The 30 Best Classic Rock Songs of All Time

The classic rock genre is one of the most popular genres of all time. It’s a genre that has stood the test of time and continues to be popular today. With new bands emerging all the time, it’s hard to keep track of the best classic rock songs.

There are so many great classic rock songs out there, it’s hard to narrow it down to just 30. From Led Zeppelin to The Rolling Stones, these are the classic rock songs that remained popular over the years.

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

Who wouldn’t love this song? It’s one of the most popular classic rock songs of all time. “Bohemian Rhapsody” was released in 1975 and quickly rose to the top of the charts. The song is a six-minute epic that covers a wide range of emotions. It remains one of Queen’s most popular songs and is a staple of classic rock.

2. “Under Pressure” by Queen & David Bowie

The next song is another Queen classic. This time, they teamed up with David Bowie to create “Under Pressure.” The song was released in 1981 and is also one of their biggest hits. The song is full of energy and is a great listen for classic rock genre fans.

3. “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” is a quintessential classic rock song. The opening riff is one of the most recognizable in all of rock music. The song perfectly encapsulates the wild and psychedelic spirit of classic rock. It was released in 1967 as a single which can still be streamed on all music platforms today.

4. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley

“Hound Dog” was originally sung by Big Mama Thornton in 1953. It was popularized by Elvis Presley in 1956 and has since become one of the most covered songs of all time. The song is a perfect example of the early rock and roll sound that defined a generation.

5. “Roadhouse Blues” by The Doors

Another classic that has made it on many a road trip playlist is “Roadhouse Blues” by The Doors. They always had a way of making their music feel larger than life, and this song is no exception. With its propulsive groove and jazzy horns, “Roadhouse Blues” will get you moving in your seat, no matter how tired you may be.

6. “Starman” by David Bowie

David Bowie is a renowned chameleon, but one constant throughout his many personas is his impeccable songwriting. “Starman” is a perfect example of this, as it’s a timeless classic that has influenced countless artists. It was released in 1972 as a single.

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

This next song will get you grooving and singing along to its chorus. “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” is a raucous ode to the power of rock music, and it remains one of Joan Jett’s most popular songs. It was released in 1975 and quickly rose to the top of the charts, and was even inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame!

8. “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads

“Once in a Lifetime” is a new wave classic by Talking Heads. It’s a song about how we often take life. This was released in 1981 as part of the “Remain in Light” album. It became one of the band’s most popular songs, and was even featured in the concert film “Stop Making Sense.”

9. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath

Next on the list is “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath. This song was released in 1970 on the band’s second studio album, “Paranoid”. This track helped Black Sabbath win a Grammy for Best Metal Performance. It can still be streamed on all music platforms out there.

10. “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin is known for being one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time. “Immigrant Song” is from their third studio album, “Led Zeppelin III”, which was released in 1970. It has been described as “one of the most electrifying and heaviest tracks” from the band. Various artists have covered this song, including Karen O and Demons & Wizards.

11. “Spinning Wheel” by Blood, Sweat & Tears

“Spinning Wheel” is a song by Blood, Sweat & Tears. It was released in 1969 on their self-titled debut album. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement.

12. “Fell in Love With a Girl” by The White Stripes

The next song on this list is “Fell in Love With a Girl” by The White Stripes. This song was released in 2001 on their album, “White Blood Cells”. With its simple guitar riff and drumbeat, this song became the band’s most successful release winning various awards and topping charts worldwide.

13. “Blitzkrieg Bop” by The Ramones

If you’re a fan of punk rock, then you’ll definitely know this next song. “Blitzkrieg Bop” is by The Ramones and it was released in 1976 on their debut album, “Ramones”. This song is one of the most influential punk rock songs of all time and it’s credited with helping to start the punk rock movement. It was recognized by VH1 as the 25th greatest hard rock song in history.

14. “Barracuda” by Heart

The next song is a classic rock staple performed by the band, Heart. “Barracuda” was released in 1977 on their album, “Little Queen”. The song became controversial as one of the members revealed that the track is meant for their frustration with Mushroom Records for spreading malicious rumors about them. Despite the controversy, the song went on to be a huge success for the band.

15. “Hotel California” by Eagles

You probably have heard this next song a million times but it’s impossible to forget. “Hotel California” by the Eagles is one of the most iconic classic rock songs of all time. It was released in 1977 on their album of the same name. This remains one of the Eagles’ most popular songs and it has been covered by many artists over the years.

16. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by Rolling Stones

Rolling Stones is one of the most iconic classic rock bands and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is one of their greatest hits. It was released in 1968. You can definitely hear the blues influence in this song. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

17. “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks

Next on the list is “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks. This song was released in 1964 as a single. The song is about a young man who is infatuated with a girl who doesn’t seem to notice him. It has been covered by many artists over the years.

18. “Rockin’ In The Free World” by Neil Young

Neil Young’s “Rockin’ In The Free World” is a song that was released in 1989 as part of his album “Freedom”. The song is an anthemic call for change, with Young calling out various social and political ills plaguing the world at the time. It remains one of his most popular songs to date.

19. “Freebird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Freebird” is a song by Lynyrd Skynyrd that was released in 1974 as part of their debut album, “(Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)”. It has become one of the most iconic songs in classic rock history and is often played at sporting events.

20. “La Grange” by ZZ Top

This next song is “La Grange” by ZZ Top. The song was released in 1973 as part of their album “Tres Hombres”. “La Grange” is a tribute to the famous brothel in Texas that was frequented by the band members. The song is a driving, bluesy track that is one of the band’s most well-known songs.

21. “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi

Another Bon Jovi anthem, “Wanted Dead or Alive” is off of their 1987 album “Slippery When Wet”. The song is about the life of a touring musician, and how they are always on the move and never really have a home. It peaked on the Billboard charts at #7 and has a remarkable guitar solo from Richie Sambora.

22. “My Sharona” by The Knack

This next song is a bit of an earworm. “My Sharona” was The Knack’s only big hit, but it was a huge one. It topped the Billboard charts for 6 weeks in 1979 and is one of the most iconic songs of the ’70s. The guitar riff is unforgettable!

23. “Rebel Girl” by Bikini Kill

“Rebel Girl” is a song by the riot girl band, Bikini Kill. It’s a feminist anthem about how girls can be just as tough as boys, and it has been covered by several artists over the years. This version is the original, and it’s sure to get you pumped up! It also became part of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

24. “Charity Ball” by Fanny

Next on the list is “Charity Ball” by the all-female band, Fanny. This song is a little different than the others on this list, as it’s a slow ballad about a woman who has been scorned by her lover. Despite the heartbreak, she still has high hopes for love and charity. It was released in 1971 as part of the album of the same title.

25. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard

Def Leppard definitely knows how to write a catchy rock song, and “Pour Some Sugar on Me” is no exception. It’s a fun song that was released in 1987. You can still stream it on all music platforms out there.

26. “London Calling” by The Clash

The next song on this list is “London Calling” by The Clash. This song is a punk classic, and it’s about paranoia and anxiety that was caused by the Cold War. It’s an iconic song of the late 70s, and it has been covered by several artists over the years.

27. “American Pie” by Don McLean

This next song is a breath of fresh air compared to the others on this list. “American Pie” is a folk ballad about the death of Buddy Holly, and the day the “music died”. It became such a huge hit and has topped multiple charts. This is still widely considered one of the best classic rock songs of all time.

28. “Locomotive Breath” by Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull is a progressive rock band that formed in the late 1960s. They are known for their unique sound, and “Locomotive Breath” is no exception. This song was released in 1971 as part of their “Aqualung” album. It’s considered to be one of their most popular songs and is still played on some radio stations today.

29. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin

The next song on this list is “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin. This song was released in 1969 and is one of the band’s most popular songs. It has been covered by many artists, and was even used in the movie “The Song Remains the Same”. It is a classic rock staple and is one of the best classic rock songs of all time.

30. “Me and Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin

Finishing the list is no other than the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll herself, Janis Joplin. “Me and Bobby McGee” was released in 1971, shortly after her untimely death. There’s no doubt that Janis Joplin is one of the most legendary and iconic figures in music history.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a baby boomer or a millennial, there’s no doubt that classic rock is one of the most timeless genres of music. While our tastes may change over time, and new bands come along to challenge the status quo, there will always be a special place in our hearts for those old-school rockers.

Brian Clark

Brian Clark

I’ve been a writer with Musician Wave for six years, turning my 17-year journey as a multi-instrumentalist and music producer into insightful news, tutorials, reviews, and features.

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