10 Best Rock Songs About Bells

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Bells have a unique resonance in rock music, offering everything from haunting undertones to celebratory chimes, and their significance goes far beyond traditional genres or themes. In crafting this list of the 10 best rock songs about bells, we included a few legendary holiday songs, recognizing their cultural and musical importance, even if they diverge from rock’s core. The majority of the songs here are non-holiday tracks, showcasing the diversity of artists and genres that have incorporated the evocative sound of bells into their work. We couldn’t ignore the iconic status of certain holiday staples, like “Jingle Bell Rock,” whose joyous spirit has crossed over into rock history.

AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” thunders with a tolling bell to commemorate the resilience of the band after tragedy. Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls” draws from Hemingway’s imagery to convey the grim finality of war. The Byrds’ “Bells of Rhymney” blends folk tradition with electric guitar to lament social injustices. Paul McCartney & Wings’ “Let ‘Em In” uses doorbell chimes to craft a whimsical yet heartfelt invitation. Jethro Tull’s “Ring Out, Solstice Bells” celebrates ancient traditions with their signature folk-rock style. Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” transformed the instrument into an iconic part of progressive rock history. Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” melds rockabilly and festive cheer, becoming a timeless holiday classic. Bob Dylan’s “Ring Them Bells” offers a spiritual meditation on awakening and redemption. Laura Nyro’s “Wedding Bell Blues” uses bell imagery to underscore yearning and unrequited love. Finally, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Carol of the Bells” electrifies a holiday standard with symphonic rock grandeur.

# 10 – Let Em In – Paul McCartney & Wings

“Let ‘Em In” by Paul McCartney & Wings, released in 1976 on the album Wings at the Speed of Sound, opens with the distinctive sound of a doorbell chime, setting the tone for its theme of welcoming various individuals. The track was recorded between January and March 1976 at EMI Studios in London, with McCartney producing alongside the band. The lineup featured Paul McCartney on vocals and piano, Linda McCartney on keyboards and backing vocals, Denny Laine on guitar and backing vocals, Jimmy McCulloch on guitar, and Joe English on drums. Upon its release, “Let ‘Em In” achieved significant chart success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100.

# 9 – Ring Out, Solstice Bells – Jethro Tull

“Ring Out, Solstice Bells” by Jethro Tull was recorded between September and November 1976 at Morgan Studios in London and released on November 22, 1976, as part of the EP Ring Out, Solstice Bells. The track was produced by Ian Anderson and features Anderson on vocals and flute, Martin Barre on electric guitar, John Glascock on bass guitar, John Evan on piano and organ, Dee Palmer on synthesizers, and Barriemore Barlow on drums and percussion.

The song achieved modest chart success, reaching number 28 on the UK Singles Chart. Critics have praised its intricate arrangement and the seamless fusion of rock and folk elements, highlighting the band’s ability to create a festive atmosphere without resorting to traditional holiday clichés. The use of bells and rhythmic patterns effectively evokes the winter solstice theme, setting it apart from other rock songs that incorporate bell sounds.

Lyrically, “Ring Out, Solstice Bells” celebrates the winter solstice, urging listeners to “ring out these bells” and “celebrate” the season. The song’s structure and instrumentation, including the prominent use of bells, align with its theme, making it a quintessential example of a rock song that incorporates bell sounds to enhance its narrative. This approach differs from Paul McCartney & Wings’ “Let ‘Em In,” where the bell sounds serve as a motif for welcoming guests, showcasing the versatility of bell usage in rock music.

# 8 – Tubular Bells (Pt.1) – Mike Oldfield

“Part One” of Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells (1973) is an instrumental masterpiece recorded at The Manor Studio in Oxfordshire, England, over several months between 1972 and 1973. Produced by Tom Newman, Simon Heyworth, and Oldfield himself, the track features a wide array of instruments, all performed by Oldfield, culminating in the dramatic entrance of the titular tubular bells.

The album’s success was bolstered by its use in the 1973 horror film The Exorcist, which introduced its haunting opening theme to a global audience. “Tubular Bells” differs from other entries on this list by being entirely instrumental, using the bells to evoke an atmosphere of suspense and intensity rather than celebration or reflection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnb-v9fmmCA

# 7 – Carol of the Bells – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

There maybe some people who are scratching their heads thinking “this is a rock songs article why is Carol of the Bells in it.” Well then those people scratching their head so probably not familiar with the great trance of you in Orchestra because man this man rocks out on this legendary piece. “Carol of the Bells” is a renowned Christmas carol that originated from the Ukrainian song “Shchedryk,” composed by Mykola Leontovych in 1914. The English lyrics were later added by Peter J. Wilhousky in 1936.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) reimagined this classic in their 1996 debut album, Christmas Eve and Other Stories, under the title “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24.” This instrumental piece merges “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” with “Carol of the Bells,” creating a dynamic rock rendition that has become a signature performance for TSO.

The album was produced by Paul O’Neill and recorded at Soundtrack Studios in New York City. The ensemble featured Jon Oliva on keyboards, Al Pitrelli on guitar, Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, and Jeff Plate on drums, among others. “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” received critical acclaim for its innovative fusion of classical and rock elements, propelling the album to multi-platinum status. The track has since become a staple in holiday music playlists and is celebrated for its energetic arrangement and emotive power.

The song’s instrumental nature allows it to convey a narrative without words, using the interplay of electric guitars, orchestral strings, and percussion to evoke the spirit of the holiday season. The use of bells is central to the composition, aligning it with the theme of this article. Unlike Jethro Tull’s “Ring Out, Solstice Bells,” which incorporates vocals to celebrate the winter solstice, TSO’s rendition relies solely on instrumental prowess to deliver its festive message. This approach showcases the versatility of “Carol of the Bells” and its adaptability across different musical genres.

# 6 – Ring Them Bells – Bob Dylan

“Ring Them Bells” is a poignant track from Bob Dylan’s 1989 album Oh Mercy. Recorded in March 1989 at the Teatro Studio in Oxnard, California, the song was produced by Daniel Lanois, who also contributed guitar and percussion. Dylan’s evocative piano and vocal performance are central to the track, with additional instrumentation by Tony Hall on bass and Brian Stoltz on guitar.

Lyrically, the song serves as a call to action, urging the ringing of bells for various figures such as “St. Peter” and “Sweet Martha,” symbolizing a plea for awakening and redemption. The recurring motif of bells aligns it with other tracks in this list, such as Jethro Tull’s “Ring Out, Solstice Bells,” which also utilizes bell imagery to convey themes of renewal and celebration. Dylan’s use of religious and apocalyptic imagery adds depth, making “Ring Them Bells” a profound exploration of faith and humanity’s collective conscience.

# 5 – Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms

“Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms, released in 1957, is a seminal Christmas song that seamlessly blends rockabilly and holiday music. Recorded on October 29, 1957, at Bradley Film & Recording Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, the track was produced by Paul Cohen under Decca Records. The recording features Bobby Helms on vocals, with Hank Garland on guitar, Floyd Cramer on piano, Bob Moore on bass, and Buddy Harman on drums.

Upon its release, “Jingle Bell Rock” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its enduring popularity has led to frequent re-entries into the charts during the holiday season, including a peak position of number seven on the UK Singles Chart in 2017.

# 4 – Bells of Rhymney – The Byrds

“Bells of Rhymney,” featured on The Byrds’ 1965 debut album Mr. Tambourine Man, is an adaptation of Idris Davies’ poem set to music by Pete Seeger. Recorded at Columbia Studios in Hollywood and produced by Terry Melcher, the track highlights Roger McGuinn’s jangly 12-string Rickenbacker guitar alongside the band’s signature harmonized vocals.

The song explores themes of social injustice, with the bell imagery symbolizing the struggles of Welsh coal miners. While not a charting single, it played a key role in solidifying The Byrds’ reputation for blending folk and rock. The use of bells as a metaphor for hardship contrasts sharply with the celebratory tone of “Jingle Bell Rock,” demonstrating the diverse emotional range this instrument can evoke.

# 3 – Wedding Bell Blues – Laura Nyro

“Wedding Bell Blues,” written and recorded by Laura Nyro in 1966, is a soulful reflection on unrequited love and the longing for commitment. The track was recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York City and produced by Milt Okun, featuring Nyro on vocals and piano, with Herb Bernstein arranging and conducting the session. Despite its initial modest chart performance, peaking at number 103 on Billboard’s “Bubbling Under” chart, the song gained significant acclaim when covered by The 5th Dimension in 1969, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 2 – For Whom The Bell Tolls – Metallica

“For Whom the Bell Tolls,” from Metallica’s 1984 album Ride the Lightning, is a powerful meditation on the horrors of war and mortality. Recorded at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, and produced by Flemming Rasmussen, the track features James Hetfield on rhythm guitar and vocals, Kirk Hammett on lead guitar, Cliff Burton on bass, and Lars Ulrich on drums. The song opens with an iconic bass riff created by Burton using a distortion pedal, paired with tolling bells that set a somber and ominous tone.

The song’s title and themes draw inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s novel of the same name, with lyrics depicting soldiers caught in the despair and futility of battle. Lines such as “Take a look to the sky just before you die” emphasize the inevitability of death, making it one of Metallica’s most lyrically poignant tracks. Although not released as a single, “For Whom the Bell Tolls” remains a live favorite and a cornerstone of the band’s repertoire.

Unlike celebratory uses of bells in tracks like Jethro Tull’s “Ring Out, Solstice Bells,” Metallica employs the tolling bell as a metaphor for doom and finality. The song’s chilling atmosphere, combined with its haunting instrumentation, showcases the profound versatility of bell imagery in rock music, contributing to its enduring legacy.

Read More: Top 10 Metallica Songs

# 1 – Hells Bells – AC/DC

“Hells Bells” is the opening track on AC/DC’s 1980 album Back in Black, marking the band’s first release following the death of lead singer Bon Scott. Recorded between April and May 1980 at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, the album was produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange. The lineup featured Brian Johnson on vocals, Angus Young on lead guitar, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, and Phil Rudd on drums. The song begins with the tolling of a large bell, setting a somber tone that transitions into a powerful guitar riff.

Critically acclaimed, “Hells Bells” is considered one of AC/DC’s signature songs. The track contributed to the commercial success of Back in Black, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. The song’s lyrics, such as “I’m rolling thunder, pouring rain,” convey a sense of unstoppable force, reflecting the band’s resilience in the face of adversity.

The use of the bell in “Hells Bells” serves as a tribute to Bon Scott and symbolizes the band’s confrontation with mortality.

Read More: 10 Best 1970s AC/DC Songs