[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] Collection of Classic Western Rock Songs (41–50)
Another One Bites The DustQueen
The Japanese title is “Jigoku e Michidzure,” and it’s a 1980 song by the rock band Queen.
Thanks to the huge success of the film Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen is well known among younger generations in Japan, too, but this track is especially famous for being written by the bassist, John Deacon.
As you’d expect, it’s built around a bass-driven rhythm and features a danceable ensemble.
There’s also an anecdote that, although it had originally only been performed live, Michael Jackson encouraged them to release it as a single.
[Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs (51–60)
Way Down We GoKaleo
Their bluesy, gritty vocals are incredibly captivating.
KALEO is a rock band from Iceland.
The group began with three childhood friends, and additional members joined naturally over time, leading to their current five-piece lineup.
Their biggest hit, “Way Down We Go,” is a simple yet goosebump-inducing track: the vocalist’s expressive delivery and the band’s unified performance come together to craft a single, vivid image with remarkable cohesion.
London CallingThe Clash
When it comes to legendary British punk bands, The Clash immediately comes to mind.
The song I’m introducing here is their most widely known, flagship track, “London Calling.” Even without reading the lyrics, you can feel the sarcasm toward society and the seething anger in this song.
Punk rock, which emerged from the mid to late 1970s, carries discontent with the government and a wish for the world to be a more loving, livable place.
It’s a song that gives shape to the anxiety of “What’s going to happen to us from here?” The title “London Calling” is said to come from the BBC’s World War II broadcasts to occupied territories, which opened with the phrase, “This is London calling.”
Let It BeThe Beatles
A song by the British four-piece rock band The Beatles, who are arguably known by everyone around the world.
It begins with a piano intro that blends wistfulness with a kind of divinity, and it’s a timeless classic in rock history where you can revel in The Beatles’ characteristically catchy melodies and harmonies.
The guitar solo unfolds lyrically with just the right number of notes to complement those wonderful melodies without being overshadowed, elevating the track and making it clear why The Beatles are called a legendary band.
It’s a song that many people have likely heard at least once, but it’s one I hope you’ll listen to again carefully from start to finish.
Welcome To The JungleGuns N’ Roses
The opening track from the debut album by Guns N’ Roses, the American rock band boasting over 100 million albums sold worldwide.
Its intro—featuring a guitar riff using a delay effect that creates an echo-like sound, intertwined with an emotional phrase played by the other guitar—gets any rock fan amped the moment they hear it.
Axl Rose’s distinctive vocals and shouts are addictive too, making this one of the absolute musts when talking about hard rock.
World’s Smallest ViolinAJR
This piece opens with a surging synthesizer riff, featuring an unforgettable, distinctive melody and lyrics that touch the heart.
It’s a track from AJR’s album “OK ORCHESTRA,” released in March 2021, that went viral on TikTok and saw a sharp rise in views for its official music video on YouTube.
It deftly portrays the mental process of comparing one’s own troubles with those of others to put them into perspective, resonating with many people living in the modern age.
It’s a perfect song for anyone who struggles with expressing emotions or longs to be understood.
Immigrant SongLed Zeppelin
Often called Immigrant Song in its Japanese title, this track is by Led Zeppelin, a band frequently credited as pioneers of hard rock and the originators of heavy metal.
Its distinctive vocal intro and aggressive guitar are often used as entrance music in combat sports and similar events.