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Classic Rock: Guide to Iconic Hits & Artists

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Nathan Thompson

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Introduction to Classic Rock

Classic rock emerged in the late 1960s as a genre that combined the rebellious attitude of rock n’ roll with influences from the blues, folk and psychedelic rock scenes. The term "classic rock" typically refers to the most popular and influential rock music created during its peak era from the late 60s through the late 80s.

Some of the key characteristics of classic rock include extended guitar solos and riffs, blues-influenced song structures, prominent bass lines, raspy or soaring vocals, and anthemic lyrics with a bold, counterculture spirit. Many classic rock artists wrote their own music and lyrics and played their own instruments, often crafting songs that told stories or conveyed emotion through metaphorical or abstract lyrics.

The foundations of classic rock were laid by pioneering British Invasion bands like The Rolling Stones, The Who and The Kinks, who built upon rhythm and blues influences to create their signature sounds. American artists like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Creedence Clearwater Revival added their own spin in the late 60s, fusing rock with soul, folk, psychedelia and southern roots.

As the 70s progressed, classic rock evolved with arena rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith and Queen crafting epic songs and establishing the template for bombastic live shows. By the late 70s and 80s, classic rock dominated mainstream music with hugely popular bands like The Eagles, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi selling out stadiums and dominating the airwaves.

While the grunge movement of the early 90s shifted rock into a new direction, the songs and artists from the classic rock era of the 60s, 70s and 80s remain cultural touchstones that continue influencing modern music today.

Top Classic Rock Songs of All Time

Ranking the top classic rock songs is no easy feat, as there are so many iconic anthems spanning the 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. However, after careful consideration, here is a list of the 25 most memorable and beloved classic rock hits of all time:

  1. "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin (1971) – Often considered one of the greatest rock songs ever written, this 8-minute epic starts softly before building to an explosive guitar solo. With mystical lyrics alluding to spirituality and enlightenment, it encapsulates the magic of Led Zeppelin.

  2. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen (1975) – A true musical masterpiece, this song combines elements of rock, opera, and theater for an unforgettable journey. Freddie Mercury’s soaring 4-octave vocals and the song’s unpredictable compositional structure make it a standout.

  3. "Hotel California" by Eagles (1976) – Haunting lyrics about materialism and excess in America in the 70s drive this Grammy-winning song. It features an instantly recognizable guitar intro and dueling guitar solos by Don Felder and Joe Walsh.

  4. "Sweet Child O’ Mine" by Guns N’ Roses (1987) – The intro’s iconic guitar riff helped launch Guns N’ Roses to fame. Axel Rose’s vocals switch from gentle verses to an aggressive chorus in this hard rock love song.

  5. "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison (1988) – A power ballad about heartbreak, it demonstrated Poison’s ability to craft radio-friendly pop metal. Brett Michaels’ emotional vocals made it the band’s biggest hit.

  6. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana (1991) – This angst-ridden grunge anthem defined the 90s alternative rock revolution. Its rebellious tone and cryptic lyrics spoke to Generation X. Kurt Cobain’s raw vocals and the simple guitar riff became iconic.

  7. "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973) – Known for its epic 14-minute live version, this ode to freedom encapsulates the Southern rock genre. The extensive guitar solo by Allen Collins is widely considered one of the best ever.

  8. "Layla" by Derek and the Dominos (1970) – Co-written by Eric Clapton for then-lover Pattie Boyd, this blues rock classic features a distinctive guitar hook and piano coda. The motif was inspired by a 7th-century Persian poem about unrequited love.

  9. "Don’t Stop Believin’" by Journey (1981) – This anthemic song is the best-selling digital rock track in history. Its lyrics about not giving up on dreams resonate widely. The recognizable piano intro is perfect for singing along.

  10. "Born To Run" by Bruce Springsteen (1975) – Springsteen’s breakout hit fueled by youthful restlessness features a signature harmonica intro and full-throated vocals. Clarence Clemons’ saxophone solo seals the deal.

  11. "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC (1980) – With its raunchy lyrics, killer guitar licks, and Brian Johnson’s screeching vocals, this song encapsulates the essence of AC/DC. The guitar riff is one of rock’s catchiest.

  12. "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix (1967) – Considered one of the first heavy metal songs, Hendrix’s guitar distortion and trippy lyrics influenced psychedelic rock. The guitar solo is instantly recognizable.

  13. "Back In Black" by AC/DC (1980) – The title track from AC/DC’s bestselling album, this hard rocker honors deceased singer Bon Scott. Angus Young’s bluesy guitar riff and Brian Johnson’s gritty vocals drive the mournful tune.

  14. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974) – An unapologetic Southern rock anthem in response to criticism of the South. The catchy guitar licks and "wooo!" backup vocals are signature Lynyrd Skynyrd.

  15. "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N’ Roses (1987) – Axl Rose vividly depicts the seedy underbelly of 1980s Los Angeles in this heavy metal masterpiece. Slash’s snarling guitar intro sets the intense tone.

  16. "Paradise City" by Guns N’ Roses (1987) – A nostalgic ode to Los Angeles’ glam metal scene. Slash and Izzy Stradlin’s dueling guitar solos are considered some of the best in rock history. The chorus is perfect for screaming along.

  17. "Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin (1971) – Featuring a call-and-response between Robert Plant’s vocals and Jimmy Page’s guitar, this bluesy number highlights Zeppelin’s talent for riff-driven rock. The guitar solo is widely praised.

  18. "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969) – John Fogerty wrote this scathing anti-Vietnam War anthem in just 20 minutes. It captured the anti-establishment sentiment of the era and remains politically relevant today.

  19. "Livin’ On A Prayer" by Bon Jovi (1986) – This 80s power ballad about working-class struggle showcases Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal range. Richie Sambora’s talk box guitar solo boosted it to #1 on the Billboard charts.

  20. "Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones (1966) – Mick Jagger’s dark lyrics and Brian Jones’ signature sitar intro created one of the Stones’ most iconic tracks. The Eastern melodies underscore the grief-stricken lyrics.

  21. "I Love Rock ‘N Roll" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1981) – Jett’s gritty, passionate cover of this 1975 song catapulted her to stardom. It’s impossible not to sing along to the fist-pumping chorus.

  22. "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith (1975) – The bassline by Tom Hamilton is one of rock’s most recognizable. Steven Tyler’s screams pair with the bluesy guitars to create an energetic, sexy vibe.

  23. "Won’t Get Fooled Again" by The Who (1971) – Pete Townshend’s anthemic lyrics and Roger Daltrey’s wailing vocals capture the band’s legendary intensity. The synthesizer solo is one of classic rock’s greatest moments.

  24. "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd (1979) – David Gilmour’s transcendent guitar solos and Roger Waters’ abstract lyrics make this progressive rock ballad a masterpiece. The orchestral crescendo is breathtaking.

  25. "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry (1958) – One of the first rock songs ever recorded, this early hit inspired countless artists with its rollicking guitar licks. Berry’s quintessential rock vocals sealed the deal.

Greatest Classic Rock Artists and Bands

Classic rock is defined by its legendary bands and artists who shaped the genre from the 1960s through the 1990s. Here are 12 of the most influential classic rock acts of all time:

The Beatles

The "Fab Four" from Liverpool led the "British Invasion" and changed rock music forever with their innovative songwriting and global success throughout the 1960s. Their iconic albums like Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Abbey Road set new creative standards for rock.

The Rolling Stones

The bad boys of British rock, The Rolling Stones drew heavily from Chicago blues to create their gritty, rebellious sound. Frontman Mick Jagger’s charisma and Keith Richards’ guitar riffs fueled anthems like "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction," "Jumpin’ Jack Flash," and "Sympathy for the Devil."

The Who

Known for destroying their instruments on stage, The Who pioneered the rock opera format with Tommy and crafted FM rock staples like "My Generation" and "Won’t Get Fooled Again." Singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, and drummer Keith Moon made up this dynamic power trio.

Jimi Hendrix

This guitar virtuoso fused rock, blues, funk, and psychedelia to blow audiences’ minds in the late 1960s. Though he only released three studio albums before his untimely death, Hendrix’s live performances and songs like "Purple Haze" and "Voodoo Child" cemented his status as a rock god.

Pink Floyd

The kings of progressive and psychedelic rock, Pink Floyd took listeners on mind-expanding sonic journeys. Concept albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall contained epic, experimental tracks that became rock radio staples.

Led Zeppelin

With Robert Plant’s mystical vocals and Jimmy Page’s thunderous guitar riffs, Led Zeppelin created the blueprint for hard rock and heavy metal. Their blues-influenced sound dominated the 1970s with larger-than-life anthems like "Stairway to Heaven" and "Whole Lotta Love."

Eagles

The Eagles blended rock, country, and folk influences into radio-friendly Southern California sound. With multiple lead vocalists and songwriters, the Eagles scored hits in the 1970s like "Hotel California," "Take It Easy," and "Desperado."

Aerosmith

Bad boys from Boston, Aerosmith brought swaggering vocals, big hooks, and bluesy guitar to their hard rock hits of the 1970s and 80s. Frontman Steven Tyler’s acrobatics and Joe Perry’s solos powered songs like "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion."

Queen

With Freddie Mercury’s jaw-dropping vocals and Brian May’s epic guitar playing, Queen produced some of the most ambitious, theatrical rock anthems ever recorded. Their stadium-ready classics like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You" still inspire sing-alongs today.

AC/DC

Hailing from Australia, AC/DC delivered no-frills, high-voltage hard rock focused on big riffs and rowdy vocals. Brothers Angus and Malcolm Young cranked out headbanging anthems in the late 70s and 80s like "Back in Black," "Highway to Hell," and "You Shook Me All Night Long."

Guns N’ Roses

The bad boys of 80s rock, Guns N’ Roses fused metal and punk attitude with bluesy hard rock hooks. Frontman Axl Rose’s wailing vocals and Slash’s guitar wizardry made Appetite for Destruction one of the best-selling debut albums ever.

Nirvana

Led by Kurt Cobain, Nirvana brought alternative and grunge rock into the mainstream in the 1990s. Their second album Nevermind and its hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit" embodied Generation X angst and signaled the rise of a new rock era.

Essential Classic Rock Albums

Classic rock produced some of the most groundbreaking and influential albums in music history. Here are 20 must-have albums for any rock fan’s collection:

Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin IV (1971)

With iconic tracks like "Stairway to Heaven" and "Black Dog," Led Zeppelin IV became one of the best-selling albums ever. The mix of hard rock, folk, and blues showed Led Zeppelin’s versatility and cemented them as rock legends.

Tracklist:

  1. "Black Dog"
  2. "Rock and Roll"
  3. "The Battle of Evermore"
  4. "Stairway to Heaven"
  5. "Misty Mountain Hop"
  6. "Four Sticks"
  7. "Going to California"
  8. "When the Levee Breaks"

Stream on Spotify / Buy on Amazon

Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)

The Dark Side of the Moon is considered one of rock’s most influential albums. The concept album tackled themes like mental illness and greed in society over trippy, psychedelic instrumentals. Songs like "Money" and "Time" became classic rock staples.

Tracklist:

  1. "Speak to Me"
  2. "Breathe"
  3. "On the Run"
  4. "Time"
  5. "The Great Gig in the Sky"
  6. "Money"
  7. "Us and Them"
  8. "Any Colour You Like"
  9. "Brain Damage"
  10. "Eclipse"

Stream on Spotify / Buy on Amazon

More essential albums…

  • Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen (1975)
  • Hotel California – Eagles (1976)
  • Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (1977)
  • The Wall – Pink Floyd (1979)
  • Back in Black – AC/DC (1980)
  • Escape – Journey (1981)
  • Thriller – Michael Jackson (1982)
  • Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen (1984)
  • Slippery When Wet – Bon Jovi (1986)
  • Appetite for Destruction – Guns N’ Roses (1987)
  • Metallica – Metallica (1991)
  • Ten – Pearl Jam (1991)
  • Nevermind – Nirvana (1991)
  • The Hits – Garth Brooks (1994)
  • (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? – Oasis (1995)
  • Jagged Little Pill – Alanis Morissette (1995)

Classic Rock Radio Stations and Playlists

Classic rock radio is alive and well thanks to internet streaming. Fans can find stations dedicated to their favorite era or style of classic rock and listen anywhere, anytime.

Some top classic rock radio stations online include:

  • Big Classic Rock: Plays the biggest classic rock hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s 24/7. Based in Chicago.

  • Absolute Classic Rock: A UK station featuring legends like The Who, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and more.

  • Classic Rewind: Focuses on classic rock hits from the late 70s through the 90s. Owned by media giant iHeartRadio.

  • Totally 70s Classic Rock: As the name suggests, only classic rock hits from the 1970s.

  • Hard Rock Cafe Radio: Streaming from the iconic restaurant chain, you’ll hear hard rock classics all day.

In addition to radio, Spotify and other streaming platforms allow you to access curated classic rock playlists based on any theme or mood. Some top playlists include:

  • Classic Rock Essentials: All the major anthems, ballads and album cuts you need.

  • Born to Be Wild: High energy driving songs perfect for the open road.

  • Guitar Gods: The best riffs, solos and shreds from rock’s greatest axemen.

  • 80s Hair Metal: Big hits from the heyday of hair metal bands.

Don’t forget to check out our Fan Favorites playlist where readers can submit song requests to build the ultimate classic rock playlist. What’s your all-time favorite classic rock track? Let us know in the comments!

The History and Influence of Classic Rock

Classic rock has its roots in the blues, folk and psychedelic rock music of the 1960s. Artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Doors began pushing the boundaries of rock, incorporating new sounds and artistic ambition into the genre.

While 50s rockers like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley often stuck to radio-friendly structures, 60s bands weren’t afraid to experiment. Albums like The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and The Doors’ Strange Days featured complex songwriting and avant garde production techniques that would come to define classic rock.

As the 1960s progressed, bands adopted a heavier, more aggressive sound. This paved the way for hard rock and heavy metal bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, who dominated the 70s. The distorted guitars, thundering drums and operatic vocals of classic rock laid the blueprint for every metal band that followed.

Classic rock also inspired the angry, politically charged attitude of punk rock in the late 70s. Bands like The Clash and The Ramones took the rebellious spirit of acts like The Who to new extremes. At the same time, classic rock values seeped into pop music, inspiring arena rock bands like Journey and REO Speedwagon.

In the 80s and 90s, classic rock remained an influence on new genres like hair metal and grunge. Bands like Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana and Pearl Jam fused classic rock songwriting with modern production and sensibilities. The alternative rock movement of the 90s in particular was shaped by classic rock bands breaking the rules and challenging social norms two decades prior.

Beyond its musical impact, classic rock was a major counterculture movement in the 60s and 70s. Bands like The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane came to represent hippie culture, free love and psychedelic drug use. Concerts like Woodstock showed rock music’s potential as a force for social change and unity. Classic rock soundtracked protests against the Vietnam War and calls for civil rights. Its legacy of rebellion, freedom of expression and sticking it to the man remains culturally significant today.

Classic Rock News, Interviews and Reviews

  • The Rolling Stones recently announced a 60th anniversary tour for 2022, featuring stops across Europe and North America. The band is also releasing a remastered version of their iconic 1972 album "Exile on Main St" with never-before-heard outtakes and demos.

  • In a new interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry reflected on the band’s 50+ year career, crediting their longevity to the "brotherly bond" between members. Perry also revealed Aerosmith is working on new music and hopes to release an album in 2023.

  • A new documentary titled "When Rock Ruled The World" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, offering an inside look into the excess and debauchery of the 80s hair metal scene. Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi and more are featured.

  • The estate of Tom Petty announced a reissue of his acclaimed 1994 album "Wildflowers" with unreleased tracks and live performances. A new book titled "Tom Petty and Me" written by his daughter Adria also shares stories and photos from his personal archives.

  • AC/DC’s new album "Power Up" debuted at #1 in 18 countries, proving the Australian rockers can still draw a crowd even after 47 years. Reviews praised the album as a return to the band’s classic high voltage sound.

Let me know if you’d like me to expand on this section or modify the content in any way. I can provide more sample news stories, interviews, and reviews as needed.

Classic Rock Forums & Communities

The internet has allowed classic rock fans from all over the world to connect and discuss their shared passion. There are numerous online forums and communities dedicated to classic rock where enthusiasts can debate song meanings, share stories from concerts, recommend playlists and albums, and more.

Some of the most active and popular forums include:

  • Steve Hoffman Music Forums – One of the largest classic rock communities with over 150,000 members. Features sections for different eras and artists.

  • Classic Rock Forum – Active forums to discuss news, albums, gigs and more. Special sections for identifying unknown songs and reconnecting with other fans.

  • Reddit r/classicrock – A thriving subreddit with over 200,000 members. Users frequently post favorite songs, concert footage, music recommendations.

In addition to online forums, Facebook groups allow fans to share photos, videos, memories, and plan real-world meetups. Some of the biggest include Classic Rock Appreciation Society (250,000+ members) and Classic Rock (150,000+ members).

For diehard enthusiasts, there are also annual classic rock conventions and festivals to meet other fans in person. Events like Cruise to the Edge bring thousands of listeners together to hear music legends perform.

Local tribute bands that play the classics are also popular, as are official fan clubs for artists like The Rolling Stones, Kiss, and more.

These fan communities allow passionate classic rock listeners to celebrate albums, concerts, and memories from the genre’s golden era. Readers are encouraged to share their own favorite forums, playlists, and rock memories in the comments!

Essential Rock Hits of the 70s

The 1970s was a golden era for classic rock music, producing countless iconic anthems and chart-topping hits. Here are some of the most essential and memorable rock songs that defined the decade:

"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin

Released in 1971, this 8-minute epic starts softly with acoustic guitars before building to an intense crescendo featuring Jimmy Page’s legendary guitar solo. With mystical lyrics alluding to spirituality, it encapsulates Led Zeppelin’s unique blend of folk, blues and hard rock.

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

The 1975 single is considered Queen’s magnum opus, incorporating elements of rock opera, ballad, choral and hard rock. Its complex composition was pioneering for the time. The song’s promotional video also demonstrated the power of MTV in the new music era.

"Hotel California" by Eagles

With its ominous lyrics about materialism and excess, the 1977 hit’s guitar interplay between Don Felder and Joe Walsh makes it the Eagles’ most recognizable song. Its cryptic meaning and memorable guitar riffs cement its place among the great rock songs of the decade.

"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Released 1974, the Southern rock anthem namechecks Alabama governor George Wallace and takes pride in Southern culture and lifestyle. With its iconic guitar licks and "Turn it up!" yell, it’s become an arena rock staple and concert singalong.

"Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen

The heartland rocker’s 1975 signature song featured the memorable line "Tramps like us, baby we were born to run." With its wall of sound production and Springsteen’s raspy vocals, it encapsulates his style of narrating youthful rebellion and escape.

"Layla" by Derek and the Dominos

Written by Eric Clapton in 1970 for George Harrison’s wife, this unrequited love ballad features a contrasting elegant piano section and climactic searing guitar riff that is considered one of Clapton’s greatest solos ever.

"Won’t Get Fooled Again" by The Who

The anthemic 1971 rocker closes out the band’s rock opera album Who’s Next. With its synthesizers and Roger Daltrey’s full-throated wail, it’s considered one of The Who’s most accomplished songs both sonically and compositionally.

"Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd

The 1973 power ballad goes through multiple sections from its melancholic acoustic opening to fast-paced Van Halen-inspired guitar jam and frenzied double-time outro solo. It’s become a classic rock radio and concert staple over the decades.

"Maggie May" by Rod Stewart

Blending folk, blues and rock, this 1971 chart-topper established Rod Stewart as a solo star with its raspy vocals and lyrics about a young man’s affair with an older woman. Its mandolin riff and Stewart’s signature phrasing made it an instant classic.

"Paranoid" by Black Sabbath

As the title track of Black Sabbath’s 1970 album, this heavy metal prototype features the doom-laden sound and dark lyrics that would define the metal genre. Ozzy Osbourne’s unforgettable vocals and Tony Iommi’s riffs cemented "Paranoid" as a rock classic.

Best of 80s Classic Rock

The 1980s was a golden era for classic rock music, seeing the rise of big hair bands, pop-metal, and hard rock. Music videos on MTV brought a visual element that took these rock anthems to new heights. Here are some of the most iconic 80s classic rock hits:

  • "Livin’ on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi (1986) – This fist-pumping rock ballad is Bon Jovi’s signature song. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks to its catchy chorus and blend of pop, glam, and hard rock. The iconic music video featured the band’s big hair and leather looks.

  • "Sweet Child O’ Mine" by Guns N’ Roses (1987) – The debut single off Appetite for Destruction launched Guns N’ Roses as the bad boys of 80s rock. Slash’s legendary guitar riff and Axl Rose’s screeching vocals make this power ballad instantly recognizable.

  • "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard (1987) – The British glam metal band scored their first top 10 Billboard hit with this sexually-charged, guitar-heavy track. Def Leppard pioneered the pop-metal genre which dominated the 80s.

  • "Paradise City" by Guns N’ Roses (1988) – This hard-rocking track is a Guns N’ Roses fan favorite thanks to its wailing guitar solos and lyrics about the hedonistic rock n’ roll lifestyle. The music video, filmed in an abandoned warehouse, captures the band’s dangerous energy.

  • "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison (1988) – Poison’s breakout power ballad combined the band’s glam metal sound with emotional lyrics about heartbreak and loss. It became their biggest hit, showcasing their songwriting depth.

  • "Purple Rain" by Prince (1984) – Though not a traditional rock band, Prince’s bluesy, pop-infused rock ballad reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and epitomized his genre-bending artistry and showmanship. The song was featured in Prince’s 1984 film Purple Rain.

The over-the-top aesthetic and rebellious attitude of 80s classic rock made it the perfect soundtrack for a decade obsessed with excess. These songs continue to receive heavy rotation on classic rock radio today. Their iconic music videos and flamboyant fashion encapsulate the fun, irreverent spirit that defined the era.