Call of the Wild cover

Call of the Wild

Ted Nugent · 1974

38 min · 8 tracks · hard rock

A raw blend of electrifying guitar riffs and gritty vocals that epitomizes the hard rock spirit of the early '70s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Call of the Wild Start here — The title track encapsulates Nugent's signature sound, showcasing fierce guitar work paired with lyrics that celebrate freedom and adventure.
  • →
    Sweet Revenge — This track combines catchy hooks with a driving rhythm, highlighting Nugent's ability to blend lyrical narrative with powerful instrumentation.
  • →
    Renegade — With its rebellious spirit and strong melody, Renegade reflects the defiant attitude that defines much of Nugent's music and persona.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong guitar work and energetic performances, typical of its hard rock genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a driving rhythm and prominent guitar solos, setting an energetic tone.
  • Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with Nugent's vocals often layered over aggressive guitar riffs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo groove
  • rebellious spirit and energy
  • gritty anthems for road trips
  • raw guitar riffs throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced tracks
  • seek soft, mellow sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Nugent's status in hard rock after his successful debut.
Career context
Released in 1974, Call of the Wild was Ted Nugent's follow-up to his successful album, Tooth Fang & Claw. At this point in his career, Nugent was solidifying his status as a leading figure in hard rock, known for his energetic performances and distinctive guitar work. This album marked a period of increased visibility for Nugent as he began to carve out a niche that combined rock with his passionate advocacy for hunting and nature.
Stylistic neighbors
Aerosmith· Alice Cooper· Kiss

Tracklist

  • 1 Call of the Wild Start here 4:46
  • 2 Sweet Revenge 4:03
  • 3 Pony Express 5:18
  • 4 Ain’t It the Truth 4:54
  • 5 Renegade 3:34
  • 6 Rot Gut 2:42
  • 7 Below the Belt 7:02
  • 8 Cannon Balls 5:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata