[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 (111–120)
You’ll Never Find MeKorn
A song by Korn, an American metal band classified in Japan under the category of mixture rock.
Its structure shifts abruptly from an intense tone to sudden calm and back to a driving frenzy, and the loud guitar sound and heavy metal-like style make it a track that will have any fan of hard rock instinctively wanting to bang their head.
One Of UsLiam Gallagher
This is a song released in the summer of 2019 by Liam Gallagher, the guitarist and vocalist of the legendary UK rock band Oasis.
The long-awaited new track retains the essence of UK rock while weaving in a sense of storytelling.
Whether you knew those days or not, that effortlessly laid-back rock is still as cool as ever.
PressureMuse
A track by Muse, the British rock band that made their major debut in 1999.
Beginning with a distinctive, effects-laden guitar sound and a brass section, the song bursts into a pop-infused chorus, resulting in a richly entertaining piece full of the band’s signature playfulness.
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.
Come as You AreNirvana
This work by Nirvana, an iconic presence of grunge, is a song that emphasizes the importance of accepting yourself as you are.
Its echoing guitar riff leaves a strong impression, and the contrast with the distortion that joins in the chorus captures the listener’s heart.
Released in March 1992, the track is included on the album Nevermind and dominated charts around the world.
Its music video also drew attention and was frequently aired on MTV.
It’s a recommended song for those who value their individuality or wish to accept others as they are.
AmsterdamNothing But Thieves
Known as one of Nothing But Thieves’ signature works, this song is characterized by powerful guitar riffs and melodic vocals.
While raw and full of momentum, it features a strikingly beautiful middle section often described as “a respite in a storm at sea.” The lyrics, which depict a sense of discomfort with the superficial aspects of society and a quest to find one’s true self, leave a strong impression on listeners.
Released in May 2017, the track was unveiled as the lead single from their second album, Broken Machine, and immediately drew attention.
With lyrics that delve into universal challenges of modern society, it’s especially recommended for those who feel a thirst for self-realization and a conflict with social expectations.
LegendarySkillet
A Christian metal band with a rare lineup for a rock group—two men and two women—Skillet delivers this track.
Over a heavy shuffle beat, the intertwining male-and-female twin vocals create a distinctive, beautiful song that produces a one-of-a-kind sound unlike any other band.