THE BEST ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME!

Artists, Music

As rock’n’roll’s cultural significance diminishes, the genre as a whole is swiftly transitioning into the realm of classic music—an antique, so to speak. However, when we mention “classic rock” at present, it evokes specific imagery: tie-dye-clad hippies, Fender Stratocaster guitars, bandanas, beards, and aviators. It refers to the music your parents enjoyed, which you likely spent a considerable portion of your youth resisting, only to eventually concede and acknowledge its awesomeness.

However, not all classic rock is created equal. Simply being from the ’60s or ’70s and receiving airplay does not guarantee that a song endures as an eternal favorite. In this regard, we have sifted through the extensive collection of rock antiquities to curate a list of the ultimate classic rock tracks—the ones that aspiring young guitarists will perpetually strive to learn, as long as guitars remain in existence.

Best classic rock songs of all time

1. Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix

One iconic classic rock track that stands out is “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix. This song features a riff that has achieved legendary status. As always, Hendrix operated on a different level, effortlessly combining elements of psychedelic rock and raw, passionate blues.

His performance exuded such charisma that it felt like he could simply take a moment to ascend to the heavens or accomplish any extraordinary feat at will. “Purple Haze” showcases Hendrix’s unmatched talent and unique musical vision.

2. Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is another classic rock masterpiece. Led Zeppelin attained legendary status and reshaped the musical landscape throughout the 1970s, defining the term “epic” in rock music. Their explosive compositions, blues-rock influences, fantastical lyrical themes inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, and powerful performances set them apart. “Whole Lotta Love,” featured on their second album, solidified Led Zeppelin as the next great force in rock music, serving as a bold statement for the band’s future endeavors.

The song showcases the band’s signature sound, from Jimmy Page’s driving guitar riffs to John Bonham’s thunderous drumming and Robert Plant’s soaring vocals. Led Zeppelin exudes confidence and swagger throughout the track. It takes listeners on a frenzied and exhilarating journey, only briefly slowing down in the middle to offer a momentary respite.

This pause allows listeners to catch their breath before the song launches back into its electrifying energy. “Whole Lotta Love” is a prime example of Led Zeppelin’s musical prowess and ability to captivate audiences with their dynamic and powerful performances.

THE MOST SAMPLED SONGS OF ALL TIME: DISCOVER ALL

3. Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones

Next on the list is “Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones. Choosing just one Stones song was an arduous task, as their catalog is brimming with classics.

However, “Sympathy for the Devil” encapsulates the Stones at their full power. The late Charlie Watts’s unexpected inclusion of hand drums, Keith Richards‘s perfectly imperfect guitar solo, and Mick Jagger’s feral yowls that escalate into provocative allure all contribute to the song’s essence.

While “Satisfaction” may be more iconic and “Start Me Up” more infectious, “Sympathy for the Devil” sees the Stones amalgamating all their musical elements flawlessly, showcasing their mastery.

4. Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie

The bassline of “Under Pressure,” released in 1981, is undeniably brilliant and was later borrowed by Vanilla Ice for his 1990 pop-rap hit “Ice Ice Baby,” which achieved global chart success. However, the bassline is just one element of the original song’s alchemy.

“Under Pressure” brings together two of rock’s greatest icons, Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, who deliver poignant and powerful vocals that speak to the immense pressure of modern life.

The song emerged from an impromptu jam session involving Bowie, Mercury, and Queen members Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon, resulting in an infectious looseness that cannot be replicated. Even today, “Under Pressure” remains a singular and incomparable musical composition, sounding unlike anything else.

5. Baba O’Riley by The Who

The massive riff in this song, possibly intended by guitarist Pete Townshend for his signature windmill-strumming technique, creates an unforgettable impact. As the guitar bursts in after the mechanical, synthesized opening, it stands as one of the most exhilarating moments in rock music history.

6. Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd

This epic track, featured on the band’s monumental 1979 album “The Wall,” encapsulates the essence of Pink Floyd.

With its swirling, psychedelic organs and a haunting narrative of drug-induced madness, the song takes the listener on a journey through multiple soaring solos by David Gilmour, all in search of some form of redemption amidst the haze. “Comfortably Numb” provides a moment of tranquility amidst the relentless storm of Floyd’s landmark double album.

DISCOVER WHAT IS ASMR MUSIC AND THE BEST ASMR SONGS PLAYLIST

7. I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Moving on, we have “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Joan Jett, a rock icon who has influenced artists like Miley Cyrus and the Riot grrrl movement of the ’90s, gained widespread recognition with this crunchy and infectious cover of a relatively obscure ’70s song by the British band the Arrows. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive seven weeks in 1982, solidifying Joan Jett’s love for rock ‘n’ roll and proving that rock ‘n’ roll loves her right back.

8. Funk #49 by the James Gang

And now, let’s talk about “Funk #49” by the James Gang. In this gritty and crunchy anthem, Joe Walsh showcases his mastery of guitar hooks, starting with the iconic intro lick and delivering the lyrics “I sleep all day, out all night”. The song maintains its energy from start to finish, exemplifying the raw power of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s no wonder that Walsh appeared somewhat bored while playing more subdued guitar parts with the Eagles.

9. The Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy

This iconic anthem is a perfect embodiment of the party spirit. It combines elements of leather-clad rock ‘n’ roll, the nostalgia of coin-operated jukeboxes, and a hint of barroom brawls, all topped off with infectious guitar melodies. It’s the kind of song that goes hand in hand with reuniting with old friends you haven’t seen since your teenage days, creating an instant atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.

10. Iron Man by Black Sabbath

With Ozzy Osbourne’s mostly nonsensical lyrics about a time-traveling revenge robot, the song takes off with purpose as Osbourne passionately delivers them over the original sludge metal track. The pounding kick drum and destructive riffage create a sonic experience that is designed to keep heads banging and devil horns pumping. “Iron Man” is a timeless classic that gets the job done, igniting the energy and enthusiasm of rock fans with its undeniable power.

What’s your favorite?

RECENT POSTS

HOW TO GET OVER A BREAKUP: SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU

To learn how to overcome a romantic breakup, you must keep in mind that although it is a difficult task to achieve, the truth is that you can always move forward. Human resilience will help you overcome any adversity. The breakup of a couple is a painful experience, an overwhelming situation that affects you physically, […]

BAD COUPLE TATTOOS: HORRIBLE BUT FUNNY!

Obtaining a tattoo on the body is a desire that nearly everyone wishes to accomplish in their lifetime. Making mistakes is a natural part of life, yet certain individuals have unfortunately selected ill-advised tattoos that come with lasting consequences. These couples have selected mismatched tattoos that won’t simply fade away within a week. Take a […]

ORBITING DATING, WHAT IS IT?

Just when you thought you were getting the hang of what ghosting was, or even the whole stalking thing, along comes another new term: orbiting. It seems like navigating relationships has become even trickier since social media stepped into the scene. New terms and behaviors keep popping up, ones we never had to deal with […]

DOES MARIJUANA HELP WITH STRESS, REAL OR MYTH?

If there’s one thing that marijuana reigns supreme for, it’s because it has always had an incredibly close relationship with stress. The medicinal benefits of cannabis are the solution to everything that stress can generate in our bodies. This leads us precisely to want to delve into cannabis and stress in this post and take […]

SPANNABIS BARCELONA 2024: THE MOST SPECIAL NEWS!

Being in Barcelona for the International Cannabis Awards and Spannabis Fair Week is like visiting the Holy Grail of the marijuana world. Thousands of enthusiasts descended upon the glorious ancient city of Barcelona on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, both as tourists and smokers, eager to immerse themselves in the sights and the smokes. Unfortunately, the […]

GREENWASHING: WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT?

Every day, people are becoming increasingly aware of their role in society and the need to protect and care for the environment. It’s a conscious and radical shift that allows no delays or hesitations. This has led some companies, whose economic activities affect the environment and health, to significantly reduce their consumption levels and therefore […]

WHY IS MY PHONE GETTING HOT? HOW TO AVOID IT

All phones can experience occasional heat buildup, which becomes problematic when it reaches a level that causes discomfort or triggers unusual behavior. Fortunately, there are simple measures you can take to prevent your phone from overheating. Why does my phone heat up? Typically, phone overheating occurs due to factors such as excessive usage, a stressed […]

TAKE YOUR ADRENALINE TO THE MAXIMUM WITH POWERBOCKING

Powerbocking, also referred to as “power-rizing,” “blade running,” and “jump stilting,” is a sport where athletes utilize specialized leg attachments called jumping stilts. These jumping stilts are curved in form and equipped with springs, enabling users to achieve remarkable heights when jumping. They are known to enhance an athlete’s performance across various activities, with claims […]

UNDERWATER MUSEUM: ART UNDERWATER IN CANCUN

If you love exploring the underwater world, this museum is for you. The Underwater Museum of Art (Museo Subacuático de Arte – MUSA) in Cancun, Mexico, is the perfect destination for all enthusiasts of the underwater world. This incredible underwater museum features a wide variety of artistic installations and sculptures designed for you to enjoy […]

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: A PLACE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Mount Rainier became a national park because people with different views worked together. They wanted to save its beautiful scenery from being lost forever. Over six years, several businessmen, scientists, educators, mountaineers, and environmentalists united to advocate before Congress to protect Mount Rainier as a national park. Their hard work paid off when President McKinley […]

ROCKVILLE FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP, ARTISTS, AND MORE

In the vibrant realm of music, Welcome to Rockville has arisen as a beacon for rock and metal enthusiasts. This festival, which had its humble beginnings in Jacksonville, has evolved dramatically, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. In this editorial journey, we will delve into the history of Welcome to Rockville, from its […]

DEADPOOL 3: THE FAVORITE ANTI-HERO RETURNS

The buzz surrounding the film is undeniable, and with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman returning as one of the most beloved X-Men, Wolverine, many rumors suggest that Deadpool 3 has every chance of becoming the biggest event in the Spider-Man Multiverse. Especially since it will be the only confirmed Marvel Studios film for 2024! What […]

WHAT IS BLACKWORK TATTOO?

Blackwork tattooing is a style that relies exclusively on black ink, favored by many tattoo artists who prioritize its use over other colors. Currently, there’s a significant demand for this style, reflecting its popularity among both artists and clients! Executing blackwork tattoos poses a challenge due to its versatility, encompassing various techniques and design approaches. […]

OSCARS 2024: THE WINNERS OF THE 96TH EDITION

The Oscars might not be breaking any viewership records in recent years. The numbers are dropping, and the competition is getting tougher. Audiences are tuning into streaming platforms or exploring other forms of entertainment like video games, the new big thing in the leisure industry. The Oscars persist and will continue to be a spectacle […]

CANNABIS CAKE: SPACE CAKE RECIPE

Space cakes truly live up to their name. It’s like having your favorite cake but with a magical touch of herb! Almost every coffee shop in Amsterdam has some type of space cake on their menu, and more people are daring to try them to experience a discreet and delicious edible high. The good news […]