The 10 Best Songs From Buffalo

Buffalo, according to the national media, is that place where blue-collar folk sit around watching snow fall, rust form, and football players lose. Just to prove them wrong, here are the 10 best songs from Buffalo.

Keep in mind that in this case, Buffalo means anywhere remotely near the city.

From Buffalo is also defined loosely—heck, it could mean the person once looked at Buffalo on a map.

And best songs from Buffalo basically means songs from Buffalo I’ve heard of. (I limited it to one song per artist.)

Anyway, appreciate the talent, in chronological order.

 

“Just the Two of Us” by Grover Washington, Jr. (1981)

Born in Buffalo, Washington was a master of the saxophone (among others), exhibited on this classic track that featured Bill Withers on vocals.

 

“Super Freak” by Rick James (1981)

James was born and raised (and buried) in Buffalo, and the Motown star brought it with this jam, sampled several years later by MC Hammer in “U Can’t Touch This.”

 

“To Be With You” by Mr. Big (1991)

Mr. Big’s bassist was native son Billy Sheehan, who also played with the likes of David Lee Roth. You’ll know this song.

 

“Because the Night” by 10,000 Maniacs (1993)

10,000 Maniacs—including lead singer Natalie Merchant—hailed from Jamestown, New York, and this cover of a Patti Smith original earned them some airtime.

 

“Doll Parts” by Hole (1994)

Hole’s bassist Kristen Pfaff was a Buffalonian, her life cut tragically short by a heroin overdose at age 27. This video was filmed after her death.

 

“Name” by Goo Goo Dolls (1995)

It doesn’t get much more Buffalo than Goo Goo Dolls, a source of local pride since 1986.

 

“Rebubula” by moe. (1996)

In an era of jam bands, the University at Buffalo produced its own, with this song being a great representation.

 

“I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys (1999)

The boy band’s Nick Carter also came from Jamestown. Granted, he moved to Florida at age four, but consider him claimed.

 

“Back at One” by Brian McKnight (1999)

The R&B guru McKnight didn’t escape from Buffalo to Florida until around age 10, so consider him claimed as well.

 

“Woe Be Gone” by Ani DiFranco (2014)

And finally, there’s Ani DiFranco, the prolific native daughter who rather than conform to major label demands formed her own label, home to her vast portfolio of studio albums.

 

Go Bills!