[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 (21–30)
High HopesPanic! At The Disco
Even on YouTube alone, the global hit song “High Hopes” has been played over 500 million times worldwide.
It’s a track released in 2018 by Panic! At The Disco, the solo project of Brendon Urie.
The melody, which showcases Brendon’s signature high-tone vocals, easily sticks in your ear.
It’s a passionate anthem packed with an irreplaceable message from his mother: “Live with high hopes.”
Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles
The title track from the Eagles’ album Hotel California, released in February 1977.
Even people who aren’t particularly interested in rock have probably heard the chorus at least once.
The guitar solo in the middle section is also exceptionally melodic and outstanding—many rock fans can even hum the entire solo! Along with its beautiful vocal melody, it truly stands as a masterpiece of rock ballads.
I hope those who haven’t been into rock until now will give it a listen.
By the way, the “Hotel California” in the title is an imaginary hotel and doesn’t actually exist.
GET UPShinedown
This is a song released in 2018 by Shinedown, a U.S.
band highly popular for their dynamic yet melodic sound often described as alternative metal to post-grunge.
It hit No.
1 on the mainstream rock chart in their home country, and their sixth album “Attention Attention,” which includes this track, debuted at No.
5 on the U.S.
charts, underscoring their steady popularity.
Beginning with a simple, solemn piano accompaniment, “GET UP” tones down the band’s characteristic hard guitars and delivers a chorus so anthemic and sing-along-ready that just hearing the melody can feel cleansing and deeply moving.
Even listeners who aren’t fond of overly heavy sounds should find it approachable.
Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics as well—they’re written from a powerful yet gentle perspective, said to be directed to a band member struggling with depression.
Brown SugarThe Rolling Stones
Having weathered the tumultuous ’60s and launched their own label, The Rolling Stones embarked on a fresh start.
Symbolizing the dawn of their ’70s era is the classic album Sticky Fingers, released in 1971.
Kicking off that record, this track is rock ’n’ roll at its most exuberant—quintessential Stones.
Keith Richards’ languid yet razor-sharp guitar riff, American musician Bobby Keys’ funky sax solo, and Mick Jagger’s one-of-a-kind vocals lock together to create an irresistible groove.
The lyrics are provocative, but in true Stones fashion, they channel that edge into pure rock energy.
It’s a killer tune that gets your body moving on instinct—perfect for the dance floor.
Basket CaseGreen Day
This song is from the monster album Dookie, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
The title, which means having both arms and legs cut off, expresses the process of a person becoming unable to do anything through a very pop punk sound, and it sings about the importance of maintaining your own core by yourself.
Green Day pushed pop punk and melodic hardcore from the streets all the way to MTV, eventually earning the honor of a Grammy.
I imagine many people started bands because of this song.
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt CheapAC/DC
During the heyday of hard rock in the 1970s, countless bands burst onto the scene, but among them, the one that truly captivated listeners with a powerful personality and undeniably great songs was AC/DC.
Formed around the Young brothers, Malcolm and Angus, this hard rock band is famous for having a massive global fanbase.
Malcolm Young’s raspy, distortion-tinged growl, and above all, the blistering performances of Angus Young—swinging his SG guitar in his trademark school uniform with an unforgettable, wildly unique look—are absolutely electrifying.
And of course, the songs are phenomenal!
Seven Nation ArmyThe White Stripes
Despite being an astonishingly simple ensemble of just guitar and drums, this masterpiece boasts an instantly memorable riff that’s unbelievably cool.
The White Stripes, the band Jack White—singer-songwriter and guitarist who headlined Fuji Rock in 2022—was part of, are emblematic of the 2000s garage rock movement and stand as one of the most renowned rock bands since the 2000s, with a Grammy win to their name.
Though the band has since disbanded, Jack continues to work energetically as a solo artist, maintaining a presence so strong that it’s no exaggeration to call him one of the greatest rock musicians active today.
Seven Nation Army, the song discussed here, is a signature track from the White Stripes era and a certified classic that was also performed during the aforementioned Fuji Rock set.
The main phrase, which at first listen could be mistaken for a bass line, is actually played on guitar using a Whammy pedal.
Beyond its commercial success, the song also won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.