Out of the greatest rock songs ever, which are the most popular rock songs of all time? There is no denying that rock music has had a universal appeal, largely due to its emphasis on live performances and instrument playing. Well, Pop still remained the great big commercial success pool, but the rock music caught on like wildfire as soon as it evolved out of Rock and Roll music in the 1960s. The straightforward chords and quintessential 4/4 rhythms were still easy to relate to and yet it seemed to have a greater connect for its gritty edge.
Quite rightly so, the late sixties are often known as the golden age of Classic Rock! The age of shiny axes and crazy hair! And soon the world had been taken over as a plethora of sub-genres began to emerge. All the goodness of rock music still preserved in throughout the seventies when we were busy discovering, wrapping our heads around and being excited about newer fused genres like jazz-rock, punk-rock, country-rock, heavy metal and the list goes on! All of them greatly popular in their own rights while producing great artists and songs with each passing year. But, when we are faced with creating a list of the most popular rock songs of all time, it essentially must include all the iconic songs that have stayed with us, without fading away at all. Of course, the popularity of Classic Rock cannot be put down and it, hands down, remains the most powerful even today. However, we definitely cannot ignore the popularity and prominence garnered by newer contenders like Nirvana who have battled it out with an equally fervent following. Such is the appeal of rock! It has often tackled different kinds of themes and been celebrated for its raw expression. And, of course, there is not one among us who doesn’t have their very own favorite rock song.
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If you’re wondering how you’re favorite songs have fared across all genres, check on the 10 Most Popular Songs of All Time. You will find that a lot of popular rock songs have actually made that list as well. To find out about the top dogs of the popular rock charts, keep reading!
10. Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin
From its familiar opening guitar riff, to Jimmy Page’s exquisite solos and the deep lyrics, “Stairway to Heaven” easily qualifies as a Rock Anthem! Even at 8 minutes long, it seems to captivate listeners around the world. It still reigns over the radio charts as the greatest rock song of all time and has won Page many accolades for his guitar solo in the track.
9. Comfortably Numb, Pink Floyd
Off their hugely successful concept album, The Wall, “Comfortably numb” went on to one of their most played songs. The song features two guitar solos by David Gilmour, which are credited as one of the greatest in history by various publications.
8. Hey Joe, Jimi Hendrix
The Jimi Hendrix number has achieved somewhat of a rock standard status over time, and has been covered by a huge number of great artists. The hard-hitting lyrics telling the story of a man heading to Mexico after killing his wife, has attracted many. But what really enchants is Hendrix’s style of guitar playing.
7. Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen
British Band Queen 1975 hit number, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is also credited as the most expensive single ever made. The song found instant success with its release and remained on the UK Singles Chart for a straight nine weeks. The song uses the interplay of different music elements in its six distinct sections.
6. Smells Like Teen Spirit, Nirvana
When we are talking about rock it’s hard to ignore the Kurt Cobain influence. His laid back rebel attitude gained him the youth support and the song “Smells like Teen Spirit” went on to become the youth anthem of the time. Dave Grohl’s drumming skills were an added bonus!
5. I Can’t Get No Satisfaction, Rolling Stones
The 1965 Rolling Stones song was initially played only on pirate radios for its suggestive lyrics. But, the massive popularity of it plunged it into the charts. Our guess is, it might just be the most sung-along song in the karaoke circuit even today!
4. Smoke On The Water, Deep Purple
There is no better introduction for this song than its opening riff! Often referred to as the greatest guitar riffs ever it is most definitely the go-to song for enthusiastic guitar players for being simple but so very impactful. It definitely is one of the major elements that make “Smoke on the Water” one of the most popular rock song of all time.
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3. Dream On, Aerosmith
The power ballad written and sung by Steven Tyler, is one of the Aerosmith trademarks songs and also their first big hit. The song has remained popular among Classic rock lovers and has also been covered by many artists, including being used as a sample for Eminem’s “Sing for the Moment”.
2. Layla, Derek and the Dominos
The noted song “Layla” written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon and first released by Derek and the Dominos, later became a concert staple song. Apparently the song had been inspired by Clapton’s infatuation with Pattie Boyd, the wife of George Harrison. But, it is Clapton’s guitar playing and a soulful composition that makes the song shine.
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1. Hey Jude, The Beatles
The Beatles number “Hey Jude” is one of those evergreens strains that last a lifetime. Like every Beatles song the crafty lyrics and arrangements are impressive. At 7 minutes long it is the longest single to ever make the British Charts, while it also happens to be the longest running single on the US charts. It might not be a long-shot to say that the song might just be the most popular rock song in all time!
