10 of the Best Hard Rock Songs of All Time
More than half a century has passed since the emergence of rock music. The world has been introduced to hundreds of rock bands and thousands of rock songs. While it’s impossible to list all the best rock songs, we’ve selected the top 10 hard rock songs for you.
Although it is said that rock music emerged in the 1950s, its roots can actually be traced back to the early 1900s. Blues, created by African-Americans who were unfortunately forced to work as slaves in the fields in America, is considered the mother of rock music. During those times, African-Americans working in the fields used guitars and harmonica to compose songs about their lives, emotions, and hopes, thus giving birth to the blues genre.
After the 1950s, blues gradually hardened and evolved into rhythm and blues. At that time, one of the first hits of Rhythm and Blues was “Shake, Rattle, and Roll.” Although Joe Turner was the first to sing this song, it became a hit after Bill Haley sang it due to its ethnic roots. Joe Turner and Bill Haley are known as some of the most recognized pioneers of rhythm and blues.
Soon after, rhythm and blues merged with country and western music, giving birth to rock’n’roll. Bill Haley made the first attempts at rock’n’roll, but Elvis Presley became the star of rock’n’roll history. Of course, it’s important not to forget that Chuck Berry was the lyricist for many Rock’n’Roll hits in the 50s and 60s.
Rock’n’Roll spread incredibly with overwhelming popularity. Especially, the rhythm of the music and the developed dance style gained immense interest among the youth. It seemed to have come out of nowhere, and the government of that time decided that rock’n’roll was becoming a dangerous genre that needed to be immediately stopped. Numerous campaigns were launched, and it was as if a war was declared against the genre.
The government was successful in this regard. Shortly after, Elvis Presley was sent to the military, and the end of rock’n’roll began in America.
In the 1960s, The Beatles emerged in England and, for a short time, followed the rock’n’roll line. However, they also began to transform their style into rock. Following The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, known as one of the first hard rock bands, emerged, and hard rock was born.
Ranked: Top 10 Best Hard Rock Songs of All Time
1. “Whole Lotta Love” – Led Zeppelin (1969)
Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” was a huge success in the rock music world. First released in 1969 as the opening track of their second studio album, “Led Zeppelin II,” the song quickly took its place in music history.
One of the most important indicators of its success was its performance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with “Whole Lotta Love” peaking at number 4, solidifying its popularity in the United States. The song’s impact was felt not only in the US but also in the UK, where it reached an impressive number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
The accolades for “Whole Lotta Love” were not limited to chart success. The song earned Led Zeppelin a prestigious Grammy Award nomination in 1970, especially in the Best Sound Arrangement category.
In addition, “Whole Lotta Love” collected various certifications proving its outstanding sales, including a Platinum certification in the United States.
Written by: Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, John Bonham, and Willie Dixon.
Cover Versions: Various artists, including CCS, Tina Turner, and Sheryl Crow, have covered the song.
2. “Paranoid” – Black Sabbath (1970)
“Paranoid” was the title track of Black Sabbath’s second studio album, released in 1970. After this song, Black Sabbath became a band known worldwide.
“Paranoid” peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart, demonstrating its popularity among British music fans. In the United States, the song made its mark on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 61.
Written by: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.
Cover Versions: Numerous bands, including Megadeth and Type O Negative, have covered the song.
3. “Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin (1971)
Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” is considered one of the most iconic and successful songs in rock music history. Released in 1971 as the closing track of the band’s fourth studio album, “Led Zeppelin IV,” this composition seems to never be erased from the music world.
“Stairway to Heaven” was never officially released as a single. Despite this, the track received considerable airplay and gained popularity, eventually making its presence felt on various charts.
In the United States, where the song became a staple of classic rock radio, it peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the early 1970s.
Written by: Jimmy Page, Robert Plant.
Cover Versions: Many artists, including Heart and Rodrigo y Gabriela, have interpreted the song.
4. “Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple (1972)
“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple was released in 1972 as part of the album “Machine Head.”. The song tells the story of a fire at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland during a Frank Zappa concert, and this narrative, combined with its memorable guitar riff, contributed to its immediate popularity.
“Smoke on the Water” climbed to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States (July 1973). Additionally, it reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
Written by: Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice.
Cover Versions: Numerous bands have covered the song, including Metallica, Carlos Santana, and Black Sabbath.
5. “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC (1979)
AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” has become a classic rock anthem. Released in 1979 as the lead single from the album of the same name, the song cemented AC/DC’s status as one of the greatest rock bands in history.
“Highway to Hell” charted in several countries and peaked at #47 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. In the United Kingdom, it reached an impressive number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. What makes the song even more important is its cultural impact and enduring popularity. The song has become synonymous with the hard rock genre, and its rebellious, anthemic nature has made it a staple at sporting events, concerts, and classic rock playlists.
Written by: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott.
Cover Versions: Many bands, including Marilyn Manson and Sheryl Crow, have covered the song.
6. “Back in Black” – AC/DC (1980)
“Back in Black” is not just a song; it is a rock anthem gifted to the music world by the members of AC/DC.
After the death of the band’s original lead singer, Bon Scott, the band was on the verge of breaking up. After meeting with Scott’s father, the members of AC/DC decided to move on and released the album of the same name in 1980.
“Back in Black” proved to be a commercial success in the United States, peaking at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 27 on the UK Singles Chart.
“Back in Black” became one of the best-selling hard rock albums of all time.
Written by: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson.
Cover Versions: There are numerous cover versions by artists like Shakira, Living Colour, and Shakatak.
7. “Crazy Train” – Ozzy Osbourne (1980)
“Crazy Train” is a legendary rock anthem that has become synonymous with the genre. It was released in 1980 as the first single from Ozzy Osbourne’s first solo album, “Blizzard of Ozz.”.
The song peaked at number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and is considered one of Ozzy Osbourne’s signature songs.
A memorable part of “Crazy Train” is the distinctive guitar riff, courtesy of Randy Rhoads. The opening riff is instantly recognizable and is often cited as one of the best guitar riffs in rock history.
The lyrics, penned by Ozzy Osbourne, touch on themes of mental instability and the impending threat of nuclear war.
Written by: Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads, and Bob Daisley.
Cover Versions: Artists like Bullet for My Valentine and Pat Boone have covered the song.
8. “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi (1986)
“Livin’ on a Prayer” became one of the most successful hard rock songs of the 1980s. Released in 1986 as part of the album “Slippery When Wet,” the song was a huge success on the charts.
The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and is one of Bon Jovi’s most iconic songs.
- Written by: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child.
- Cover Versions: Numerous artists, including Bon Jovi themselves in various renditions, have covered the song.
9. “Welcome to the Jungle” – Guns N’ Roses (1987)
Guns N’ Roses released “Welcome to the Jungle” in 1987. The song is the first single from the band’s album “Appetite for Destruction.”.
The song’s opening riff was created by guitarist Slash. Axl Rose’s vocals and the band’s overall performance make the song one of the most successful hard rock songs.
- Written by: Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, and Steven Adler.
- Cover Versions: Artists like Richard Cheese and Jaymz Bee & the Royal Jelly Orchestra have covered the song.
10. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses (1987)
Tenth on our list is Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”. The song was released in 1987 as part of the band’s first studio album, “Appetite for Destruction.”.
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” is famous for its guitar riff by the talented Slash and the soulful vocals of Axl Rose. The unforgettable guitar solo further elevated the song’s status, making it a staple on rock radio and in the hearts of fans.
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Written by: Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, and Steven Adler.
Cover Versions: Various artists, including Sheryl Crow and Taken by Trees, have covered the song.
Would you like to add a song to our list? Let us know in the comments!
