Legendary hard rock masterpieces and popular songs etched in the history of music

Bohemian RhapsodyQueen

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Video Remastered)

Queen, the original unconventional rock band.

This is their epic masterpiece, Bohemian Rhapsody.

In 2018, a biographical film of the same title was released.

At the time, rock was dominated either by straightforward, thunderous sounds or by gritty, tear-jerking melodies.

The band had always written songs that showcased a wide musical range, but Bohemian Rhapsody—an intricate fusion of rock and opera—was the track that revealed their avant-garde side to the world.

You can feel Freddie Mercury’s love for both rock and opera.

It’s one of the most creative songs in rock history.

Rock BottomMichael Schenker Group

Rock Bottom – Michael Schenker Group

When it comes to quintessential British hard rock bands, you can’t leave out UFO.

The song I’m introducing this time is a classic from the album Phenomenon—the first one after the eternal guitar hero, even called a “god,” Michael Schenker, joined the band! There’s no need to even mention how cool the iconic intro guitar riff is, but what’s astonishing is that Michael Schenker was only 19 years old when it was released in 1974.

The fierce interplay between the aggressive guitar sound and the tight rhythm section, paired with the poignantly emotive vocals of true-born Brit Phil Mogg… This is a masterpiece among masterpieces that lets you savor the very essence of hard rock to the fullest!

Crazy NightsLOUDNESS

Loudness: Crazy Nights [HQ]

Hard rock, which took the world by storm and became synonymous with rock itself, spread to Japan as well.

Because hard rock’s fast-paced playing demands high technical skill, few bands emerged that could rival top-tier acts overseas.

However, Loudness, featuring Akira Takasaki, broke through that barrier and became a Japanese hard rock band that could hold its own on the global stage.

Rock & Roll All NiteKISS

Kiss – Rock And Roll All Nite (From Kiss eXposed)

A song written by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

It became Kiss’s signature song and is also known for often being performed as the final number at their concerts.

The song was performed at the closing ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City.

Crazy TrainOzzy Osbourne

OZZY OSBOURNE – “Crazy Train” (Official Video)

A signature song by the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne—the heavy metal titan who dropped a thrilling comeback album in 2020—and a classic that will go down in the history of heavy metal and hard rock.

Released in 1980, it’s featured on his massively successful solo debut album Blizzard of Ozz.

Beyond its catchy melodies and Ozzy’s vibrant vocals, the standout is the masterful performance by the late guitar genius Randy Rhoads, who passed away at 25.

With a background in classical guitar, he delivered unforgettable main riffs, blazing solos, and a slew of stunning, highly individual performances that inspired countless guitarists worldwide.

Many surely tried their best to copy them, didn’t they?

take coverMr. BIG

Mr. Big – Take Cover (MV)

A super technical band that, needless to say, everyone can sing along to.

I feel like their early work had relatively more hard-edged songs, but this track has a calm, understated atmosphere.

Overall it’s restrained, and Eric Martin’s vocals beautifully convey a poignant, suppressed emotion.

Dr. FeelgoodMötley Crüe

Mötley Crüe – Dr. Feelgood (Official Music Video)

With its irresistible heavy drums-and-bass intro, this is Mötley Crüe’s “Dr.

Feelgood.” Mötley Crüe, with their explosive hairstyles, flamboyant makeup, and flashy outfits, became a flagship act of the hair metal genre.

However, by the late ’80s, the hair metal boom had begun to lose its initial momentum.

This track was released in the midst of that shift—caught between the band’s future direction and the career they had built up to that point.

Compared to a typical rock song, it has a groovier feel—one seriously cool track.