[2025] A Collection of Classic Piano Rock/Pop Songs (Western Music)
Sudden question, but have you ever heard the term “piano rock”? Piano rock can trace its roots back to the 1950s when rock ’n’ roll was born, with pioneers like Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis.
In this article, we’ve compiled classic tracks of “piano rock” or “piano pop” from various perspectives—from the rock ’n’ roll era to more recent pop-leaning songs and the piano-emo that drew attention in Japan in the 2000s.
We’re focusing on songs where the piano is prominently featured within a full band sound, rather than solo piano-and-vocal performances, so if you like that kind of sound, this is a must-check!
- Famous piano masterpieces in Western music. Recommended popular songs.
- [Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
- [2025] Western songs with beautiful piano that move you: a roundup of the latest masterpieces
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- The Greatest American Rock Band [All Time Best]
- [Western Music] Both Speed and Bittersweetness! Recommended Melodic Hardcore (Melodic Punk) Bands [2025]
- [2025] A roundup of classic UK rock songs: from the latest tracks to timeless staples!
- Western songs with cool bass lines: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists
- 90s Rock Revolution! A Collection of Masterpieces by Western Bands That Colored the 90s
- [2025] A Collection of Classic Western Songs with Cool Guitar Solos
- Piano Takes Center Stage! A Collection of Classic Western Songs by Male Vocalists
- [50s–60s] A Collection of Rock ’n’ Roll Classics
- Cool jazz piano: from classic favorites to hidden gems.
[2025] A Collection of Classic Piano Rock/Pop Songs in Western Music (21–30)
MagicThe Police
For a Police song, it’s unusual in that it features piano.
It was a huge hit—reaching number one in the UK and number three in the US—and it’s still one of the band’s signature tracks.
The piano intro feels like pure magic in its melody.
ApologizeOneRepublic
They sing “It’s too late to apologize” over and over in the chorus.
While piano rock often features breakup songs, this track is also decidedly melancholic.
There’s also a version featuring Timbaland.
[2025] A Compilation of Classic Western Piano Rock/Pop Songs (31–40)
ChangesDavid Bowie
It’s an old song by David Bowie, a quintessential British musician of the ’70s, released as a single in 1972.
Unusually for his work, it’s a piano rock track.
Later, in 2004, it was used in Shrek 2.
The chorus—where he sings “Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes”—might get stuck in your head after just one listen.
Werewolves Of LondonWarren Zevon
“Werewolves” means wolf men, but combining the piano with werewolves to create a song is an amazing idea.
The repeated “Aaahoo” throughout the track is amusing, so I recommend it.
Since the same musical pattern repeats, it’s a melody you won’t forget after hearing it once.
100 YearsFive for Fighting
Keane’s songs all have a calm tone, with prominent piano sounds and beautiful melodies.
The vocalist’s high notes fit well with the piano, too.
Even though it’s rock, it isn’t noisy, so it seems well-suited for listening at night.
Walking in MemphisMarc Cohn
The opening intro is lovely, almost like classical music.
The city of Memphis is in Tennessee and is known as the birthplace of various music genres, and this song is about when Mark traveled there.
He won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1991.
Come Sail AwayStyx
Among the singles released by Styx, this is their biggest hit.
It starts with a gentle piano performance, and then shifts into rock centered around the guitar, brilliantly fusing piano and rock.
The piano intro at the beginning has a very cute sound.