Classic Rockin

Posted on April 4, 2014 | 2 Comments | Edit

This week, I decided to go ahead and do a special post all about classic rock. Most of the music I listen to has
evolved from classic rock, and without it, some of my favorite artists and bands might not have formed in the
first place. In honor of that, I decided to make a top 10 countdown of my favorite classic rock songs. Without
further ado, lets get started.
Ill start off with some songs that just barely missed out on the top 10: All Along the Watchtower Jimi
Hendrix, Baba ORiley The Who, (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction Rolling Stones, Sympathy for the Devil
Rolling Stones, Dream On Aerosmith, American Pie Don McLean

10. Wont Get Fooled Again The Who
This epic 8+ minute song has a very unique guitar part, and its just an enjoyable song to listen to. Part of the
reason this song cracks my top 10 is because of the greatest rock and roll shout of all time (see 7:45 on the
video).


9. Gimme Shelter Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are some of the pioneers of classic rock, and Gimme Shelter is my favorite of their
songs. I especially love the laid-back sounding intro, and you probably recognize the chorus: Its just a shot
away. Its just a shot away!


8. Dont Stop Believing Journey
This song is the number 1 selling song of all time on iTunes for a reason. And for some reason, everyone
seems to know every word to it, including me. Its a true classic.


7. Hey Jude Beatles
Naaaaaaaaa na naa NA NA NA NAAAAAAAAAAAA.


6. Hotel California Eagles
I may be a little biased with this one because this was one of my favorite songs to play on Guitar Hero as a kid
and Ive stayed at a hotel modeled after the mythical Hotel California, but I love the ballad and the desert-
sounding guitar part.


5. Bohemian Rhapsody Queen
Weve all probably been driving a car, at a party, or just listening to the radio when we heard the intro Is this
the real life? Is this just fantasy?. I dont know about you, but when I hear that I get the urge to yell out the
lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody. It is truly a remarkable song, although its not really all one song. Its more of
a bunch of shorter songs woven together into a cohesive masterpiece. It is without a doubt the most unique
song Ive ever heard. With this song, Queen proved that classic rock had no boundaries, which is why
Bohemian Rhapsody made the top 5.


4. Born to Run Bruce Springsteen
Ok, I may be a little biased here because I live so close to New Jersey, but Born to Run is a phenomenal
song. It truly put Bruce Springsteen on the map. It is a great story about two lovers talking about running
away together. To me, Born to Run has one of the iconic sounds of classic rock, which is why it deserves to be
#4 on my countdown.


3. Layla Derek and the Dominos
You may not recognize the band, but you probably recognize the guitarist for this song: Eric Clapton. Clapton
wrote a masterful guitar track for this song, and the opening riff to the song hooks you instantly. The song also
contains powerful lyrics that convey the struggles of love and, surprisingly, a calm guitar solo with a little
piano that almost sounds like it could be made for a romantic dance. I was hooked the first time I heard this
song, and I still am, which is why it earns the #3 spot.


2. Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin
I had an extremely difficult time choosing between my top two songs, but ultimately, Led Zeppelins timeless
classic ended up as my runner-up. It is a beautifully written song about life and death that is touching every
time you listen to it. Stairway to Heaven has surprisingly deep lyrics for a classic rock song accompanied by a
wonderful guitar section and emotional lyrics. It is a phenomenal song that could easily be #1 on my list, but it
was just barely edged out.


1. Free Bird Lynyrd Skynyrd
There is something about Free Bird that just makes it perfect to me. It has the soft, slow introduction, a shift to
a more upbeat transition, and of course the 4 minute epic guitar solo. Whenever I hear Wont you flyyyy
hiiiiighhhh freeeeeee birrrdddd yeah! and one of my favorite guitar solos of all time begins, I know Im in for
a listening treat. To me, Free Bird is one of the best songs ever written, and who knew it would come from a
bunch of hippies from Alabama.

Thats my top 10, let me know what you think! Any big omissions? Any songs I should check out? As
always, let me know in a comment!