10 Best Rock Songs With The Word 'Move' In The Title

Feature Photo: The Everett Collection: Licensed From Shutterstock

Rock and roll has always been about momentum—whether it’s the forward thrust of a driving beat, the restless spirit of its lyrics, or the cultural shifts it helped ignite. When it comes to songs with “Move” in the title, the idea of motion takes center stage, symbolizing everything from physical freedom to emotional growth.

# 10 – Got This Thing On The Move – Grand Funk Railroad

Grand Funk Railroad’s “Got This Thing on the Move” captures the essence of late 1960s rock with its bluesy rawness, electrifying riffs, and rebellious undertones. The song is a standout track from their second studio album, Grand Funk, released in December 1969. Recorded at Cleveland Recording Company in Cleveland, Ohio, the album was produced by Terry Knight, who helped shape the band’s powerful yet unpolished sound. This record reflects Grand Funk Railroad’s emergence as one of the hardest-working live acts of the era, known for their high-energy performances.

# 9 – You Gotta Move – Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke’s rendition of “You Gotta Move” captures the soulful intensity and spiritual underpinnings of this traditional gospel-blues standard. First recorded for his 1964 album Ain’t That Good News, Cooke’s version is a deeply personal and evocative interpretation of the song, showcasing his mastery in blending gospel roots with the secular energy of rhythm and blues. Produced by Hugo & Luigi, the track was recorded at RCA Studio 1 in Hollywood, California, during a session that reflected Cooke’s push toward innovative, socially aware, and spiritually resonant music.

Read More: Top 10 Sam Cooke Songs

# 8 -Move Over – Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin’s “Move Over” is a fiery declaration of independence and passion, embodying the raw energy and vulnerability that defined her music. Released on her posthumous 1971 album Pearl, the song was one of the few written by Joplin herself, showcasing her ability to convey deeply personal emotions with unrelenting force. Recorded in 1970 at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles under the guidance of producer Paul A. Rothchild, “Move Over” features Joplin backed by the Full Tilt Boogie Band, her final group. This ensemble included Richard Bell on piano, Brad Campbell on bass, Clark Pierson on drums, and John Till on guitar, who together provided a solid yet flexible foundation for Joplin’s electrifying vocals.

Read More: Top 10 Janis Joplin Songs

# 7 – Move On Up – Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” stands as a triumph of optimism and empowerment, a stirring anthem from his groundbreaking 1970 debut solo album, Curtis. Recorded at RCA Studios in Chicago, Illinois, and produced by Mayfield himself, the song showcases his deft ability to blend socially conscious lyrics with an infectious groove. Featuring a rich arrangement of brass, strings, and percussion, “Move On Up” brings together a stellar group of musicians, including Joseph “Lucky” Scott on bass, Henry Gibson on percussion, and Craig McMullen on guitar. These elements combine to create a sound that is both celebratory and deeply soulful.

Read More: Top 10 Curtis Mayfield Songs

# 6 – You Gotta Move – The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones’ rendition of “You Gotta Move” is a masterful nod to the song’s Delta blues origins, showcasing the band’s deep appreciation for traditional American blues music. Featured on their 1971 album Sticky Fingers, the track was recorded between December 1969 and January 1970 at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama. Produced by Jimmy Miller, this version of “You Gotta Move” features a raw, stripped-down arrangement that captures the authenticity and soul of its blues roots.

# 5 – Move It On Over – George Thorogood

George Thorogood’s “Move It On Over,” the title track from his 1978 album Move It On Over, takes Hank Williams’ original 1947 country classic and electrifies it into a gritty, rollicking blues-rock anthem. Recorded at Dimension Sound Studios in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, and produced by Thorogood alongside Ken Irwin, this rendition reimagines the playful frustration of the original with a swaggering, modern edge. Thorogood’s raspy vocals and fiery slide guitar inject the track with a sense of urgency and rebellion, marking it as one of his definitive performances.

# 4 – Moving Out – Billy Joel

Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” the opening track from his 1977 masterpiece The Stranger, is a satirical exploration of the American Dream and its materialistic pitfalls. Recorded between July and August 1977 at A&R Recording Studios in New York City, the song was produced by Phil Ramone and features Joel’s signature piano-driven rock arrangement. The track, with its distinct New York storytelling and sardonic tone, became a standout moment on an album packed with hits.

# 3 – Movin’ On – Bad Company

“Movin’ On,” a dynamic anthem by British rock band Bad Company, encapsulates the raw energy and free-spirited ethos that defined 1970s rock. Featured on their 1974 self-titled debut album, Bad Company, the track highlights the band’s ability to merge bluesy grit with straightforward rock grooves. Produced by the iconic duo of Paul Rodgers and guitarist Mick Ralphs alongside producer Ron Nevison, the song was recorded at Headley Grange in Hampshire, England, a studio renowned for its relaxed, creativity-fostering environment.

# 2 – Night Moves – Bob Seger

“Night Moves,” the title track from Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band’s 1976 album Night Moves, is a deeply evocative and nostalgic rock classic that captures the essence of youthful romance and self-discovery. Written by Seger and inspired by his own teenage experiences, the song was recorded at Nimbus Nine Studios in Toronto, Canada, with producer Jack Richardson. Seger’s vivid storytelling and the Silver Bullet Band’s restrained yet impactful musicianship create an unforgettable ode to the fleeting beauty of coming of age.

Read More: Our Ten Favorite Bob Seger Albums

# 1 – I Feel The Earth Move – Carole King

Stop whatever you’re doing and watch this performance, and then you will completely understand why we put this song in the number one spot. That’s all we’re going to say about this one. Sometimes you just want to tell the writer to shut up and listen to the music. This time we’re telling ourselves to shut up. Make sure you press play below.