TOP 50 Best Rock Songs of All Time

These are the absolute Best Rock songs of All time. The ultimate list of immortal hits, including both super popular and less known ones. The list is limited to the TOP 50 songs, just to highlight that these are The Very Best compositions. That’s why I did take my time to think hard before adding each track here. You simply have to always consider how songs stack up against the others.

The songs here are in no particular order, the #25 on the list is juts as good as the first spot.

“Rock” is a pretty wide term. Therefore here you will find different sub-genres of Rock, like metal, alternative rock, progressive metal, etc. Some song are heavier, some are lighter, faster, slower, more unconventional. But all of these songs have the kind of raw energy, emotion and musical genius that we all love in rock music.

If you feel like a particular song should be included in the list, feel free to name it in the comments section. Leave the artist and the song title and share with me why you think it deserves the spot on this list.

1. Blackbird – Alter Bridge

One of the best rock ballads ever written and played. Alter Bridge has many amazing songs. But this is probably their best one. Or at least one of the TOP 3. The music, the lyrics, the performance, the vocals. It all makes for an exceptional song.

2. Pearl Jam – Black

“Black” by Pearl Jam is one of the band’s most popular songs, and for a reason. It is very personal, emotional and delivered by the great Eddie Vedder perfectly. The passionate performance on the song MTV Unplugged in 1992 deserves a special mention.

3. Metallica – Fade To Black

One of the greatest song by one of the best bands in human history. Not much to say, because there’s too much that can be said about this masterpiece. Fade to Black is pure gold. No matter if you like rock or metal as a genre, this song is simply too beautiful.

4. Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven

Led Zeppelin needs no introduction. One of the best bands ever. At their peak they released some of the most iconic hits of our time. And Stairway to Heaven is one of these majestic hits.

5. The Doors – Riders on the Storm

The Doors is one the pioneers of multiple sub genres of rock, with Jim Morrison being an icon of music no matter the genre. Their songs have been featured everywhere – movies, TV, video games, etc. Riders on the Storm is one of the most popular songs and the last one recorded by Jim before he died. What a heritage to leave behind.

6. Danzig – Mother

Released in 1988 by a heavy metal band Danzig this song became a super hit. It has been featured in many contemporary entertainment events, movies, videos etc. A very distinctive song which once you hear it, captures its space in your head seemingly for good.

7. Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit

The immortal song that formed the energy for the whole generation of young people in the 90s. One of the brightest bands in rock music history for sure.

8. Cold – No One

Probably one of the least known songs in this list. “No One” by Cold is a super underrated hit, that can stay on repeat for hours. Great guitar parts, great vocals, nice tempo. Definitely a song that you want to come back to.

9. Alice In Chains – Would?

One of the best songs by Alice In Chains. Yet another masterpieces back from the 90s. A dark and raw emotional journey that captures you right from the first sound. The band also performed an acoustic version on their MTV Unplugged in 1996 appearance.

10. The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army

This song is so often used in modern media and all kind of sports events that you might think it a fresh hit. Yet the banger was released back in 2003. Time flies. But for some of the most recognizable hits of rock music time doesn’t matter.

11. The Offspring – Gone Away

The Offspring is an iconic band with a long list of amazing songs. One of if not the best punk rock bands ever. Many of their hits could easily be in this chart. Gone Away is from their 4th album and it showed a shift to a more mainstream rock sound.

12. Audioslave – Like a Stone

A band that was called an American rock supergroup. And the song that has over a Billion views on youtube. One of my all time favorite Chris Cornell songs.

13. Radiohead – Street Spirit

Yet another legendary band from England with an iconic alt rock song in the TOP 50 Best Rock Song of All Time chart. Street Spirit has a calm pace that grows with progression. An absolute beautiful piece of music.

14. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Fortunate Son

An incredible band that has no bad songs. Legends of music. A group like no other. Their hits has been covered multiple times and they influenced so many great musicians. I could pick 15 songs ans each would be well deserving to be listed in this chart. Do yourself a favor and check entire CCR discography. And for now enjoy their super hit Fortunate Son.

15. System of a Down – Chop Suey

A signature song by a very popular band that exploded in the early 2000s. This one is a great example of alternative metal mixed with hard rock. The vocals and harmonies are exceptional. Only System of a Down has such a unique sound.

16. Anathema – Lost Control

One of the best British bands that remained under the radar of the mainstream media. Nevertheless Anathema is one of the founders of Doom metal as a genre, even though later in their career the group turned to alt rock sound. Give yourself a present, listen to their albums Eternity, Alternative 4, and Judgement. Unique sound and one of a kind experience.

17. Seether – Driven Under

One of the best rock bands that appeared in the early 2000s. Seether has a rich satisfying sound and combines elements of alr rock, grunge and hard rock. Definitely a band that deserves a separate playlist of amazing hits. The song Driven Under is on the heavier side form the lyrics stand point.

18. Incubus – Love Hurts

Incubus is one of the more alternative sounding rock bands. They have implemented alternative metal and funk metal to achieve a unique vibe for their music. This song “Love Hurts” is on a lighter spectrum of their work. As the time goes the track is not getting outdated, it remains an amazing piece of music.

19. Kings Of Leon – Sex On Fire

A wonderful song that stands the test of time by a truly great band. If you want to hear the best version of southern rock with some elements of garage rock, this Kings Of Leon is the group for you.

20. Kaleo – Way Down We Go

One of the modern era groups that just keeps on delivering. A hit song after hit song. Kaleo is an Icelandic blues rock band that has a unique sound and superb vocals. This song has a place in any chart.

21. Creed – One Last Breath

Creed is one of the most successful bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s. With a superb rock sound they have multiple platinum albums and a huge fan base. One last breath is one of their best songs.

22. Papa Roach – Between Angels And Insects

Papa Roach exploded into popularity with their first album and has been going strong since then. They were a part of the Nu Metal boom but unlike some other bands, the music definitely stood the test of time. Songs from the first album sound juts as good now as they did 20+ years ago. Between Angels And Insects is one of such signature hits.

23. Linkin Park – Crawling

Linkin Park was one of the main reasons why Nu Metal became such a phenomena. Their debut album blew the charts and remains a classic of the genre. The combination of the brilliantly written music and one of a kind vocals by Chester Bennington makes their songs an easy pick for any rock chart. “Crawling” is one of the best songs by the band.

24. Pink Floyd – High Hopes

One of the best bands in history, period. Pink Floyd has made music that goes beyond the genres and is simply genius. Their songs are a perfect example of a timeless music.

25. Dio – High Hopes

An iconic song by one of the greatest heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio. This hit was released in 1983, so it’s over 40 years old now. Yet the sound is superb and it is to this day a banger.

26. Helloween – Halloween

A super track released by a German power metal band from the 80s called Halloween. There’s a shorter 50 minute version. But if you want to experience the masterpiece of the genre, this is the one to listen to.

27. Iron Maiden – Wasted Years

Iron Maiden is a legendary English heavy metal band. If you are into rock music, you definitely heard of them or know their songs. Bruce Dickinson vocals and signature guitar solos make the band’s music an exceptional experience.

28. Black Sabbath – Children of The Sea

Black Sabbath needs no introduction, therm being one of the most influential rock / metal bands ever. And influencing so many groups that cam after them. Children of The Sea is a super hit from the times when Ronnie James Dio replaced Ozzy Osbourne as the lead singer of the Black Sabbath.

29. The Rolling Stones – Paint It, Black

Another legend of the rock music, English icons The Rolling Stones. Too many hits to list them here. “Paint It, Black” is one of their most memorable songs. You hear it once, you love it forever. The unusual mix of raga rock, Indian, Middle Eastern and Eastern European influences makes it an easy pick as one the TOP 50 rock songs.

30. Billy Idol – Rebel Yell

An immortal banger of the song by Billy Idol. No matter how many years past this music carries the same energy and drive. A superb example of the super hit that will probably outlive us all.

31. Limp Bizkit – Take A Look Around

Limp Bizkit was on every screen and on every music station in the early 2000s. Hugely popular and polarizing nu metal band. Lately there’s been a trend of some people hating on Nu Metal as a genre. Honestly for no reason whatsoever. Unfortunately for these people, great songs remain great. And Take A Look Around is one of those songs.

32. Jefferson Airplane – Somebody to Love

A strong candidate for one of the best female rock vocals for sure. And of course one of the best rock songs overall. The energy, the music, the vocals, the lyrics, everything is top-notch. As the saying goes – they don’t make music like this anymore. One of the many Jefferson Airplane’s hits. And as many others it doesn’t loose the power or charm with time.

33. Shinedown – Save Me

Shinedown is spoiling us with so many great songs. It’s impossible to not include one their tracks to the Best 50 Rock songs chart. “Save Me” has this amazing rhythm and tempo that hooks you right from the start. Pair it with Brent Smith’s strong vocals and you have a hit.

34. Crossfade – Someday

Crossfade is one of the rare bands that has had a big popularity spike but somehow remained less well known among general music fans audience. Meanwhile they have amazing beautiful songs. “Someday” is one of them.

35. Green Day – Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Green day is one of the most popular punk rock bands in the world. Yet their probably most recognizable song is less of a punk track, and more of an alternative rock song. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” has cool mid-tempo and nice lyrics. It’s one of the hits that never gets old.

36. Scorpions – Still Loving You

One of the most popular hard rock bands and definitely one of the more unique ones. The sound of Scorpions is really something. Thanks to the vocal ability of Klaus Meine you can’t confuse it with anyone else. They made wonderful power ballads, that not only stood the test of time, but when you listen them now you can’t help but realize how amazing they are. “Still Loving You” is a perfect example of such power ballad.

37. Queen – Who Wants To Live Forever 

Queen is an absolute legendary group. Their music was ahead of time, behind the time, out of time. Maybe because it is simply timeless. It was one of a super rare occasions when the incredibly talented individuals happened to meet each another, work together and create unbelievably unique music. Freddie Mercury is easily one of the TOP singer of all time. Brian May is one of the best guitarists. Imagine what they were able to compose together. But why imagining? Just have a listen.

38. The Animals – House of the Rising Sun

Another masterpiece, that has remained untouched by time. Released in the 60s the House of the Rising Sun by The Animals is to this day one of the best blues rock songs ever. The vocals, the guitar and the organ part make it one of the most recognizable music hits.

39. W.A.S.P. – Heaven’s Hung in Black

Easily one of the greatest metal ballads ever released. W.A.S.P. may seem like a typical 80s heavy metal band who displayed a lot of shock rock elements both in their appearance and music. But if you listen to their songs you can’t deny how extraordinary they are. The music goes beyond the looks and attributes of the 80s rock scene. If you like this song, I can recommend checking “Miss You” next. And if you want something faster, listen to “Mean Man”

40. Blur – Song 2

The song that was probably the most least expected to be a hit. First composed as a joke, this track not only became the main hit for Blur. But it also turned out to be one of the most recognizable song of the era. Explosive energy and a punky tune that seems to stay in your memory forever.

41. The Cranberries – Zombie

Irish alternative rock band Cranberries has super hits that are impossible not to love. They are a genius combination of amazing female vocals of Dolores O’Riordan and the signature rock sound.

42. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Otherside

Thanks gods for Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band blended funk with rock and created some of the catchiest melodies ever. “Otherside” is from the iconic album Californication and remains the group’s main hit. When John Frusciante returned for that album and Rick Rubin became a producer, music world was about to witness one of the best albums, no matter the genre.

43. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird

Lynyrd Skynyrd is a band from Florida that brought southern rock and blues rock to new heights. Their influence of the music industry was indeed profound. “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Free Bird”, “Simple Man” – all are well known songs. The tragic plane crush with band members on board unfortunately stopped their careers. But their music is here and it is not going anywhere.

44. 3 Doors Down – Kryptonite

Amazing song from a great band. Kryptonite by 3 Doors Down was their first single and became their most successful song. This is timeless piece of music, really. Written by the band’s leader Brad Arnold when he was just 15 years old this track simply rocks. A deserving spot on the list of the best rock songs of our time.

45. P.O.D. – Alive

One more band from 2000s in our list of best rock songs. Alive by P.O.D. is a superb example that in its best nu metals is awesome. The song was a banger when it first came out in 2001, it is a banger still, 20+ years later. Such a great energy and such a powerful delivery.

46. Paradise Lost – Forever Failure

Paradise lost started as one of the staples of doom metal and gothic metal. Then they experimented with other sub-genres of rock and in later years came back to doom. The iconic album Draconian Times is 100% one of the greatest albums in rock/metal history. And the song Forever Failure is one the best songs from that release.

47. Lake of Tears – Headstones

Lake of Tears is probably one of the more underrated bands on this list. Swedish metal/gothic rock band has been creating fabulous music since mid 90s. Yet, they never became as popular as their music should have made them. If you enjoy melodic heavy songs with distinctive vocals, you will like their discography. “Headstones” is a nice example of the band’s talent.

48. Tool – Vicarious

Tool is a one of a kind band. They are one of the brightest progressive metal and alternative rock groups of all time. Their music takes you on a trip and believe me what I say it is a unique journey. The melodies are flowing like water. They start slow, then speed up, then they freeze, then burst. It’s like being exposed to music waves of all possible kinds. “Vicarious” is one of the songs that shows how exceptional their music is.

49. The Mayan Factor – Warflower

The Mayan Factor is one of the most underrated rock bands out there. And their song “Warflower” is one of the best songs you have never heard of. This is a borderline genius progressive rock music. Nah, scratch that, it is past that border. It is that damn good. Enjoy this amazing hit.

50. Grey Daze – She Shines

Grey Daze was the first band of Chester Bennington, before he joined Linkin Park. Grey Daze played totally different music, it was a grungy sound, with great melodies and of course Chester’s amazing vocals. Somehow the band remained undiscovered by majority of rock fans for all these years. Yet it is the finest rock music you could wish for.