This week, I decided to go ahead and do a special post all about classic rock. Most of the music I listen to has evolved from classic rock, and without it, some of my favorite artists and bands might not have formed in the first place. In honor of that, I decided to make a top 10 countdown of my favorite classic rock songs. Without further ado, let’s get started.
I’ll start off with some songs that just barely missed out on the top 10: All Along the Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix, Baba O’Riley – The Who, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – Rolling Stones, Sympathy for the Devil – Rolling Stones, Dream On – Aerosmith, American Pie – Don McLean
10. Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who
This epic 8+ minute song has a very unique guitar part, and it’s just an enjoyable song to listen to. Part of the reason this song cracks my top 10 is because of the greatest rock and roll shout of all time (see 7:45 on the video).
9. Gimme Shelter – Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are some of the pioneers of classic rock, and Gimme Shelter is my favorite of their songs. I especially love the laid-back sounding intro, and you probably recognize the chorus: “It’s just a shot away. It’s just a shot away!”
8. Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
This song is the number 1 selling song of all time on iTunes for a reason. And for some reason, everyone seems to know every word to it, including me. It’s a true classic.
7. Hey Jude – Beatles
Naaaaaaaaa na naa NA NA NA NAAAAAAAAAAAA.
6. Hotel California – Eagles
I may be a little biased with this one because this was one of my favorite songs to play on Guitar Hero as a kid and I’ve stayed at a hotel modeled after the mythical Hotel California, but I love the ballad and the desert-sounding guitar part.
5. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
We’ve all probably been driving a car, at a party, or just listening to the radio when we heard the intro “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?”. I don’t know about you, but when I hear that I get the urge to yell out the lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody. It is truly a remarkable song, although it’s not really all one song. It’s more of a bunch of shorter songs woven together into a cohesive masterpiece. It is without a doubt the most unique song I’ve ever heard. With this song, Queen proved that classic rock had no boundaries, which is why Bohemian Rhapsody made the top 5.
4. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
Ok, I may be a little biased here because I live so close to New Jersey, but Born to Run is a phenomenal song. It truly put Bruce Springsteen on the map. It is a great story about two lovers talking about running away together. To me, Born to Run has one of the iconic sounds of classic rock, which is why it deserves to be #4 on my countdown.
3. Layla – Derek and the Dominos
You may not recognize the band, but you probably recognize the guitarist for this song: Eric Clapton. Clapton wrote a masterful guitar track for this song, and the opening riff to the song hooks you instantly. The song also contains powerful lyrics that convey the struggles of love and, surprisingly, a calm guitar solo with a little piano that almost sounds like it could be made for a romantic dance. I was hooked the first time I heard this song, and I still am, which is why it earns the #3 spot.
2. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
I had an extremely difficult time choosing between my top two songs, but ultimately, Led Zeppelin’s timeless classic ended up as my runner-up. It is a beautifully written song about life and death that is touching every time you listen to it. Stairway to Heaven has surprisingly deep lyrics for a classic rock song accompanied by a wonderful guitar section and emotional lyrics. It is a phenomenal song that could easily be #1 on my list, but it was just barely edged out.
1. Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd
There is something about Free Bird that just makes it perfect to me. It has the soft, slow introduction, a shift to a more upbeat transition, and of course the 4 minute epic guitar solo. Whenever I hear “Won’t you flyyyy hiiiiighhhh freeeeeee birrrdddd yeah!” and one of my favorite guitar solos of all time begins, I know I’m in for a listening treat. To me, Free Bird is one of the best songs ever written, and who knew it would come from a bunch of hippies from Alabama.
That’s my top 10, let me know what you think! Any big omissions? Any songs I should check out? As always, let me know in a comment!
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