Highway Wolf Reimagines A Rock Classic With The Release Of “Reelin’ In The Years” Out Now
San Francisco, CA | July 10, 2026 — Highway Wolf is putting its own California spin on a rock staple with the release of “Reelin’ In The Years,” available everywhere today. Trading the sharp edges of Steely Dan's 1972 classic for a laid-back reggae groove, the San Francisco project transforms a song rooted in bitterness and frustration into something equally reflective, soulful, and undeniably their own.
While the original remains beloved for its unforgettable guitar work and razor-sharp observations about a failed relationship, Highway Wolf approaches the song from a different angle. By easing back the tempo and settling into a relaxed rhythm, the band creates space for the emotions beneath the lyrics to last a little longer.
Artwork by Josh Clark
For frontman Mick Hellman, the song's appeal has always been tied to its portrayal of lingering resentment.
“‘Reelin’ In The Years’ stands out for those bitter, frustrated lyrics and gives voice to those thoughts that a jilted lover should let go of but just can't,” says Hellman. “Which is like scratching poison ivy. It hurts so good, but it's definitely not good for you! And that guitar solo by Elliott Randall never gets old. Check out Tal's solo on our version!”
That guitar solo is a standout moment of Highway Wolf's interpretation. Tal Morris begins on acoustic guitar before switching to electric, using the instrument to convey the song's emotional tension without a word. As the arrangement unfolds, Tal Morris returns with a second, increasingly impassioned solo supported by soaring saxophone and trumpet lines, creating a musical conversation that mirrors the resentment and unresolved feelings of the song.
The result is a version of “Reelin’ In The Years” that honors the spirit of the original while carving out its own identity. Showing resigned annoyance, Highway Wolf's interpretation invites listeners to experience a familiar song through a different lens, proving that some stories of heartbreak still resonate decades later.
“Reelin’ In The Years” is available on all streaming platforms now. Listen Now.
Highway Wolf is a unique musical project led by Mick Hellman, Amber Morris, and Tal Morris, who create a sonic experience through this collection of reimagined classics. Highway Wolf takes us on a transformational journey, relatable to anyone who has been challenged by The Call and all that comes with answering The Call. The songs are of the human experience, and through the howling and longing of the Highway Wolf, we come to understand these stories through another lens.