world’s biggest stars.

To ensure this playlist covers all the bases, we’ve selected songs from the last few decades to represent the singers and bands at the top of their game.

Without further ado, here’s our playlist of the 23 best songs about storms:

23. “Storm Warning” – Bonnie Raitt

“Storm Warning” by Bonnie Raitt takes the imagery of a dark and stormy night and uses it as a metaphor for loss and grief.

Raitt’s wonderfully melancholic vocals are a perfect fit for the subject matter and make this a truly emotional song to listen to.

Bonnie Raitt released “Storm Warning” in 1994, and it’s a great song for anyone who’s feeling lost following the death of a loved one.

22. “Stormbringer” – Deep Purple

Deep Purple has produced many songs over the years, from the great song about space, “Space Truckin’,” to the excellent “Stormbringer.”

This hard rock classic song tells the story of a mythical creature known for causing trouble and mischief wherever it goes.

“Stormbringer” was released in 1974 at the height of Deep Purple’s fame, with the title also used as a famous sword in fantasy novels.

21. “Rock You Like A Hurricane” – The Scorpions

“Rock You Like A Hurricane” by the Scorpions is another classic rock track that explores the imagery of cloudy skies and storms.

This hit song was released in 1984 and is considered to be among the best rock songs to have been released during that time.

It’s also another song about storms that is about relationships and uses this tempestuous weather as a metaphor for a troubled romance.

20. “Ridin’ The Storm Out” – REO Speedwagon

Released on the album of the same name, “Ridin’ The Storm Out” by REO Speedwagon was the final song recorded by Kevin Cronin.

It’s an impressive swansong that explores the band’s visit to a bar in Boulder, Colorado when a snow blizzard trapped them inside.

If you’re looking for songs about storms that capture the arena rock vibe from the early 1970s, “Ridin’ The Storm Out” is a must for your playlist.

19. “Thunderstruck” – AC/DC

AC/DC guitarist Angus Young drew inspiration from a thunderstorm he witnessed during a long-haul flight for the song “Thunderstruck.”

This energetic rock classic is one of the band’s biggest hit songs, with dynamic guitars and vocals that repeat the word “thunder” many times.

It’s why AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” became a popular song for drinking games, requiring participants to drink every time thunder is mentioned.

18. “Storm Front” – Billy Joel

Billy Joel’s idiosyncratic blend of rock and new wave music is present and effective in his classic song “Storm Front.”

Released in 1989, “Storm Front” was taken from his album of the same name and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance.

It’s another powerful song that draws on the elements effectively, as with his awesome song about fire, “We Didn’t Start The Fire.”

17. “Riders On The Storm” – The Doors

Often considered to be among the list of masterpieces by the Doors, “Riders On The Storm” is among their darkest pieces of music.

Frontman and singer-songwriter Jim Morrison was inspired by stories of serial killers when writing this classic rock song.

It was the final song he wrote before his death, making “Riders On The Storm” a bittersweet entry in the Doors’ discography.

16. “Electrical Storm” – U2

Few bands have enjoyed the same degree of success as U2, who have picked up multiple Grammy Award wins and nominations over the years.

“Electrical Storm” is a fine example of the band’s unique style, using the concept to deliver a solid breakup song that anyone in a failing relationship can relate to.

The song was released with a stylish official music video shot in crisp black-and-white cinematography that enhanced the stormy vibe.

15. “Thunder” – Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons cuts straight to the chase with the title of this song about storms, with “Thunder” delivering the goods.

“Kids were laughing in my classes while I was scheming for the masses,” the lyrics sing. “Who do you think you are? Dreaming ’bout being a big star.”

It’s a great song that uses thunder rolls and lightning as a metaphor for the lead singer’s experiences achieving success in the music industry.

14. “Umbrella” – Rihanna

The Rihanna song “Umbrella” needs little introduction; it’s one of the best karaoke songs you can sing along to, as well as one of her biggest hits.

Released in 2011, “Umbrella” views storms as a portent of something bad on the horizon and warns of the need to protect loved ones from danger.

You can find the song “Umbrella” on Rihanna’s album Good Girl Gone Bad, which was her third studio album.

13. “Rainy Days & Stormy Nights” – Billie Jo Spears

Let’s move away from pop and rock songs about storms to something more laid-back with “Rainy Days & Stormy Nights” by Billie Jo Spears.

This is a wonderful country song featuring impressive vocals that uses storms as a launch pad to discuss the effects of having your heart broken.

Released in 1979, “Rainy Days & Stormy Nights” hit the airwaves after Billie Jo Spears released the song on her album I Will Survive.

12. “Storms In Africa” – Enya

Enya is no stranger to music that evokes the natural beauty of the world around us, a theme continued in her song “Storms In Africa.”

The title illustrates the inspiration for this love song about the power of nature and how it can reshape the landscape in a matter of hours.

It’s a unique song that uses different languages throughout its running time, blending Irish and English across its two parts.

11. “Spirit Of A Storm” – Kenny Chesney

Another wonderful country music song that deals with storms is “Spirit Of A Storm” by the legendary singer Kenny Chesney.

Like his great song about peace, “Get Along,” “Spirit Of A Storm” sees Chesney’s trademark guitar-playing and vocals come together perfectly.

The melodies here shift effortlessly like the winds of a storm, creating a truly evocative mood and a near-perfect song.

10. “Calm Inside The Storm” – Cyndi Lauper

A considerably more upbeat and danceable song about storms is “Calm Inside The Storm” by pop legend Cyndi Lauper.

It’s a risqué song that uses the visual imagery of storms as a metaphor for a woman’s self-love and her desires and hopes for the future.

Cyndi Lauper released “Calm Inside The Storm” back in 1986, featuring the track on her popular album True Colors.

9. “Shelter From The Storm” – Bob Dylan

“Shelter From The Storm” is one of the most iconic tracks from the classic Bob Dylan album Blood On The Tracks.

Like many songs about storms, it’s a sad piece of music that evokes the search for salvation as the world around you continues to fall apart.

Bob Dylan wrote many great folk music songs over the years, with his track “Hurricane” making another worthy entry into this category of music.

8. “Storms” – Fleetwood Mac

The Fleetwood Mac song “Storms” is a more dreamy and calming song that reflects the whimsical origins of its composition.

Rumor has it that “Storms” was written as Stevie Nick’s relationship with Mick Fleetwood was coming to an end after a turbulent period of time.

This theme of failing relationships is echoed in the great song about lies released by Fleetwood Mac, “Little Lies.”

7. “In From The Storm” – Jimi Hendrix

Let’s stick with the great rock songs about storms for another classic track from one of the icons of the genre, Jimi Hendrix.

“In From The Storm” sees Hendrix in fine form with his trademark merging of rock and blues music, along with his exceptional guitar-playing.

It’s a deeply personal song by Hendrix that reflects his passion for music and the struggles he faced while making a name for himself.

6. “Storm” – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Storm” features appropriately powerful and dynamic guitars that pair well with the previous Hendrix song on this playlist.

The aggressive rock riffs pave the way for an undercurrent of optimism and hope, with the promise that storms inevitably pass and lead to clear skies.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Storm” was released in 2009 on the album Gods & Guns, which saw them exploring subgenres such as heavy metal and country rock.

5. “Here Comes The Rain Again” – Eurythmics

The Eurythmics song “Here Comes The Rain Again” is another storm-themed song disguised as a love song.

“Here comes the rain again, falling on my head like a memory,” Annie Lennox sings in this great song, continuing, “falling on my head like a new emotion.”

While it failed to perform as well as their number one Billboard Hot 100 chart hit “Sweet Dreams,” it’s nevertheless a great track from the Eurythmics.

4. “Gimme Shelter” – The Rolling Stones

Among the most famous songs ever released by The Rolling Stones, “Gimme Shelter” is an undeniable classic from this iconic rock band.

The first track on their Let It Bleed album, “Gimme Shelter,” is another stormy song about the turbulent nature of life and relationships.

If you’re dealing with trouble in your life or just want to listen to something deeply moving, “Gimme Shelter” is a great choice for your playlist.

3. “Set Fire To The Rain” – Adele

Adele continued her streak of releasing some of the best songs of all time with her powerful song “Set Fire To The Rain.”

“I set fire to the rain, and I threw us into the flames,” Adele sings in this breakup song. “When we fell, something died ‘cause I knew that that was the last time.”

It’s a multi-layered song with plenty of passion and energy that speaks to the liberating feeling of finally breaking free from a bad relationship.

2. “Stormy Weather” – Etta James

Etta James has released many beautiful songs over the years, and while “Stormy Weather” may not be on the same level as “At Last,” it’s still a great piece of music.

Originally written in 1934, “Stormy Weather” features the lush and sweet vocals that Etta James became famous for throughout her career.

Since its initial release, the song has been covered many times, including by the king of crooners, Frank Sinatra.

1. “Stormy Monday Blues” – T-Bone Walker

Our last song rounding up this playlist of great music about storms is “Stormy Monday Blues” by T-Bone Walker.

A classic track by the blues legend, “Stormy Monday Blues” features captivating jazzy guitar with Walker’s subdued yet effective vocals.

Critics sang its praises at the time of its release in 1968, praising Walker for his exceptional musical creativity and panache.

Summary

So there you have it, the best songs about storms you can listen to regardless of your musical preferences and genres of choice.

These songs represent some of the best work by iconic singer-songwriters and bands working today and throughout music history.

Whether they’re evoking the awe-inspiring nature of actual storms or a metaphor for relationships, they deserve a place on our list.

What’s the best song about storms, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.