That question is answered and explored in WMMR’s Essential 200, our list of 200 rock songs from the entire history of the genre that helped influence, elevate or flat out change what we call “Rock and Roll.” These are songs every rock fan should know ranging from massive hits to unique live recordings to some deeper cuts in the genre.
When crafting this list, we created a few guidelines and exceptions:
1. An artist will be represented by one track from their catalog. However, certain musicians might appear multiple times. For example, you will find a song from The Beatles on this list, but you will also see tracks from John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s solo career.
2. The Duets/”Under Pressure” rule: A collaboration will not count toward an artist’s representation on the list, meaning you will see a separate song from Queen, a separate song from David Bowie AND their classic collaboration of “Under Pressure.”
3. For a live recording to be included on this list, it must have received an official release of some kind, either on a physical album/compilation or digitally. Random live duets found on YouTube do not count.
Now that you know the rules, scroll through the gallery below to see all the songs from I-R!
MMR’s Essential 200: Presented by Meineke
“I Am the Highway” – Audioslave
ShareOne of many classic jams from Audioslave’s self-titled debut. There were tinges of Soundgarden and Rage Against The Machine in the album, but Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk came up a way to start a new chapter, despite their collective pedigree in two of the most important, popular and distinctive bands of the 2000s. The song also provided the name for the epic 2019 Chris Cornell tribute concert (and hopefully they’ll release a recording of that show one day). (BI)
“I Believe In A Thing Called Love” – The Darkness
ShareThe Darkness seemingly came out of nowhere in the early oughts and sounded like no other band at the time thanks to the falsetto-friendly vocals of Justin Hawkins. “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” was a hard rock/glam explosion that’s basically an instant party. Nearly 20 years after its release, it still is. (EB)
“I Feel Free” – Cream
Share“I Feel Free” is such an iconic song, it’s easy to forget that it must have sounded pretty radical when it was released in 1966: doo-wop vocals, sweet harmonies and some of the wildest drumming ever to hit the radio waves. There's also some pretty sweet guitar lines here, too. (BI)
“I Hate Myself For Loving You” – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Share“Midnight, gettin' uptight, where are you? You said you'd meet me, now it's quarter to two!” Be advised: don’t stand up Joan Jett, and don’t be late for your meetings with her! On the other hand, this tune – which she co-wrote with Desmond Child – was her first top 10 single since her 1982 cover of “Crimson and Clover.” (BI)
“I Wanna Rock” – Twisted Sister
ShareThe video was incredible. We can thank Twisted Sister (along with Quiet Riot) for busting down the doors at MTV for other hard rock and metal bands. But this song stands on its own. After all, what kid hasn’t felt this way? And hey, if you’re adult that’s retained your sense of cool, you still want to rock (and you won’t yell at your kid for doing the same). (BI)
“I’m Eighteen” – Alice Cooper
ShareIf you’re over eighteen, you still remember how it felt be in that weird zone between being a kid and being an adult. This song captures such a fundamental truth about the end of your teen years, which is why it’s so influential. It’s an essential song on metal and classic rock playlists, but it’s also influenced a lot of punk rockers: Joey Ramone wrote some early Ramones songs based on the chords to this song (including “I Don’t Care”) and Johnny Rotten tried out for the Sex Pistols by singing this song... allegedly terribly, but hey, it was punk rock! (BI)
“In the Air Tonight” – Phil Collins
ShareThe song that catapulted Phil Collins from being “the drummer-singer guy from Genesis” to international superstar status. The man has written and co-written a bunch of hit songs that have resonated on a number of radio formats, but this is the one that overshadows everything else. It also has inspired urban legends: some believe that Collins actually saw someone drowning, and this legend has been referenced by everyone from Eminem (in his song “Stan”) to ‘Family Guy’ (in the “Peter Principal” episode) to many Reddit discussions. Collins has said that the song was inspired by his first divorce... and with that context it makes sense. The song starts as a tense conversation, before Phil goes ballistic with the most iconic drum break of all time, just as one might try to begin a disagreement civilly and then it all goes to hell. (BI)
“In the Midnight Hour” – Wilson Pickett
Share“I'm gonna wait 'til the midnight hour,” Wilson Pickett sings at the opening of his classic R&B jam. “That's when my love come tumbling down/I'm gonna wait 'til the midnight hour/When there's no one else around/I'm gonna take you, girl, and hold you/And do all things I told you, in the midnight hour!” Today, we remember this song as an undisputed classic, but in 1965, these lyrics were a bit racy, and a lot of radio stations wouldn’t play the song. (BI)
“Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)” – John Lennon
Share"Why in the world are we here / Surely not to live in pain and fear?" That’s a hell of a line, and something that generations have asked since Lennon released this classic, back in 1970. It’s one of his first solo singles... in fact, it was actually on the charts at the same time as the Beatles’ “Let It Be.” Lennon worked with producer Phil Spector on this song, which also featured George Harrison, Beatles associates Klaus Voormann and Billy Preston, and future Yes drummer Alan White. Fun fact: Stephen King named his novel ‘The Shining’ after the chorus of the song, “We all shine on!” (BI)
“Interstate Love Song” – Stone Temple Pilots
ShareOn their debut album, ‘Core,’ STP were often criticized for sounding like other rock bands of the era, particularly Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains. But here, they used the chords from a very different source: ‘70s folkie Jim Croce’s “I Got A Name.” And, hey, it worked: STP wasn’t worrying much about indie cred, and with “Interstate Love Song,” they had themselves a stadium anthem. (BI)
“Jailhouse Rock” – Elvis Presley
ShareWe love garage rock, but we have to admit that Frank’s parody of a garage rock band who only played “the same old song... and sometimes we would play it all night long” is pretty funny. Of course, the band pissed off their neighbor by playing the song over and over, loudly. “It was all we knew and easy too, so we wouldn’t get it wrong, even if you played it on a saxophone!” Well, the band eventually gets signed, but “the good times” they were promised never came, and then metal, glam rock, disco and new wave made their band seem kind of out of style. Years later, they reunite, and rehearse in the same garage, pissing off the same neighbor! It’s the rock version of the the circle of life. (BI)
“Joe’s Garage” – Frank Zappa
ShareWe love garage rock, but we have to admit that Frank’s parody of a garage rock band who only played “the same old song... and sometimes we would play it all night long” is pretty funny. Of course, the band pissed off their neighbor by playing the song over and over, loudly. “It was all we knew and easy too, so we wouldn’t get it wrong, even if you played it on a saxophone!” Well, the band eventually gets signed, but “the good times” they were promised never came, and then metal, glam rock, disco and new wave made their band seem kind of out of style. Years later, they reunite, and rehearse in the same garage, pissing off the same neighbor! It’s the rock version of the the circle of life. (BI)
“Johnny B. Goode” – Chuck Berry
ShareThis wasn’t the first rock and roll song, but it might have inspired more kids to pick up guitars and start bands than any previous jam. That’s mostly because it’s the first origin story of a rock star; it also pointed out that people might come from “miles around to hear you play your music when the sun go down.” Even better: “Maybe someday your name will be in lights, saying ‘Johnny B. Goode tonight!’” (BI)
“Kick Out the Jams” – MC5
Share“And right now…right now…right now, it’s time to…KICK OUT THE JAMS, MOTHERF—-ER!” Truthfully, this entry could literally just be this song’s epic opening, and it would be enough. Without the MC5 and “Kick Out the Jams,” the entire punk genre would likely look and sound very different. (EB)
“Kickstart My Heart” – Motley Crue
ShareMany rock songs are about drugs, but “Kickstart My Heart” turns the narrative on its head. Inspired by Nikki Sixx overdosing and being brought back to life thanks to adrenaline being injected into his heart, “Kickstart My Heart” exemplifies what made hair metal so popular: it’s loud, it’s decadent and it often has a massive, booming chorus perfect for arenas. (EB)
“Killing In The Name” – Rage Against the Machine
ShareAs far as statement songs go, you’re not going to find too many bolder, and that boldness is only amplified when you take into consideration this was the first single Rage ever released. If only this song’s themes didn’t resonate so much nearly 30 years later. (EB)
“Layla” – Derek and the Dominos
ShareUnrequited love can definitely inspire great songs, and "Layla” is exhibit A. Eric Clapton was deeply in love with Patti Boyd... who was married to his best friend, George Harrison. He started this song as a ballad, inspired by “The Story of Layla and Majnun,” by the 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi. But the riff – composed by fellow Domino Duane Allman – pushed the song into rocker territory. Although the song’s coda, featuring drummer Jim Gordon on piano, was as lovely as any ballad. (BI)
“Life in the Fast Lane” – Eagles
Share“He was a hardheaded man, he was brutally handsome and she was terminally pretty,” sets the scene. Don Henley gives a bit more detail: “She held him up and he held her for ransom in the heart of the cold, cold city/He had a nasty reputation as a cruel dude, they said he was ruthless said he was crude.” How has this not been made into a movie? The song started with Joe Walsh’s nasty guitar riff, and Glenn Frey apparently got the idea for the lyric from a drug dealer who boasted about living life in the fast lane. That guy didn’t get a co-writing credit, but the song was surely good for business! (BI)
“Live and Let Die” – Paul McCartney & Wings
ShareIt’s the best James Bond theme song ever, and also Paul’s best post-Beatles moment. The song, which reunited Paul with Beatles producer George Martin, combines Paul’s lovely balladry with some laser-and-pyro-friendly arena rock. He also succinctly summarizes 007’s job thusly: “When you got a job to do/You got to do it well/You got to give the other fellow HEEEEEELLLLLL!!!” The song got a more sinister update nearly two decades later when Guns N’ Roses covered it for 1991’s ‘Use Your Illusion I.’ (BI)
“London Calling” – The Clash
ShareThe title track to the LP that Rolling Stone dubbed the best album of the ‘80s (although it was actually released in 1979). The song captured the dread of the era: both the international fear of nuclear energy, and the fear in London that the Thames River might flood. Joe Strummer likely wrote most of the lyrics, but it was Mick Jones who put in the “SOS” morse code guitar effect at the end of the song. (BI)
“Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)” – The Hollies
ShareThe Hollies’ biggest U.S. hit came a few years after Graham Nash left the band for Crosby, Stills and Nash. And this jam doesn’t sound like the same band that Nash was a part of. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this was Creedence Clearwater Revival... and John Fogerty thought so, too, and apparently sued them. But originality can be overrated: decades later, “Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)” is simply a great song, it doesn’t matter who it sounds like. (BI)
“Longview” – Green Day
ShareGreen Day had been around for five years by the time they *cough* dropped ‘Dookie,’ but this is the song and video that brought them into the homes and hearts of America. Like their peers from the north in Seattle, Green Day had their share of angst. But unlike those guys, they actually had some fun with it. (BI)
“Losing My Religion” – R.E.M.
ShareR.E.M. came from the alternative rock school that took pride in being influenced by cult artists like the Velvet Underground, Patti Smith and the Stooges... all acts who gained strong followings without racking up lots of hit singles. But the Athens, Georgia quartet were just too good at writing catchy songs to remain a cult band, and “Losing My Religion” -- a mandolin driven jam that wasn’t actually about religion – is the song that put them firmly in the mainstream for about a decade. “Losing my religion,” by the way, is a southern expression that means that someone is losing their temper, or feeling desperate. (BI)
“Love Removal Machine” – The Cult
SharePerhaps this author’s goth influences are showing, but The Cult really should have been more commercially successful. Then again, they didn’t quite sound like anyone else and perhaps sounded too English for most hard rock sensibilities. However, The Cult still managed to nab a few big hits stateside, like 1987’s “Love Removal Machine,” a song clearly about sex but it’s uncertain what exactly a “Love Removal Machine” is. Regardless, Ian Astbury’s vocals sound ridiculously cool all these years later as does guitarist Billy Duffy’s riffs. (EB)
“Lovesong” – The Cure
ShareThis song features some of Cure frontman/boss Robert Smith’s most straight-forward lyrics. “Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am home again/Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am whole again.” It’s sweet: he’s totally in love with the subject of the song! But this is the Cure, so of course, there’s a lot of sadness there. Particularly when he sings “However far away, I will always love you/However long I stay/I will always love you.” (BI)
“Maggie May” – Rod Stewart
ShareLoosely based on him losing his virginity to an older woman, Rod Stewart scored (pun intended) his first number one hit with “Maggie May” from his third solo album, ‘Every Picture Tells a Story.’ That album and single recently turned 50, but unlike the song’s subject, its age doesn’t show when the morning sun is in its face. It’s still the perfect combination of rock, pop and folk. (EB)
“Man on the Silver Mountain” – Rainbow
ShareThe opening track from ‘Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow’ showed that the former Deep Purple guitar god would have a future after leaving that legendary band. More importantly, it introduced Ronnie James Dio to a wider audience (he previously sang with a band called Elf). And while Rainbow were certainly a significant band in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Dio would become one of metal’s most iconic singers, along with Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson and Ozzy Osbourne (who Dio would eventually replace in Black Sabbath). Rainbow never topped “Man On The Silver Mountain” and it’s definitely one of Dio’s top ten songs as well. (BI)
“Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” – Quiet Riot
ShareIt’s a straight up anthem from the first ever metal album to top the Billboard 200 album chart. Plus, Ren McCormack was pulled over blaring “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” in ‘Footloose’ which obviously proves how badass this tune is. (EB)
“Midnight Rider” – The Allman Brothers Band
ShareThe Allman Brothers Band weren’t just a band; they were also a vibe. That's evident on the ‘Idlewild South’ classic “Midnight Rider.” Whether you know it or not, we’re all on the run from something. It could be something concrete or something a little abstract. Regardless of if you outrun that force or it catches up with you, at least you have an amazing theme song to soundtrack your chase. (EB)
“Mississippi Queen” – Mountain
ShareOne of hard rock and metal’s early influences, Mountain didn’t waste much time out the gate with “Mississippi Queen.” While it ended up being band’s lone hit, it’s memorable cowbell intro and opening riffs and stellar vocals from the late Leslie West have endured the test of time with many acts going on to cover the track from Ozzy Osbourne to Bachman-Turner Overdrive. (EB)
“Money for Nothing” – Dire Straits
ShareAside from *that* verse, “Money for Nothing” is the epitome of pop/rock greatness. Based on an actual conversation he overheard at a hardware store, Mark Knopfler perfectly captured a working-class vs. wealthy celebrity frustration. (“Now look at them yo-yo's, that's the way you do it/You play the guitar on the MTV/That ain't workin', that's the way you do it” and “We got to install microwave ovens/Custom kitchen deliveries /We got to move these refrigerators/We got to move these color TVs.”) Add in one outstanding riff and Sting singing the “I want my MTV” hook, and you have Dire Straits’ lone number one hit. (EB)
“More Than A Feeling” – Boston
ShareWe all have those songs that bring back memories of a past love. Perhaps “More Than a Feeling” is that song for you, which is fitting since that’s what this monster hit song is about. Acting as the opening track and the debut single from Boston’s self-titled debut album, “More Than a Feeling” continues to be one of the staples of classic rock radio. Between Tom Scholz’s guitar track to the way Brad Delp belts out “I see my Marianne walkin’ away,” it’s understandable why. (EB)
“More Than This” – Roxy Music
Share“It was fun for a while/There was no way of knowing/Like a dream in the night/Who can say where we're going?” Whether Bryan Ferry consciously or subconsciously knew Roxy Music’s eighth studio album, ‘Avalon,’ was going to be the band’s last is anyone’s guess, but hindsight sure is a unique thing. The album’s lead single, “More Than This,” provided a dreamy, synth-heavy goodbye from a band who combined elements of glam, prog, new wave and pop unlike any other band. (EB)
“Mountain Song” – Jane’s Addiction
ShareFrom the jump with their 1988 debut ‘Nothing’s Shocking,’ the influence of Jane’s Addiction on pretty much every alt rock band to follow cannot be stressed enough. The album’s second single, “Mountain Song,” is a particular standout and remains one of the band’s best songs to this day. Opening with a thudding bass line from Eric Avery, “Mountain Song” proceeds to burst open on the wings of Dave Navarro’s soaring riff and Stephen Perkins’ powerful drums. And then comes Perry Farrell’s booming vocals: “Comin’ down the mountain!” How Jane’s Addiction isn’t in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by now is just ridiculous. (EB)
“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers
ShareNew wave made a surprising return in the aughts thanks to The Killers and their debut album, ‘Hot Fuss.’ The album’s biggest hit was “Mr. Brightside,” which was inspired by the true story of singer Brandon Flowers walking into a bar and finding his girlfriend there with another guy. Heartbreak is the absolute worst, but kudos to him for finding the silver lining in the situation and penning the brilliant lyrics, “Now they’re going to bed and my stomach is sick/And it’s all in my head, but she’s touching his/chest now, he takes off her/Dress now, let me go.” (EB)
“Nights in White Satin” – The Moody Blues
ShareAn early prog hit and The Moody Blues’ most popular track, “Nights in White Satin” wasn’t a hit right out of the gate in 1967. However, over the course of five years, the track and its corresponding album, ‘Days of Future Passed,’ started to gain more and more of a following and support from radio. “Nights in White Satin” would be re-released as a single in 1972 and peak at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. (EB)
“No One Knows” – Queens of the Stone Age
ShareExploring the trippy realms of drug use, “No One Knows” remains QOTSA’s biggest commercial hit of their career thanks to one of the best grooves of the 21st century provided by the riffs of Josh Homme and the steady, complementary drumming of Dave Grohl. (EB)
“No Rain” – Blind Melon
ShareLoneliness and depression tend to go hand-in-hand as evident in “No Rain,” Blind Melon’s breakthrough single from their 1992 self-titled debut. The song’s success was aided by its classic music video featuring the “Bee Girl.” Sadly, its themes took on a grave new meaning following the overdose death of lead singer Shannon Hoon in 1995 at the age of 28. (EB)
“Numb” – Linkin Park
ShareOne of Linkin Park’s most-successful singles, acclaimed by fans and critics alike, “Numb” is one of the best examples of how the band were able to seamlessly blend genres and create an entirely unique sound. It may be chic in some circles to dismiss nu metal, but “Numb,” and much of Linkin Park’s catalog, is undeniable. Fun fact: “Numb” was the first music video of the 2000’s before the launch of YouTube to surpass one billion views on the video site. (EB)
“Ohio” – Crosby, Stills Nash & Young
ShareWritten, recorded and released just a month after the tragic Kent State shootings, “Ohio” remains one of the most, if not the most, quintessential protest songs in music history. (“Tin soldiers and Nixon’s comin’/We’re finally on our own/This summer I hear the drummin’/Four dead in Ohio.”) While the track would get banned from some AM radio stations due to its controversial lyrics, it didn’t stop “Ohio” from climbing the charts and topping out at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. (EB)
“Old Man” – Neil Young
ShareGenerational divides will always exist, but we all have the same basic needs. That’s the broad theme explored in the Neil Young classic “Old Man,” which Young wrote about the ranch hand that lived on the Northern California property he purchased in the early ‘70s. The ballad’s backing vocals are supplied by Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor, the latter also played banjo on the track. (EB)
“Outshined” – Soundgarden
Share“I’m looking California and feeling Minnesota.” One of Soundgarden’s first hits, “Outshined” shows off the band’s metal influences and features some of Chris Cornell’s most acrobatic vocals. For creative types, “Outshined” might just be Soundgarden’s most-relatable song. Cornell said the song is about feeling on top of the world and completely unstoppable only to be crushed out of nowhere by deep insecurity that you can’t do anything. (EB)
“Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” – James Brown
ShareFrom his incredible voice to his sheer stage presence and showmanship, James Brown remains one of the most influential artists regardless of genre. For those that believe “Soul Brother No. 1” doesn’t belong on a rock list, look at rock’s early influences and adjust your thinking. While many songs would be great choices to represent “Mr. Dynamite,” choosing “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” is a no-brainer due to the fact it was Brown’s first major crossover hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. And not enough can be said about the James Brown Band whose horns elevate this track to another level. (EB)
“Paper In Fire” – John Mellencamp
ShareJohn Mellencamp is responsible for some of the biggest rock hits of the 1980s, but his best is “Paper in Fire.” Mellencamp called the track “the ultimate John Mellencamp song.” His reasoning for it? “There wasn't any Woody Guthrie influence. There wasn't any Rolling Stones influence. There wasn't a Bob Dylan influence. I made the decision, much to everyone's dismay, to use violins and accordions, and incorporate an Appalachian sound of original country. I tried to figure out how to make that work in rock & roll. And then after I did that, there were thousands of f—-in' bands with accordions and violins.” Mellencamp wasn’t wrong. (EB)
“Paradise By the Dashboard Light” – Meat Loaf
ShareGreat song about car sex or greatest song about car sex? Wherever you fall in that debate, what isn’t up for discussion is how great the chemistry is between Meat Loaf and Ellen Foley. The metaphor of the baseball broadcast in the middle of the song shouldn’t work, in theory, but it just does. Lastly, “Paradise By the Dashboard Light” is yet another reminder that when done right, rock and roll + theatrics = Gold. (EB)
“People Have the Power” – Patti Smith
ShareSome rock stars want to be poets. Some poets want to be rock stars. Patti Smith has managed to be both. Of Smith’s singles, “People Have the Power,” which was a joint effort by Smith and her MC5 guitarist husband Fred “Sonic” Smith, captures both identities perfectly, and the song’s poignancy has only increased in recent years. (EB)
“Personal Jesus” – Depeche Mode
Share“Reach out and touch faith!” Simply put, this Depeche Mode classic is just a sonic delight. It’s hard not to get pulled in by its beyond infectious rhythm track. The only thing more intriguing than the song itself is its origins. Martin Gore was inspired to write “Personal Jesus” after reading the 1985 Priscilla Presley book ‘Elvis and Me’ in which she referred to Elvis as “her own personal Jesus.” The lesson here? We all should read more because inspiration could strike from the most unlikely of places. (EB)
“Piano Man” – Billy Joel
Share“Piano Man” is many things. It’s great storytelling. It doubles as Billy Joel’s nickname. But, most importantly, it’s one of rock’s greatest sing-a-longs. Whether you’re belting it out with thousands of people at a Billy Joel concert or just with whomever is at the bar, it’s the type of song that can truly bring people together. When that happens, "Piano Man” ceases being a song and almost becomes like a hymn. That’s a special kind of magic. (EB)
“Piece of My Heart” – Big Brother and the Holding Company
ShareThe last single released by Big Brother and the Holding Company before Janis Joplin went solo, ‘Piece of My Heart” was originally recorded by Erma Franklin, the older sister of Aretha Franklin, about ten months before the band released their raucous cover. It’s another example on this list of a cover being the definitive version and that’s due largely to Joplin’s one-of-a-kind vocals. About two years after the release of “Piece of My Heart,” Joplin would become another rock star that left this world all too soon at the age of 27. She wasn’t here for very long, but she sure did make her time count. (EB)
“Pride and Joy” – Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
ShareStevie Ray Vaughan had quite a year in 1983. He provided the lead guitar work on David Bowie’s album ‘Let’s Dance,’ which was released in April. Then, he and Double Trouble released their debut ‘Texas Flood.’ The album’s single “Pride and Joy” was a standout and the perfect intro to the power trio. Also, there’s no overdubs on the track, which only adds to the magic. (EB)
“Private Eyes” – Hall and Oates
ShareParanoid lovers make for great pop/rock songs. Just ask Hall and Oates! “Private Eyes” netted the duo their third number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and it birthed one of the greatest recorded claps in music history. (EB)
“Promises In The Dark” – Pat Benatar
SharePat Benatar is one of rock’s biggest and best voices in the genre’s history, regardless of gender. Her insane four-octave range is on full display and then some on “Promises In The Dark” from Benatar’s third studio album, 1981’s ‘Precious Time.’ (EB)
“Psycho Killer” – Talking Heads
ShareQu’est-ce que c’est? What “Psycho Killer” is, is the perfect combination of New Wave, No Wave and an absolute beast of a baseline. Considering the popularity of the “True Crime” genre, it’s amazing this classic track hasn’t had a resurgence. C’est la vie, I guess. (EB)
“Radio, Radio” – Elvis Costello & The Attractions
ShareThe irony of including “Radio, Radio” on a list of essential rock songs according to a radio station isn’t lost here, but there’s no denying the place “Radio, Radio” has in the realm of protest songs. In this case, Elvis Costello was reacting to the commercial nature of England’s radio stations in the 1970’s and the BBC’s attempt to censor the Sex Pistol’s second single “God Save The Queen.” The song is an especially bold decry considering Costello was only two albums into his career. Kudos to the even bolder use of the word “anaesthetize” in the second verse. (EB)
“Raining Blood” – Slayer
ShareThere are few things more metal than “Raining Blood,” a song about getting kicked out of heaven and then plotting to destroy heaven and all of the angels housed in that space. Actually, one of the things that might be more metal than this Slayer classic is a supercut of fans screaming “SSSSLLLLLAAAAYYYYEEERRRRRRRR!!!!” Of course, due to the rules of this list, such an audio recording is prohibited, so please settle for “Raining Blood.” (EB)
“Reelin’ In the Years” – Steely Dan
ShareThere’s a subtle brilliance to the Steely Dan classic “Reelin’ In the Years," and believe it or not, it’s not in the musicianship, which is incredible. No, it’s that this pop jazz fusion standard features some of the most brutal breakup lyrics ever, but you wouldn’t really notice because the melody is so pleasant and infectious. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen wrote the song together. Who knows which woman or women inspired the track, but one thing’s for certain: They are royally despised. (EB)
“Right Place Wrong Time” – Dr. John
ShareHaven’t we all been there? This slab of New Orleans funk makes going on the right trip in the wrong car sound like the best party that you’ve ever been to. And here’s a fun, and unlikely, fact: progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer named their album “Brain Salad Surgery,” after a lyric in this song. (BI)
“River Deep — Mountain High” – Ike & Tina Turner
Share“River Deep – Mountain High” wasn’t a big hit in the United States upon its release, but in years since, the love for this song has grown. Tina Turner’s booming voice scales and soars over Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound and has become one of her most memorable vocal performances in her entire career, which is really saying something considering her once-in-a-lifetime talent. While the track is credited to Ike & Tina Turner, Ike Turner doesn’t perform on the track at all. (EB)
“Rock & Roll” – The Velvet Underground
ShareThe final single from the Velvet Underground when Lou Reed was still in the band, “Rock & Roll” is the perfect sendoff and ode to radio. (“Then, one fine mornin’, she puts on a New York station/They know, she don’t believe what she heard at all/She started shakin’ to that fine, fine music/You know, her life was saved by rock ‘n’ roll.”) For most people reading this, there’s a good chance your life was saved by rock ‘n’ roll, and there’s also a good chance a certain Philadelphia station had something to do with that. (EB)
“Rock and Roll All Nite” – KISS
Share“I wanna rock and roll all night and party every day.” It’s a lyric, it’s lifestyle and frankly, it’s the prime example of the timelessness of KISS. (EB)
“Rock Around the Clock” – Bill Haley and His Comets
Share“Rock Around the Clock” was one of the genre’s earliest hits and was famously used in the opening credits of the 1955 film ‘Blackboard Jungle,’ which then famously led to riots in movie theaters in Dublin and London. It doesn’t get any more rock and roll than being the catalyst for a teenage riot in a movie theater. (EB)
“Rock You Like a Hurricane” – Scorpions
SharePerhaps the most overt love ‘em and leave ‘em rock song on this list, “Rock You Like a Hurricane” is unique in that it sounds both like the ‘80s yet is also enduring. Its massive guitars from Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs definitely have something to do with that. (EB)
“Roll With The Changes” – REO Speedwagon
ShareTo anyone that takes issue with REO Speedwagon appearing on this list, kindly refer to the entry for Styx’s “Blue Collar Man.” This 5:35 delight certainly doesn’t feel like it’s that long, and it’s a song that has something for everyone. Love yourself a great bridge? Check. Beautiful, harmonic backing vocals? Check. Hammond organ? Check. Energetic guitar solos? Check. What more do you want? Are you not entertained?! (EB)
“Rooster” – Alice in Chains
ShareAs far as storytelling songs go, "Rooster" is one of the finest examples in rock history, not just from the grunge era. The song gets its title from the nickname of Jerry Cantrell, Sr., and the track itself serves as a tribute from Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell, Jr. to his father, who was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. It’s a stunning, fiercely personal song about the horrors of war, and serves as a reminder that the harmonies of singer Layne Staley and Cantrell are a potent part of what makes AIC so special. (EB)
“Round and Round” – Ratt
ShareRatt’s “Round and Round” was one of hair metal’s biggest hits and most recognizable songs. It’s hard to forget a chorus like that, and it’s even harder to forget its accompanying music video starring Milton Berle. The track received a bit of a boost in 2020 and re-entered the Billboard rock digital song sales chart after it was featured in a very funny Geico Insurance ad in which a couple had a “Ratt problem” in their basement. What comes around goes around, indeed. (EB)
“Roundabout” – Yes
ShareSure, their ‘80s monster comeback song “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” was their biggest hit single, but “Roundabout” really captures what Yes was all about. An insanely catchy 8 and a half minute radio hit that somehow packed in all of the talents of all five members of the band: Jon Anderson’s soaring vocals and lyrics that seemed to describe future Yes posters (“mountains come out of the sky!”); Chris Squire’s aggressive, Entwistle-inspired bass, Steve Howe’s elegant acoustic and electric guitar playing and Rick Wakeman’s wild, face-melting keyboards, and Bill Bruford’s wild drumming. Not to mention Anderson, Squire and Howe’s lovely harmony vocals. (BI)
“Roxanne” – The Police
Share“Roxanne” was the Police’s major label debut single with A&M. It may not have been a smash at first, but after a re-release, it eventually became a top 40 hit in the United States and set the trio on their way to be new wave/pop rock kings. No one sounded like The Police during their their all too brief time together in the late ‘70s through to the mid ‘80s, and no one has really sounded like them since. (EB)
“Runnin’ With The Devil” – Van Halen
ShareOut the gate, Van Halen just weren’t messing around. They were young, hungry and with a mission statement like “Runnin’ With The Devil,” they told you who they were right away. When you’re “livin' at a pace that kills,” there isn’t time for pleasantries. In a debate on the best opening track from a debut album ever, “Runnin’ With The Devil” is always part of the conversation, and it may well be the greatest. Simply put, this song is perfect, even when you isolate DLR’s vocals. (EB)
“Running On Empty” – Jackson Browne
ShareTo be frank: Most of us don’t really know what life has in store for us. Even those who appear to have it all together don’t know where they’re running now; they just keep running on. Perhaps that’s why Jackson Browne’s “Running On Empry” has endured in the decades since its release. Life is often exhausting, but you just have to find the energy to keep going, and if you’re lucky, you’ll meet some incredible people along the way. (EB)
