A Brief History
We are talking rock and roll here, not ballads, soft rock or crossover songs. These songs are ones that are usually not listed near the top of the “All Time” lists you find, although they may be found lower down. These are songs that we believe deserve consideration for listing within the top ranks of history’s greatest rock songs. What do you think? Do you have favorites that are often slighted? Let us know which songs you would have nominated for this list.
Digging Deeper
10. “Surrender,” Cheap Trick, 1978.
Ranking a baffling #471 on the Rolling Stone “500 Greatest Songs of All Time List,” this song is definitely able to rock a stadium in the manner of “Pour Some Sugar On Me” (which rightfully gets ranked high on many lists). You want to sing along, and you want it to go on and on. That is what makes a great rock song. Oddly enough, for a couple of years, it was played live in concerts before it appeared on a record.
9. “That’s All Right Mama,” Elvis Presley, 1954.
The first hit single released by Elvis Presley, this song deserves consideration for its historical importance as well as its excellent rocking beat. This is certainly one of the songs that started the whole rock and roll craze (which of course, will never die), and it is a pretty darned good rockin’ song at that. The Elvis version is actually a cover of another song that was released 30 years earlier. Rolling Stone ranked Elvis’ version #113. Come on!
8. “Do You Love Me?” The Contours, 1962.
Written by Berry Gordy for the Temptations, the Contours did this song proud. Featuring a rock and roll technique of the false ending (at 2:26) and mentioning some of the biggest dances of the day, this song has fantastic crescendos and a great beat. If imitation is flattery, The Dave Clark 5, the Tremeloes, the Hollies, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Bruce Springsteen, and Alvin and the Chipmunks all flattered the Contours by covering the song. Bob Marley and the Wailers included the chorus in their 1965 song “Playboy.”
7. “Highway to Hell,” AC/DC, 1979.
Re-released in 1992, like any great rock song, this song demands to be heard again and again and is great listening while driving. Certainly one of the greatest heavy metal and butt-kicking songs of all time, its ranking of #258 by Rolling Stone is just ridiculous. It has been covered by the likes of Sam Kinison, Bruce Springsteen, Maroon 5, Angry Samoan, Marilyn Manson and Quiet Riot, among others.
6. “Twist and Shout,” The Beatles, 1963.
With apologies to the Isley Brothers whose cover of the 1961 song was also a hit, the Beatles version was so rockin’ that it helped propel the Fab Four onto the world stage. This version of the song had young girls peeing themselves and pulling their hair out (not unlike the Cleveland Browns, but for different reasons…). This song just about defines rock and roll and should be right up there with any of the best.
5. “Born to be Wild,” Steppenwolf, 1967.
This is another fantastic driving song and is sometimes referred to as the first “heavy metal” song. When you see “Satisfaction” or “Born to Run” at the top of a list, this tune should be right next to it. John Kay was born to sing this song even if he had never sung another one. Get yer’ motor running…
4. “Dream On,” Aerosmith, 1973.
How anyone can keep this classic out top ten lists blows our collective minds. It is the best song by one of the best, most enduring bands of all time. Like many others listed here, it goes from slower and softer to louder and harder, the way we like it! Sing with me…
3. “Question,” The Moody Blues, 1970.
Certainly not overlooked by record buyers, the Moody Blues album Days of Future Past was a long-time sales leader. Still, this fantastic band known for collaborating with philharmonic orchestras is often lost in the shuffle when top 10 lists are concerned. “Question” is without question their greatest rock song and deserves serious consideration for inclusion in any top ten rock songs list.
2. “Radar Love,” Golden Earring, 1973.
The throbbing beat and sultry undertones make this song one of, if not the greatest, driving songs of all time, which of course is what rock and roll is all about. It is soft yet loud and demanding, and it rocks! How this song is ever left out of anyone’s top ten list is baffling to us. It’s greatness, however, was recognized by U2, R.E.M., Omen, White Lion, Blue Man Group and Def Leppard who covered it.
1. “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” The Who, 1971.
Although this song does appear near the top of some lists, we think it should be at least within the top 5 of every list. This is The Who at their best, and lead singer Daltry’s screams are those which all other rock screams are judged by. The album version of the song is 8 ½ minutes long and worth every second.
Honorable Mentions to:
“Pinball Wizard,” The Who, 1969.
“Johnny B. Goode,” Chuck Berry, 1958.
“Hound Dog,” Elvis Presley, 1956.
“Jailhouse Rock,” Elvis Presley, 1957.
“Burning Love,” Elvis Presley, 1972.
“Great Balls of Fire,” Jerry Lee Lewis, 1957.
“Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, 1971.
“The Story in Your Eyes,” The Moody Blues, 1971.
“Badlands,” Bruce Springsteen, 1978.
“Baba O’Riley,” The Who, 1971.
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