[Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
Many music listeners, regardless of generation, probably learned the word “rock” from Western music.
To convey the enduring greatness of Western rock across any era, this article highlights gem-like masterpieces born over more than 60 years of rock history, delivering a curated selection of the best rock songs for those who want to start exploring Western rock.
Articles like this tend to focus on classic oldies, but our lineup also includes artists from the 2000s onward.
So even if you used to listen to rock back in the day, be sure to check it out!
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[Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs (71–80)
Every Breath You TakeThe Police
An English rock band featuring Sting, the world’s most famous singing bassist.
This song by The Police won Song of the Year at the 1984 Grammy Awards.
His popularity extends beyond the generation that spent their youth at the time to younger generations as well.
Cut The CordShinedown
A hard-hitting number with tight drums and heavy riffs that scream quintessential Shinedown—absolutely badass! Here’s an introduction to “Cut The Cord,” a track released in 2015 by Shinedown, the hugely popular American hard rock/alternative metal band.
The song is included on Threat to Survival, released the same year and a hit in its own right, and it topped Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart in the U.S.
With a band ensemble that skillfully blends the dynamism of classic hard rock with modern production, its simplicity lets the song’s raw power truly shine—an undeniable classic.
The vocals, belting out lyrics packed with a fiery, uplifting message that blows away negativity, are incredibly cool.
Hello SunshineBruce Springsteen
This is a 2019 release by the American rock icon whose name became unshakable in the ’80s with “Born in the U.S.A.” A record that’s insanely cool, with his punchy voice now seasoned with a rugged edge.
No matter how many years go by, he remains the ultimate big brother of the global rock scene.
He’s said this track was influenced by the pop music of Southern California in the ’70s—fans, of course, and even those who “didn’t know,” should definitely give it a listen!
Coming For YouThe Offspring
A track by the American punk rock band The Offspring, released as a digital download in 2015.
It features a clap beat and was used as the official theme song for WWE Elimination Chamber 2015.
Purple RainPrince
It’s one of Prince’s signature songs, known for its beautiful melody and emotional lyrics.
Featured on the album Purple Rain, the track was released in 1984 and also served as part of the soundtrack for the film Purple Rain.
Prince’s passionate guitar solo and the distinctive sound that fuses rock, R&B, and gospel have captured the hearts of many listeners.
The song expresses feelings such as heartbreak and the end of a friendship, with the memorable line, “I want to see you laughing in the purple rain.” It’s recommended for times when you’re feeling down or when you want to reflect on a relationship with someone important.
Do You Know Who You Are?Atreyu
A track included on Atreyu’s sixth album, Long Live, released in 2015.
It features Alex Varkatzas’s gritty lead vocals and drummer Brandon Saller’s melodic choruses.
VertigoU2
U2 is a rock band that holds the record for the most Grammy Awards won by an artist group and has enjoyed long-lasting popularity with a rock sound that evokes the atmosphere of their home country, Ireland.
Vertigo, the lead single from their 11th album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, is a track whose straightforward rock ensemble amps up the energy.
The guitar riff in the intro, which doubles the bass to add thickness, is simple—made up only of power chords—yet its choice of notes is brilliantly memorable.
It’s a stylish rock tune that was also featured in Apple’s iPod commercial.
