Top 10 Best American Dad Songs
#10: “Good Morning U.S.A.”
Various
If you couldn’t already tell, Seth MacFarlane loves a great musical number. While the “Family Guy” intro may be his magnum opus, “Good Morning U.S.A.” is no slouch. It makes use of MacFarlane’s operatic singing voice and a catchy melody, both serving as a punchy opening for the animated sitcom. It’s brief but memorable, and it’s effectively exemplary of Stan’s patriotic and uncompromising character. Not only does the anthemic sound prepare you for a hilarious twenty minutes of television, but the accompanying animation changes slightly for each episode. This allows for a boatload of refreshing jokes, including the various newspaper headlines. The slammin’ orchestral accompaniment is as over-exaggerated as the show’s humor, and the combination lets you know exactly what you’re in for.
#9: “Reginald the Koala”
“Family Affair”
In a show full of bizarre characters, Reginald stands out as one of the strangest. In his first appearance, he’s accompanied by a theme song explaining how he ended up in his predicament. Previously a homeless man, the CIA tricked him into switching brains with a koala, becoming an agent who uses his cuteness to infiltrate various agencies. Reginald would later become a prominent supporting cast member, and this catchy song likely didn’t hurt the adorable marsupial’s popularity among fans. The song would also become a central part of both the character’s brand and charm.
#8: “El Perro”
“Roy Rogers McFreely”
This song accompanies a scene wherein Greg, Terry, and Stan chase Roger through their neighborhood. It may seem mismatched, but feels appropriately weird enough for the show. It’s entirely in Spanish, with most of the lyrics translating to nothing but nonsense and boastful lyrics about its fictional singer, Cilantro. Some of the translations include “The dog is my heart,” “the cat is obscene,” and “Cilantro is the man with the cheese of the devil.” We couldn’t make stuff like this up, but that’s why we aren’t lyricists for “American Dad!”
#7: “When I Was His Alien”
“A.T. The Abusive Terrestrial”
Remember Jessie’s song from “Toy Story 2” that more than likely had you in tears? Leave it to “American Dad” to create a parody that will leave you in stitches instead. As Roger laments Steve’s lack of interest in him, a series of equally hilarious visual gags from their past relationship play, and it seems like his memories may be tinted by nostalgia glasses. It recreates several moments from “When She Loved Me,” but puts a comedic spin on them. After a rare display of vulnerability, however, Roger finds that he has the perfect solution to his sadness.
#6: “You Get the Rod”
“Minstrel Krampus”
When Steve’s naughty attitude catches the attention of Krampus, a European mythical demon, it’s his responsibility to set the bad boy straight. The anti-Santa sings a soulful refrain all about the pain and punishment that comes to boys who misbehave around the holidays. Danny Glover provides the speaking voice of Krampus, while the late R&B singer Charles Bradley takes over for the singing. This allows the series to utilize its most musically talented voice yet, without sacrificing any of the comedy in the process. (xref) The episode also features a duet between him and Steve, but allows the mythical character to take over results in a memorable and epic number.
#5: “We’re Red and We’re Gay”
“Lincoln Lover”
When Stan fails to understand how Log Cabin Republicans can be both gay and conservative, the men clear it up with this uproariously campy number. Pairing quips about gay stereotypes with Republican stereotypes, it becomes an absurd satire while still displaying the show’s love of extravagant set pieces. It also gets bonus points for showcasing the Smiths’ underutilized neighbor, Greg, as well as Seth MacFarlane’s always-welcome singing voice. Fingers crossed the Log Cabin Republicans haven’t made their last appearance on the show.
#4: “Is She Not Hot Enough?”
“Rubberneckers”
Steve’s singing voice has always been the series’ secret weapon, and it’s always a pleasant surprise when we’re treated to it. Heartbroken that his dad has been paying attention to other women, he channels Usher to deliver this R&B ode to his mother. As disturbing as it gets, it’s true to Steve’s mama’s boy persona, and his vocal inflection and commitment are impressively evocative of the type of music it’s parodying. The cherry on top is the ridiculous body that’s animated onto him as he describes his mom’s hotness.
#3: “Girl, You Need a Shot (Of B12 (Boyz 12))”
“Can I Be Frank with You?”
The cringe-worthy songs of teenage boy bands make for some great comedic fodder. Here, Steve, Snot, Barry and Toshi join eight others to form Boyz 12 and drop their debut music video. From hilarious to hilariously bad, the lyrics are hysterical and ruthlessly poke fun at both old and recent boy band trends. The video is a random amalgamation of scenes that could believably be in a music video like this. Though it’s one of the funniest songs produced by the show, we have to admit that the chorus is damn catchy.
#2: “Daddy’s Gone”
“Hot Water”
The musical episode “Hot Water,” guest starring CeeLo Green as an evil hot tub, could have populated half the list, with songs like “Dip a Toe,” “Do Whatever You Like,” and “Hot Tub of Love” (xref) all under serious consideration for ranking. However, Steve and Roger’s sublime duet topped the rest. The inexplicable abs return as the two lament losing Stan to the hot tub in a melodramatic '90s pop throwback. Scott Grimes’ far-too-serious vocals fit the song perfectly to make it both impressive and funny. This episode was intended to serve as a potential series finale, which would have made this Steve and Roger’s final scene ever.
Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
“Worst Place in the World”
“Stan of Arabia: Part 2”
“Trapped in the Locker”
“Criss-Cross Applesauce: The Ballad of Billy Jesusworth”
#1: “Ollie North”
“Stanny Slickers II: The Legend of Ollie's Gold”
The creativity and political commentary of this brilliant series is on full display in “Ollie North.” In a parody of the style of “Schoolhouse Rock,” it takes the Iran-Contra affair and puts it through the somewhat delusional lens of Stan’s blind political affiliations. Stan’s love for Reagan and his ignorance of a morally murky situation epitomize his essential character traits . . . while also exhibiting his major charm. Equal parts entertaining and enlightening, this song proves that, though “American Dad!” can nail being silly and lowbrow, it can also be incredibly intelligent.
