10 Standout Rock Songs About Change

Feature Photo by Lo Vy

The concept of change has been a powerful theme in rock music, especially during pivotal times like the 1960s, when musicians used their platforms to echo the desires of societal movements, particularly the Civil Rights Movement. Artists like Bob Dylan were at the forefront, using their songs to call for social progress, while others throughout the years have delved into more personal reflections on transformation. Whether addressing societal upheaval or personal reinvention, the theme of change in rock music is as broad as it is profound.

# 10 – A Change Will Do You Good – Sheryl Crow

The opening track on this list of standout rock songs about change, A Change Would Do You Good by Sheryl Crow, perfectly captures the theme of transformation, both personal and societal. Released in 1996 as the fourth single from her self-titled album, the song quickly became a hit, reaching number two in Canada and peaking at number eight in the United Kingdom. Produced by Sheryl Crow, Bill Bottrell, and Jeff Trott, the track was recorded in Los Angeles during sessions that focused on capturing raw, organic sound, blending elements of rock, pop, and folk. Crow, known for her sharp lyrical wit and catchy melodies, penned this song with Trott and Bottrell, crafting a piece that resonates with anyone feeling stuck or in need of a fresh perspective.

Read More: Top 10 Sheryl Crow Songs

# 9 – Change My Way Of Living – The Allman Brothers Band

“Change My Way of Living” is a powerful blues-rock track from the Allman Brothers Band’s 1994 album Where It All Begins. Written by founding member Dickey Betts, the song delves into themes of personal responsibility, regret, and the determination to make a change when life has spiraled into chaos. As the second song on our list of standout rock songs about change, it highlights the internal struggle that often accompanies the need to overhaul one’s life. The Allman Brothers were no strangers to exploring deeply emotional and relatable themes, and this song continues that legacy.

# 8 – Can’t Change Me – Chris Cornell

“Can’t Change Me” is the first single from Euphoria Morning (1999), the debut solo album by Chris Cornell. Released in early 1999, the song marked a significant shift in Cornell’s style, moving away from the heavier sound of Soundgarden to a more introspective and melodic approach. The song was a commercial success, peaking at No. 5 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 7 on the Alternative Songs chart, making it one of the standout tracks from the album. The track was also nominated for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance at the 2000 Grammy Awards, demonstrating its impact in the rock world.

Read More: Top 10 Chris Cornell Songs

# 7 – Change It – Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble

“Change It,” from Soul to Soul (1985), showcases Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble’s blues mastery and depth, blending soulful guitar work with introspective lyrics. Written by Vaughan’s longtime collaborator Doyle Bramhall, the song is an anthem about accepting the limitations of life while embracing the present moment. As the fourth single from Soul to Soul, “Change It” highlights Vaughan’s ability to bring emotional weight to his performances, while continuing the themes of resilience and transformation that thread through much of his work.

Read More: Top 10 Stevie Ray Vaughan Songs

# 6 – I’d Love to Change the World – Ten Years After

“I’d Love to Change the World” by Ten Years After is one of the most iconic rock songs addressing societal unrest and the desire for change. Written by the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist Alvin Lee, the track was released in 1971 as the lead single from their album A Space in Time. Featuring a blend of folk and blues rock, the song became Ten Years After’s only US Top 40 hit, peaking at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, and reaching the top ten in Canada. With its thought-provoking lyrics and haunting melody, the song captured the mood of a generation caught in the chaos of social, political, and environmental turbulence.

Read More: Top 10 Ten Years After Songs

# 5 – Change – John Waite

“Change” by John Waite is a quintessential rock anthem about transformation and self-reflection. Originally written by Holly Knight and first recorded by her band Spider in 1981, the song took on a life of its own when Waite recorded his own version in 1982 for his debut solo album Ignition. The song became a defining hit for Waite, aided by heavy rotation on MTV. The track reached No. 16 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and became even more popular when it was included in the 1985 Vision Quest soundtrack, propelling it to No. 54 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Read More: Top 10 John Waite Songs

# 4 – Don’t Change – INXS

“Don’t Change” by INXS is a quintessential anthem from the early 1980s, embodying both the band’s emerging global fame and their unique ability to fuse rock with pop sensibilities. Released as the second single from their third studio album Shabooh Shoobah in 1982, this track helped catapult the Australian band into international stardom. The song’s pulsating rhythms, sweeping guitars, and Michael Hutchence’s earnest vocals deliver a message of staying true to oneself despite the pressures of the outside world. As one of the standout rock songs about change, Don’t Change presents a different kind of transformation — a refusal to change for others, making it an empowering anthem of self-assurance.

Read More: Top 10 INXS Songs

# 3 – A Change Is Going To Come – Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” stands as one of the most profound and emotionally resonant songs ever written about change, especially in the context of the Civil Rights Movement. Released posthumously in 1964 on his album Ain’t That Good News, the song captures the struggles and aspirations of African Americans during a period of intense social upheaval in the United States. Unlike Cooke’s earlier work, which leaned more toward polished pop and soul hits, “A Change Is Gonna Come” is a deeply personal, stirring anthem about the fight for equality. It was heavily influenced by Cooke’s personal experiences, most notably an incident in which he and his entourage were turned away from a whites-only motel in Louisiana. This event fueled his desire to create a song that spoke to both his individual frustrations and the collective struggle of Black Americans.

Read More: Top 10 Sam Cooke Songs

# 2 – Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’

Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'” stands as one of the most iconic songs about societal change, making it a fitting opening track for this article. Released in 1964 as the title track of his third studio album, The Times They Are A-Changin’, the song was designed by Dylan as an anthem for change, drawing inspiration from traditional Irish and Scottish ballads. Written during a time of significant social upheaval in the U.S., Dylan’s goal was to give voice to the sentiments of a generation pushing for civil rights, progress, and justice. While it wasn’t released as a single in the U.S., it reached number 9 on the UK Singles Chart and has since gained legendary status.

# 1 – Changes – David Bowie

David Bowie’s “Changes” is one of the most definitive tracks about personal and artistic transformation, making it a standout inclusion in this list of rock songs about change. Released on January 7, 1972, as a single from his 1971 album Hunky Dory, the song was recorded at Trident Studios in London between June and July of 1971. Produced by Bowie and Ken Scott, “Changes” features Rick Wakeman’s masterful piano playing, backed by Bowie’s future Spiders from Mars bandmates—Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, and Mick Woodmansey. The song is art pop at its finest, with an intricate piano riff that stands as one of the most recognizable aspects of the track.