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Houses aren’t just where we live, they’re where stories unfold, where memories are built, and where emotions linger long after the door has closed. In rock and roll, the idea of a “house” has been a canvas for countless songs, capturing everything from familial warmth to unrelenting heartbreak. This list of songs with “house” in the title showcases the eclectic ways musicians have drawn from this simple yet resonant concept to create unforgettable tracks.
# 10 – Our House / House Of Fun – Madness
The beauty of pop music is its ability to capture snapshots of life, and “Our House” by Madness achieves this with remarkable charm. Released in 1982 as part of the album The Rise & Fall, this song reflects the everyday dynamics of family life with both warmth and wit. Written by the band members Chris Foreman and Carl Smyth, the track was produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, who helped refine Madness’ signature blend of ska and pop. Recorded at AIR Studios in London, “Our House” showcases the band’s knack for blending buoyant melodies with reflective storytelling, a combination that earned it widespread acclaim. Chart-wise, the song achieved significant success, reaching number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and climbing to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, a rare feat for a ska-pop song of its era.
Read More: Top 10 Madness Songs
# 9 – Pink Houses – John Mellencamp
# 8 – White House – Ian Hunter
“White House,” a track from Ian Hunter’s 2016 album Fingers Crossed, showcases the legendary singer-songwriter’s ability to craft vivid, wry narratives grounded in relatable experiences. Accompanied by the Rant Band, Hunter delivers a playful yet reflective exploration of escape and simplicity. The album, recorded with his longtime collaborators, captures a raw, organic sound that complements the wit and charm of the song’s lyrics.
Read More: Top 10 Ian Hunter Songs
# 7 – Little House I Used to Live In – Frank Zappa
“Little House I Used to Live In” is a cornerstone of Burnt Weeny Sandwich, a 1970 release by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. This album is a masterclass in Zappa’s genius for blending rock, classical, jazz, and avant-garde influences into a cohesive whole. The track, an instrumental opus clocking in at over eighteen minutes, showcases the extraordinary talents of Zappa and his ensemble while exemplifying his innovative approach to composition and improvisation.
Read More: Frank Zappa’s Greatest Studio Guitar Solos
# 6 – House In The Country – Blood Sweat & Tears
“House in the Country” is a track from Child Is Father to the Man, the 1968 debut album by Blood, Sweat & Tears. Written by the group’s founder and primary songwriter, Al Kooper, the song reflects his innovative blending of rock, jazz, and classical elements, which defined the band’s early sound. This album laid the groundwork for the jazz-rock movement and is widely regarded as one of the most influential records of the era.
Read More: Top 10 Blood, Sweat & Tears Songs
# 5 – Our House – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
“Our House” is one of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s most cherished tracks, featured on their seminal 1970 album Déjà Vu. Written by Graham Nash, the song captures a moment of domestic bliss inspired by his relationship with Joni Mitchell. According to Nash, the lyrics were born out of a simple yet meaningful experience when he and Mitchell bought a vase of flowers together, leading to the warm reflection of home life expressed in the song.
Read More: Top 10 Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Songs
# 4 – House Of Pain – Faster Pussycat
# 3 – This House Is Empty Now – Burt Bacharach & Elvis Costello
“This House Is Empty Now” is simply a mesmerizing song from Painted from Memory, the 1998 collaboration between Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello. It is an emotionally devastating ballad that epitomizes the album’s sophisticated exploration of heartbreak and longing. Painted from Memory marked a remarkable partnership between Bacharach, a master of timeless pop melodies, and Costello, known for his incisive lyrical wit. The album, produced by Bacharach, Costello, and Patrick Leonard, blends orchestral arrangements with Costello’s evocative vocals, offering a collection of songs that feel both cinematic and deeply personal.
Read More: Top 20 Burt Bacharach Songs
Read More: 25 Essential Elvis Costello Songs And Fan Favorites
# 2 – Burning Down The House – Talking Heads
“Burning Down the House,” released as the lead single from Talking Heads’ fifth studio album, Speaking in Tongues (1983), marked a pivotal moment for the band, propelling them into mainstream success. Written collaboratively by the band members—David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, and Jerry Harrison, the song stands as one of their most enduring and recognizable tracks. Its infectious energy and enigmatic lyrics highlight the band’s unique approach to blending new wave, funk, and art rock.
Read More: Top 10 Talking Heads Songs
# 1 – House Of The Rising Sun – The Animals
The Animals’ version of “The House of the Rising Sun,” released in 1964, remains one of the most iconic renditions of this traditional folk song. The track was recorded in one take at De Lane Lea Studios in London and produced by Mickie Most, who played a pivotal role in capturing the raw, brooding energy of the band. With its haunting organ riff, moody guitar lines, and Eric Burdon’s powerful, anguished vocals, this version transformed the song from its folk roots into a monumental rock ballad.
Read More: Top 10 Songs From The Animals
Updated November 22, 2025
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A nod to the Commodores’ funk-fest with “Brick House”
fom their 1977 self-titled album.
Can’t help to get a groove going:
”Ow, she’s a brick house
Yeah, she’s the one, the only one, built like an amazon.
The clothes she wears, her sexy ways
Make an old man wish for younger days, yeah, yeah
She knows she’s built and knows how to please
Sure enough to knock a strong man to his knees”
Sho’ nuff 😉