[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 (51–60)
If I Had A Gun…Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
An emotional ballad that sings of deep love and devotion.
Its beautiful, memorable melody and lyrics—depicting a strong resolve to do anything for a loved one—leave a lasting impression.
Released as a single from the November 2011 album “Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds,” it achieved a high position on the UK rock chart and later earned Silver certification.
The song garnered particular acclaim in Japan, reaching No.
2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
The music video features a wedding scene, visually expressing the song’s world.
It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special or immerse yourself in a romantic mood.
SuckerJonas Brothers
A number by the American pop-rock band the Jonas Brothers, whose members are three blood-related brothers.
The song debuted at No.
1 on the U.S.
singles chart, earning the band their first-ever No.
1 hit.
It’s a track distinguished by the pleasing harmonies that only siblings can deliver.
BoredomBuzzcocks
The punk movement in the UK sparked by the Sex Pistols and The Clash was followed by the New Wave movement.
One of the bands that ignited this movement was Buzzcocks.
Members who had formed Buzzcocks later went on to form and find success in bands like Joy Division and The Smiths.
Although Buzzcocks disbanded in 1981, they resumed activity in 1989 and continued to work energetically.
However, their founder Peter passed away in 2018, and today the band continues with different members.
Their classic “Boredom” is an irresistible track for fans of punk and New Wave!
CreepRadiohead
Back when Radiohead were shouting “I’m a creep,” their debut single was defined by a noisy, American alternative rock–influenced guitar sound.
Starting with a hush of arpeggios, the song is marked by Jonny Greenwood’s striking “ga-gak” guitar stabs.
Its lyrics, laying bare self-loathing and loneliness, resonated with many listeners, and after its release in September 1992, it became a major hit—especially in the United States.
It was later reappraised in the UK as well, climbing to No.
7 on the charts.
Although the band have long since moved beyond the template they established with this track, there’s no doubt that this song—still steeped in the atmosphere of the early 1990s—remains a classic in the history of rock music.
[Masterpiece Selection] Collection of Classic Western Rock Songs (61–70)
Every Breath You TakeThe Police
An English rock band featuring Sting, the world’s most famous singing bassist.
This song by The Police won Song of the Year at the 1984 Grammy Awards.
His popularity extends beyond the generation that spent their youth at the time to younger generations as well.
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.
ParanoiaA Day To Remember
A Day to Remember is a rock band formed in Florida in 2003.
This track was released as a single in 2016.
It became a hit in the United States and Australia, and reached No.
1 on the charts in the United Kingdom.
The music video was directed by Ethan Lader.