Top 100 Rock Songs
90
Nantucket Sleighride
Celluloid Heroes
Funk #49
Call Me When Your Sober
Badge
River Deep - Mountain High
The Top 100 Rock Songs of all time can be debated endlessly. I thought I would come up with my own list, based on lifetime experiences of over 40 years of listening to music and rating sounds that struck a chord in my heart. I have listened to tens of thousands of tunes over the years, and will try to do justice to the gold nuggets that are out there. Each song that we rate favorably, has one or more of the following four qualities:
1) They contain a pleasing melody or harmony
2) They have a catchy beat
3) The lyrics have a meaning to us
4) They trigger memories from our past
There are many top 100 lists that are put together strictly by the number of weeks the song spent at #1 or by the number of sales that it had. The following list has nothing to do with commercial rating systems. It is my own personal list of the Top 100 Rock Songs.
1. Hey Jude - the Beatles
2. Immortality - Celine Dion and the Bee Gees
3. Brown Sugar - the Rolling Stones
4. Nantucket Sleighride - Mountain
5. Rag Doll - Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons
6. Barracuda - Heart
7. I Only Want To Be With You - Dusty Springfield
8. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel
9. What Have I Done to Deserve This - the Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield
10. Badge - Cream
11. Get Back - the Beatles
12. Celluloid Heroes - the Kinks
13. Layla - Derek and the Dominoes (with Eric Clapton)
14. Funk #49 - the James Gang (with Joe Walsh)
15. River Deep Mountain High - the Supremes and 4 Tops
16. Gloria - Laura Branigan
17. Stop Draggin My Heart Around - Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty
18. Day After Day - the Pretenders
19. Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds
20. A Day In the Life - the Beatles
21. Lola - the Kinks
22. Call Me When Your Sober - Evanescence
23. Someday(Aug. 29, 1968) - Chicago
24. White Rabbit - the Jefferson Airplane
25. The Story in Your Eyes - the Moody Blues
26. Highway Star - Deep Purple
27. To Sir With Love - Lulu
28. Let It Be - the Beatles
29. DeJa Vu - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
30. He's So Fine - the Chiffons
31. Rocks Off - the Rolling Stones
32. Heroes - David Bowie
33. Let's Spend the Night Together - the Rolling Stones
34. Stop! In the Name of Love - the Supremes
35. Bernadette - the Four Tops
36. Good Vibrations - the Beach Boys
37. Black Dog - Led Zeppelin
38. Vertigo - U2
39. Don't Look Back - Boston
40. All the Young Dudes - Mott the Hoople
41. Every Mothers Son - Traffic
42. Your Love - the Outfield
43. Breakfast In America - Supertramp
44. Edge of Seventeen - Stevie Nicks
45. Voodoo Chile (Slight Return) - Jimi Hendrix
46. Beautiful Day - U2
47. Radio Ga Ga - Queen
48. Message In A Bottle - the Police
49. Mr. Tambourine Man - the Byrds
50. Words of Love - the Mamas & Papas
51. I Know a Place - Petula Clark
52. Ship Of Fools - the Doors
53. Friday on My Mind - the Easybeats
54. Breathe Your Name - Sixpence None the Richer
55. Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
56. Out of Touch - Hall and Oates
57. Peace Frog - the Doors
58. I Can't Get it Out Of My Head - Electric Light Orchestra
59. Powerman - the Kinks
60. S.O.S - Abba
61. Mainline Florida - Eric Clapton
62. Kashmir - Led Zeppelin
63. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
64. Woodstock - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
65. A Christmas Song - Jethro Tull
66. Stand Back - Stevie Nicks
67. Live to Tell - Madonna
68. Tonight It's You - Cheap Trick
69. You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling - the Righteous Brothers
70. Eli's Coming - Three Dog Night
71. Be My Baby - the Ronettes (featuring Ronnie Spector)
72. Heroes & Villains - the Beachboys
73. Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me - Elton John
74. Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little More) - the Doobie Brothers
75. Do You Know What I Mean? - the Turtles
76. Tusk - Fleetwood Mac
77. Anyway You Want It - the Dave Clark Five
78. Jailbreak - AC/DC
79. Summer In the City - the Lovin Spoonful
80. Where the Streets Have No Name - U2
81. Starship Trooper - Yes
82. Don't Come Around Here No More - Tom Petty
83. Bad Company - Bad Company
84. Ball Of Confusion - the Temptations
85. House of the Rising Sun - the Animals
86. Brandy - Looking Glass
87. Soul Survivor - the Rolling Stones
88. We Can Work it Out - the Beatles
89. Armageddon It - Def Leppard
90. You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet - Bachman, Turner Overdrive
91. Susan - The Buckinghams
92. Panama - Van Halen
93, Gloria - U2
94. Midnight Man - the James Gang (with Joe Walsh)
95. Pigs - Pink Floyd
96. It's the Same Old Song - the Four Tops
97. Crimson And Clover - Tommy James & the Shondells
98. Atlantis - Donovan
99. Run With the Pack - Bad Company
100. Beat it - Michael Jackson
That concludes my own personal list of the Top 100 Rock Songs.
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Comments
Sad to see Queen down at #47...and that's not even their best song (IMHO). Also...why is Evanescence's "Call me when you're sober" in the top 25? That song is hardly deserving...I also like Donovan's "Catch the Wind" but I don't see that on here sadly.
I don't listen to much radio rock so the rest are a moot point to me :) Beates are pretty timeless...obviously why they have quite a few toppers.
Thanks desert blondie. It definitely was a lot of fun, and challenging to go through my past lists of favorite songs.
The list is always growing and changing based on my memories
Tkeeley, The second sentence in this hub states: " I thought I would come up with my own list, based on lifetime experiences of over 40 years of listening to music and rating sounds that struck a chord in my heart."
This is my personal list, developed from musical feelings based on over 45 years of listening to tens of thousands of songs. I don't expect everyone to agree with it, and I wouldn't expect to agree with other people's musical tastes. I leave out many tunes that I once admired, but have been overplayed to death.
As far as Evanescence is concerned, I challenge you to listen to some of their music and watch the "Call Me When Your Sober" video. It is MY OPINION that Amy Lee possesses a true rock and roll quality in her voice comparable to Ann Wilson of Heart. The video and the song is one of the best that I have seen or heard in recent rock & roll history. Once Again - THIS IS MY OPINION ONLY.
Oh I know it's your opinion...I just don't think Evanescence is even top 100 worthy. They're a copy of a ton of European gothic bands including Nightwish. Her voice, though unique to America, is nothing more than a carbon copy of these others bands. Just my opinion too, but I would be a person who wouldn't recognize Evanescence due to the fact that their entire inspiration is too close to better bands with better music ;)
The Queen comment rings true....their songs are overpayed. A top song would have to be timeless though I assume? Being a musician myself I would have to put songs that were overplayed on the top 100...since they were favourites for so long (a lot of Beatles tunes incuded here).
Good list though...inspired me to do the same. I'm not sure I could organize 100 songs as well as you did though...
Tkeeley, I agree that Evanescence is probably not Top 100 worthy when it comes to listing the 100 greatest rock and roll acts in history, however I am only rating this particular tune together with the video as a piece of music that I admire very much.
I do thank you for the compliments though and I would definitely like to see other people's lists, even if it's only Top 10. I enjoy hearing new tunes, If I haven't experienced them before.
Yeah...I suppose the video and audio combination would up it a few notches
I'll be drafting a top 100 list now...it should be fun!
@Hglicks i'm sorry where is Free Bird from Lynard Skynard?
bpen - This is my personal top 100 list (see my previous comments)
Hglick, The personal top 100 list of music is a great idea! Like a few others that have made comments, now I have to do my own, (IMHO) Songs that have meaning to me,....... The Joker, Fly like an eagle, We've got tonight, Just a few from the Steve Miller band, Most of the songs by the Eagles (One of the greatest bands of my time), Then you have Lynard Skynard, Dr.Hook, Ottis Redding, and even a little Elvis..... Hoping not to offend anyone just a thought, Take a break and lets all listen to old time rock and roll. Loved your list and all the comments!
Destinyrk2 - I like all the groups you mentioned, with the possible exception of Elvis, But that's a topic for another hub (LOL) Also, I like "Jet Airliner" by the Steve Miller Band and "Desperado" by the Eagles from your favorite bands. Unfortunately there's not a list long enough to cover all of the tunes I like. To put it in another fashion, This list is a top 100 of the songs that make me reminisce about key stages and events in my life. For instance, I was a horrible dancer when it came to the club scene back in the 70's, but the song "Brown Sugar" always gave me the courage to ask the prettiest girl to go out on the dance floor with me.
I went with the top 25 greatst rock songs of all time, not the 100 you wrote about. Check out my list and let me know what you think. http://hubpages.com/hub/Greatest-Rock-Songs-of-All
NO METAL, NOT EVEN METALLICA
the unforgiven IS one of the greatest songs EVER made
this page is COMPLETELY WORTHLESS
Jim,
I will repeat this once again "THIS IS A PERSONAL OPINION PIECE"
I enjoy a great deal of metal music but this is my own personal list of top 100 Classic Rock songs out of tens of thousands of songs I've listened to in my lifetime. I concentrated mainly on the 60's and 70's (when I grew up). This list is ONLY BASED on MY Personal experiences and songs I enjoyed during my growing up years. You are welcome to write your own HUB based on your favorite Classic Rock songs of all times, and I promise that I will not trash your PERSONAL OPINIONS.
Not a song by The Who?...
What an awful life you had while u grew.
This is a good list! Anyone's list of best would be different, but i feel like you really chose based on their significance to you, not to everyone else. Even more so because some of my favorite songs that I don't see on other lists are on here. I like seeing your different picks from Yes (Starship Trooper is a great piece of Prog!) and Jethro Tull, and I'm glad you gave regard to Boston's Don't Look Back (It was just as good as any of the first 3 tracks of of their debut!). Cool!
Interesting list. I used to like The Buckinghams (still do, I guess), but I didn't like what they did with the song, Susan, on their album (which was to start playing a lot of really strange music at the end of the song). When I first saw your remark about 40 years of listening, I thought, "me too". Now I'm realizing that I seemed to have stopped listening in the 80's, when my children came along. I've never realized, until reading your list, that I've apparently missed 30 years of music (although I do have my own collection, so I haven't been "music-less" - just out of touch. :) )
Jay EG - Many songs by the Who were in my top 200, but I only listed the top 100. Also, It's amazing that you can draw a conclusion about someone's life based on their opinion of music. I wish I had your incredible insight.
Lisa HW - Thank You for your thoughts.
It was the subway sound in "Susan" that I thought made it unique and different, and drew me to it.
Also, I would love to see your list from the 60's and 70's. It might bring back some more memories.
Just like to point out that your definition of "Rock" seems a little wayward here. There are very few people who would consider anything involving Celine Dion to be rock. Also The Pet Shop Boys are about as far from rock as you're likely to get, especially as they're synthpop, electro and house. Also The Supremes, uh, definitely not rock. The Four Tops, nope, not rock. Petula Clark? Now you're just having a laugh!
I'm not putting down your list, what I am saying is your definition of what constitutes a rock song is not accurate.
Perhaps you should rename this "My Top 100 songs"
Leland,
Thank you for your comment, however we'll agree to disagree.
Celine Dion & The BeeGees (definitely classic rock). Supremes & Four Tops definitely classic rock (motown). Petula Clark was part of the British Invasion (when the term classic rock originated)
Right you are. I guess we all have our own take on rock.
Still, the Pet Shop Boys would seriosly cast coubts.
Leland,
You are probably correct. I wouldn't consider the Pet Shop Boys or Celine Dion classic rock acts by themselves, Just as I wouldn't consider Bing Crosby a classic rock act w/o David Bowie. (when they performed a rocked up version of The little Drummer Boy for Xmas)
It all depends upon the combinations.
Dusty Springfield and The Bee Gees are both classic rock legends. Combine them with The PetShop Boys and Celine Dion and you'll see the difference very quickly.
I challenge you to check out their videos on YouTube. Watch them several times if you need to, and you will definitely see what I'm talking about.
where are any songs of "The Who" like baba o`riley,my generation,wont get fooled again or more
cormac - Check out my comments above. Most of my personal favorite Who songs are in my top 200.
wait wait wait!!
Where's Pink Floyd, Stairway to Heaven and Bohemian Rhapsody?????
King Z -
Bohemian Rhapsody is number 63
Pink Floyd is number 95
Stairway to Heaven is not on my list because when I was making the list (WHICH IS AN OPINION PIECE), I stood by one major rule. When I play the song today, I need to get excited about it, just as I was when I heard it for the first time. Unfortunately "Stairway" doesn't do it for me because I already heard it 1,000,000 times or so. Once again, for those of you who don't bother reading - THIS IS AN OPINION PIECE.
Any song list with "Pigs," "Peace Frog," and "Nantucket Sleighride" on it is OK by me. I really appreciate how deep and shallow you have dug for this list. That is a compliment - just so you know.
Thanks
frank dobner
Dobner - Thank you for the compliment. My list was devised merely to bring back some of my old memories growing up in the rock and roll era. I'm grateful that there are people like you out there who will appreciate some of the tunes.
well hglick i am only twenty but am very enthusiastic about music and the list you have compiled has really helped me find song i may never have listened to before so i think that your list is great each song has it's own individual style that is collectively yours so bravo and please do make another list I will be waiting for it
bengi - Thank you very much for the kind words. I will see what I can come up with.
also if you would like to step a little outside the rock genre for a moment i would have to recommend you listen to a group called the angry string orchestra they did a tribute to metallica a few years back no vocals but it is sure to send that creepy chill down your spine i think you may like this one the name of the album is "Say Your Prayers Little One"
bengi - I listened to that piece on YouTube. They do a very nice string rendition of the metallica original. What was particularly interesting was the "Glory Flory Hallelujah" drum clip that closed the piece. Thanks for the suggestion
Your list brought back many memories but of course I differ on many. To each his own.
Yes Harvey,
That is what makes us each unique
Most of my friends couln't believe my ommission of many Who and Pink Floyd songs. But many of them made my top 200 and 300 and I didn't want to bore everyone with that big of a list
pretty decent list although i think it lacks some key artists like the jimi hendrix experience and pink floyd and even the red hot chili peppers. i know this is your list of your opinion but Evanescence deserves no spot on this list but that is also opinion being that Evanescence is one of my least favorite bands. i like 42. Your love by the outfield..such a great song. i would have also added All the love in the world also by the Outfield. all in all pretty decent list.
Rocker - I covered Jimi Hendrix with "Voodoo Chile" at #45
"Pigs" from Pink Floyd at #95
Being a huge Rush fan I was dissapointed not to see Tom Sawyer on here - but other than that (and the odd ABBA appearance) - great hub.
Thanks Simey
I have no doubt that all of us here could alter this list In one way or another with our own pesonal selections . However I really like the wide spectrum of different music , genres and eras that your choices come from and many are favorites of mine as well . That being said I think I would have put "Bohemian Rhapsody a little bit higher In the rankings as It Is one of the all time most recognizeable songs ever ! Good Job though !
Thanks Tony for your comment. Also thanks for understanding that it was a personal opinion list. Many people blindly argue their cases without reading my opening sentences. Sort of like the bills that go through Congress unread "LOL"
Dude you RAWK!
Check out our new hub. It's about a friend of ours. Goes by the name of Matteo Scumaci. He's wrote what we believe is the best alternative Christmas Song of all time! It's called 'Branch in the Spokes'.
Hope you enjoy it and rock on brother!
Thanks IMP
"Branch in the spokes" is an Excellent Tune and video
Definitely has a nice sound to it, even on the first listen
mmm i respect your personal opinion but i think u need to check ur mind again.
u didnt mention stairway to heaven & whole lotta love of led &
u didnt mention any song of dire straits and i think sultasn of swing and brothers in arms should be add at least in top 50.
what is more u didnt mention black sabbath(maybe i am wrong i didnt check so well) with crazy train & mr crowley and not to mentione that u didnt add hot for teacher & hotel californis.
anyway dont missunderstand me i think ur list is awesome anyway but some things should be add and others should be out.
Rocklet - Thank You for your comments. The key phrase that you correctly mention is "personal opinion". Your response "but some things should be add and others should be out" IS YOUR PERSONAL OPINION. I suggest that you come up with a list and I will respectfully enjoy reading it.
Not arguing with your personal choices but but seriously, the Beegees were a POP group, Lulu was a POP singer. So were the Turtles but a real class act.
Well KevCC you've got a minor point there with LuLu. She however, did tour with the Hollies who were a classic rock band from England. Her music might be considered a softer form of rock or pop.
But the BeeGees and Turtles were both definitely classic rock bands.
From Wikipedia:
The Bee Gees were a singing trio of brothers — Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. The group was successful for most of its forty years of recording music, but the trio had two distinct periods of exceptional success: as a harmonic "soft rock" act in the late 1960s and early 1970s,
The Turtles are an American pop and folk rock band led by vocalists Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, who became notable for numerous Top 40 hits beginning with their cover version of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe" in 1965. The group scored its biggest and best-known hit in 1967 with the song "Happy Together"
Please don't cite wikipedia as an "Authority" and expect to be taken seriously.
Kevcc that is also an opinion
where is Beatles' Yesterday?
Dan,
This is an opinion piece.The Beatles "Yesterday" is not on MY list
My favourite is evanascence - call me when you're sober. I like good vocal in songs, and call me has perfect focals, mixed with a nice and soft melody..
Excellent choice Salsa. Amy Lee of Evanescence possesses an exttremely powerful vocal presence matching many female rock icons of the past like Grace Slick and Ann Wilson. When I first listened to "Call me When Your Sober" I must have replayed it hundreds of times within a few months. It was that powerful a piece.
Can't believe no Rush-Tom Sawyer. Jimmi- All along the Watchtower, Bogus list
mintinfo, #45 is the greatest Jimi Hendrix song (in my opinion) Rush is ok, but not in my top 100.
For those who can't read, this is the first sentence of this hub
"The Top 100 Rock Songs of all time can be debated endlessly. I thought I would come up with my own list,based on lifetime experiences of over 40 years of listening to music and rating sounds that struck a chord in my heart"
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desert blondie says:
16 months ago
Great List! Must have been fun and challenging to go back through your brain and your memories and your music to compile this! Love tons of these songs!