Top 10 Classic American Rock Songs
The 4th of July is Independence Day in the USA. It’s a time for Americans to celebrate everything that makes America great. America has introduced a lot of great things to the world, but one thing they’re particularly good at it pumping out top-notch, hard-rockin’ bands with classic songs that you can’t help but turn up the volume on and sing at the top of your voice. It’s a tough task to pick just 10 classic American rock songs, but here is our attempt. We recommend enjoying this list with some cold beers and a hamburger and fries.
1. Eagles - Hotel California
“The hotel itself could be taken as a metaphor not only for the myth-making of Southern California, but for the myth-making that is the American Dream, because it is a fine line between the American Dream, and the American nightmare.” - Don Henley
2. Aerosmith - Dream On
“Dream On” was written four years before Aerosmith came to be, when Steven Tyler was only 18. He said in an interview “I never dreamed it would end up as a real song or anything…It’s about dreaming until your dreams come true.” Solid proof the American Dream does exist.
3. Journey - Don’t Stop Believin’
The unmistakable intro to “Don’t Stop Believin’” will have you up off your seat playing air guitar before you know it! There is nothing more motivating than a tune telling you to never give up on your dreams this Fourth of July.
4. Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode
Going back a little further in history for this one, Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” is one of the most iconic songs of all time, and is ingrained in American culture.
5. Jimi Hendrix - Star Spangled Banner
It doesn’t get much more patriotic than the one and only Jimi Hendrix performing his unique version of the American national anthem live at Woodstock!
6. Boston - More Than a Feeling
Another one for the involuntary air guitar, we dare you to put on Boston’s “More Than A Feeling” and not sing and dance along!
7. The Doors - Light My Fire
The Doors’ classic “Light My Fire” brings a more psychedelic feel to the list. It’s also the ideal song to accompany your Fourth of July fireworks display!
8. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” heralded a new era of American rock that would change the musical landscape forever. After its release, Kurt Cobain admitted to the song being an attempt to emulate The Pixies - “I was trying to write the ultimate pop song. I was basically trying to rip off the Pixies.”
9. Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child of Mine
Sweet Child o’ Mine was written by accident, as is often the case. Slash was playing a warm-up melody while making faces at Steven Adler, which would eventually become the main melody of the song. Believe it or not, it is also Guns N’ Roses only no. 1 single in the Billboard charts.
10. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic instantly transports you into the Deep South of Alabama. Years after its original 1974 release, the song had transcended the category of rock classic, it has become part of modern American culture.
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