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

Feature Photo: 14 Nov 1970, page 42, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re a traveler who’s explored this world, you may have discovered that people are the same everywhere you go. While cultures can be dramatically different and religions, politics, and economics can vary significantly, in the end, people all want the same things: to raise families, protect their children, live, breathe, and try to enjoy life. That journey can be easy or tough depending on where you live, but the core desires remain constant. The songs on this list reflect these universal experiences, highlighting the emotions that bind us together, unity, resilience, loneliness, or acceptance.

# 10 – Po-Jama People – Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa And The Mothers - One Size Fits All - Zappa Records - ZR 3853-1, Universal Music - ZR 3853-1

We open our brand-new list of the 10 Best Rock Songs With the Word ‘People’ in the Title with Frank Zappa’s “Po-Jama People.” This track, from One Size Fits All, the fourteenth album by The Mothers of Invention and Zappa’s twentieth album overall, was released in June 1975. The album reached #26 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart in the United States in August 1975. “Po-Jama People” is a striking example of Zappa’s eclectic style, blending humor, satire, and impressive musicianship in a track that pokes fun at the mundanity of ordinary life.

# 9 – People In The Way – Maria McKee

The next song on our list of the 10 Best Rock Songs With the Word ‘People’ in the Title is “People In The Way” by Maria McKee. The track is from her sixth studio album, Peddlin’ Dreams, released in 2005. This album, produced by Maria McKee herself alongside Jim Akin, features a mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation, blending elements of rock, folk, and country. The recording involved Maria McKee on acoustic and electric guitar, piano, and vocals, Jim Akin on electric guitar, bass, double bass, keyboards, and steel guitar, Jerry Andrews on acoustic and electric guitar, and Tom Dunne on percussion. The album was recorded in various locations in Los Angeles.

# 8 – We Are The People – John Mellencamp

John Mellencamp’s “We Are The People” delivers a powerful message of unity and resilience, standing out as a highlight from his album The Lonesome Jubilee, released on August 24, 1987, by Mercury Records. Produced by Mellencamp and Don Gehman, the album achieved widespread success, charting in ten countries and reaching the top of Canada’s RPM Top Albums chart. Recorded at Belmont Mall Studio in Indiana, the album reflects Mellencamp’s signature heartland rock style, incorporating folk and Americana influences.

Read More: Top 10 John Mellencamp Songs

# 7 – Every Kinda People – Robert Palmer

Robert Palmer’s “Every Kinda People” is an enduring anthem celebrating diversity and unity. Originally released in March 1978 as the lead single from his album Double Fun, the song was written by Andy Fraser, best known as the bassist for the rock band Free. The track was produced by Robert Palmer and Bob Potter, and it features a mix of pop, rock, and reggae influences that create a distinctive and uplifting sound. Recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, Double Fun marked a turning point for Palmer, showcasing his ability to blend genres while maintaining an accessible and engaging style.

Read More: Top 10 Robert Palmer Songs

# 6 – People Got To Be Free – The Rascals

“People Got To Be Free” by The Rascals is an uplifting and passionate call for freedom, released during a time of great social upheaval in 1968. Written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, the track was recorded on May 14, 1968, and produced by The Rascals alongside Arif Mardin. It was released as a single on July 1, 1968, by Atlantic Records, and later appeared on their 1969 album Freedom Suite. With its blend of blue-eyed soul, rock, and pop influences, the song became a defining anthem of the era, spending five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number 14 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. It also topped the charts in Canada and reached number 11 in Australia, ultimately becoming a gold-certified hit by the RIAA in August 1968.

# 5 – Everyday People – Sly & The Family Stone

Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People” is a timeless anthem of equality and unity, written by Sly Stone and released in late 1968. It was the first single by the band to reach number one on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the Soul singles chart, holding the top spot on the Hot 100 for four weeks from February 9 to March 8, 1969. Produced by Sly Stone himself, the song was recorded in San Francisco and became one of the most iconic tracks of the 1960s, capturing the essence of the counterculture movement and the desire for social harmony. Billboard ranked it as the No. 5 song of 1969, and its message remains as relevant today as it was during its original release.

# 4 – People Are Strange – The Doors

Strange Days (50th Anniversary Expanded Edition)

“People Are Strange” by The Doors is a haunting exploration of alienation and disconnection, featured on their second studio album, Strange Days, released in September 1967. The song was penned by Jim Morrison and Robby Krieger, with all members of The Doors receiving credit on the album sleeve. Released as a single with “Unhappy Girl” as the B-side, the track peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the band’s memorable hits. Produced by Paul A. Rothchild, the recording took place at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood, California, and showcases The Doors’ ability to create atmospheric music that captures the mood of the lyrics.

Read More: The Doors Most Underrated Songs

# 3 – Short People – Randy Newman

Randy Newman’s “Short People” is a satirical take on prejudice, released in 1977 on his album Little Criminals. The song became a significant commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, kept from the top spot by Player’s “Baby Come Back” and the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive.” The track, produced by Lenny Waronker and Russ Titelman, features a catchy pop piano line in A major, accompanied by bass, drums, and a small brass section, with Los Angeles-based session musician Milt Holland on conga drums. Despite its success, Newman grew to dislike the song, as it was widely misunderstood, with some listeners taking the lyrics at face value rather than recognizing the intended satire.

Read More: Top 10 Randy Newman Songs

# 2 – Lonely People – America

America (Turquoise Vinyl/Limited Anniversary Edition)

“Lonely People” by America is a hopeful anthem written by Dan Peek and his wife Catherine Peek, released as the second single from their 1974 album Holiday. The song became a significant hit, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming America’s second number one on the Easy Listening chart in February 1975. Produced by legendary Beatles producer George Martin, the track was recorded at AIR Studios in London, which provided the album with a polished, radio-friendly sound. The collaboration with Martin marked a turning point for America, helping them refine their style and reach a broader audience.

# 1 – People Get Ready – Jeff Beck & Rod Stewart

“People Get Ready” is a powerful collaboration between guitarist Jeff Beck and vocalist Rod Stewart, recorded in 1985 for Beck’s album Flash. Originally written by Curtis Mayfield and first recorded by The Impressions in 1965, this version retains the song’s soulful essence while adding a rock edge through Beck’s signature guitar work. Produced by Jeff Beck and Arthur Baker, the track was recorded in London and showcases the chemistry between Beck and Stewart, who had previously worked together in the Jeff Beck Group during the late 1960s. Their reunion on “People Get Ready” became one of the most memorable moments on Flash, blending blues, rock, and gospel influences.

Read More: Top 10 Jeff Beck Songs

Read More: Top 10 Rod Stewart Songs