10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Hero’ In The Title

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Our 10 best rock songs with the word ‘hero’ in the title present a diverse group of songs that explore various aspects of the concept of heroism. There are many different angles that an artist or songwriter can approach when they incorporate the word “hero” into their song. How do we define the term “hero”? Well, Webster’s Dictionary defines the term hero as either a “mythological or even a legendary figure based on divine descent.” All that sounds more like a superhero. It also defines the term “Hero” as a person “admired for achievements and, of course, noble qualities.” In looking up the term hero among many other dictionaries, the most common definition of the word is presented as one who “shows great courage.”

Not all bands define or use the word “hero” in their songs according to the multiple dictionaries’ definitions. Artists interpret language in many different ways, and we hope that this list presents a diverse collection of 10 rock and roll songs that explore the ideals of heroism from various perspectives.

# 10 – Hero Ground Zero – The Who

We open our 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Hero’ In The Title list with the Who’s recent song “Hero Ground Zero.” I wonder how many rock fans even realize that The Who released a brand-new studio album in 2019. There was not a lot of promotion surrounding it, which is mind-blowing because The Who had not released an album since 2006’s Endless Wire. For the past 40 years, Pete Townshend has really focused more on his solo career as the Who has only released two albums since 1982’s Face Dances. That’s only two Who Studio albums in 40 years. So, my friends, I thought this was a pretty big deal in 2019 when they released a new one. It’s pretty much the reason why we’re opening up this song list with a Who song that probably a tiny percentage of people have ever heard.

# 9 – Heroes and Villains –  The Beach Boys

Continuing with our 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Hero’ In The Title list, we give a shout-out to the alluring Beach Boys song entitled ” Heroes And Villains. The song was released on the album Smiley Smile. The album was released in 1967. Many people, fans, and critics alike have referred to the song “Heroes And Villains” as the last legendary Brian Wilson song. While that is probably an unfair judgment, as Brian Wilson continued to write songs up until the present day, it’s interesting that many people felt that way.

# 8 – Zero The Hero – Black Sabbath

In the number eight spot on our 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Hero’ In The Title list is the hard and heavy Black Sabbath song “Zero The Hero.” The song was released on the album entitled Born Again. The album was released in 1983. This was an exciting Black Sabbath album because it was the only record to feature Deep Purple’s legendary vocalist Ian Gillan on lead vocals. This is a really cranking tune that has been overlooked in Black Sabbath’s catalog. Tony Iommi plays a killer, haunting guitar solo halfway through the song. That alone is worth the price of admission.

# 7 – The Hero And The Madman – Thin Lizzy

Thin Lizzy’s “The Hero and The Madman,” was released on the band’s breakout album called Vagabonds of the Western World. The album was released in 1973. BBC Broadcaster Kid Jensen performed the song’s narration. It’s hard to believe that this album is over 50 years old. This is such a fun listen. I could listen to Phil Lynott sing all day. This was an unusual song for the band, with its progressive rock overtones.

# 6 – Local Hero – Bruce Springsteen

I always thought Bruce Springsteen’s “Local Hero” was the best track on his 1993 album Lucky Town. The album was released simultaneously with the Human Touch album. This was a major surprise to Bruce Springsteen fans when the Boss released two new albums simultaneously. It made sense because they sounded completely different from each other. Springsteen has always sought to find a distinct voice in each of his albums, and these two were particularly distinctive.

# 5 – Remember The Heroes

At the halfway point on our 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Hero’ In The Title list is the extraordinary Sammy Hagar song “Remember The Heroes.” Sammy Hagar and  Jonathan Cain of Journey, Bad English, and The Babys composed the song. Mike Reno of Loverboy sang lead vocals on the track, with Sammy Hagar sharing vocals on the chorus. The song was issued on the album Three Lock Box, which was released in 1983.

# 4 – Heroes Are Hard to Find – Fleetwood Mac

At the number four spot on our 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Hero’ In The Title list is the lovely Fleetwwod Mac song “Heroes Are Hard To Find.” This has always been one of our favorite Christine McVie songs. Her voice rocks this one in her sweet-sounding, comfortable way. The song was released on the album Heroes Are Hard To Find. The album was released in 1974.

# 3 – Juke Box Hero – Foreigner

This was one of the best songs Foreigner ever released. Moving along on our 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Hero’ In The Title list, we present the excellent Foreigner song entitled “Juke Box Hero.” The song was released on the album entitled 4. The album was released in 1982. “Jukebox Hero” was the third single released from Foreigner’s 4th album. It followed the big hits “Urgent” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You.” This is a very successful album release by the band. “Juke Box Hero,” with its pulsating bass opening and stunning guitar strikes, it is one of the greatest songs the band has ever released. Not many people probably realize that Thomas Dolby plays synthesizer on the track. The great Ian Lloyd also sang backing vocals.

# 2 – Celluloid Heroes – The Kinks

In the number two spot on our 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Hero’ In The Title list, we showcase the stunning Kinks song entitled “Celluloid Heroes.” The song was released on the album entitled Everybody’s in Show-Biz. The album was released in 1972. The song was composed by Ray Davis. There has been no other medium that has celebrated the concept of heroes more than the movies. That’s what this song is all about, as Ray Davis mentions many of the most loved Hollywood actors of all time.

# 1 – Heroes – David Bowie

We conclude our list with the monumental David Bowie song, “Heroes.” The song was released on the album, also titled Heroes. The album was released in December 1977. The album was a part of his Berlin Trilogy, placing itself as the second of the series. Do you remember how big this song was? It’s one of our all-time favorite David Bowie Songs. The song was composed by David Bowie and Brian Eno. Robert Fripp’s guitar work plays a significant role in the song. Yet, of course, in the end, it’s all about David Bowie’s passionate vocals.

Updated August 28, 2025

10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Hero’ In The Title article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2025