10 Best Rock Songs About Anger

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From searing guitar riffs to biting lyrics, rock music has explored anger in visceral, poetic, and deeply relatable ways. Whether it’s the slow burn of disillusionment or the volcanic eruption of pure fury, anger has inspired some of the most unforgettable moments in rock history. This list dives into ten extraordinary tracks that not only capture this volatile emotion but also demonstrate the myriad ways artists have used it as fuel for their creative fires.

# 10 – Angry – The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones came roaring back to life with “Angry,” a standout single from their 2023 album Hackney Diamonds. This track marks their first release of new material in over a decade, and it does so with signature flair, blending the raw energy of their classic sound with a fresh, modern edge. With its infectious guitar riffs reminiscent of “Start Me Up” and other Stones classics, “Angry” captures the essence of what has made the band an enduring force in rock and roll. If, for some reason, the song itself doesn’t resonate, the accompanying music video is undeniable: featuring Sydney Sweeney cruising through the streets of Los Angeles in a vintage convertible, interspersed with nostalgic video clips of the Stones’ storied career.

# 9 – Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to …) – Queen

“Death on Two Legs” opens A Night at the Opera with a vengeance, setting the tone for one of Queen’s most ambitious albums. Written by Freddie Mercury, the track delivers a scathing indictment of a former manager, full of biting lyrics and venomous energy. Mercury’s pointed delivery of lines like “You suck my blood like a leech” makes it clear that this song is as personal as it is theatrical, showcasing his unmatched ability to channel emotion into performance.

# 8 – Don’t Look Back In Anger – Oasis

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“Don’t Look Back in Anger,” one of Oasis’s most iconic tracks, emerged as a defining anthem of the 1990s Britpop era. Written by Noel Gallagher and released in 1996 as the fourth single from their critically acclaimed album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, the song quickly became a cultural touchstone. Its timeless blend of introspection and optimism captured the hearts of millions, securing its place as a standout in Oasis’s discography.

# 7 – Anarchy in the U.K. – The Sex Pistols

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“Anarchy in the U.K.” by the Sex Pistols is widely regarded as one of the most revolutionary punk rock anthems ever recorded. Released as the band’s debut single on November 26, 1976, and later included on their seminal album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, the track embodies the raw energy, defiance, and subversion that defined the punk movement. Written by band members Johnny Rotten (vocals), Steve Jones (guitar), Glen Matlock (bass), and Paul Cook (drums), the song was produced by Chris Thomas, known for his work with artists such as Pink Floyd and Elton John.

Read More: Top 10 Sex Pistols Songs

# 6 – We’re Not Gonna Take It – Twisted Sister

“We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister is a defiant anthem that became a rallying cry for rebellion and individual empowerment in the 1980s. Released as the lead single from their 1984 album Stay Hungry, the song was written by lead singer Dee Snider and produced by Tom Werman. Recorded at Record Plant Studios in New York City, it became the band’s most commercially successful single, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting in multiple countries worldwide.

# 5 – Look Back in Anger – David Bowie

David Bowie’s “Look Back in Anger,” from his 1979 album Lodger, is a dynamic exploration of existential regret and fleeting spiritual encounters, reflecting Bowie’s introspective phase during his Berlin Trilogy. Recorded in Montreux, Switzerland, and New York City, the track was co-produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti and featured contributions from guitarist Carlos Alomar, bassist George Murray, drummer Dennis Davis, and Adrian Belew, whose angular guitar work adds a distinct edge to the song.

# 4 – Awful – Hole

“Awful,” from Hole’s 1998 album Celebrity Skin, channels Courtney Love’s righteous anger into a blistering critique of societal exploitation, particularly targeting the music industry and its commodification of youth. Recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Michael Beinhorn, the track retains the raw edge that defines Hole’s music while embracing a polished, power-pop sound that sharpens its satirical bite. Love, alongside Eric Erlandson and co-writer Billy Corgan, crafts a seething anthem that is as much a middle finger to cultural norms as it is a call for rebellion.

Read More: Top 10 Hole Songs

# 3 – Bummer – Harry Chapin

Harry Chapin’s Portrait Gallery album is home to many poignant tales, but none strike with the raw intensity of “Bummer.” I was pretty young when I first heard this one, and it stuck with me for a long time. This song, released in 1975, showcases Chapin’s unparalleled ability to craft narrative-driven lyrics, blending dark social commentary with vivid storytelling. Recorded at Elektra Sound Recorders in Los Angeles and produced by Paul Leka, the track stands as a grim portrait of systemic failures, encapsulating the life of a man shaped—and ultimately destroyed—by his circumstances. Chapin’s sharp lyrical storytelling is complemented by his emotive vocal delivery and a richly orchestrated arrangement.

# 2 – You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know,” released in 1995 as the lead single from her groundbreaking album Jagged Little Pill, redefined the expression of anger in rock music, particularly through a female lens. Recorded at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, the track was co-written by Morissette and Glen Ballard, with production by Ballard. Featuring contributions from Red Hot Chili Peppers members Flea on bass and Dave Navarro on guitar, the song captures a raw, emotional intensity that resonated deeply with listeners worldwide.

Read More: Top 10 Alanis Morissette Songs

# 1 – Prelude /Angry Young Man – Billy Joel

Billy Joel’s “Prelude/Angry Young Man,” a standout track from his 1976 album Turnstiles, masterfully weaves intricate musicality with razor-sharp lyricism to explore themes of idealism, disillusionment, and the inevitable passage of time. The song opens with the fiery “Prelude,” an instrumental section featuring rapid-fire piano arpeggios played with virtuosic precision. This dramatic introduction sets the stage for the narrative that unfolds, blending Joel’s dynamic vocal delivery with the rock ensemble’s energetic performance. Recorded at Ultrasonic Recording Studios in Hempstead, New York, the track was produced by Joel himself alongside Bruce Botnick..