[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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- [2026] Recommended for people in their 50s! A roundup of classic Western hits that always get the crowd going
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Masterpiece Selection: A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs (111–120)
The LumineersNightshade
The Lumineers are a three-piece American folk rock group.
They’re known for their acoustic sound that features instruments like the mandolin and cello.
The title of this song, “Nightshade,” literally means “shadow of the night,” and it’s also the name of a poisonous plant in the nightshade family.
It’s a popular number known as the theme song for the hit series Game of Thrones.
GRAND CANYONPUSCIFER
Puscifer is a rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1995.
This meditative track is included on their third album, Money Shot, released in 2015.
The album was a hit in countries such as the United States, Australia, and Belgium.
RiseSixx:A.M.
A track that sings about raising your voice to drive change.
It’s a 2016 song by Sixx:A.M., a hard rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2007 by Nikki Sixx and others.
It reached No.
3 on the U.S.
charts.
Zac Brown Band ft. Chris Cornell
A collaboration between the country music group Zac Brown Band and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell.
Released in 2015, it reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States and Canada.
It was performed on the TV show Saturday Night Live in March 2015.
Bored To Deathblink-182
A track released as a digital download in 2016 by the American pop-punk band Blink-182.
It reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts.
The music video, depicting dreamy teenagers, was directed by Rob Soucy.
MisirlouDick Dale & The Del Tones
Dick Dale & His Del-Tones, the band featuring Dick Dale—whom Jimi Hendrix, known as the guitar god, openly cited as an influence.
Their 1962 smash hit Misirlou is a track defined by its impactful guitar riff using tremolo picking.
The thrilling guitar work and stylish ensemble create a distinctive sense of tension throughout the song.
It’s an instrumental number with a comfortably classic rock sound, beloved across generations.
I Fought The LawThe Clash
Alongside the Sex Pistols and The Damned, The Clash are hailed as one of the “Big Three” London punk bands, achieving success not only in their native UK but also in the United States.
Their single “I Fought the Law,” released on February 29, 1988, is known as a rock classic that has since been covered by numerous artists.
The power-chord riff heard in the intro uses slides to create a groove that really amps up the tension.
With its catchy melody and ensemble that stick in your head, it’s a number that makes you want to sing along.