[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)
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.
With or Without YouU2
U2 is a national band of Ireland.
They continue to work actively, and U2 is said to be one of the highest-earning artists in the world.
Their frontman, Bono, is also famous as an international philanthropist and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times in the past.
[Masterpiece Selection] A Collection of Classic Western Rock Songs (31–40)
I Was Made For Loving YouKISS
KISS is a rock band whose trademark is their flamboyant white face makeup, known as corpse paint.
They relentlessly pursued extravagance and eccentricity, and as a result, devoted fans known as the KISS Army sprang up all over the world.
In 1979, they released “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” a track that fused the disco music popular at the time with rock, and it became one of the biggest hits they ever released.
RebellionLinkin Park ft. Daron Malakian
Linkin Park, the American rock band often called “the best-selling band of the 21st century.” If you’re into alternative rock, you probably know them.
One of their iconic songs is Rebellion, released in 2014.
The track features Daron Malakian, the lead guitarist of the 90s-renowned rock band System of a Down, as a guest—what a stellar collaboration! It’s a shame we can’t see this collab performed live, as Linkin Park’s vocalist, Chester, passed away in 2017.
The End Of The GameWeezer
A song by the American alternative rock band Weezer.
The intro jumps right in with guitar tapping, and the melody—featuring prominent, beautiful choral work—evokes the rock scene of the late 1980s to the 1990s, making it an easy listen even for newcomers to Western music.
The PretenderFoo Fighters
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they’re one of the most famous rock bands in the world.
Led by Dave Grohl, former drummer of Nirvana, Foo Fighters have produced many great songs over their long career.
This time, we’re focusing on their 2007 classic “The Pretender,” a track bursting with their signature, intensely emotional melodies and rock sound.
Released as the lead single from their sixth album, “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace,” which came out the same year, it became one of their most commercially successful singles and won Best Hard Rock Performance at the 50th Grammy Awards.
As mentioned, the dynamic yet pop-infused Foo Fighters rock sound is flawless here, and the simple yet undeniably cool, tight band ensemble is so well-crafted it makes you think it would feel incredible to cover it as a band.
The lyrics are striking as well and open to multiple interpretations, so be sure to check out a Japanese translation too.
ThroneBring Me The Horizon
A track released for digital download in 2015 by Bring Me the Horizon.
Departing from their trademark metalcore sound toward a more pop-rock approach, it features an up-tempo rhythm and strong melodies.