[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 Collection of Classic Western Rock Songs (31–40)
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.
I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith
Aerosmith’s signature song “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” famous as the theme song of the classic film Armageddon.
Among the many hits Aerosmith has released, it’s one of their most representative tracks.
The song was actually written by American songwriter Diane Warren.
She came up with it when she was commissioned to write the film’s theme and saw the final scene of Armageddon.
At first, it was planned to be sung by a female vocalist like Celine Dion.
However, Diane felt it needed more power, so she decided to have Aerosmith perform it.
I Was Born To Love YouFreddie Mercury
Queen is a rock band still beloved around the world.
Among them, vocalist Freddie Mercury continues to radiate a charismatic presence despite the time that has passed since his death.
In fact, there was a period when Freddie pursued solo work under his own name.
A signature song from that time is “I Was Born To Love You.” Many might be surprised, thinking, “Wasn’t that Queen?” It’s a masterpiece by Freddie—more powerful and overflowing with love than anyone.
The Final CountdownEurope
If the song title doesn’t ring a bell, you might recognize it from the intro.
Europe is a hard rock band from Sweden.
They’re known for their heavy band sound paired with a soaring high-tone voice.
They were one of the bands that sparked the metal boom in Europe.
Their signature song is “The Final Countdown”! It’s a classic everyone knows.
By the way, the lyrics of this song were inspired by David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”! That’s a surprise, isn’t it?
Born to be wildSteppenwolf
Born to Be Wild, famous as the theme song of the classic 1969 film Easy Rider.
Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you’ve probably heard it in commercials—it’s a song many people know.
The band performing it is Steppenwolf, a hard rock group formed in Canada in 1967.
Their name is said to come from Hermann Hesse’s novel Steppenwolf (The Wolf of the Steppes).
With its powerful band sound, it’s a fiery track that lives up to its title!
[Masterpiece Selection] Collection of Classic Western Rock Songs (41–50)
The Vengeful OneDisturbed
Disturbed is an American heavy metal band formed in 1994.
They are based in Chicago, a city known as a hidden gem of the American music scene.
Since signing with Giant Records in 2000, they have achieved the remarkable feat of having every album they release go platinum.
Their classic track “The Vengeful One” features razor-sharp guitar riffs, biting vocals, and thunderous drums, making for a ferocious song.
It’s especially recommended for anyone interested in heavy metal!
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.