[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)
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.
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.
Kickstart My HeartMötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe is an American hard rock band that has been active since the ’80s.
Among their career highlights is the hit track “Kickstart My Heart,” from the album that became their biggest success.
With a powerful straight-ahead eighth-note beat and an insanely overdriven electric guitar intro, it’s an incredibly cool song.
It’s also a guaranteed showstopper live, with intense performance energy and a mid-song breakdown arrangement that’s deeply emotional and a major highlight.
It’s a scorching hard rock tune from a band that had kicked their drug habits and come back firing on all cylinders.
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.
[Masterpieces Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs (91–100)
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!
