Get ready to crank up the volume and rock out! We're counting down the ultimate guitar riffs, legendary vocals, and unforgettable anthems that defined generations. From psychedelic masterpieces to hard-hitting classics, these tracks shaped rock history and continue to inspire musicians today. Which iconic song tops our list?
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00:00Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the best, most important, and or most unforgettable rock tracks ever.
00:16Number 30. London Calling. The Clash. After pursuing punk rock for several years, The Clash expanded their horizons on London Calling. The title song is one of their finest anthems. It brings together many of their political and social themes into one striking track.
00:46Joe Strummer leads the charge with his vocals, with the frontman accompanied by some driving guitars. Musically, the group generates a strong sound for both punk and rock fans to enjoy.
01:02The apocalyptic story buzzes through your speakers with an urgent tone. With this exciting track, the band evolved their sound and capitalized on their earlier career.
01:16Number 29. Red Rain. Peter Gabriel. With his fifth solo record, Peter Gabriel achieved one of his biggest successes.
01:27The album So garnered attention for hits like In Your Eyes and Red Rain. With a thundering intro, the latter track features some awesome percussion.
01:35Gabriel's songwriting paints a beautiful picture while rocking the house. Starting with the title, the singer's evocative imagery only adds to the overall production.
01:51His smooth vocals do justice to a stunning piece of music.
01:54He and co-producer Daniel Lanois craft a cinematic track, giving audiences a richly textured vision.
02:08It's also another reason to explore the album beyond hits like Sledgehammer.
02:11The opening riff immediately sets the tone, prepping listeners for a rock adventure.
02:28Derek and the Dominoes might have been a one-off band, but this record sums up their genius.
02:32Eric Clapton takes the vocal and offers a masterclass on lead guitar.
02:36His work in the first section might even be a career best.
02:47Once the unorthodox love story ends, a piano coda takes you away on a melancholic ride.
02:53With Dwayne Allman's slide guitar, the dreamy conclusion achieves what few rock instrumentals ever could.
02:58You got me on my knees!
03:03I'm thinking, darling, please!
03:04The haunting music even inspired the likes of Martin Scorsese for his film, Goodfellas.
03:16Number 27. All the Young Dudes, Mott the Hoople.
03:20This band is perhaps best remembered for this masterpiece.
03:23Written by David Bowie, the song was recorded for their fifth album of the same name.
03:28It's a definitive classic of the 1970s rock scene.
03:31And when he's getting close to Martin Scorsese, and Freddie's got sparks for gripping up the stars.
03:38Singer Ian Hunter gives some of his coolest vocals, doing Bowie's lyrics justice with his performance.
03:44Mott the Hoople more than earned the chance to play this song.
03:46In some cases, people might not even realize the identity of the author.
03:51Order your dudes!
03:52I wanna hear ya!
03:54Carry the dudes!
03:55I wanna see you!
03:57The group gives a rocking effort that captures the highest highs of glam.
04:02Influencing a number of acts, Hoople's version could be called a mainstay for a generation of musicians and music fans.
04:09I want it right here!
04:11Bring it, come on!
04:13Bring it!
04:14Number 26. Paranoid, Black Sabbath.
04:18Whether or not they invented heavy metal, Black Sabbath clearly had a hand in shaping the rock subgenre.
04:25They were also one of the most merciless acts of their time.
04:28Their second album featured the furious song Paranoid.
04:37Tony Iommi's opening guitar riffs might have created a thousand imitators, with metalheads hoping to sound half as good.
04:43Sabbath also had bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward to kick things up a notch.
04:55Rounding out the four-piece, Ozzy Osbourne's earth-shattering voice sealed the deal.
05:00It's a legendary track that set a course for heavier and scarier sounds in rock.
05:04I need someone to show me the things in your life that I can find
05:10Number 25. Land of Confusion.
05:13Genesis.
05:14Through many incarnations, Genesis made sure they didn't fall under one label.
05:19The band entered the 1980s with a more rock and pop-focused sound.
05:29They also managed to create this track full of great lyrics and instrumentation.
05:33Phil Collins delivers his vocals with sheer force, building out his criticisms of politicians and beyond.
05:40Land of Confusion showed that a group could redefine themselves over a decade into a legendary career.
05:53It also revealed that they could write a much harder rock song than anyone could have guessed.
05:58Collins and his bandmates find a way to shock the audience's senses.
06:09Number 24. Back in Black. AC, DC.
06:13The Australian band conquered the rock genre in the 1970s, but they kept growing in the 1980s.
06:18They lost Bon Scott, but they also found a new talent with Brian Johnson.
06:22Back in Black helps introduce another frontman with other-worldly vocals.
06:33With the Young Brothers bringing their A-game, the guitar parts hit you right in the chest.
06:38The track gives the group one of their signature pieces.
06:41From an awesome album, this title song showed that AC, DC was only getting started in a different decade.
06:46The bandmates come together for a rip-roaring good time.
06:57It's one that you want to play loud, with the instruments giving listeners a huge boost of energy.
07:02Number 23. Panama, Van Halen.
07:12Lighting up the hard rock scene, Van Halen occupies an important space between the 1970s and 1980s.
07:18They also have a ton of recognizable hits like Panama.
07:27As the highlight of every tune, Eddie Van Halen reminds listeners of his artistry throughout the track.
07:32The guitarist lights up the songwriting with his signature licks.
07:42Not to be outdone, David Lee Roth also reminds you why he's an unforgettable frontman.
07:47Add in some cool backing vocals and you have a recipe for rock success.
07:51You also get to hear Alex Van Halen's drums and Michael Anthony's bass,
07:56with the others filling out a killer rhythm section.
07:58Number 22. My Hero, Foo Fighters.
08:09In over two decades of solid work, Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters have created their fair share of rock staples.
08:16Their second album, The Color and the Shape, includes the memorable single My Hero.
08:19It's the kind of song that pays tribute to heroic people and gives you an uplifting feeling.
08:31Underneath it all, the production is complete with some heavy-hitting drum parts.
08:35There's also the intense growl of Grohl at the forefront.
08:38The sharp vocals and music make for one of the band's signature songs.
08:49You also hear an impressive bridge, building up to a dramatic drum roll that you will not forget.
08:55Number 21. Freebird, Lynyrd Skynyrd.
09:04These southern rockers have a style all their own, with many hits from the 1970s.
09:09Freebird might be their most enduring effort.
09:12While it became a joke to call it out, the track itself is anything but a cliché.
09:16Cause I'm as free as a bird now.
09:24Lynyrd Skynyrd created what might be one of the perfect closers in rock history.
09:29Ronnie Van Zandt guides listeners through some introspective lyrics, setting up the end jam.
09:34The latter part is a mix of multiple guitars rocking out.
09:37Skynyrd's original lineup set a high standard with their recording, but the newer members carried on the legacy.
09:50It's a defining tune for a musical act known for their spirited work.
10:01Number 20. I Want You To Want Me, Cheap Trick.
10:04Through the art of power pop, Cheap Trick created some of the catchiest rock tunes of the 1970s and 1980s.
10:11Rick Nielsen plays lively guitar riffs and Bunny Carlos lays down smooth drum tracks.
10:23I Want You To Want Me almost feels like a rock standard at this point.
10:27Using Nielsen's songwriting, singer Robin Zander and bassist Tom Peterson add to the entertaining sound.
10:34It's also a sincere and clever way to prove a point about love.
10:43From the introduction to the musical climax, this single grabs you by the lapels and doesn't let go.
10:49Number 19. Rockin' in the Free World, Neil Young.
11:01After working with various bands, Neil Young set out on a fruitful solo career.
11:05The 1980s allowed him to go even further with his rock roots.
11:09Rockin' in the Free World showed that Young hadn't lost his youthful spirit either.
11:13It's something of a call to action that just about everyone can enjoy.
11:24The lyrics push people to consider their surroundings and be true to themselves.
11:27Now she puts the kid away, she's gonna get a hit.
11:31She hates her life and what she's gonna do.
11:34With a strong political voice, the vocalist gives one of his strongest performances ever.
11:39The singer managed to do so much with just a handful of chords and an important message.
11:44Keep on a rockin' in the Free World.
11:50Number 18. Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac.
11:53Writer Lindsey Buckingham outdid himself with this masterful track.
11:57As part of Fleetwood Mac, he released one of the most meaningful breakup songs of the 1970s.
12:09Off of the album Rumors, Buckingham charts a course for moving on and starting something new.
12:14Not even the band's internal drama could prevent this from being a work of art.
12:18There are some compelling verses leading up to a cathartic chorus.
12:22Along the way, there's even a solo from the underrated guitarist.
12:27It has all the ingredients of a song that's both of its era and timeless.
12:37With the evocative story, this single stands out among the group's finest efforts.
12:41This might be considered an easy riff, but it's also become part of music history.
12:56It's one of the essential parts every guitarist should learn when they're starting out.
12:59Other than the great instrumental, this entertaining track also features an iconic story.
13:12The lyrics describe a real incident that happened at a Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention concert.
13:17Since the smoke is literal, the gritty details become all the more memorable.
13:21You also get to hear Ian Gillen's remarkable vocals.
13:31Reading like a tense drama, this foundational single feels like the essence of classic rock.
13:37On one of his most important records, Bruce Springsteen created one of his most beloved works.
13:53Born to Run includes all of the boss's signature themes and musical abilities.
13:56There are so many elements packed into this number, and each one feels better than the next.
14:09You have the mighty saxophone of Clarence Clemens, as well as the rhythmic drums of Ernest Carter.
14:14The lyrics make you want to get up, get out, and run to your next goal.
14:25Springsteen is on fire here, as both a musician and a poet for The Ordinary Man.
14:37Number 15, Dream On, Aerosmith.
14:40It's hard to believe that Aerosmith released this song on their first album.
14:45Even in the early 70s, Stephen Tyler had a voice to rival anyone in rock.
14:49He and his bandmates perform a ballad that hasn't lost any of its power.
15:01It seems way ahead of its time in terms of production, writing, and stellar performances.
15:06The band was just getting started, but they were already wise beyond their years.
15:17This is the kind of song to inspire even the most downtrodden listener.
15:21Dream On is a profound and motivational speech set to fantastic music.
15:25Sing a rhythm, it's just for us to do.
15:28Maybe tomorrow, the good of us to take it away.
15:33Number 14, Hotel California, Eagles.
15:36When you think of the Eagles, you might first consider the title track of Hotel California.
15:41It could arguably be their magnum opus.
15:44In a more rock-focused direction, the band puts sweet guitar licks at the forefront.
15:54Don Henley's vocals tell the story of a mysterious place with imaginative details.
15:58In between Colorful Words, you get to hear the dynamic guitars of Don Felder and Joe Walsh.
16:12Their extended solos could be their own separate song.
16:16While the band was known for their internal feuds,
16:18This track represented what they could achieve in between the fights.
16:29Number 13, Black, Pearl Jam.
16:32Without a doubt, 10 is one of the more outstanding debuts of the 1990s.
16:37The album includes singles such as Even Flow and deeper cuts like Black.
16:41With some of the group's best playing,
16:43the latter tune features all the highs of their biggest hits.
16:46Eddie Vedder's voice serenades the audience in a moody mix of heartache and nostalgia.
16:50Combining their strings, Stone Gossard, Jeff Amant, and Mike McCready strike a perfect balance.
17:08The bandmates bring together a song that's much deeper than any grunge cliches.
17:13In a vulnerable performance, Pearl Jam uses every wail and guitar stroke to find their emotional core.
17:20At the dawn of rock and roll, Elvis Presley came ready to perform.
17:32This cover of a Big Mama Thornton single gave him another opportunity to become a star.
17:36He immediately stands out, throwing his entire voice into a catchy production.
17:45His performances of Hound Dog on television revealed his vocal and dance abilities.
17:49Presley's version is one of his signatures, showing an artist that's destined to be a legend.
18:00He helps mix blues and rockabilly sounds into a groundbreaking record.
18:04Not afraid to be bold, the singer helped usher in a new genre during a transformative decade.
18:10This work captures him on the rise, with a fiery attitude that shook up audiences.
18:15You can argue about the king of rock, but you cannot discount the contributions of Chuck Berry.
18:29He's one of the best singer-songwriters of the genre.
18:32Berry's trademark Johnny B. Goode has everything you could want from an early rocker.
18:36There stood a long cabin made of earth and wood, where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode.
18:42It's catchy, filled with upbeat guitar parts, and full of iconic lyrics.
18:47Many generations of listeners have enjoyed this lively tune.
18:50Hordes of musicians have been influenced by this recording, with some even covering it themselves.
18:54Go, go!
18:56Go, Johnny, go, go!
18:59Go, Johnny, go, go, go!
19:02The music even finds a place in film history as an essential part of Back to the Future.
19:07No matter your age, you can sing and dance to it all these years later.
19:11Go, go, Johnny, go, go, go!
19:16Johnny B. Goode.
19:17Number 10.
19:18Smells Like Teen Spirit.
19:20Nirvana.
19:20On their second studio album, Nirvana broke through to general audiences.
19:25This included generation-defining tracks like Smells Like Teen Spirit.
19:28Kurt Cobain's songwriting shook listeners to the core, helping to usher out the stale rock bands of the 1980s.
19:43Cobain's rage-filled voice and catchy lyrics were a successful combination.
19:47With Chris Novoselic's bass and Dave Grohl's drums, the single had a much more rounded and rhythmic sound.
19:53The band used influences from punk, indie, and classic rock to craft their own version of grunge.
20:06Over 30 years later, the hit still feels as rebellious as ever.
20:10I'm stupid and contagious, and we are now, entertaining.
20:18Number 9.
20:19Enter Sandman, Metallica.
20:21Metal might be rock at its most extreme.
20:24Metallica had a hand in making it an art form, with this classic coming off of the Black Album.
20:30They greeted a new decade with a shift in their style.
20:32Say your prayers, it's a one.
20:34Don't forget my son, to include everyone.
20:37Testing the waters, the band unleashed Enter Sandman in 1991.
20:44The nightmarish journey provides audiences with high-intensity riffs.
20:48With James Hetfield bringing his iconic voice, the single is impossible to ignore.
20:53Excellent, end of night.
21:00It's also an incredible and energetic performance from the quartet.
21:03Die-hard fans might prefer their earlier work, but this hit still feels like the best gateway to their deeper catalogue.
21:17Number 8.
21:18Purple Haze, The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
21:21You can't talk about electric guitar or rock music without Jimi Hendrix.
21:26In 1967, he and his band released the single Purple Haze.
21:30It's one track that let the guitarist make his mark.
21:32Purple Haze!
21:33Competing with psychedelic lyrics and sounds, the high-flying guitar parts are nothing short of legendary.
21:46You'll be wowed by the effortless moves all the way to the end.
21:50He might make it sound easy, but he also plays it like nobody before or since.
21:54Excuse me while I kiss this guy.
21:57It's yet another example of why he was one of the masters of his instrument.
22:05Without him or this song, the genre wouldn't be the same.
22:08Is it tomorrow or just the end of time?
22:12Number 7.
22:17Welcome to the Jungle, Guns N' Roses.
22:19Arriving at the end of the 1980s, Guns N' Roses showed that hard rock wasn't dead yet.
22:24They offered up some of the best songs of the later decade, including Welcome to the Jungle.
22:35The hit gave audiences one of their first looks at future legends.
22:39Beneath all of the fun, it's a song full of iconic lyrics and sweet guitar playing.
22:43Slash is in rare form here, but bandmates like Duff McKagan and drummer Stephen Adler only make the track better.
22:57Axl Rose sounds like nobody else, pushing his vocal cords to the limit.
23:02This highlight from Appetite for Destruction contributed to another exciting era of rock.
23:06Number 6.
23:15Won't Get Fooled Again, The Who.
23:17This band loves to tell stories and craft epic songs.
23:20From Roger Daltrey's opening Scream to Keith Moon's drumming,
23:23this track gives you everything you want from The Who.
23:26It's also a standout among other classics on Who's Next.
23:31Yeah!
23:31Pete Townsend's Shredding enhances a towering performance from everyone.
23:40They were some of the loudest and most enticing musicians of their time,
23:44building up their raw energy for a terrific finale.
23:47Just like yesterday,
23:50then I'll get on my knees and pray.
23:55This hit certainly proves that you can crank up the volume and send a message.
23:59With one of the best four pieces ever,
24:00the British rockers bring incredible musicianship to this awe-inspiring tune.
24:05We don't get fooled again.
24:09Don't get fooled again.
24:12Number 5.
24:13Purple Rain, Prince and the Revolution.
24:16You could spend hours arguing over his best song,
24:19but Purple Rain is not a bad choice.
24:21The singer does one of his most emotional vocals ever.
24:25His guitar playing also soars to new heights,
24:27with a solo to show off even more of his talent.
24:30Prince's abilities can't be described in one tune,
24:40but this one might be the greatest example of all of his strengths.
24:43Purple Rain, Purple Rain,
24:46Paired with the film of the same name,
24:50this piece serves as the peak of an amazing movie soundtrack.
24:54The rock ballad ultimately sounds like an artist in complete control.
24:57If you don't know the song,
25:10you probably know the most famous lyrics.
25:13Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall,
25:14Part 2 works like a true anthem.
25:17From their album, The Wall,
25:18the band takes aim at tough childhoods and trouble in school.
25:21We don't need no education.
25:27On a musical level,
25:29the production makes you want to cause some chaos or lash out.
25:32There is even a hint of disco hidden beneath the angst.
25:35David Gilmour also packs in a cool solo,
25:38countering the bouncy quality of the verses.
25:40Writer Roger Waters envisioned an album that could have been a novel,
25:51with this hit standing as its own iconic chapter.
25:59On Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,
26:04the Fab Four elevated their game once more.
26:07The psychedelic album ends with a day in the life.
26:10It might be the best encapsulation of John Lennon
26:13and Paul McCartney's writing partnership.
26:19In the beginning,
26:22Lennon sings the headlines in a mournful section.
26:25An orchestral break creates a swirling transition
26:27into McCartney's upbeat number.
26:29Somehow, the two songwriters combine their musical visions
26:32without stepping on each other.
26:37The track spins pop, rock, and orchestra music
26:42into one timeless piece.
26:44With hypnotic strings,
26:45the experimental work builds to a spectacular finish.
26:48In a career of massive hits,
27:00Queen builds an undeniable epic with Bohemian Rhapsody.
27:04The vibrant storytelling is operating
27:06on a much higher level than most contemporary acts.
27:08Freddie Mercury clearly outdid himself
27:19in a multi-layered suite that begs for another listen.
27:22From a piano ballad to a hard rock outro,
27:24this track seems to have everything.
27:26Brian May's guitar carries the legends through one section,
27:29while harmonies fill out another.
27:31If I'm not back again this time tomorrow,
27:36carry on, carry on.
27:39It's operatic, anthemic, and entertaining
27:42through every single change.
27:44Mercury delivers some of his finest lyrics
27:46alongside his fellow bandmates' iconic performances.
27:49What more could you ask for?
27:51Nothing really matters to me.
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28:13Number 1.
28:14Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin.
28:17It's easy to call this
28:18one of the most famous guitar intros of all time.
28:21Many young players dream of being able to replicate it.
28:25Look to the West
28:26And my spirit is crying for leaving
28:31From Jimmy Page's work to Robert Plant's lyrics,
28:35Stairway to Heaven is a definitive rock statement.
28:37Led Zeppelin released the song
28:39during one of their high points in the early 1970s.
28:42Blending rock and folk together,
28:43the group evolved their sound and artistry.
28:47Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow?
28:51And it's you alone
28:52It's hard to imagine recent music history
28:54without this piece.
28:55Some might call it overrated,
28:57but the song still means so much
28:59to one of rock's most elite lineups.
29:02Girl, stay away to heaven.
29:08Did we forget another legendary rock track?
29:11Let us know in the comments below.
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