Rock ‘n’ roll isn’t just music; it’s a cultural force. It has a unique ‘personality’ that resonates deeply with fans, who often see it as the ultimate music genre. Rock music has undeniably shaped society in profound ways. Here are ten rock songs that shook the world, each leaving an indelible mark on history.
“Helter Skelter” – The Beatles
“Helter Skelter” is considered a major force in the development of heavy metal music. Paul McCartney, inspired by an interview with Pete Townshend of The Who, wanted to create the loudest, most intense song The Beatles had ever recorded.
Released in November 1968, the song quickly gained popularity. It took 18 takes, each around five minutes long, to complete the recording. Since then, it has been covered by numerous bands, including Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, U2, and Oasis.
While the lyrics seemed to be about a playground slide as a metaphor for the rise and fall of an empire, Charles Manson interpreted them very differently. To him, they incited murder and a race war. During his trial, he claimed, “I hear what it relates. It says rise. It says kill. Why blame it on me? I didn’t write the music.”
“I Believe in a Thing Called Love” – The Darkness
![The Darkness - I Believe In A Thing Called Love (Official Music Video) [HD]](https://rankedfacts.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FtKjZuykKY1I%2F0.jpg)
In September 2003, “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness reached number 2 on the UK Singles chart. It became an instant hit and was later named 47th of the 101 Greatest Guitar Tracks in 2005. The song topped a list of ‘Greatest Rock Songs of the Noughties’ and, in a 2020 poll, was ranked ‘The Greatest Song of the Century.’
The catchy tune was covered by artists like Panic! At the Disco, Hanson, and Delta Goodrem, and it appeared in several commercials. Unfortunately, the band’s popularity declined rapidly, and they disbanded in 2006 when frontman Justin Hawkins entered rehab.
In 2011, the original four members of The Darkness reunited and returned to the UK charts in 2012 with a new album titled “Hot Cakes”. They later opened for Lady Gaga on her Born This Way Tour and continue to tour the world.
“House of the Rising Sun” – The Animals
The Animals’ 1964 version of this traditional folk-rock song became the most successful, hitting number one on the UK Singles Chart. Vocalist Eric Burdon shared that he heard the song sung by Johnny Handle and the band decided to record it because of its unique sound. They ended their sets with this song during a tour with Chuck Berry and were amazed by the audience’s reaction.
It’s said that Bob Dylan was inspired to ‘go electric’ after hearing The Animals’ version of the song on the radio.
“Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes
The iconic opening seven notes of “Seven Nation Army” have made it a favorite among football fans. While the song wasn’t an immediate hit for The White Stripes, it quickly became a staple at football matches. Its popularity in stadiums is attributed to Belgian team Club Brugge, who sang the riffs after winning against AC Milan in 2006.
“Seven Nation Army” was eventually recognized as one of the best songs of the 2000s and significantly boosted The White Stripes’ popularity.
“American Woman” – The Guess Who
During their most successful period, Canadian rock band The Guess Who released eleven studio albums. Their 1970 album, American Woman, quickly topped the charts in Canada.
The song “American Woman” remained at the top for three weeks and performed well globally. There has been much speculation about the lyrics, with some interpreting them as an attack on US politics and others as chauvinistic. When invited to the White House in 1970, Pat Nixon requested that the song not be included in their setlist.
Guitarist Randy Bachman stated in 2014 that “American Woman” was an anti-war protest song reflecting the band’s feelings about the Vietnam War.
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” – Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister, initially known as Silver Star, had several lineup changes before settling on the lineup fans loved. The heavy metal band disbanded in 1988 after a poorly received album that fans criticized for its pop sound.
Twisted Sister reunited in 1997, recording new albums, headlining benefit concerts, and playing festivals. In March 2015, their drummer, A.J. Pero, passed away in his sleep while on tour. A month later, the band announced their final tour, including tribute shows in honor of Pero. Their last concert was in November 2016.
Despite no longer performing, they are remembered for their hit, “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” The song was inspired by glam rock band Slade and the carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
The song was also used as Donald Trump’s campaign theme, with songwriter Dee Snider initially granting permission. He later retracted it, asking Trump to stop using the song at rallies.
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” – Def Leppard
Def Leppard was a band parents warned their teenagers about. Their famous song “Love Bites” was rumored to contain subliminal satanic messages. Some claimed that posters of the band would catch fire or roll up on their own.
Despite the rumors, Def Leppard remains a beloved rock band. Their signature song “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” inspired by Aerosmith and Run-DMC’s “Walk This Way,” was part of their Hysteria album, which sold 3 million copies in 1988 alone.
Lead vocalist Joe Elliott and producer Mutt Lange used microcassette players to record each other making noises, then translated them. This process ultimately led to the creation of the hit song.
“My Generation” – the Who
The Who is considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century. They have sold over 100 million albums and are credited with developing rock opera, using synthesizers, and popularizing the Marshall stack.
They are known for songs like “Substitute”, “I Can See for Miles”, and “Pinball Wizard.”
Their highest-charting single in the UK, “My Generation”, includes a vocal stutter and became a massive hit. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and was rumored to be inspired by the Queen Mother having guitarist Pete Townshend’s Packard Hearse towed away.
Townshend refuted this, stating that the song was about the generational divide between those who lived through WWII and those born after.
“Comfortably Numb” – Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd is known as a band for the ages and remains popular. They created The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, and are considered the greatest progressive rock band of all time.
The band’s history includes dark moments, such as lead singer Syd Barrett’s mental health decline, which led to his departure in 1968. These moments influenced many of their songs, making the lyrics deeply poignant.
In 1980, they released “Comfortably Numb,” a massive hit regarded as one of Pink Floyd’s best. Many fans consider David Gilmour’s guitar solo the best ever. Roger Waters, the lyricist, said he was inspired by his feelings as a child when sick with a fever.
“Under Pressure” – Queen & David Bowie
In 1981, Queen and David Bowie collaborated on one of music history’s most unforgettable songs. Freddie Mercury and Bowie decided not to listen to each other’s improvisations during recording, which gave the song its unique construction. Originally titled “People on the Streets,” Bowie insisted on calling it “Under Pressure” and being present during the mixing process.
The result of this collaboration at Mountain Studios in Switzerland is a timeless classic that remains exceptionally popular.
Rock music has shaped our world in countless ways, and these ten songs are just a small part of its powerful legacy. What are some of your favorite rock anthems? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
