[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] Collection of Classic Western Rock Songs (81–90)
Fly Like An EagleSteve Miller Band
The Steve Miller Band, who led the music scene of the ’60s and ’70s alongside Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead, are essential to any discussion of psychedelic rock.
Their 1976 release “Fly Like an Eagle” is an especially popular track that has been covered by numerous artists.
Even though many years have passed since its release, it still sounds incredibly cool and never feels dated.
Surfin’ U.S.A.The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American rock band that many Japanese city pop musicians openly declare themselves huge fans of.
One of their charms is how dramatically their style changes over the course of their career.
Surfin’ U.S.A.
is a song from their early, surf rock–heavy period—an upbeat track where a snappy rhythm intertwines with synthesizers and electric guitars.
Often cited as a representative surf rock number, it’s a classic of the 1960s.
Prayers/TrianglesDeftones
Deftones is an alternative metal band formed in California in 1988.
This track is included on their eighth album, Gore, released in 2016, which became a hit in countries around the world.
The music video was directed by Charles Bergquist.
Jailhouse RockElvis Presley
This is a super famous song by Elvis Presley, the god of rock ’n’ roll—truly deserving of the name rock ’n’ roll.
Although it was released in 1957, you still hear it often even today.
It’s a song that can only be described as legendary.
SexThe 1975
Headlining the main stage at Summer Sonic 2022, THE 1975 now feel fully recognized in Japan as a world-class rock band representing the UK.
They’re not the type to stick strictly to traditional rock; their hallmark is a hybrid sound backed by a rich musical vocabulary and impeccable taste.
Some rock fans who may have shied away based on a vague impression might be surprised.
There’s no doubt that “the now” of rock exists alongside them, and here I’d like to introduce THE 1975’s early killer tune, “Sex.” First released on an EP in 2012, it was included the following year on their self-titled debut album and remains a fan favorite.
For them, it’s a relatively straightforward track that evokes indie rock and 2000s emo: the strummed guitar backing and emotional melody capture the volatile yet dazzling spirit of teenage youth.
The guitar phrases that run beneath the melody add a great flavor too, so be sure to listen for those as well!
You Really Got MeThe Kinks
Contemporaries of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, The Kinks are a UK band that epitomized the Mod movement.
Their signature song is “You Really Got Me.” Its relentless refrain entwined with a pounding rhythm and wild guitar playing caused quite a sensation at the time, reaching number one on the UK charts.
Since its 1964 release, the track has influenced and been loved by musicians across many genres, including Britpop, hard rock, and metal.
[Masterpieces Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs (91–100)
LydiaHighly Suspect
Highly Suspect is a rock trio formed in Massachusetts in 2009.
This energetic track was released in 2013 and reached No.
4 on the U.S.
charts.
The underwater music video features Russian actress and freediver Marina Kazankova.