The Great Rain Songs Challenge:

Getting Wet with Paul Combs

13 songs that each have something to do with rain

Writer Paul Combs, a music lover and all-around fine human being, recently created the following writing challenge:

Since I love music and also love rain (yes, I’m one of those weirdos) I happily took Paul up on his challenge.

Here are 13 songs I love that all have one thing or another to do with rain. Grab an umbrella and turn up the volume!

Singin’ In The Rain — Taco

I wasn’t aware of this song’s existence until earlier today when I found it as I was researching ‘rain songs’ for this article. This very fun cover of the classic “Singin’ In The Rain” appeared on the same album as Taco’s big hit “Puttin’ On The Ritz.”

Fool In The Rain — Led Zeppelin

I’m not a big fan of Zeppelin but I’ve always love this track.

Have You Ever Seen The Rain? — Bonnie Tyler

I love the original version of this by Creedence Clearwater Revival but I also love this fantastic cover by Bonnie Tyler, which was produced by the legendary Jim Steinman.

Raining In Baltimore — Counting Crows

A hauntingly beautiful song from Counting Crows’ WONDERFUL debut album August And Everything After.

Stormy Weather — Jeff Lynne

Jeff Lynne is best known from his works with Electric Light Orchestra and The Traveling Wilburs but he’s also released some solo albums over the years.

This cover of the classic “Stormy Weather” came from Lynne’s outstanding (seriously, I love it!) album Armchair Theatre from 1990. The wonderful electric slide guitar work heard on this song was performed by George Harrison.

Rhythm of The Rain — Dan Fogelberg

The original version of this song was recorded by The Cascades in 1962. There have been several covers of it since then but my favorite is this one from 1990 by Dan Fogelberg. He even works in a little bit of “Rain” by The Beatles at the very end of it. I’m sure my friend Alex Markham would approve of that part.

No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) — Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer

Rain is just a small part of the slow section of this song —right before Donna and Barbra put on their boogie shoes and the song transforms into a groovin’ and awesome disco classic!

Lady Rain — Daryl Hall and John Oates

Daryl and John traded off the lead vocals on this great mellow, yet still rocking, song from their incredible album Abandoned Luncheonette from 1973.

I Wish It Would Rain Down — Phil Collins

One of my favorites by Phil Collins. In addition to his great performance here, the song also features wonderful lead guitar playing by Eric Clapton.

It’s Raining Again — Supertramp

One of my favorite songs by Supertramp. I once read an interview with its songwriter Roger Hodgson (who also performed the lead vocals on it) in which he rated “It’s Raining Again” as one of the top 10 songs he ever wrote.

I Love A Rainy Night — Eddie Rabbit

My wife loves this song and suggested I include it here. Since I LOVE both her and the song, I was very happy to follow that suggestion.

Walk Between Raindrops — Donald Fagen

An incredibly happy-sounding song from the Steely Dan member’s first solo album, The Nightfly. It’s impossible for me to not feel happy when this song plays.

I Made It Through The Rain — Barry Manilow

Who can easily make it through the above dozen songs about rain? Barry Manilow — that’s who!

Here’s the playlist I made for this article — which features 16 additional songs to the 13 I mentioned above.