What makes Reach Up and Touch the Sky by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes notable?

'Reach Up and Touch the Sky' achieved notable success, with its title track becoming a staple in live performances and receiving airplay across multiple stations. The album is credited with maintaining the unique blend of rock and soul that characterized the Asbury Jukes' sound, influencing a generation of artists in the burgeoning Americana movement. When 'Reach Up and Touch the Sky' was released in 1981, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes were gaining momentum following their breakthrough album, 'Hearts of Stone' (1978). This album marked their continued exploration of the heartland rock sound, showcasing Johnny's signature vocal style and solidifying his place within the Jersey Shore music scene alongside contemporaries like Bruce Springsteen.

Who is Reach Up and Touch the Sky for?

Reach Up and Touch the Sky works well if you're into infectious grooves for dancing, heartfelt storytelling with energy and celebratory vibes for gatherings.

How many songs are on Reach Up and Touch the Sky?

Reach Up and Touch the Sky has 17 tracks, running approximately 76 minutes.

Reach Up and Touch the Sky

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes

76 min · 17 tracks · rock music

A vibrant blend of rock and soul, echoing the energy of the Jersey Shore with heartfelt storytelling and infectious grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hearts of Stone — This track serves as a poignant reflection on love and loss, featuring evocative lyrics paired with soulful instrumentation that captures the essence of the album.
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I Don’t Want to Go Home — This song is an anthem of longing and escape, showcasing Johnny's powerful vocals over a driving rhythm that encapsulates the band's energetic spirit.
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The Fever — With its bluesy undertones and passionate delivery, this track highlights Johnny's ability to convey deep emotion through music, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Sam Cooke (medley) — This medley pays homage to one of Johnny's influences, seamlessly blending classic songs into a tribute that showcases both his appreciation for soul music and his versatility as an artist.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

infectious grooves for dancing
heartfelt storytelling with energy
celebratory vibes for gatherings
soulful melodies for sing-alongs
dynamic medleys for engaging listens

Maybe skip if you

slow-paced reflective listening
minimalist soundscapes preferred

Where this album fits

Career context: When 'Reach Up and Touch the Sky' was released in 1981, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes were gaining momentum following their breakthrough album, 'Hearts of Stone' (1978). This album marked their continued exploration of the heartland rock sound, showcasing Johnny's signature vocal style and solidifying his place within the Jersey Shore music scene alongside contemporaries like Bruce Springsteen.
Stylistic neighbors: Bruce Springsteen· Joe Cocker· The Band

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 I’m So Anxious 3:09
2 Talk to Me 6:04
3 All I Want Is Everything 3:24
4 Hearts of Stone 4:29
5 Take It Easy 0:47
6 Trapped Again 5:15
7 Why Is Love Such a Sacrifice 6:34
8 Restless Heart 3:43
9 Vertigo 4:06
10 I Don’t Want to Go Home 3:48
11 The Fever 7:08
12 Stagger Lee 8:19
13 Sam Cooke (medley): Only Sixteen / (What a) Wonderful World / You Send Me / A Change Is Gonna Come 4:16
14 Bring It on Home 3:26
15 Having a Party 6:01
16 Back in the U.S.A. 4:44
17 Having a Party / Roll Out the Barrel 1:25

What to play next

Listen next

Havin’ a Party with Southside Johnny

1979

Full Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes discography Artists like Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes

Jersey Shore sound heartland rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata