Rock music is known for its innovative lyrics that appeal to young audiences, often dealing with themes of rebellion or antiauthoritarian attitudes. Its roots lie in blues and country music as well as folk influences.
An integral element of rock songs, instrument solos can add variety and excitement. Though not essential to their composition, solos provide musical variety while providing variation to songs.
1. Bill Haley & His Comets
Bill Haley & His Comets have long been disregarded as mere footnotes in the history of rock music, even when mentioned by articles on it. Though playing rock and roll before its name was coined and selling enough records before Elvis Presley emerged on the scene, Haley is typically treated as little more than an oddity by listeners today. Audiences only began taking notice again of his recordings in late sixties; and only recently has his many quality songs from fifties albums been recognized by industry peers.
Bill Haley and His Comets’ recording of “Rock Around the Clock” at Pythian Temple Studio on April 12, 1954 has become one of the defining songs in rock and roll’s introduction into white America, inspiring musicians across various genres to stop playing safe with their instruments, leading to more children dancing together than ever before.
Bill Haley and His Comets’ song reached #1 on Billboard charts for eight consecutive weeks and represented an important turning point between what was then called rock music and jazz and popular tunes that had previously dominated charts for decades. Furthermore, its success established them as global phenomenons – people across the world tuned in to hear them play live music performances from Bill Haley & His Comets.
The band toured relentlessly, playing to packed houses. By 1956 they had become overshadowed by more provocative performers like Elvis and Little Richard. Later years, however, saw them return as nostalgia acts and perform occasional shows – in 2006 alone they released a live album on Hydra Records and performed at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater in Branson Missouri!
2. Green Day
The Beatles may be one of the best-known bands in rock history, but they weren’t the only influential group within rock. Green Day, an independent punk band who first gained popularity with their independent album Kerplunk before achieving massive fame with major label release Dookie in 1994 is another band who took punk music to unexpected levels.
Many punk songs focus on pining for women or dealing with relationship troubles, yet punk music also allows artists to let loose by being emotionally vulnerable and being expressive with their songs. An iconic example is The Police’s “Roxanne,” an emotionally raw track depicting an isolated woman looking to leave her abusive situation behind.
CCR’s “Fortunate Son,” an anti-establishment anthem with country influences that rallies behind underdogs, provides another great classic rock song. Eagles hit “Take It Easy” is another soothing tune about not taking life too seriously or getting yourself involved with too much. Pat Benetar’s “Heartbreaker,” featuring its driving hard rock beat and Benetar’s versatile vocal range from whispers to growls is another memorable classic rock track worth listening to.
Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” is an irresistibly catchy song from their iconic Def Leppard album that showcases both fun and sexy vibes, representing how falling in love feels. Black Sabbath’s “Iron Bloke” offers something heavier; an ironically named heavy metal track about an industrial worker. Though typically associated with male musicians wearing flannel clothing, female artists have made waves within this genre as well.
3. Blondie
Classic rock songs evoke images of long-haired men windmilling their guitars and belting out songs with hoarse voices, but that doesn’t limit this genre to men alone; some of the greatest classic rock tracks feature female vocalists such as Heart’s “Barbaracuda.” It combines hard and psychedelic rock for an intense emotional experience – an epitome of its raw nature which defines this music genre.
Power is one of the cornerstones of great rock songs, and “School’s Out” certainly delivers it. Boasting hard-rock rhythm and an irresistibly catchy lead guitar riff that compels listeners to rock out, this track also explores one of rock music’s beloved subjects: partying and dancing! Additionally, its infectious lyrics inspire listeners to sing along and have fun while also exploring one of rock music’s beloved topics: partying.
Your expectations may not include The Kinks being associated with heavy rock, but their distinctive, growling guitar sound changed rock forever. They almost went for something bluesier here, but in the end opted for harder sounds instead and it paid off handsomely – this track became one of rock’s defining songs when Van Halen covered it!
Def Leppard is another long-running classic rock band who continue to release epic tunes, most notably their 1984 hit “Leave Me Alone”. This song boasts all of the hallmarks of an incredible classic rock song: catchy riffs, powerful vocals, and lyrics that inspire dancing – plus, it tackles one of rock music’s key topics: relationship breakup.
4. Pearl Jam
Many rock bands disband soon after reaching their initial popularity; few, however, have endured as long or been as influential as Pearl Jam. Seattle-based band Pearl Jam, formed by guitarist Jeff Ament and bassist Stone Gossard following the dissolution of their respective previous groups, sold over 85 million albums worldwide since its formation. Over their decades-long career, this group has kept fans on their toes with an eclectic range of alternative-rock songs that include elements of grunge and experimental musical elements. Pearl Jam have made headlines for more than just their legendary performances for fan audiences; they have also actively opposed ticketmaster and supported various social justice causes. Lead singer Eddie Vedder’s dulcet tones provide comfort to the band while their songs continue to evolve into something greater.
One of the most iconic classic rock songs is Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” A powerful song about being free and not holding back, and an easy sing-along tune with crunchy guitar and sensuous lyrics, “Free Bird” remains one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature tunes. Another great classic rock ballad comes from Rolling Stones with their “Sympathy for the Devil”. A rock ballad depicting abuse by one’s wife can also help – making an excellent rock ballad ballad.
“Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions is another classic rock track with catchy up-and-down guitar neck work and wet resonant drums. This song boasts some sultry lyrics focused on attitude and lust, making it perfect for dance parties or rock concerts alike.
5. The Beatles
The Beatles are universally acknowledged to be one of the most influential bands in rock history. Their unique music and style helped define 1960s culture, and continue to be revered today due to their immense commercial success, artistic achievements and popular cultural contributions – they even earned themselves #1 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Rock N’ Roll list!
Revolver was released by The Beatles in 1962 and set the foundation of classic rock. Their close vocal harmonies, subtly orchestrated arrangements and thoughtful production touches set new standards of excellence and beauty for an already established genre whose previous records had often been disregarded as amateurish.
Songs by the Beatles such as “Strawberry Fields Forever” hit at the heart and soul, moving people on a grand scale. Their iconic live stadium show at Shea Stadium in 1965 marked rock music entering mainstream consciousness for good.
Through the early 1970s, The Beatles continued to dominate popular culture both musically and with their films. These artists were prolific, and their film work was equally groundbreaking as their songwriting. Their films often dealt with serious social issues such as Vietnam and urban violence while remaining entertaining at the same time.
The Beatles were pioneers in the development of psychedelic and rock music, inspiring subsequent generations. Many early psychedelic and rock songs addressed issues related to love, desire, and alienation; for instance, The Rolling Stones’ 1967 album Beggars Banquet featured “Roxanne,” which described one woman’s discontentment with her husband; Eric Clapton wrote his bluesy classic rock track Layla about a man longing for his partner.