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ClassicRockHistory proudly presents this Top 500 Classic Rock Songs Of All Time article, which has been a long time in the making. All the writers here have put together their own lists many times in a battle to publish this article. After many years of arguing, we have decided to finally publish our thoughts on the 500 greatest classic rock songs of all time. Of course, the question of when “classic rock” begins and ends has been debated by fans and journalists for years.
Our point of view is that everything is connected, so why give it a starting or ending time? Why not pick the best rock songs ever released that have become classics no matter how when they hit the airwaves? The point is simply presenting the best; I think we accomplished that with this list. This list is in random order, as there is no way to match 500 songs against each other. It’s also a mixture of many well-known artists and not so many well-known artists. It’s all about the songs. And away we go…………
Top 500 Classic Rock Songs Of All Time
# 500 – Wheel In The Sky – Journey
We open up our top 500 classic rock songs of all time with a song from one of our favorite bands of all time. Journey just seems like the perfect band to start out this list with. The song “Wheel In The Sky” appeared on the Journey album called Infinity. The album was released in 1978. This was an important album in the history of Journey as it was the first Journey album to feature their new vocalist, Steve Perry.
# 499 – I Drink Alone – George Thorogood
And off we go with this classic song by George Thorogood and the Destroyers called I Drink Alone. The song was released on George Thorogood’s album entitled Maverick. The album was released in 1985.
# 498 – Rebel – John Miles
The late John Miles never became as big in the United States as he was in Europe. Still, he is one of our favorite artists. This was the album that almost broke him in the US.
# 497 – The Long Run – The Eagles
The title track to the last great Eagles album was released in 1979.
# 496 – Elderberry Wine – Elton John
You know Elton John’s going to appear on this list quite a few times. This is one of those very much underrated Elton John songs that appeared on his classic 1973 album entitled Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player.
# 495 – Stone Blue – Foghat
If you grew up in the 1970s, you loved this band. Sadly, a lot of their music is not known to young music fans in the 21st century, with the exception of “Slow Ride.” We’re trying to change that here at classic rock history.
# 494 – Love On The Telephone – Suzanne Fellini
Suzanne Fellini defined the concept of the true one-hit wonder with this amazing punk new wave gem that came out in the early 1980s.
# 493 – We Got A Bigger Problem Now – Dead Kennedys
While we’re on the topic of punk rock here’s a great track from the Dead Kennedys.
# 492 – 30 Days In The Hole – Humble Pie
Bands like Humble Pie defined the classic rock sound of the 1970s
# 491 – Wild In The Streets – Garland Jeffreys
Garland Jeffries has always been one of the most underrated rock artists of all time. This classic track was released on his Ghost Writer album in 1976.
# 490 – Eat To The Beat – Blondie
The title track to Blondie’s follow-up album to Parallel Lines. Eat To The Beat was released in the fall of 1979
# 489 – Allison – Elvis Costello
This classic ballad was released on Elvis Costello’s debut album My Aim Is True in 1977.
# 488 – Second Time Around – Blue Cheer
A Killer cut by the Psychedelic band Blue Cheer.
# 487 – Wanted Dead Or Alive – Bon Jovi
This great song would become a fan favorite.
# 486 – Spirit In The Night – Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s “Spirit in the Night,” was released on his first album entitled Greetings from Asbury Park New Jersey. It would soon become a huge concert favorite, especially on the 1978 Darkness on the Edge of Town tour.
# 485 – Subdivisions – Rush
The song “Subdivisions” was released on The Rush album Signals which was issued in 1982.
# 484 – Out of Exile – Audioslave
The merger of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell with basically the entire Rage Against the Machine band produced two amazing rock records.
# 483 – Hurts So Good – John Mellencamp
How many times did you see this video on MTV in the early 1980s?
# 482 – Crimson And Clover – Tommy James And The Shondells
This legendary song was released in December of 1968.
# 481 – Godzilla – Blue Oyster Cult
You have to love this killer guitar riff by Blue Oyster Cult. This one has always been one of our favorite Blue Oyster Cult songs.
# 480 – Gloria – U2
U2 sounds so powerful on this early recording that the band released on their second album entitled October.
# 479 – The Final Countdown” – Europe
Easily one of the most classic metal songs released in the 1980s.
# 478 – You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ – Judas Priest
The song was released in 1982 on the Screaming for Vengeance album.
# 477 – Sugar Magnolia – The Grateful Dead
This classic Grateful Dead song was released in 1970 on the album entitled American Beauty.
# 476 – A Certain Girl – Warren Zevon
The song “A Certain Girl” was released on the album Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School in 1982. We miss Warren Zevon.
# 475 – Kitty’s Back – Bruce Springsteen
The classic song that blended Springsteen’s mixture of rock and jazz was truly inspired by Van Morrison. The song was released on Bruce Springsteen’s 1973 album The Wild, Innocent and E Street Shuffle.
# 474 – Vienna – Billy Joel
This great Billy Joel deep cut became a fan favorite over the years. The song was released on his breakthrough album, The Stranger, in 1977.
# 473 – Ah! Leah! – Donnie Iris
If you grew up in the seventies, you will remember this one at the end of the decade. the song was released on the album Back on the Streets in 1980.
# 472 – Addicted to Love – Robert Palmer
The video that went along with this one was almost as good as the song.
# 471 – I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night) – The Electric Prunes
The sound of psychedelic Rock was released in 1966.
# 470 – Even It Up – Heart
From the band’s 1980 album Bebe La Strange.
# 469 – Peace Frog – The Doors
The song was released on the album Morrison Hotel In 1970. One of those deep album tracks that have always been a favorite among Doors fans.
# 468 – Beautiful Loser – Bob Seger
A classic Bob Seger song from the album of the same name.
# 467 – Land Of A Thousand Guitars – Willie Nile
This is a different song from the Bruce Springsteen song. Willie Niles came first. A truly great rock and roll tune by a guitar master and a very cool dude.
# 466 – Long Distant Runaround – Yes
The legendary B-Side to “Roundabout” was released in 1972.
# 465 – I Wanna Be Sedated – The Ramones
Easily one of the most popular songs the Ramones ever released.
# 464 – We’re Not Going To Take It – Twisted Sister
In the same style as Kiss, the band put on some makeup turned the attitude up to 11, and finally made the big time after years of playing the Long Island Club Scene
# 463 – What I Like About You – The Romantics
Fun party music with a bit of a new-wave vibe.
# 462 – Take A Pebble – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Emerson Lake and Palmer were huge in the 1970s. One of the greatest progressive rock trios of all time.
# 461 – Against The Wind – Bob Seger
There are so many great Bob Seger songs. This was one of the best, a nice mid-tempo rocker meets ballad.
# 460 – Limelight – Rush
We could have filled this entire list with Rush songs.
# 459 – Middle of the Road – The Pretenders
We had to include this cranking Pretenders song fueled by such a legendary chordal riff and an amazing vocal performance.
# 458 – Juniors Farm – Paul McCartney & Wings
Released as a stand-alone single in 1974
# 457 – Movin’ On – Bad Company
Released on the band’s debut album entitled Bad Company in 1974
# 456 – Frankenstein – The Edgar Winter Group
One of the greatest rock and roll instrumentals ever released. This song was issued on the They Only Come Out At Night album.
# 455 – Songs From The Wood – Jethro Tull
The title track to Jethro Tull’s brilliant 1977 album.
# 454 -Kid Charlemagne – Steely Dan
This was a turning point in the band’s career when they turned the jazz fusion influences all the way up and started making perfect records.
# 453 – Hot And Nasty – Black Oak Arkansas
You got to love these guys for their pure, unfiltered rock and roll spirit.
# 452 – Vasoline – Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots easily stands as one of the greatest rock bands to come out of the 1990s.
# 451 – Yours Is No Disgrace – Yes
The band Yes came out as number one on our all-time progressive rock band list.
# 450 – The Wild Heart – Stevie Nicks
The title track from our favorite Stevie Nicks album. Never get tired of listening to his haunting and beautiful song.
# 449 – Lunatic Fringe – Red Rider
This is such a killer song. It got a lot of airplay on MTV in the early 1980s.
# 448 – She’s Gone – Hall & Oates
This is one of the first big hit singles released in the early 1970s by Hall & Oates. The sound of blue-eyed soul that would fuel so many more hits over the next two decades.
# 447 – Different Drum – The Stone Ponys
This early vocal by Linda Ronstadt turned many heads in the music business to the amazing talent that was about to be unleashed upon the world.
# 446 – Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell has written so many classic songs and released a career full of deep, wonderful, legendary albums. This was just one of those songs that became a huge pop hit.
# 445 – Double Vision – Foreigner
The former Spooky Tooth member Mick Jones formed his own band in 1977, which became one of the all-time great classic rock bands in history. This was from their second album and stood as the title track.
# 444 – Round And Round – Ratt
Ratts’ mixture of glam and heavy metal broke out big time with this perfect mid80s monster Glam hit.
# 443 – I Want You To Want Me – Cheap Trick
This was one of those classic rock songs in the 1970s in which the live version actually became the big hit single.
# 442 – Big Shot – Billy Joel
Billy Joe’s rocking hit single off to 56th Street album was supposedly inspired by observing a certain rolling rockstar’s wife just take it too far.
# 441 – Point Of No Return – Kansas
Kansas found the perfect blend of progressive rock and commercial hit singles with the title track to the Point Of No Return album released in 1978.
# 440 – Strange Way – Firefall
This one might not have been a huge hit, but it stands as one of the band’s best songs if not best.
# 439 – Appaloosa – Gino Vannelli
We would have loved to put more Gino Vannelli on this list. His Rock stuff is so underrated. This was a great track from the Brother to Brother album.
# 438 – I May Not Be Your Kind – Garland Jeffreys
Garland Jeffries is another underrated rocker. I May Not Be Yout kind was released on the Ghost Writer album in 1977.
# 437 – Dry You Eyes – Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond’s Dry Your Eyes was the closing track on the Beautiful Noise album. This is one of Neil Diamond’s most stunning tracks.
# 436 – More Than This – Roxy Music
Every top 500 rock songs list has to have a little Roxy Music on it.
# 435 – Liar – Henry Rollins
What was initially supposed to be a tongue-in-cheek song became a huge rock and roll hit. Don’t miss the video for this awesome rocker.
# 434 – Because The Night – Patti Smith/ Bruce Springsteen
Patty Smith took a Bruce Springsteen song and had a huge hit with it. Bruce Springsteen played this in concert throughout most of his career. This song belonged to both of them.
# 433 – Blood and Roses – The Smithereens
The Smithereens stand as one of the most genuine rock and roll bands in classic rock history.
# 432 – Who’s Behind The Door – Zebra
I grew up watching this band in the bars on Long Island. It felt great when they scored their record contract with Atlantic Records. This one has long been a fan favorite.
# 431 – Like The Way I Do – Melissa Etheridge
Do you remember the first time you saw Melissa Etheridge perform this song on MTV? You said to yourself who’s this? wow!
# 430 – A Million Miles Away –Rory Gallagher
The legendary Rory Gallagher has always stood as one of the greatest guitar players in classic rock history.
# 429 – Lola – The Kinks
The Kinks had a lot of hits throughout their career but there was something very special about this song. Everyone loved Lola ……lo, lo, lo,lo Lola
# 428 – Spinning Wheel – Blood Sweat & Tears
Remember hearing this song on the radio every 10 minutes. Blood Sweat and Tears fused Jazz and Rock together as well as anybody has ever done.
# 427 – Evil Woman – Electric Light Orchestra
Jeff Lynne son of The Beatles as my friend always says, scored a big-time hit with his band with this song.
# 426 – Beth – KISS
Peter Criss became a legend with this song.
# 425 – Nights In White Satin – The Moody Blues
The Moody Blues have a very deep catalog filled with spectacular songs. This one just happened to be a really big hit.
# 424 – Avenging Annie – Andy Pratt
If you have never heard of Andy Pratt we advise you to buy one of his albums. One of the most underrated artists on this top 500 rock songs list.
# 423 -The Fever – Southside Johnny And The Asbury Jukes
This classic Bruce Springsteen song would become Southside Johnny And The Asbury Jukes’s signature hit along with “I Don’t Want To Go Home.”
# 422 -Stuck in the Middle with You – Steelers Wheel
I love this song in the 1970s, but every time I hear it now I can’t stop thinking about Quentin Tarantino’s movie Reservoir Dogs.
# 421 – Bang A Gong – T Rex
Legend, just pure legend.
# 420 – Annalle – Ellis Paul
Another name on this list you may not have ever heard of, trust me, you need to check out Alice Paul’s catalog of music. This is a brilliant song released on the album The Day After Everything Changed.
# 419 – Love Her Madly – The Doors
Released on the album L.A. Woman in 1971.
# 418 – Old Time Rock And Roll – Bob Seger
Released on the album Stranger in Town in 1978. One of the all-time classic rock party songs.
# 417 – Telephone Line – Electric Light Orchestra
Released on the album A New World Record in 1976.
# 416 – Personality Crisis – New York Dolls
Released on their self-titled debut album in 1973.
# 415 – Raise a Little Hell – Trooper
This band was huge in Canada in the 1970s. Released on the album Thick as Thieves in 1978.
# 414 – Please Go All The Way – The Raspberries
Who didn’t love the Raspberries? Hard to believe they got away with this title. It wouldn’t play to well now.
# 413 – No Easy Way Out – Robert Tepper
Another sleeper artist on this top 500 classic rock songs list. You can find this song on the soundtrack to Rocky III. This great New Jersey artist released a really good song here in this track.
# 412 – Sweet Dreams – Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush
Released on the album Juggernaut in 1982.
# 411 – We Just Disagree – Dave Mason
Dave Mason has released a lot of great songs in his career some real classics, but there was just something always really special about this one.
# 410 – Same Old Lang Syne – Dan Fogelberg
This is a pretty painful song to listen to. It’s the ultimate One That Got Away song with a Twist. On this song, he runs into the one that got away, and sadly she gets away again. Ouch that really hurts.
# 409 – Cloudbusting – Kate Bush
Just because this song became a monster hit again after having been placed in an episode of Stranger Things doesn’t mean it’s on this list for just that reason. It’s on this list because it’s one of Kate Bush’s greatest songs. It’s cool that a whole new generation found out about her.
# 408 – Kick Out the Jams – MC5
A van that does not get enough credit for inspiring the whole Glam Metal scene. This is what rock and roll is all about baby.
# 407 – In the City – The Jam
Released on their debut album also titled In The City in 1978.
# 406 – Flirtin’ With Disaster – Molly Hatchet
Southern rock at its darkest and dirtiest.
# 405 – Season of The Witch – Donovan
Released on the album Sunshine Superman.
# 404 – Jackie Blue – Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Released on the album It’ll Shine When It Shines in 1974.
# 403 – Tears Dry On Their Own – Amy Winehouse
Released on the album Back to Black in 2006. It’s hard to listen to this album because it’s just so good and so sad that this brilliant artist left us way too young.
# 402 – Don’t Misunderstand Me – Rossington Collins Band
Released on the album Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere in 1980.
# 401 – One Of The Boys – Mott The Hoople
Released on the album All The Way From Stockholm To Philadelphia in 1970.
# 400 – Fire And Ice – Pat Benatar
Released on the album Precious Time in 1981.
# 399 – Amie – Pure Prairie League
The sound of wonderful early ’70s folk rock.
# 398 – Deacon Blues – Steely Dan
I have never heard chord changes written harmonically like this before in my life. Steely Dan took composing music to a whole new level on the Aja album.
# 397 – Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O’Connor
Prince may have written it but Sinead O’Connor turned this song into something bigger than life.
# 396 – You Keep Me Hangin’ On – Supremes/ Vanilla Fudge
Two completely different versions of the same song define why a great song is a great song no matter what.
# 395 – Rock ‘n’ Roll High School – Ramones
The title track to one of our favorite rock and roll movies of all time. Put away common sense grab a bucket of popcorn and have a great rock and roll time.
# 394 – Eight Miles High – The Byrds
We wish we could have put more Byrds songs on this list but we just tried to cover a lot of artists.
# 393 – You’re Gonna Miss Me – 13th Floor Elevators
Such a cool band and so inspirational.
# 392 – Time Has Come Today – The Chambers Brothers
The perfect Fusion of Rock and Soul.
# 391 – Caught Up In You – 38 Special
These guys knew how to take a Southern rock sound and blend it with perfect pop sensibilities to make big-time hit records.
# 390 – We Got the Beat – The Go-Go’s
We couldn’t stop listening to them while also not being able to take our eyes off of them what a band. Beautiful, cool and very inspiring.
# 389 – I’ll Cry Instead – The Beatles
Of the all-time classic Beatles songs that’s probably way too underrated.
# 388 – Fame – David Bowie
Once again we probably could have done it top 500 classic rock songs listed with all Bowie songs. The ultimate rock and roll chameleon.
# 387 – Hot Blooded – Foreigner
I just love the band Foreigner. This was the lead single off their second album.
# 386 – I’m Just A Singer In A Rock And Roll Band – The Moody Blues
One of the coolest song openings in rock and roll.
# 385 – Caldonia – Robin Trower
To rock fans in the 1970s, Robin Trower was a god, a rock guitar God!
# 384 – I Wanna Be Your Dog – The Stooges
Iggy Pop and the Stooges were really the first genuine punk band.
# 383 – Star Star – The Rolling Stones
A very underrated Rolling Stones song.
# 382 – Permanent Vacation – Aerosmith
The start of the great Aerosmith Come Back in the 1980s.
# 381 – Ready For Action – Gamma
Released on the album Gamma One in 1979.
# 380 – Los Angeles – X
Released on the album Los Angeles in 1980. This was the band’s debut album
# 379 – The Ballad of El Goodoo – Big Star
Released on the album 1 Record in 1972.
# 378 – On The Turning Away – Pink Floyd
Released on the album A Momentary Lapse of Reason in 1987.
# 377 – I Stole Your Love –KISS
Released on the album Love Gun in 1977.
# 376 – Roulette – Bruce Springsteen
It’s hard to believe that this song was not released on any Bruce Springsteen album until the Tracks box set. One of the all-time great Bruce Springsteen b-sides.
# 375 – Goodbye To You – Scandal
The great song by Scandal introduced us to the magical voice of Patty Smyth.
# 374 – Touch Me – The Doors
Released on the album The Soft Parade in 1969.
# 373 – I’ve Seen All Good People – Yes
Released on the album The Yes Album in 1971.
# 372 – Bella Donna – Stevie Nicks
And just like that the solo career of Stevie Nicks had begun with her Bella Donna album and this beautiful title track song.
# 371 – Cleveland Rocks – Ian Hunter
Ladies and gentlemen Mr. Rock and Roll himself, the extraordinary Ian Hunter.
# 370 – Let’s Go Crazy – Prince
# 369 – Venus – The Shocking Blue
# 368 – Green-Eyed Lady – Sugarloaf
# 367 – Thank You For Being A Friend – Andrew Gold
# 366 – I’ve Got The Music In Me – The Kiki Dee Band
# 365 – Radar Love – Golden Earring
# 364 – Mr. Bojangles – The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
# 363 – Do You Know What I Mean – Lee Michaels
# 362 – Hold Your Head Up – Argent
# 361 – Wait Till I Get Home – Lone Justice
# 360 – Brother Louie – Stories
# 359 – Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo – Rick Derringer
# 358 – Ride Captain Ride – Blues Image
# 357 – Hot Rod Lincoln – Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen
# 356 – Fooled Around And Fell In Love – Elvin Bishop
# 355 – Dear Mr. Fantasy – Traffic
# 354 -Piece Of My Heart – Janis Joplin
# 353 – Smoking – Boston
# 352 – Dream Weaver – Gary Wright
# 351 – Smash it Up – The Damned
# 350 – Wheels Of Fortune – The Doobie Brothers
# 349 – Stoney End – Laura Nyro
# 348 – Vehicle – The Ides Of March
# 347 – Love Hurts – Nazareth
# 346 – Rocket Man – Elton John
# 345 – Sunshine – Jonathan Edwards
# 344 – Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones
# 343 – Midnight Rider- The Allman Brothers Band
# 342 – Sonic Reducer – Dead Boys
# 341 – When Will I Be Loved – Linda Ronstadt
# 340 – See No Evil – Television
# 339 – Dixie Chicken – Little Feat
# 338 – Sweet Dreams –Eurythmics
# 337 – Burnin’ Alive – AC/DC
# 336 – Turn To Stone – Joe Walsh
# 335 – Beast Of Burden – The Rolling Stones
# 334 – Fire On The Mountain – Marshall Tucker Band
# 333 – Respect – Aretha Franklin
# 332 – How Can I Be Sure – The Rascals
# 331 – She’s Not There – The Zombies
# 330 – Free Ride – The Edgar Winter Group
# 329 – Cat Scratch Fever – Ted Nugent
# 328 – The Boys Are Back In Town – Thin Lizzy
# 327 – Let It Ride – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
# 326 – You Made Me So Very Happy – Blood Sweat & Tears
# 325 – It’s Too Late – Carole King
# 324 – I Know I’m Losing You – Rod Stewart
# 323 – Cold As Ice – Foreigner
# 322 – Tom Sawyer – Rush
# 321 – The Logical Song – Supertramp
# 320 – Run To You – Bryan Adams
# 319 – I’ll Wait – Van Halen
# 318 – Two Tickets To Paradise – Eddie Money
# 317 – Sister Christian – Night Ranger
# 316 – The Rising – Bruce Springsteen
# 315 – Back In The U.S.A – Linda Ronstadt
# 314 – Photograph – Ringo Starr
# 313 – Moving Out – Billy Joel
# 312 – Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd
# 311 – Fool On The Hill – The Beatles
# 310 – Across The Universe – The Beatles
# 309 – Left of the Dial – The Replacements
# 308 – Slipping Away – Black Sabbath
# 307 – It’s Only Love – Bryan Adams
# 306 – Black Diamond – KISS
# 305 – Eli’s Coming – Three Dog Night
# 304 – Lose Again – Linda Ronstadt
# 303 – Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen
# 302 – Avalon – Roxy Music
# 301 – Black Betty – Ram Jam
# 300 – Doctor Wu – Steely Dan
# 299 – How I Wish – Keith Richards
# 298 – Rebel Rebel – David Bowie
# 297 – I Will Follow – U2
# 296 – Psycho Killer – Talking Heads
# 295 – Wedding Bell Blues – Laura Nyro
# 294 – Rihannon – Fleetwood Mac
# 293 – Backstreets – Bruce Springsteen
# 292 – Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra
# 291 – Rocky Mountain Way – Joe Walsh
# 290 – Oh Darling – The Beatles
# 289 – Surrender – Cheap Trick
# 288 – Girls Girls Girls – Motley Crue
# 287 – You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
# 286 – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2
# 285 – Smoking In The Boy’s Room – Brownsville Station
# 284 – Dreams – Van Halen
# 283 – Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
# 282 – Bad Love – Eric Clapton
# 281 – Lines On My Face -Peter Frampton
# 280 – You Really Got Me –The Kinks / Van Halen
# 279 – Tuesday’s Gone – Lynyrd Skynyrd
# 278 – Your No Good – Linda Ronstadt
# 277 – A Farewell to Kings –Rush
# 276 – Shine On You Crazy Diamond – Pink Floyd
# 275 – Do It Again – Steely Dan
# 274 – Spoonman – Soundgarden
# 273 – Detroit Rock City – KISS
# 272 – Rock And Roll Hootchie Koo – Rock Derringer
# 271 – Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
# 270 – Burnin For You – Blue Oyster Cult
# 269 – Legs – ZZ Top
# 268 – Whatever Gets You Through The Night – John Lennon
# 267 – Time –Pink Floyd
# 266 – The End Of The Innocence – Don Henly
# 265 – Centerfold – J.Geils Band
# 264 – Renegade – Styx
# 263 – My Sweet Lord – George Harrison
# 262 – Separate Ways – Journey
# 261 – Joy To The World – Three Dog Night
# 260 – Black Napkins – Frank Zappa
# 259 – Southern Man – Neil Young
# 258 – Even Flow – Pearl Jam
# 257 – No One Like You – Scorpions
# 256 – Your Breaking My Heart – Harry Nilsson
# 255 – Photograph – Def Leppard
# 254 – Scenes From An Italian Restaurant – Billy Joel
# 253 – For What It Worth – Buffalo Springfield
# 252 – Living On A Prayer – Bon Jovi
# 251 – Rock An Roll All Night –KISS
# 250 – In The Air Tonight – Phil Collins
# 249 – Woodstock – Joni Mitchell
# 248 – Little Queen – Heart
# 247 – Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy – Elton John
# 246 – Dirty Work – Steely Dan
# 245 – Pick Up The Pieces – Average White Band
# 244 – Trampled Under Foot – Led Zeppelin
# 243 – Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett
# 242 – Come And Get It – Badfinger
# 241 – Sister Golden Hair – America
# 240 – Night Flight – Led Zeppelin
# 239 – Aqaulong – Jethro Tull
# 238 – Refugee – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
# 237 – I’m Not In Love – 10cc
# 236 – Long Train Running – The Doobie Brothers
# 235 – Inca Roads – Frank Zappa
# 234 – Young Americans – David Bowie
# 233 – Black Hole Sun – Soundgarden
# 232 – Love The One You’re With – Stephen Stills
# 231 – AJA – Steely Dan
# 230 – Honky Cat – Elton John
# 229 – The Stroke – Billy Squire
# 228 – Higher Ground – Stevie Wonder/ Red Hot Chili Peppers
# 227 – In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed – The Allman Brothers Band
# 226 – Creep – Stone Temple Pilots
# 225 – Stay With Me – Faces
# 224 – Cinnamon Girl – Neil Young
# 223 – Taking It To The Streets – The Doobie Brothers
# 222 – Reeling In The Years – Steely Dan
# 221 – Pride And Joy – Stevie Ray Vaughan
# 220 – Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar
# 219 – Lucky Man – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
# 218 – Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting – Elton John
# 217 – Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl) – Looking Glass
# 216 – Just What I Needed – The Cars
# 215 – Rock You Like A Hurricane – Scorpions
# 214 – Why Can’t This Be Love –Van Halen
# 213 – Peaches En Regalia – Frank Zappa
# 212 – We’re An American Band – Grand Funk
# 211 – Hello I Love You – The Doors
# 210 – I Need A Lover – John Mellencamp
# 209 – Message In A Bottle – The Police
# 208 – Come Sail Away – Styx
# 207 – Peace Of Mind – Boston
Boston’s 1-2 punch of More Than A Feeling and Peace of Mind made fOR of the best one-two punches in classic rock album history.
# 206 – The Joker – Steve Miller Band
# 205 – Oh! You Pretty Things – David Bowie
# 204 – London Calling – The Clash
The Clash blew everybody’s minds in the rock and roll world when they released the album London Calling.
# 203 – All Right Now – Free
# 202 – Paradise By The Dashboard Light – Meat Loaf
One of the most original, fun, and exciting rock and roll pieces of music ever released. Holy Cow!
# 201 – Cold Shot – Stevie Ray Vaughan
One of the greatest guitarists who has ever lived and one of the most passionate players in music history.
# 200 – Good Lovin’ Gone Bad – Bad Company
Released on the album Straight Shooter in 1975
# 199 – Sweet Emotion – Aerosmith
# 198 – Locomotive Breath – Jethro Tull
# 197 – Iron Man – Black Sabbath
# 196 – White Room – Cream
# 195 – Life In The Fast Lane – The Eagles
# 194 – Carry On My Wayward Son – Kansas
# 193 – Lithium – Nirvana
# 192 – Ziggy Stardust – David Bowie
# 191 – That Smell – Lynyrd Skynyrd
# 190 – Purple Haze – Jimi Hendrix
# 189 – Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
# 188 – Taking Care Of Business – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
# 187 – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John
# 186 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy – Bad Company
Released on the album Desolation Angels in 1979
# 185 – These Dreams – Heart
# 184 – Levon – Elton John
# 183 – The Court of the Crimson King – King Crimson
Released on the album In the Court of the Crimson King in 1969.
# 182 – Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love – Bad Company
# 181 – Riders On The Storm – The Doors
# 180 – Mr. Crowley – Ozzy Osbourne
# 179 – Tarkus – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
# 178 – God Save The Queen – The Sex Pistols
# 177 -The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway – Genesis
# 176 – Purple Rain – Prince
# 175 – Going To California – Led Zeppelin
# 174 – Born In The U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen
# 173 – Roll Me Away – Bob Seger
# 172 – The Song Remains The Same –Led Zeppelin
# 171 – Ace of Spades – Motorhead
# 170 – Flying High Again – Ozzy Osbourne
# 169 – Suffragette City – David Bowie
# 168 – Summer of 69″– Bryan Adams
# 167 – Miss You – The Rolling Stones
# 166 – Darkness On The Edge Of Town – Bruce Springsteen
# 165 – Bennie And The Jets – Elton John
# 164 – Sheep – Pink Floyd
# 163 – The Devil Went Down To Georgia – The Charlie Daniels Band
# 162 – Whipping Post – The Allman Brothers Band
# 161 – The Ocean – Led Zeppelin
# 160 – Holiday in Cambodia – Dead Kennedys
# 159 – Who Are You – The Who
# 158 – Changes – David Bowie
# 157 – Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
# 156 – Jack And Diane – John Mellencamp
# 155 – Rock You Like A Hurricane – The Scorpions
# 154 – The Pretender – Jackson Browne
# 153 – I Can’t Drive 55 – Sammy Hagar
# 152 – Yellow Submarine – The Beatles
# 151 – Tumbling Dice – The Rolling Stones
# 150 – From Me To You – The Beatles
# 149 – Roadhouse Blues – The Doors
# 148 – I Don’t Need No Doctor – Humble Pie
# 147 – Jessica – The Allman Brothers Band
# 146 – All My Loving – The Beatles
# 145 – Heat Of The Moment – Asia
# 144 – Roundabout – Yes
The classic Yes song was released on the album Fragile in 1972.
# 143 – Who”ll Stop The Rain – CCR
# 142 – Jet – Paul McCartney & Wings
# 141 – Eruption – Van Halen
# 140 – Nobody’s Fault But Mine – Led Zeppelin
# 139 – Back In Black – AC/DC
# 138 – Helter Skelter – The Beatles
# 137 – L.A. Woman – The Doors
# 136 – The Long And Winding Road – The Beatles
# 135 – And You And I – Yes
Released on the album Close To The Edge in 1972
# 134 – Get Off My Cloud – The Rolling Stones
# 133 – Another Brick In The Wall – Pink Floyd
# 132 – California Girls – The Beach Boys
# 131 – The End – The Doors
# 130 – With A Little Help From My Friends – The Beatles
# 129 – Do You Feel Like I Do – Peter Frampton
# 128 – Crazy On You – Heart
# 127 – Pink Houses – John Mellencamp
# 126 – American Woman – The Guess Who
# 125 – In The Dead Of Night – U.K.
# 124 – Night Moves – Bob Seger
# 123 – Rambling Man – The Allman Brothers Band
# 122 – Hot ‘N’ Nasty – Humble Pie
# 121 – Can’t You See – The Marshall Tucker Band
# 120 – Norwegian Wood – The Beatles
# 119 – Magic Man – Heart
# 118 – One – Metallica
# 117 – Feels Like The First Time – Foreigner
# 116 – While My Guitar Gently Weeps – The Beatles
# 115 – Thank You – Led Zeppelin
# 114 – Karn Evil 9 – Emerson, Lake & Palmer
# 113 – Light My Fire – The Doors
# 112 – Evil Ways – Santana
# 111 – Stone Cold Crazy – Queen
# 110 – Summertime Blues – Blue Cheer
# 109 – Sympathy For The Devil – The Rolling Stones
# 108 – Day Tripper – The Beatles
# 107 – Tie Your Mother Down – Queen
# 106 – Burning Down the House- Talking Heads
# 105 – Good Times Bad Times – Led Zeppelin
# 104 – Bat Out Of Hell – Meat Loaf
# 103 – Smoke On The Water – Deep Purple
# 102 – Back In The Saddle – Aerosmith
# 101 – Fool For The City – Foghat
# 100 – Oceania – Smashing Pumpkins
# 99 – Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf
# 98 – Ramble On – Led Zeppelin
# 97 – Green Grass And High Tides Forever – Outlaws
# 96 – 2112 – Rush
# 95 – All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
# 94 – Where The Streets Have No Name – U2
# 93 – Barracuda – Heart
# 92 – Jungleland – Bruce Springsteen
# 91 – White Rabbit – The Jefferson Airplane
# 90 – Dream On – Aerosmith
# 89 – A Whiter Shade Of Pale – Procol Harum
# 88 – Can’t Buy Me Love – The Beatles
# 87 – Liar – Queen
# 86 – Suite Judy Blue Eyes – Crosby Stills & Nash
# 85 – Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
# 84 – Revolution – The Beatles
# 83 – Driving Wheel – Foghat
# 82 – Mississippi Queen – Mountain
# 81 – Judgement Day – Van Halen
# 80 – All The Way From Memphis – Mott The Hoople
# 79 – Born To Be Wild – Steppenwolf
# 78 – The Rover – Led Zeppelin
# 77 – Dream On – Aerosmith
# 76 – Something – The Beatles
# 75 – All The Young Dudes – Mott The Hoople
# 74 – Take It Easy – The Eagles
# 73 – Ticket To Ride – The Beatles
# 72 – Crazy Train – Ozzy Osbourne
# 71 – Since I’ve Been Loving You – Led Zeppelin
# 70 – Imagine – John Lennon
# 69 – Close To The Edge – Yes
# 68 – How Many Friends – The Who
# 67 – Hotel California – The Eagles
# 66 – You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette
# 65 – Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles
# 64 – Walk This Way – Aerosmith
# 63 – More Than A Feeling – Boston
# 62 – I Saw Here Standing There – The Beatles
# 61 – When The Levee Breaks – Led Zeppelin
# 60 – I Love Rock And Roll – Joan Jett
# 59 -My Generation – The Who
# 58 – Train in Vain – The Clash
# 57 – Amerian Pie – Don Mclean
# 56 – Honky Tonk Women – The Rolling Stones
# 55 – Revolution – The Beatles
# 54 – Paranoid – Black Sabbath
# 53 – Maggie May – Rod Stewart
# 52 -Eleanor Rigby – The Beatles
# 51 – Roxanne – The Police
THE TOP 50
#50 – We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions – Queen
Released in 1977 on News of the World, these two tracks are often played together, becoming anthems for sports and celebrations worldwide. Written by Brian May (“We Will Rock You”) and Freddie Mercury (“We Are the Champions”), the songs peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remain some of Queen’s most iconic tracks, representing the power and grandeur of their music.
#49 – Don’t Fear The Reaper – Blue Öyster Cult
From their 1976 album Agents of Fortune, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” was written by lead guitarist Donald Roeser. The song reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the band’s most well-known hit. It’s famous for its atmospheric guitar riff and its introspective lyrics about mortality.
#48 – Band On The Run – Paul McCartney & Wings
The title track of the 1973 album Band on the Run, this song solidified Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles career. Written by McCartney, the track is known for its multi-part structure and was a major commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is often regarded as one of McCartney’s greatest achievements.
#47 – Rock And Roll – Led Zeppelin
Featured on Led Zeppelin IV in 1971, “Rock and Roll” is an explosive tribute to 1950s rock. Written by all four band members, the song’s driving rhythm and heavy guitar make it a fan favorite at live shows. It reached No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the most recognized Led Zeppelin songs.
#46 – Dogs – Pink Floyd
“Dogs” is a 17-minute epic from Pink Floyd’s 1977 album Animals. Written by David Gilmour and Roger Waters, the track explores themes of greed and societal corruption. Though not a traditional single, it remains a fan-favorite for its intricate structure and biting lyrics.
#45 – Gimme Shelter – The Rolling Stones
From the album Let it Bleed, released in 1969, “Gimme Shelter” is a dark and brooding track synonymous with the late 1960s’ social turmoil. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song features haunting vocals from guest singer Merry Clayton and is one of the band’s most critically acclaimed works.
#44 – Jumpin’ Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones
Released as a non-album single in 1968, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is one of the Rolling Stones’ most enduring hits. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the track hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is a staple of their live performances, known for its iconic guitar riff.
#43 – Help – The Beatles
The title track from Help!, released in 1965, “Help” showcases John Lennon’s songwriting as he openly expressed feelings of vulnerability. The song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a pivotal track in The Beatles’ mid-60s transformation.
#42 – A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles
The title track of their 1964 album and film, “A Hard Day’s Night” was written by John Lennon with contributions from Paul McCartney. Its opening chord is one of the most famous in rock history, and the song reached No. 1 on both the UK and US charts, defining the early days of Beatlemania.
#41 – Panama – Van Halen
From their 1984 album 1984, “Panama” was written by all four members of Van Halen. The song is a high-energy anthem known for Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitar work. It reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a favorite in their catalog of hits.
THE TOP 40
# 40 – Heartbreaker – Pat Benatar
Released as part of her 1979 debut album In the Heat of the Night, “Heartbreaker” became one of Pat Benatar’s signature songs. Written by Geoff Gill and Cliff Wade, the track combines a fierce vocal performance with a hard-hitting rock sound that established Benatar as a powerful female voice in rock. It peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become one of her most beloved songs, emblematic of her fiery stage presence and powerful vocals during the rise of women in rock music in the late 1970s.
# 39 – The Real Me – The Who
Released on Quadrophenia in 1973, “The Real Me” is a dynamic track by The Who, showcasing John Entwistle’s explosive bass work, which is often hailed as one of the greatest bass performances in rock history. Written by Pete Townshend, the song reflects the inner turmoil of the album’s protagonist, Jimmy, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative of this rock opera. Though not a single, it has become a fan favorite and a live staple, particularly noted for its intensity during the band’s performances.
# 38 – Money – Pink Floyd
“Money” from Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) became one of the band’s most recognizable hits. Written by Roger Waters, the track’s signature 7/4 time signature and the sound effects of cash registers and coins set it apart from traditional rock songs. As the lead single from the album, it reached the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 13, and remains a defining moment in the band’s legacy. Its commentary on capitalism and greed still resonates, making it a cornerstone of progressive rock.
# 37 – Brown Sugar – The Rolling Stones
Released in 1971 on the Sticky Fingers album, “Brown Sugar” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most enduring rock songs. Written primarily by Mick Jagger, the song combines raunchy guitar riffs with provocative lyrics, touching on themes of race and sex. It topped the charts in both the US and UK, solidifying the Stones’ reputation for pushing boundaries. The song’s gritty sound and rebellious spirit make it an essential track in their catalog.
# 36 – Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
Written by George Harrison, “Here Comes the Sun” appeared on Abbey Road in 1969 and has since become one of The Beatles’ most cherished songs. Its uplifting melody and optimistic lyrics were composed during a time of personal and professional strife for Harrison, making it a symbol of hope and renewal. Though never released as a single, the track has become synonymous with The Beatles’ later period and remains a timeless anthem of positivity.
# 35 – You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
A defining hit from Back in Black (1980), “You Shook Me All Night Long” is one of AC/DC’s most famous songs. Written by Angus and Malcolm Young along with Brian Johnson, it was the band’s first hit with Johnson as their lead singer following Bon Scott’s death. The track reached No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has become a rock radio staple, celebrated for its infectious riff and electrifying energy that has kept fans headbanging for decades.
# 34 – Hot For Teacher – Van Halen
From their 1984 album 1984, “Hot For Teacher” is a signature Van Halen track, filled with Eddie Van Halen’s fiery guitar work and Alex Van Halen’s thunderous drumming. Known for its playful, rebellious lyrics and high-energy performance, the song didn’t chart as high as other hits from the album but remains one of the band’s most iconic tracks, especially due to its infamous music video. It is a testament to Van Halen’s unmatched presence in the 1980s rock scene.
# 33 – (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones
Released on Out of Our Heads in 1965, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” became one of The Rolling Stones’ greatest anthems. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song’s iconic riff and rebellious lyrics captured the frustrations of the youth during the 1960s. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time, setting the stage for the Stones as rock music’s most enduring bad boys.
# 32 – She Loves You – The Beatles
Released as a single in 1963, “She Loves You” became The Beatles’ best-selling single in the UK and helped spark Beatlemania across the globe. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the song’s catchy “Yeah, yeah, yeah” refrain and energetic performance captured the youthful exuberance of the early Beatles era. It remains one of the defining songs of the band’s early period, reaching No. 1 in several countries and helping to establish The Beatles as a cultural phenomenon.
# 31 – Life On Mars – David Bowie
“Life On Mars,” from David Bowie’s 1971 album Hunky Dory, is considered one of his finest compositions. The song, with its surreal lyrics and orchestral arrangement, reflects Bowie’s gift for blending pop with avant-garde artistry. While it wasn’t initially released as a single in the US, it became a fan favorite and charted at No. 3 in the UK when it was released as a single in 1973. The track’s enigmatic lyrics and sweeping production make it one of Bowie’s most enduring songs, loved by fans and critics alike.
TOP 30
# 30 – Like A Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan
Released in 1965, “Like A Rolling Stone” is one of Bob Dylan’s most iconic songs, appearing on his album Highway 61 Revisited. The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is often credited with redefining the boundaries of popular music. Written by Dylan, its groundbreaking lyrics and length (over six minutes) helped push the song into rock history, inspiring countless artists and serving as a pivotal moment in the 1960s counterculture movement.
# 29 – Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin
“Stairway to Heaven” was released in 1971 on Led Zeppelin’s untitled fourth album (Led Zeppelin IV). Written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, the song was never released as a single, but its widespread airplay made it one of the most requested and recognizable songs in rock history. Featuring a blend of folk, rock, and progressive influences, the song’s iconic guitar solo by Page is frequently cited as one of the greatest of all time.
# 28 – Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
Released in 1991 on Nevermind, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became the anthem of the grunge movement and catapulted Nirvana to worldwide fame. Written by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl, the song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is widely considered one of the most significant songs of the 1990s. Its raw energy, heavy distortion, and lyrics resonated with Generation X, making it a defining track of the era.
# 27 – Strawberry Field Forever – The Beatles
“Strawberry Fields Forever” was released in 1967 as a double A-side single with “Penny Lane” and later appeared on Magical Mystery Tour. Written by John Lennon, the song reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 in the UK. Its surreal lyrics and innovative production techniques, including reverse tape effects and orchestration, make it one of the most experimental and influential songs of The Beatles’ psychedelic period.
# 26 – Hey Jude – The Beatles
“Hey Jude” was released as a non-album single in 1968, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for nine weeks. Written by Paul McCartney for John Lennon’s son Julian, the song became one of The Beatles’ most commercially successful singles. With its iconic sing-along coda, “Hey Jude” remains one of the band’s signature songs and a timeless anthem of comfort and support.
# 25 – The Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Released in 1970 on Led Zeppelin III, “The Immigrant Song” features a powerful riff and lyrics inspired by Norse mythology. Written by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, the song was a commercial success, peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its aggressive sound and Viking imagery have made it one of the band’s most enduring and recognizable tracks, often used in pop culture to evoke epic adventure.
# 24 – Comfortably Numb- Pink Floyd
“Comfortably Numb,” from Pink Floyd’s 1979 album The Wall, is one of the band’s most famous tracks. Written by David Gilmour and Roger Waters, the song’s haunting lyrics and Gilmour’s legendary guitar solo have earned it a permanent place in rock history. Although it wasn’t released as a single in most markets, its impact on rock music and Pink Floyd’s legacy is undeniable, making it a staple of their live performances.
# 23 – Let It Be – The Beatles
“Let It Be” was released in 1970 as the title track of The Beatles’ final studio album. Written by Paul McCartney, the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become one of the band’s most beloved and enduring tracks. Inspired by a dream McCartney had about his late mother, the song is often seen as a comforting ballad that marked the end of The Beatles’ era.
# 22 – Welcome To The Jungle – Guns N’ Roses
“Welcome to the Jungle” was released in 1987 on Appetite for Destruction, Guns N’ Roses’ debut album. Written by Axl Rose and Slash, the song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the band’s signature songs. With its intense lyrics and ferocious guitar riff, “Welcome to the Jungle” became an anthem for 1980s rock, encapsulating the raw energy and grit of the Los Angeles music scene.
# 21 – Chip Away at the Stone – Aerosmith
Released in 1978 as a stand-alone single, “Chip Away at the Stone” later appeared on Aerosmith’s Live! Bootleg album. Written by Richie Supa and Aerosmith’s own Steven Tyler, the song reached No. 77 on the Billboard Hot 100. Though not one of the band’s biggest commercial hits, “Chip Away at the Stone” is a fan favorite for its bluesy rock style and became a staple in their live performances.
THE TOP 20
#20 – Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
Released in 1966, “Good Vibrations” became one of The Beach Boys’ most iconic songs. It was initially a stand-alone single before being included in the album Smiley Smile in 1967. Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is often praised for its innovative production techniques, including the use of the electro-theremin. “Good Vibrations” is a key track in the development of psychedelic rock and is widely considered one of the greatest pop songs in history.
#19 – Layla – Derek And The Dominos
“Layla,” released in 1970 on the album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, became a rock classic thanks to its unforgettable guitar riff and emotional intensity. Written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, the song was inspired by Clapton’s unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, who was then married to George Harrison. Though it initially peaked at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song grew in popularity and became one of Clapton’s most celebrated pieces, often cited as one of the greatest rock love songs of all time.
#18 – Kashmir – Led Zeppelin
Released in 1975 on Physical Graffiti, “Kashmir” is one of Led Zeppelin’s most ambitious and enduring tracks. Written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, the song is known for its distinctive, driving riff and orchestral arrangement. Although it was never released as a single, “Kashmir” remains one of Zeppelin’s most iconic tracks and a staple in their live performances. It is frequently lauded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time, showcasing the band’s ability to blend hard rock with global influences.
#17 – I Want To Hold Your Hand – The Beatles
“I Want to Hold Your Hand” was released in 1963 and became The Beatles’ first No. 1 hit in the United States, marking the beginning of the “British Invasion.” Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the song was a major commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and holding that spot for seven weeks. It was a turning point in rock history, helping The Beatles become a global phenomenon and cementing their place in music history.
#16 – Achilles Last Stand – Led Zeppelin
“Achilles Last Stand,” released in 1976 on Presence, is one of Led Zeppelin’s longest and most complex songs. Written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, the song features soaring guitars, intricate drum work from John Bonham, and epic lyrics inspired by mythology and Plant’s recovery from a car accident. Though not a commercial hit, the song is beloved by fans and critics alike for its musical depth and is often considered one of Zeppelin’s finest compositions.
#15 – Ziggy Stardust – David Bowie
Released in 1972 as part of the concept album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, “Ziggy Stardust” tells the story of Bowie’s alter ego, a bisexual alien rock star. Written by Bowie, the song didn’t chart as a single but became a defining track of Bowie’s career and is considered one of his signature songs. The Ziggy Stardust persona solidified Bowie’s place as a glam rock icon and remains one of the most influential characters in rock history.
#14 – Freebird – Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Freebird,” released in 1973 on Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd, is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most famous tracks, known for its powerful lyrics and extended guitar solo. Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins, the song peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a rock anthem. It’s often regarded as one of the greatest live performance songs in rock history, frequently closing out Skynyrd’s concerts and immortalizing their legacy.
#13 – Sweet Child Of Mine – Guns N’ Roses
Released in 1987 on Appetite for Destruction, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” became Guns N’ Roses’ breakthrough single, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by band members Axl Rose, Slash, and Izzy Stradlin, the song is known for its iconic guitar riff and heartfelt lyrics about Axl Rose’s then-girlfriend Erin Everly. It remains one of the band’s most beloved tracks and helped cement their status as one of the biggest rock bands of the late 1980s.
#12 – Black Dog – Led Zeppelin
“Black Dog,” the opening track from Led Zeppelin’s 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV, is known for its complex time signatures and Robert Plant’s powerful vocals. Written by Plant, Page, and John Paul Jones, the song was a commercial success, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its blues-rock structure and iconic riff have made it a staple of classic rock radio and one of the most recognizable songs in Led Zeppelin’s catalog.
#11 – Slow Ride – Foghat
Released in 1975 on Fool for the City, “Slow Ride” is one of Foghat’s signature songs and a staple of classic rock radio. Written by the band’s lead guitarist Dave Peverett, the song reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its driving beat and blues-rock influence make it an anthem of 1970s hard rock, often featured in films and commercials, and still beloved by fans of the genre.
# 10 – Tiny Dancer – Elton John
Released in 1971 on Madman Across the Water, “Tiny Dancer” was written by Elton John and his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. While it wasn’t an immediate hit, it gained massive popularity over time and became one of John’s most beloved songs. Known for its vivid storytelling and emotive melody, “Tiny Dancer” re-entered the public consciousness with its prominent feature in the 2000 film Almost Famous and remains a fan favorite in John’s extensive catalog.
# 9 – Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
“Bohemian Rhapsody,” released in 1975 on A Night at the Opera, is arguably one of the most innovative and popular rock songs of all time. Written by Freddie Mercury, the song became a No. 1 hit in the UK and later reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. It blends rock, opera, and ballad elements into one song, and its accompanying music video is considered a pioneering work in the music video industry. The song was a commercial and critical success, cementing Queen’s legacy as one of the greatest rock bands in history.
# 8 – Baba O’Riley – The Who
“Baba O’Riley,” the iconic opening track from The Who’s 1971 album Who’s Next, is one of the band’s most beloved songs. Written by Pete Townshend, the song was originally part of his Lifehouse project, which was scrapped but later morphed into Who’s Next. Featuring a pioneering use of synthesizers and Keith Moon’s thundering drums, the song blends rock with a progressive edge. Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals and Townshend’s signature windmill guitar moves cemented its status as a live staple. Despite never being released as a single, “Baba O’Riley” is recognized as one of the greatest classic rock anthems, often referred to by fans as “Teenage Wasteland” due to its famous chorus. The song’s title honors Townshend’s spiritual influences—Meher Baba and minimalist composer Terry Riley. Its enduring legacy makes it a cultural touchstone in rock music history.
# 7 – Born To Run – Bruce Springsteen
“Born to Run,” released in 1975, is the title track from Bruce Springsteen’s third studio album. Written by Springsteen, the song became his breakout hit, peaking at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. The anthem of youthful freedom and escape helped solidify Springsteen’s reputation as “The Boss” and became one of the defining tracks of his career. The song’s layered production, featuring Clarence Clemons’ saxophone and Springsteen’s dynamic vocal delivery, is often regarded as one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded. Born to Run remains a cornerstone in American rock, capturing the spirit of chasing dreams against all odds.
# 6 – Sweet Jane – Lou Reed
“Sweet Jane,” released in 1970 on Loaded, the final Velvet Underground album with Lou Reed, is one of Reed’s most beloved and iconic songs. Written by Reed, the track is a mixture of rock, proto-punk, and artful lyricism, demonstrating his genius for blending edgy storytelling with accessible melodies. Though it didn’t achieve massive commercial success upon its release, “Sweet Jane” has since become a classic, covered by artists like Mott the Hoople and Cowboy Junkies. The live version of the song, featured on Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal (1974), is widely regarded as one of the most loved live classic rock recordings of all time. The combination of Reed’s raw performance and the twin-guitar intro by Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner elevated “Sweet Jane” into a transcendent live anthem, often noted as a pinnacle of live rock recordings.
# 5 – A Day In The Life – The Beatles
My friend said to me if you’re going to do a top 500 classic rock songs list you might as well just make the top 100 all Beatles songs and then there’s everything else. He has a point.
“A Day in the Life,” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), is widely regarded as one of The Beatles’ most groundbreaking and complex songs. Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it blends two distinct song fragments, representing their contrasting songwriting styles. The song’s orchestral crescendos, haunting lyrics, and Lennon’s introspective verses make it a psychedelic masterpiece. It did not chart as a single but became one of the standout tracks on an album that is often hailed as one of the greatest of all time. Its place in rock history is cemented as a pinnacle of innovation in songwriting and production.
# 4 – Sunshine Of Your Love – Cream
“Sunshine of Your Love” was released in 1967 on Cream’s album Disraeli Gears. Written by Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, and lyricist Pete Brown, the song became one of the band’s most enduring tracks. Its iconic guitar riff, played by Clapton, is one of the most recognizable in rock history. The single reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and remains a staple of classic rock radio. With its fusion of blues and rock, “Sunshine of Your Love” helped define the sound of late 1960s rock music and solidified Cream as one of the premier power trios of the era.
# 3 – Little Wing – Jimi Hendrix
“Little Wing” was released on Jimi Hendrix’s Axis: Bold as Love in 1967. Written by Hendrix, the song stands out for its beautiful melody and emotional depth, displaying a softer side of his musicianship. Though short in length, the track is celebrated for its intricate guitar work and innovative use of effects, such as the Leslie speaker. Though it wasn’t released as a single, “Little Wing” became one of Hendrix’s most beloved songs, influencing generations of guitarists. The track’s unique blend of blues, rock, and soul continues to resonate in rock music history.
# 2 – Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin
Released in 1969 as the lead single from Led Zeppelin’s Led Zeppelin II, “Whole Lotta Love” became the band’s first major hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by all four members of Led Zeppelin—Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham—this track is known for its revolutionary use of heavy guitar distortion, Page’s groundbreaking production, and Plant’s primal vocals. Its massive riff and psychedelic breakdown helped define hard rock and heavy metal, making it one of the most important songs in rock history. The song’s success solidified Led Zeppelin’s status as one of the biggest rock bands of the 1970s.
# 1 – Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” was released in 1971 as the final track on The Who’s Who’s Next album. Written by Pete Townshend, the song is a powerful anthem of rebellion and disillusionment. Its groundbreaking use of synthesizers, combined with the band’s signature power rock sound, makes it one of their most ambitious and influential tracks. The song reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 9 in the UK. Known for its electrifying guitar riff, thunderous drumming by Keith Moon, and Roger Daltrey’s famous scream, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” has become a defining song in rock history. Its message of skepticism towards political and societal change resonates as strongly today as it did in the 1970s, solidifying its place as a timeless rock anthem.
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Top 500 Classic Rock Songs Of All Time article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2025
Maybe you forgot that you Eurythmics exist
This is a pretty good list and reminded me of some great music from my youth. That said, there are glaring omissions and unjustifiable inclusions on this list. Go back to a definition of “CLASSIC ROCK”.
Anyone with an email that starts out with word brainiac, you know is going to think they know better than everyone else.
Dream on #90 #77
Rock you like a Hurricane #215 #155
Apear two times in the list
That’s because we really like thsoe songs.Just kidding. Well thats a mistake on us. It’s not easy listing 500 songs and trying to make some sort of sense of it all in a respectful way. We will fix the mistakes. Thanks for letting us know my friend and many thanks for spending time on our rock music site.
Lots of missing great songs. Lots of meh songs as well. Everyone has an opinion.