Classic rock is arguably the most beloved genre of music across multiple generations, now in the thick of its seventh decade. The genre boasts many of the best-selling artists of all time as its pioneers, from The Rolling Stones to The Doors, The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen, and so many more.
Though the genre was primarily confined to the ’60s and ’70s, there hasn’t been a decade since when it hasn’t dominated radio stations, streaming services, and record and CD stores. In the time since the genre came to be, classic rock has been a way for people to bridge divides, build relationships, and enjoy shared concert experiences.
With such a wide range of sounds under the umbrella of classic rock, it can be hard to know where to start if you’re not familiar with the genre, especially with some of the greatest hits of the genre not necessarily being the most accessible. These 13 songs are sure to steadily ease any new fan into classic rock.
13
Mother (1979)
Pink Floyd
Though Pink Floyd is certainly one of my absolute favorite classic rock artists, their 15-album psychedelic discography can be daunting. Additionally, Roger Waters’ rather unique, wiry voice can catch a new listener off guard. Conversely, however, David Gilmour’s soothing vocals are much more welcoming, particularly on “Mother,” the last song on side one of the original release of The Wall.
Related
All 15 Pink Floyd Albums, Ranked From Worst To Best
Not only did Pink Floyd’s music change the course of rock music history, but they also have a story unlike any other.
Though the lead vocal credit on “Mother” is split between Gilmour and Waters, Waters tends to go a little easy on his part, with a few exceptions. The vocals throughout this song, whether sung by Waters or Gilmour, have a soft and soothing quality, keeping with the lyrical theme of a mother’s love and protection, flawed as they may be.
The array of guitars combined with the keyboards and organs on this song help to make it one of the more calming yet devastating songs in Pink Floyd’s discography. Particularly in The Wall, “Mother” stands out in a sea of chaotic rock songs, full of wailing electric guitar solos and Waters angrily ranting in his lyrics.
12
Hotel California (1977)
The Eagles
The soft guitar opening paired with Don Henley’s subtle vocals singing, “On a dark desert highway / Cool wind in my hair” makes “Hotel California” one of the greatest songs of all time, let alone within the genre of classic rock. It is slow and mysterious, yet impossibly comforting at the same time.
The guitar is perhaps the song’s greatest asset, with Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, and Don Felder all playing separate rhythm and lead guitar parts, and utilizing both 12-string acoustic guitars and electric guitars. The song includes a two-minute and 12-second electric guitar solo, in which Walsh and Frey alternate and riff off of one another.
The soothing mystery of the guitar and soft vocals paying homage to the eponymous and mythical Hotel California make this a perfect song to ease someone into the genre of classic rock.
“Hotel California” is a timeless classic, the kind of genre-defining hit that truly never gets old, to new and old listeners alike. The soothing mystery of the guitar and soft vocals paying homage to the eponymous and mythical Hotel California make this a perfect song to ease someone into the genre of classic rock.
11
American Girl (1977)
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty is the golden boy of classic rock, and his hit single “American Girl” is a shining example of why. The upbeat youthful anthem plays perfectly in the summertime, and is widely regarded by critics and fans alike as one of the greatest songs of Petty and his band’s illustrious career, if not the absolute greatest.
“American Girl” is a song about youth, relatable to any and everyone who listens. The song begins with the line, “Well, she was an American girl / Raised on promises,” and with Mike Campbell’s lighthearted guitar riff behind Petty’s vocals, there aren’t many introductions in rock music history that are as fun and excitable as this one.
It isn’t necessarily a soft or subtle song, but it provides an introduction to Americana and heartland rock, two pillars without which classic rock would not be nearly the genre it is today. Petty is an absolute must for anyone looking to first get into classic rock, and “American Girl” is as great a place to start as any.
10
More Than A Feeling (1976)
Boston
The lead single from Boston’s self-titled debut, “More Than A Feeling” is one of the most accessible yet still hardcore classic rock songs of the ’70s. It rocks just the right amount; with Brad Delp’s high-pitched vocals and Tom Scholz’s electric guitar, the range present in this song is simply unmatched.
The use of electric guitar is one of the key aspects separating classic rock from the other music of its time, and Scholz’s plethora of solos and riffs are definitely the kind that highlight that separation. From the introductory riff, to the quick, rhythmic strumming, Scholz is certainly one of the more underrated guitarists of his time.
Boston is the kind of classic rock band that can do it all—hardcore guitar shredding, soft yet wailing vocals, upbeat anthems and slower ballads.
Boston is the kind of classic rock band that can do it all—hardcore guitar shredding, soft yet wailing vocals, upbeat anthems and slower ballads. This song captures all of that in under five minutes. It is one of the first songs I remember associating with classic rock as a kid, and there is really no shortage of reasons why.
9
Come Together (1969)
The Beatles
One of the most famous songs in The Beatles’ body of work is the chart-topping hit, “Come Together.” The song has been covered dozens of times by a decent number of music’s most legendary artists. From the very beginning, the song’s unique introduction, which begins with John Lennon whispering “Shoot Me,” is unlike anything else.
Related
The Beatles’ “Come Together”: 10 Iconic Covers, Ranked From Worst To Best
No band or artist of any genre has been covered by other artists as often as The Beatles, especially their song “Come Together.”
Though it is most definitely a classic rock song through and through, the musical composition of “Come Together” feels almost like a pop song, with its verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, guitar solo, chorus format. As such, it’s easy to fall in love with the song, even if you’re entirely new to ’60s and ’70s rock music.
George Harrison’s guitar solo is another one for the history books, but one that isn’t too heavy for a new listener to digest. In fact, that’s an adequate way to describe this song overall; it isn’t too heavy, but it’s a multi-faceted hit on behalf of all four Beatles, from the guitar to the drums, the bass and the vocals.
8
Loving Cup (1972)
The Rolling Stones
Always with a hint of the blues in their greatest hits, The Rolling Stones are a great band to explore when first getting into classic rock. “Loving Cup” is the kind of song that has the same effect on me every time I listen to it as it did the first time I ever heard it.
From the first line, Mick Jagger’s voice envelops you in a warm cloud of sound. The upbeat piano plays the song in, as Jagger sings “I’m the man on the mountain, come on up,” welcoming us to join him as Keith Richards starts to play his guitar, and they get ready to show us what classic rock is all about.
Though it wasn’t released as a single and therefore didn’t chart, “Loving Cup” is still one of the most illustrious tracks within The Rolling Stones’ remarkably expansive discography. As one of the pioneers and most legendary classic rock bands, The Rolling Stones—and “Loving Cup”—are a great gateway into the genre.
7
Dream On (1973)
Aerosmith
Steven Tyler is a true picture of classic rock, what with his long, flowing locks and leather-clad style, not to mention his high-pitched vocals and unmistakable stage presence. When he and his band Aerosmith released their debut album in 1973, the power ballad and their first-ever single, “Dream On,” became an instant classic.
The introductory guitar riff has such an immediate and profound effect; this song has been featured in any number of films or other cultural touchstones since its release. The musical backing of this song is oddly calming, and, at the beginning of Aerosmith’s career, Tyler’s vocals have a rather uncharacteristic yet equally soothing sound for the majority of the song.
The majority of the song is slow and steady, until the end when Tyler gives just a taste of what would become his signature screaming rock vocals. Between his smooth vocal performance and one of the most legendary guitar performances of Joe Perry’s career, “Dream On” is the power ballad that blows all other power ballads out of the water.
6
Touch Me (1968)
The Doors
Ray Manzarek goes crazy with his ballroom swing dance-esque electronic organ introduction to “Touch Me,” and once he starts he simply can’t stop. The Doors are one of the most successful classic rock bands to come of the era, but they are also one of the most unique, and “Touch Me” showcases that uniqueness pretty clearly.
Related
10 Songs That Define The Doors’ Career
The Doors accomplished more in four years than many bands have in four decades. Here are 10 songs that define their iconic albeit brief career.
The lead single from their fourth studio album, “Touch Me” is a song with multiple clear influences with regard to genre. There is a phenomenal jazz saxophone solo at the end of the song, and the refrain features some orchestra instruments between Jim Morrison’s vocals, not to mention Manzarek’s continued dance hall keyboard performance.
The electric guitar, while still present in the song, noticeably takes a back seat. Morrison’s throaty vocals, particularly at the very beginning when he sings, “Come on, come on, come on, come on / Now touch me, babe,” are clearly evocative of the classic rock sound, but “Touch Me” is definitely a rather unconventional, and fairly accessible, classic rock song overall.
5
Ziggy Stardust (1972)
David Bowie
David Bowie is among music’s most eccentric personalities, and much of his music is equally odd. His fifth studio album, which has maintained a cult following to this day, follows the story of Bowie’s alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, who is the namesake of both the album and one of the album’s greatest tracks, also simply titled “Ziggy Stardust.”
The lyrics are among Bowie’s most eccentric, telling the epic story of an alien rock star, but the song itself is a fairly standard classic rock tune.
The electric guitar introduction consists of yet another iconic riff, with a muted “Oh!” from Bowie as the song nears the first line: “Now Ziggy played guitar.” The lyrics are among Bowie’s most eccentric, telling the epic story of an alien rock star, but the song itself is a fairly standard classic rock tune.
An early glam rock hit, “Ziggy Stardust” is easy and enjoyable to listen to in its entirety, making it a perfect starter track for new classic rock fans. Though rather simple, the primary guitar riff is catchy, and paired with the song’s first lyric, it is a perfect callback to close out the song as well.
4
Thunder Road (1975)
Bruce Springsteen
Heartland rock is perhaps the most accessible subgenre of classic rock, perfect for new listeners. Bruce Springsteen is arguably the most successful heartland rocker, and his album Born To Run is one of the most uplifting and inspiring collections of songs ever produced, with “Thunder Road” playing no small part in that success and legacy.
With its saxophone-driven musical backing, Springsteen made some massive waves with “Thunder Road,” a song that still brings many people to tears even upon their hundredth listen. With lyrics like “So you’re scared and you’re thinking / That maybe we ain’t that young anymore,” he has a way with words that simply resonates without hesitation.
The piano, lyrics, vocals, and saxophone all reach directly to your heartstrings with this song. Every aspect of “Thunder Road” is sheer perfection, and that emotion can be felt at any given moment throughout the nearly five-minute track. There’s a reason they call Springsteen the boss, and there’s a reason “Thunder Road” was his second single to go platinum.
