[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)
PainkillerThree Days Grace
A track that sings about the need for addiction.
It was released as a digital download in 2014 by the Canadian rock band Three Days Grace.
It features a sound characterized by aggressive guitars and percussion.
The track reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts.
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.
Owner Of A Lonely HeartYES
Debuting to great attention in 1968, Yes went through frequent lineup changes, which drew backlash from fans and led to a temporary breakup.
After further changes, the band made a comeback, and the album 90125 they released at that time—and its track Owner of a Lonely Heart—both reached No.
1 in the United States.
[Masterpiece Selection] Collection of Classic Western Rock Songs (81–90)
Johnny B. GoodeChuck Berry
Chuck Berry, the legendary man who gave birth to rock ’n’ roll.
Without him, neither the Beatles nor the Sex Pistols would have existed! His signature song is Johnny B.
Goode.
At the start of the track, you can hear the phrase he created—often called the Chuck Berry riff.
Even now, after rock ’n’ roll has passed through time and kept changing shape, he remains a legendary figure, respected by countless musicians.
RadioRAMMSTEIN
Rammstein’s “Radio” is the kind of song whose sheer strangeness becomes addictive.
Rammstein is a rock band formed in Germany, well known for their extreme live performances featuring flamethrowers and firecrackers.
Musically, they blend a relatively heavy band sound with techno elements reminiscent of Kraftwerk, along with a touch of club music, theater, and opera.
It may seem like an odd combination at first glance, but once you actually listen, you’re bound to get hooked on its peculiar charm!
ATTENTION ATTENTIONShinedown
A song by the American hard rock band Shinedown, who made their major debut in 2003.
With a hard guitar sound layered over earth-rumbling bass and drums, and a melody that’s aggressive yet catchy, it’s a track that makes you want to move and showcases the evolution of hard rock.
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.
