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Ten Classic Rock Songs....with a difference.

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By SimeyC

 Over the years I've listened to a lot of music and I tend to love the good old classic rock and roll songs. I've collated a list of ten of my favorite songs and found a youtube version of each that may surprise you.

I had fun finding these songs, I hope you have fun listening to them.


Bohemian Rhapsody Bohemian Rhapsody
Price: $0.99

Bohemian Rhapsody

I’ve been a Queen fan for as long as I can remember, and Bohemian Rhapsody has always been one of my favorite songs. Its combination of ballad, classic rock and opera make it one of the most unique and innovative songs I have heard and I still love to hear it whenever I can.

The sublime lyrics are deep and sad, while the upbeat opera section is vigorous and full of passion. With the advent of Wayne’s World, this song gained a huge following making it one of the most successful songs ever.

The version on Youtube is actually pretty amazing – it’s shows how good the song is, and how well it can sound when sung by masterful singers – I note that it takes 10 tenors to sound anywhere near as good as Freddie Mercury.


Stairway To Heaven Stairway To Heaven
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Stairway To Heaven

This song always comes out on top in most ‘number one rock songs of all time’ lists – although Led Zeppelin didn’t really like the song, it has become one of the most played and loved songs of all time. From the initial moment you hear the balladic tones, right through the increase of power and tempo, the song is masterful and amazing.

This Rolf Harris version is perhaps sacrilegious, but it just goes to show the wide impact this song has had on the whole musical (and no musical) world.


Tom Sawyer Tom Sawyer
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Tom Sawyer

I am a huge Rush song, and Tom Sawyer is Rush’s greatest hit. Not many people are aware of this virtuoso trio, but most have heard this song. It is a classic combination of their styles, merging their progressive rock prowess together with their ability to play classic ballads. It really shows the talents of Peart, Lifeson and Lee.

When attending a Rush concert a few years ago I was amazed and pleasantly surprised when SouthPark made an appearance, and introduced this classic song – it’s funny and a huge testament to the following Rush have.


Come Sail Away Come Sail Away
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Come Sail Away

I am a late comer to Styx and actually found them after listening to this SouthPark version of ‘Come Sail Away’. I heard it on the radio and while searching the web, found the original Styx song. I found it a profoundly good song, especially with the surprise ending – it seems that I love songs that start of balladic and become good old rock and roll half way through.


Smoke On The Water Smoke On The Water
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Smoke On the Water

This is the first and only song I can play on the guitar. Its simple riff is one of the most recognizable riffs ever. Deep Purple were one of the first rock bands I listened too, and their no nonsense heavy rock sound has always pleased me – I still play air guitar when I hear this on the radio.

This Jazz version intrigued me; it’s not particularly good, but it does show how a classic rock tune can have serious blues undertones when played with different instruments.


Another Brick in the Wall

I was a teenager in Wales when this first came out – it was a perfect song for all of us angry teenagers and seemed to capture our teenage angst pretty well. The song’s classic tune combined with the clever video (and the classic album The Wall) make this one of my favorite songs of all time.

Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of classic rock played by orchestras – it goes to prove that rock musicians are very talented and produce some amazing music – just listen to some of the classical variations of Rush songs.


A Whiter Shade of Pale

This Procol Harum song has always appealed to me; it’s classical roots make it an amazing song to listen to especially when you delve into the deep lyrics. It’s one of those songs can play in the background without being noticed, but also is up there with the best.

Having started listening to some classic old musical recently, I began to explore the music of Sarah Brightman, and was amazed to find this version of the classic song – it’s actually an excellent version in itself.


Rock Around the Clock

There’s just something about this song that makes it a classic-  whether it’s the rhythm, that somehow makes you want to dance, or the classic 50s feel of it, it just simply is a fun and classic song. This version I found on Youtube is very similar to the original, but somehow also has its own unique feel – while not a classic in itself, it did bring back memories of the original for me.


Born To Run Born To Run
Price: $1.29

Born To Run

I have to say that I’m not a huge Bruce Springstein fan, but some of his early songs have a power and a meaning that are very profound – there’s something ‘American’ about the early songs, and they have always struck a chord with me.

I should also point out that I am not a huge ‘Frankie Goes to Hollywood’ fan either, but this version somehow adds a punk feel to it as it speeds it up – it’s one of the better covers I’ve heard.


Yesterday

Out of all the Beatles songs that I love, and there are many, this is one of my favorites – it’s simplicity, combined with the almost sad words make it a pure classic. The Beatles were so diverse, and this is one of their more melodic tunes, with some great and subtle harmonies.

This Mantovani version shows how good the underlying music really is, and underlines the musical prowess of Lenon and Mcartney.

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Storytellersrus profile image

Storytellersrus  says:
2 months ago

Hey SimeyC, you and I must be of the same generation. Have you ever tried to play more than one of these at the same time? It is very interesting! I couldn't wait to hear Yesterday. Boy does that bring me back! It certainly mellowed out the South Park version of Come Sail Away, lol! Great job.

SimeyC profile image

SimeyC  says:
2 months ago

LOL yes I did try and play several together - sounds like some old punk band!!!

Yesterday was pretty cool and it made me go out and buy the 'number 1' album with 25 Beatles number ones - really cool!

James A Watkins profile image

James A Watkins  says:
2 months ago

Each and every one a great choice. I played in the warm-up band with Styx. I saw Queen, Rush and Bruce play these songs in concert. Whiter Shade of Pale is a wonderful song. You have excellent taste, brother. Thanks for sharing your list.

SimeyC profile image

SimeyC  says:
2 months ago

James: I've seen Rush and Styx play these songs - hoping for a FLoyd or Zeppelin reunion soon LOL! yeah right!

judydianne profile image

judydianne  says:
2 months ago

I think "Bohemian Rhapsody: is one of my favorites on this list. I have the number one Beatles album and would also recommend the 30-number one hits, Elvis album.

SimeyC profile image

SimeyC  says:
2 months ago

Judydianne: it was the Bohemian Rhapsody video that inspired this whole hub - it also is my favorite - although I do like the Sout PArk videos. I also just did a whole hub dedicated to the Beatles -ONe album - it's a pretty amazing album.

I was never really into Elvis - although I admit that throuigh covers I know most of his number one hits - I'll have to check out this album and if it's as good as you say, do a hub on it!!!

bkuzemka profile image

bkuzemka  says:
2 months ago

any list with 'a whiter shade of pale' is good in my books. ive never heard the brightman version, i guess i'll have to check it out. fun list to read & look at, thanks & peace simeyc.

Aqua profile image

Aqua  says:
2 months ago

I love all these songs - well, 9 of them anyway LOL! Great blast from the past - thanks!

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