Top Ten Rock Songs Of All Time

While there are literally hundreds of definitive rock songs, the Top Ten Rock Songs have the distinction of defining particular eras. Usually preceding a new wave of musical styles, these top ten songs also echo the cultural and political atmosphere at key points in history.

Though some songs can become dated within a short time, others have the power to become timeless, and influence generation upon generation of music lovers. Here’s our take on the Top Ten Rock Songs of all time…

10. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana – 1991

Hair-metal had reached saturation levels, and the affluent, “let’s pretend” era of the 1980s was fading fast. Kids were fed-up with poser rock-stars, whose songs and fashion became formulaic and ceased to be personal. Nirvana had the rawness of the early Kinks, lyrical sentiments that described all they were feeling, a sound and look that would influence and fuel an entire era of rock music, and turn over every corporate entertainment paradigm.

9. Statesboro Blues – Allman Brothers – 1971

The song that introduced Duane Allman’s signature slide guitar style also introduced many rock fans to what would later be known as the “jam band.” If you were young, and weren’t into mysticism, hedonism, or introspection, you were into hippy-ism.

8. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin – 1971

Considered a masterpiece of rock music composition, what really made Stairway to Heaven a top song was the dreamy, eeriness of the lyrics and musical production. Early 1970s culture was gravitating to fantasy and mysticism, evident by numerous books and movies that would follow, and Led Zeppelin’s trademark Tolkien-esque lyrics hit the right chord.

7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps – The Beatles – 1968

Not only a fine example of George Harrison and Eric Clapton’s soulful playing, this haunting song by The Beatles mirrors the soul of the late 1960s. Downtrodden, mystified, and confused, but with a glimmer of hope that things will inevitably change…somehow. After all, the world is still turning.

6. Eruption – Van Halen – 1978

Eddie Van Halen virtually invented super-fast, precision guitar playing that was emulated all the way through the 1980s. Although Eruption was technically a guitar solo, preceding their cover of “You Really Got Me” by the Kinks, Van Halen came onto the music scene at a time when fans were just stating to become bored with commercial offerings. Eruption was instrumental in peeling off the layers that the 1970s had deposited onto music fans.

5. Brown Sugar – The Rolling Stones – 1971

Ushering in the decadent 1970s was the Rolling Stone’s “Brown Sugar”. Complete with raunchy Keith Richards guitar and risqué lyrics, the Stones threw out the frustration of the former decade, and had millions of fans thinking, “why not have some fun for a change?”

4. You Really Got Me – The Kinks – 1964

The birth of raw, dirty, garage rock began with the Kink’s “You Really Got Me”. Another heavily covered tune throughout the ages, the Kinks threw caution to the wind, slashing amplifier speakers to create the distorted guitar sound, and singing in devil-may-care fashion with no regard for popularly accepted styling. A brilliant effort that even modern rock bands try to replicate.

3. Crossroads – Cream – 1968

Classic Eric Clapton and Cream song which is as timeless as Robert Johnson himself. Not only did the tune feature the band’s trademark sound and musicianship, lyrically it represented the haunting realities and indecision present in 1960s culture.

2. Purple Haze – Jimi Hendrix – 1967

As a reflection of the troubled, confused 1960’s, Jimi Hendrix and his guitar emerged as one psychedelically linked unit. While many other guitarists merely played an instrument, Hendrix was the instrument. Experimenting with the latest in recording effects and rarely-heard guitar pyrotechnics, Jimi Hendrix slashed his way into timeless guitar-hero status with Purple Haze.

Top Ten Rock Songs – Number 1. Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry – 1958

Perhaps the most covered song in rock and roll, Johnny B. Goode almost single-handedly introduced the guitar as the primary rock instrument, with the lyrical sentiment to back it up. Johnny B. Goode represented a time in history when a youthful nation, bored by the saccharine, sedated 1950’s, began to realize that times were about to change. Here’s number one on our list of top ten rock songs…

There will obviously be plenty of debate on this list of Top Ten Rock Songs. There is no right list and no wrong list… only opinions – what’s your opinion? Let us know in the comments below!

By Scotty Smith
Guitarist Rock ©2008-2009