The ‘Lowdown’ on Boz Scaggs: 10 Songs to Know

By UMS

Smooth vibes. Legendary grooves.

Before he was topping the charts with smooth, genre-blending hits, Boz Scaggs was a kid growing up in Texas with a love for blues, R&B, and soul. Over the decades, he’s carved out a career that defies labels, moving easily between rock, pop, jazz, and funk, while always keeping a distinctive, laid-back vocal style that feels instantly recognizable.

With more than five decades of music-making under his belt, Scaggs has given us a soundtrack of unforgettable songs that continue to resonate with fans old and new. From sultry grooves to heartfelt ballads and blues-drenched deep cuts, his catalog is full of gems worth rediscovering. Ahead of his November 7 performance in Ann Arbor, here’s a “Lowdown” on Boz Scaggs: a playlist of ten iconic tracks that showcase his enduring artistry.

Listen to this playlist on Apple Music or Spotify.

Behind the Tunes

“Lowdown”
Probably his signature track: infectious groove, funky R&B bassline, smooth vocals, huge crossover hit from Silk Degrees.

“Lido Shuffle”
Upbeat, rolling energy, a shuffle groove that sticks. Also from Silk Degrees, it captures the more fun pop/soul side of his work.

“We’re All Alone”
Slower, more emotional. Showcases his vocal warmth and songwriting finesse. A song often covered by others, which speaks to its strength.

“Breakdown Dead Ahead”
One of his rockier/pop-rock hits from 1980. Good example of his ability to shift styles while keeping strong craft.

“JoJo”
Funky, jazzy, soulful — shows a more playful side, and the musicianship is strong.

“Look What You’ve Done to Me”
A power ballad tied to Urban Cowboy soundtrack; shows his lyrical vulnerability and ability to write in different moods.

“Heart of Mine”
One of his smooth, swagger-filled love songs. Good example of his softer side, with strong melodies.

“Miss Sun”
Bright, catchy, uplifting—good pick-me-up song, shows his phrasing and harmonies.

“What Can I Say”
Represents his thoughtful songwriting and is a staple on many of his “best of” collections.

“Loan Me a Dime”
One of his deeper blues-rooted numbers. Powerful, emotional, shows where his heart in music lies beyond mainstream hits.

Hear Boz Live!

Whether you’ve been spinning Silk Degrees since the ’70s or are just discovering Boz Scaggs’ signature sound, his live performances are where the music truly comes alive. Secure your seats now for an unforgettable evening of timeless hits and soulful storytelling, Friday, November 7 in Hill Auditorium!

Tickets start at just $30 (+ fees). $15-20 student tickets available.

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