The best rock songs come from numerous sub genres that have been born out of this widely popular category. What makes the best rock songs is up for debate. Some people prefer meaningful lyrics while others admire edgy riffs and other rock and roll elements in their favorite music. Those who listen to rock music most likely already have a list of what they consider to be the best rock songs. The following ranks high among the most popular music from this genre.
Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven
Although diehard fans will argue that this may not be the best rock song created by Led Zeppelin, it is by far one of the most highly regarded in terms of popularity. Stairway to Heaven captivating lyrics and shifting sound encompasses eight minutes and two seconds of tempo changes, acoustic folk elements and pan flutes. The song earned a place on VH1’s list of best rock songs in 2000, taking up third place. Rolling Stone gave it 31st place in its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. During the 1970s, Stairway to Heaven was also recognized as the most requested song played on FM radios. The song was released on November 8th, 1971.
Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode
Going even further back among the best rock songs is Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry. This song managed to score high with both white and black audiences after its release on March 31st, 1958. It is one of the musician’s most popular releases and has seen a lot of attention by later artists who covered it. Johnny B. Goode was listed in eighth place on Billboard’s Hot 100 list and second place on the Hot R&B Sides charts. The song was also featured in Back to the Future (1985), where the main character Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) covers it in the 1955 high school dance scene. Berry played Johnny B. Goode during his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1986. Many consider Johnny B. Goode to easily take a place among the best rock songs of all time.
Jimi Hendrix’s Cover of All Along the Watchtower
Usually, music fans consider the best rock songs to be those performed by their original creator. In this case, a great justice was done to a song that was already great. All Along the Watchtower was written and recorded by Bob Dylan. It was covered by many artists, including U2, Dave Matthews Band, Grateful Dead, Neil Young and Dionysis Sawopoulos, however Jimi Hendrix’s version is usually the one most music fans identify with. The first recording of the Hendrix version was made at the Olympic Studios located in London on January 21st, 1968. It truly helped prove that sometimes a good cover song can become one of the best rock songs.
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