10 Best Rock Songs About The Radio

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I think it may be safe to say that, for the majority of us who grew up in the ’60s and ’70s, so much of the music we discovered was because of the radio. Of course, for those young kids and teens growing up in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s who had older brothers and sisters, they had the help of their siblings’ record collections or just music throughout the house. And, of course, that goes for kids and teens who had parents into rock and roll music. Nonetheless, there were plenty of us, myself included, who were either the oldest or didn’t grow up in a house that played rock and roll music. For us, the only place to turn to discover all this music was the radio. This was long before MTV, so the only way to really discover music was either the radio or our own music collections—that’s it. For many, radio was salvation; radio was all we had.

# 10 – Radio Radio – Elvis Costello 

Kicking off our list of the 10 Best Rock Songs About the Radio, “Radio Radio” by Elvis Costello and the Attractions packs an electrifying punch and sets the tone perfectly. This track, originally inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s style, evolved over time from its early iteration as “Radio Soul” in 1974 to the fierce critique of British radio’s commercialism we know today. Recorded around the time Costello and the Attractions were working on This Year’s Model, Radio Radio was released as a standalone single in October 1978 in the UK, where it reached number 29 on the charts. In the U.S., the song was appended to the American edition of This Year’s Model, making it one of the standout songs for Costello’s American audience as well. Produced by Nick Lowe, this version showcases Costello’s signature sharp lyrics, backed by the dynamic energy of the Attractions: Steve Nieve on keyboards, Bruce Thomas on bass, and Pete Thomas on drums.

The recording captures a raw, unfiltered sound that mirrors the song’s biting lyrical content. In “Radio Radio,” Costello expresses a powerful disdain for the lack of authenticity and the pandering nature of commercial radio, spitting out lines like “I wanna bite the hand that feeds me / I wanna bite that hand so badly,” which convey both his frustration with and rebellion against the media’s manipulation. The song’s chorus, “Radio is a sound salvation, radio is cleaning up the nation,” drips with irony, as Costello laments that radio, instead of liberating listeners, often reinforces the status quo. The line “So you had better do as you are told / You better listen to the radio” sarcastically underscores this theme of control. Costello’s vocal delivery amplifies this bitterness, making “Radio Radio” resonate with anyone who feels alienated by commercialism.

Costello’s performance of this song on Saturday Night Live in 1977 remains one of his most legendary moments, as he famously defied both the network and his record label by abruptly switching to “Radio Radio” mid-performance. This bold move earned him a ban from SNL for over a decade, reinforcing the rebellious spirit the song embodies. With its relentless energy, smart lyrics, and defiant stance, “Radio Radio” stands as a fitting opener to this list, setting the standard for songs about the radio by capturing the frustration and energy of a young artist railing against a system that stifles genuine expression.

Read More: 25 Essential Elvis Costello Songs And Fan Favorites

# 9 – Yesterday Once More – The Carpenters

“Yesterday Once More” by the Carpenters captures the profound nostalgia of hearing beloved songs on the airwaves. Released in 1973 on their album Now & Then, this song stands as one of the Carpenters’ most iconic hits. Written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis, the track takes listeners on a reflective journey back to the music of a generation past, combining Karen Carpenter’s hauntingly emotive vocals with a melody that conveys both warmth and melancholy. Recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles, the production was handled by Richard Carpenter, who also arranged the track and provided a lush orchestration that highlights the song’s wistful tone.

“Yesterday Once More” was a major commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, just behind Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” while dominating the Billboard Easy Listening chart, where it became the Carpenters’ eighth number 1 in only four years. Richard Carpenter has cited this song as his personal favorite among his compositions, a testament to the emotional resonance and craftsmanship it embodies. The song’s lyrics speak to the joy and solace found in listening to favorite songs on the radio, evoking memories with each “Sha-la-la-la” and “Wo-o-wo-o,” as Karen recalls how the melodies “still shine” and bring back memories so powerful they “can even make me cry.” This universal sentiment of longing and reminiscence is deeply tied to the radio, where songs once beloved continue to live on.

Musically, “Yesterday Once More” segues into a medley on the B-side of Now & Then, transforming into a faux oldies radio program featuring eight cover tracks from the 1960s, further emphasizing the theme of treasured music from the past. The song’s orchestration features Richard on piano, Wurlitzer electronic piano, and Hammond organ, with Karen adding drums and lead vocals, supported by Joe Osborn on bass and Tony Peluso’s distinctive guitar tones. Earl Dumler’s English horn adds a subtle, mournful touch to the instrumental breaks, enhancing the song’s nostalgic feel.

The lyrics, particularly lines like “When they get to the part where he’s breaking her heart / It can really make me cry,” encapsulate the emotional grip that music holds on memory. Serving as a beautiful tribute to the power of radio, “Yesterday Once More” perfectly begins our list by highlighting how songs can immortalize cherished memories and eras, allowing listeners to experience “yesterday once more” through the melodies they hold dear.

Read More: Top 10 Carpenters Songs

# 8 – Radio Nowhere – Bruce Springsteen

Springsteen’s “Radio Nowhere” cuts straight to the heart of a lost connection, portraying a world where radio, once a unifying force, feels empty and soulless. As the third track in our list, it stands apart with its sharp, rock-driven sound and an almost urgent plea: “Is there anybody alive out there?” Released as the lead single from Magic in 2007, this song captures Springsteen’s frustration with the hollow state of commercial radio, contrasting sharply with the warmth of songs like the Carpenters’ “Yesterday Once More.” Here, Springsteen isn’t reminiscing; instead, he’s searching for something real, something that can break through the static.

Recorded at Southern Tracks Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, “Radio Nowhere” showcases the iconic E Street Band with Max Weinberg’s drums and Clarence Clemons’ saxophone, delivering the song’s pulse. Produced by Brendan O’Brien, this track pulses with electric energy, yet it’s tinged with an unmistakable melancholy. Its failure to chart highly in the U.S. didn’t diminish its impact on Springsteen fans, many of whom see it as a powerful reflection on the state of modern radio. With lines like “I just want to feel some rhythm,” the song captures the yearning for something genuine, mirroring the emotions Springsteen has inspired in listeners for decades.

Read More: Our Favorite Bruce Springsteen B-Sides

# 7 – Radio Song – R.E.M. 

Opening Out of Time with the tongue-in-cheek critique “Radio Song,” R.E.M. immediately sets a playful yet biting tone for their 1991 album. Michael Stipe, known for his often serious approach to lyrics, lightens the mood with a playful jab at the radio industry, calling out its sometimes repetitive and soulless nature. This track features a notable collaboration with KRS-One from Boogie Down Productions, who adds a hip-hop edge through backing vocals and a closing rap that gives the song a genre-blending punch, underscoring R.E.M.’s willingness to experiment with their sound and themes. This collaboration was unusual for its time, merging alternative rock with a hip-hop influence, a contrast to the reflective nostalgia seen in tracks like the Carpenters’ “Yesterday Once More.”

The recording of “Radio Song” took place during the sessions for Out of Time, produced by Scott Litt and R.E.M. at Bearsville Studios and John Keane Studios. The album marked a shift for R.E.M., moving from their jangle-pop roots to a more diverse sound, incorporating acoustic instruments and unexpected collaborations. KRS-One’s contribution not only adds an extra layer of rhythm but also underscores Stipe’s lyrical criticism of radio, challenging its influence on society with lines like “DJs communicate to the masses / Sex and violent classes.” This echoes Bruce Springsteen’s frustration in “Radio Nowhere,” yet where Springsteen seeks connection, R.E.M. highlights disillusionment.

Lyrically, “Radio Song” is an exploration of alienation in the face of relentless media noise. Stipe’s refrain, “I turned up the radio but I can’t hear it,” resonates as a lament on the emptiness found in the repetitive “sing-song” of radio hits that “makes me sad.” The lyrics suggest a yearning for genuine expression, a theme that runs throughout Out of Time. This track’s sarcastic tone and layered criticism of radio culture fit perfectly as the first song on our list, setting the stage for the complex relationship between rock musicians and the radio industry. “Radio Song” serves as a testament to R.E.M.’s unique ability to blend humor, critique, and genre experimentation into a cohesive and memorable anthem about the frustrations of mainstream media.

Read More: Top 10 R.E.M. Songs

# 6 – Turn Up The Radio – Autograph

“Turn Up the Radio” by Autograph stands as a quintessential anthem of 1980s rock, emblematic of the glam metal era’s demand for volume and intensity. Released as the lead single from their debut album Sign In Please in 1984, the song broke into mainstream success, peaking at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 16, 1985, and reaching number 17 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The popularity of “Turn Up the Radio” was further fueled by heavy rotation on MTV, where its high-energy video resonated with the era’s youth, cementing the track as a staple of 1980s rock radio and making Autograph a notable name in the glam rock scene, despite this being their only major hit.

The song’s recording, like much of Sign In Please, reflects the polished, powerful production values typical of 1980s rock, capturing the energy that defined the genre. Produced by Neil Kernon, the track brought together the distinctive musical elements of Autograph’s lineup: Steve Plunkett’s driving vocals and rhythm guitar, Steve Lynch’s blistering lead guitar, Steve Isham’s pulsing keyboards, Randy Rand’s solid bass lines, and Keni Richards’ hard-hitting drums. The musicianship on this track is tight and cohesive, with Lynch’s guitar work standing out for its melodic solos, helping to elevate “Turn Up the Radio” above the typical glam metal fare. The song’s success even propelled Sign In Please to gold certification, marking a significant achievement for the band.

Lyrically, “Turn Up the Radio” captures a timeless theme: the need to escape the pressures of everyday life through music. Lines like “For every minute I have to work / I need a minute of play” reflect the sense of release and freedom that rock music embodies. The chorus—“Turn up the radio, I need the music, gimmie some more”—becomes an insistent mantra, reinforcing the idea that music is not just entertainment but a necessity, a sentiment that connects it with other anthemic tracks on this list, such as Bruce Springsteen’s yearning in “Radio Nowhere.” Autograph’s single, with its infectious hook and celebratory energy, remains a rock radio classic, capturing the larger-than-life spirit of the 1980s and solidifying its place among the best rock songs about the radio.

Read More: Steve Plunkett of Autograph: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 5 – Clap For The Wolfman – The Guess Who

“Clap for the Wolfman,” a 1974 hit by The Guess Who, is a playful nod to the legendary DJ Wolfman Jack, with his unmistakable voice punctuating the song and bringing it a distinctive radio flavor. Appearing on Road Food, this track showcases The Guess Who’s knack for blending rock with humor and cultural references, making it a standout on this list celebrating songs about radio. Reaching number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 in Canada, the song was a commercial success, bolstered by the catchy beat, clever lyrics, and Wolfman Jack’s interjections. In other markets like the Netherlands and Belgium, it also broke into the top 20, highlighting its widespread appeal across radio airwaves.

This song parallels The Carpenters’ “Yesterday Once More” on this list, as both tracks pay homage to the golden era of radio and the figures who made it memorable. While The Carpenters’ piece is more reflective and nostalgic, “Clap for the Wolfman” injects humor and high energy, showcasing a more playful interaction with the DJ persona that radio audiences cherished. Unlike Bruce Springsteen’s “Radio Nowhere”, which laments the loss of authentic radio, “Clap for the Wolfman” celebrates its spirit, spotlighting the role of a larger-than-life radio personality who had a profound impact on listeners.

With lines like “As long as you got the curves, baby, I got the angles,” Wolfman Jack’s quips bring the listener directly into the lively atmosphere of classic radio, contrasting sharply with the introspective tone of R.E.M.’s “Radio Song”. Where R.E.M. critiques the superficial aspects of radio, The Guess Who invite the listener to appreciate radio’s ability to entertain and engage through personality-driven moments. “Clap for the Wolfman” taps into the nostalgia that made radio a cultural hub, aligning well with the diverse ways other songs on this list view and celebrate the power of the airwaves.

Read More: Top 10 Songs Of The Guess Who

# 4 – Heard It On The X – ZZ Top

“Heard It on the X” by ZZ Top captures the rebellious essence of Mexican border blaster radio stations, like X-Rock 80, which dominated the airwaves and transformed the rock landscape with their electrifying broadcasts. With Billy Gibbons on lead guitar and vocals, Dusty Hill on bass, and Frank Beard on drums, ZZ Top recorded this powerful track as a tribute to the underground stations that introduced listeners to diverse and otherwise inaccessible music. Released on Fandango! in 1975, “Heard It on the X” pays homage to the raw, unrestricted power of these stations, which, unhindered by U.S. regulations, broadcasted with a staggering 150,000 watts, reaching audiences across 44 states and parts of Canada.

The song’s driving rhythm and infectious guitar riffs parallel the intensity and reach of the station’s broadcast power, creating an audio experience that echoes the excitement of tuning into a station that seemed to come from another world. “Heard It on the X” captures that allure with lyrics referencing Doctor B (likely Dr. John R. Brinkley, who infamously used powerful Mexican transmitters), painting a picture of rock renegades defying convention to deliver the thrill of “Country Jesus” and “hillbilly blues.” This imagery gives listeners a window into the profound cultural impact these radio stations had on spreading new genres and styles across regions and generations.

In the context of this list, “Heard It on the X” aligns with other songs celebrating the impact of radio, but it stands out for capturing the unfiltered, almost mystical quality of radio’s golden age. Unlike Yesterday Once More by the Carpenters, which is nostalgic and reflective, ZZ Top’s track has an edge that revels in the gritty reality of radio as a rebellious force. With every thundering beat and guitar line, ZZ Top channels the powerful and often raw essence of radio as a transformative medium in rock history.

Read More: 10 Best Covers Of ZZ Top Songs

# 3 – Around The Dial – The Kinks

Read More: Dave Davies of The Kinks: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 2 – Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio – The Ramones

“Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio?” kicks off End of the Century with an explosive reminder of rock’s origins and a call for the genre’s revival. Released on May 16, 1980, and produced by the legendary Phil Spector, the song marked a new, polished direction for The Ramones, who had previously championed a raw, straightforward punk sound. Spector’s influence brought an unexpected lushness, with saxophones, organ, and a “wall of sound” production. The track’s nostalgic elements aren’t just in its lyrics but in the very musical arrangement that pays tribute to the influences of rock, creating an unforgettable anthem.

The lyrics in “Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio?” are a nostalgic homage to the golden days of rock, referencing classic radio shows and musical icons like Murray the K, Alan Freed, John Lennon, and T. Rex. It’s a song that reminisces about lying in bed as a kid, “covers pulled up over your head,” listening to rock and roll with a sense of wonder. This theme echoes the nostalgia seen in other tracks on this list, such as The Carpenters’ “Yesterday Once More,” but while The Carpenters’ tune is a reflective look back, The Ramones’ song couples nostalgia with a sense of urgency, demanding change with lines like “We need change, we need it fast / Before rock’s just part of the past.”

Read More: 11 Essential Ramones Songs

# 1 – FM – Steely Dan 

“FM (No Static at All)” by Steely Dan closes out our list with its sophisticated take on the allure and irony of FM radio in the late 1970s. Written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, this track was originally crafted as the title song for the 1978 film FM. While the film celebrates the ideals of freeform radio, Steely Dan’s lyrics subtly critique the shift in FM radio from experimental programming to a more commercial, album-oriented rock format. This layered approach, coupled with Becker and Fagen’s jazz-rock mastery, made the song resonate deeply with listeners and stand out on the charts, ultimately reaching the U.S. Top 40. Engineer Roger Nichols’ work on the song was awarded a Grammy for Best Engineered Recording, Non-Classical, marking a technical achievement that complements the song’s critical stance on FM radio’s commercialization.

The recording of “FM” came at an interesting time for the band. Steely Dan was riding high on the success of Aja, and many of the musicians who contributed to that album also appear on this track. Saxophonist Pete Christlieb and drummer Jeff Porcaro, along with the Eagles’ Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Timothy B. Schmit on backing vocals, brought rich, layered textures to the song. Donald Fagen’s vocals, laid over Becker’s guitar and bass, are both smooth and biting, while Johnny Mandel’s string arrangement adds depth, elevating the song with a cinematic touch that reflects the band’s attention to production quality.

Lyrically, “FM” combines evocative imagery with a subtle critique of radio’s evolution. Fagen’s voice drips with irony as he describes a party scene where “the girls don’t seem to care” what’s playing, as long as it keeps the party going. With phrases like “no static at all,” Steely Dan comments on how FM radio had lost its unpredictability, smoothing out its edges in favor of crowd-pleasing, static-free playlists. This contrast between nostalgia and critique echoes themes found in earlier songs on this list, like “Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio?” by The Ramones, where a yearning for rock’s authenticity clashes with commercialism. “FM (No Static at All)” is a nuanced and fitting end to this list, capturing both the golden age of FM radio and its eventual compromise to market forces, a balance Steely Dan masterfully renders in both sound and message.

Read More: Complete List Of Steely Dan Albums And Discography

10 Best Rock Songs About The Radio article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024