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Our 10 Best Songs With The Word ‘American’ In The Title presents a showcase of 10 of the most exciting, enjoyable, and inspirational songs ever written using the word “American” in the title. We specifically kept to the word “American” for this article and did not usw the word “America.” These are, of course, two words that are very much connected but, in the end, are two words with two meanings.
So, we will utilize the word “America” for a separate list. As far as this one goes, the word American has been used in various ways by the artists represented on this list. We have songs in tribute, in protest, and basically just in observation. We picked these 10 songs to very specifically showcase different meanings of the word. We also included artists from many different genres in the rock and roll world, including the famous George Gershwin piece, which, of course, is not considered Rock but in many ways inspires much of the melodies, harmonies, voicings that the great songwriters of the 20th and 21st centuries have utilized. In our opinion, all music is connected. That’s the way we’ve always conducted this site and always will.
# 10 – American Dream – Samantha Fish
“American Dream,” a stirring track by Samantha Fish, is featured on her 2017 album Belle of the West. Produced by Luther Dickinson and recorded at Zebra Ranch Studio in Coldwater, Mississippi, the song embodies a blend of blues and Americana, with Fish’s powerful vocals and slide guitar leading the way. The recording includes Dickinson on guitar, Lightnin’ Malcolm on bass, Trina Raimey on drums, and Amy LaVere on backing vocals, creating a rich, organic soundscape. Belle of the West received critical acclaim for its authentic roots vibe, with “American Dream” standing out as a soulful reflection on longing and resilience. Let me know if I should continue with the next entries!
# 9 – American Idiot – Green Day
“American Idiot,” the explosive title track from Green Day’s 2004 album American Idiot, is a scathing critique of American media and politics during the early 2000s. Produced by Rob Cavallo and recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles, the track features Billie Joe Armstrong on lead vocals and guitar, Mike Dirnt on bass, and Tré Cool on drums. With its driving punk energy and anthemic chorus, the song became a cultural phenomenon, peaking at number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Green Day a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. Its enduring legacy lies in its unapologetic call to question societal norms and political complacency.
Read More: 10 Green Day Songs Fans Love The Most
# 8 – American Nights – The Runaways
“American Nights,” a rebellious anthem by The Runaways, was featured on their 1976 self-titled debut album The Runaways. Produced by Kim Fowley and recorded at Fidelity Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, the track captures the band’s raw energy and youthful defiance. Joan Jett and Cherie Currie’s powerful vocals drive the song, with Jett also handling rhythm guitar, Lita Ford on lead guitar, Jackie Fox on bass, and Sandy West on drums. Though not released as a single, “American Nights” became a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances, showcasing the band’s groundbreaking role in shaping the sound and attitude of female-fronted rock.
Read More: Top 10 Runaways Songs
# 7 – American Storm – Bob Seger
“American Storm,” a driving rock anthem by Bob Seger, was released as the lead single from his 1986 album Like a Rock. Recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami and Sound Suite Studios in Detroit, the track was produced by Seger and Punch Andrews. Seger’s commanding vocals are backed by the Silver Bullet Band, featuring Alto Reed on saxophone, Craig Frost on keyboards, and Chris Campbell on bass, with session drummer Russ Kunkel. The song reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to number two on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
Read More: Our Ten Favorite Bob Seger Albums
# 6 – An American In Paris – George Gershwin
“An American in Paris,” George Gershwin’s iconic symphonic composition, first debuted in 1928 and became one of his most celebrated works. Though not a traditional rock song, its influence on American music and culture is undeniable, bridging classical forms with jazz rhythms and harmonies. Gershwin conceived the piece as a musical portrayal of a stroll through Paris, vividly capturing the energy and spirit of the city. The work was recorded in various settings, including a renowned 1951 soundtrack adaptation for the MGM film of the same name, conducted by André Previn. While not associated with a specific album, Gershwin’s innovative blending of genres continues to inspire musicians across all styles, including rock and jazz fusion.
Read More: Top 10 George Gershwin Songs
# 5 – Young Americans – David Bowie
“Young Americans,” the soulful title track of David Bowie’s 1975 album Young Americans, marked a departure from his glam rock roots. Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia and produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, the song features a rich blend of funk and soul, driven by Carlos Alomar’s guitar, Mike Garson’s piano, and David Sanborn’s saxophone. Bowie’s dynamic vocals capture the song’s themes of youthful aspiration and disillusionment. Released as a single, it peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a cornerstone of Bowie’s “plastic soul” phase and earning critical acclaim for its innovation and emotional depth.
Read More: 10 Best David Bowie Songs
# 4 – American Woman – The Guess Who
“American Woman,” The Guess Who’s gritty rock anthem, was released in 1970 on their album American Woman. Recorded at RCA Studios in Chicago and produced by Jack Richardson, the track features Randy Bachman’s iconic riff and Burton Cummings’ electrifying vocals, with Jim Kale on bass and Garry Peterson on drums. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and was widely interpreted as a critique of American politics and culture. Its raw energy and rebellious spirit solidified it as a defining track of the era and one of the band’s biggest hits.
Read More: Top 10 Songs Of The Guess Who
# 3 – We’re an American Band – Grand Funk Railroad
“We’re an American Band,” Grand Funk Railroad’s hard-rocking declaration of their national pride, was the title track of their 1973 album We’re an American Band. Produced by Todd Rundgren and recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami, the song features Don Brewer on lead vocals and drums, with Mark Farner’s fiery guitar riffs and Mel Schacher’s thunderous bass anchoring the track. It became the band’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and a quintessential anthem of 1970s rock, celebrated for its unfiltered energy and bold declaration of identity.
Read More: Grand Funk Railroad’s Best Song On Each Of Their Studio Albums
# 2 – American Girl – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
“American Girl,” a vibrant rock staple from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ 1976 self-titled debut album, captured the restless energy of youth. Recorded at Shelter Studios in Hollywood and produced by Denny Cordell, the track features Petty’s impassioned vocals, Mike Campbell’s jangling guitar lines, Ron Blair’s bass, and Stan Lynch’s driving drums. Though it didn’t chart upon release, it grew into one of the band’s most iconic songs, beloved for its timeless depiction of hope, longing, and small-town dreams.
Read More: Top 10 Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers Songs
# 1 – American Pie – Don McLean
“American Pie,” Don McLean’s sprawling folk-rock epic, was released in 1971 on his album American Pie. Recorded at The Record Plant in New York City and produced by Ed Freeman, the song chronicles the loss of innocence in American culture, set against a backdrop of historical events and personal nostalgia. McLean’s emotive vocals and acoustic guitar are complemented by a lush arrangement featuring session musicians, including Paul Griffin on piano. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks and remains a cultural touchstone, widely regarded as one of the greatest songs ever written.
Read More: Top 10 Don McLean Songs
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10 Best Songs With The Word ‘American’ In The Title article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
With respect to Number 10 on this article’s listing, I offer the breezy, swaying song with a caribbean vibe, “An American Dream” from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (a.k.a. The Dirt Band) from the NGDB album of the same title.
Not only does it showcase The Dirt Band’s consistently excellent musicianship and vocals, but also benefits from refreshing backing vocals by the great Linda Ronstadt.