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The first internationally successful rock band from the Republic of Ireland, Thin Lizzy were a stylish vehicle for charismatic mixed-race front man Phil Lynott, who died in 1986. Combining his vocal talent as the first full-on ladies' man of metal with 1970s harmony lead-guitar squiggles, Lynott's Lizzy were a fun alternative to the mighty - and awfully serious - Led Zeppelin. Their tunes have, in many cases, weathered better.
1 Whiskey in the Jar Lizzy's first hit: traditional folk with a seductively Oirish rock vocal attached.
2 Jailbreak As bad as a comic-strip cartoon, with a riff that's twice as catchy.
3 The Boys Are Back in Town The triumphantly macho anthem that made Lynott's name and Lizzy's reputation as the boy band of hard rock.
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4 Romeo and the Lonely Girl Melodiously clarifying the point that Lizzy were more about available females than dysfunctional males.
5 Don't Believe a Word "Especially if I tell you, 'I'm in love with you.'" Don't say he never warned you.
6 Fool's Gold A nonsensical narrative, delivered in that sexy brogue, with a fabulous widdly guitar coda.
7 MassacreLater covered by Iron Maiden, this song inspired the new wave of British heavy metal .. .
8 Dancing in the Moonlight . .. whereas this was the tune that confirmed Lynott as a retooled crooner with big hair and a bass guitar.
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9 Bad Reputation Surfing on his own myth: one of Lynott's last stands as the amorous outlaw.
10 Waiting for an Alibi The loudest - and last - of the classic Lizzy lineups, with Gary Moore on guitar and lover boy Lynott running out of excuses.