[2025] A Collection of Classic Piano Rock/Pop Songs (Western Music)

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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!

[2025] A Compilation of Classic Western Piano Rock/Pop Songs (31–40)

Love SongSara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles – Love Song (Official HD Video)

Love SongSara Bareilles

This song, which became Sara’s debut single, was released in 2007 and stayed at number one on several U.

S.

charts for a long time.

It was nominated for a Grammy in 2009, but unfortunately didn’t win.

Not just with this track—her vocal ability is truly captivating.

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Drops of JupiterTrain

Train – Drops of Jupiter (Official Video)

Drops of JupiterTrain

Train won a Grammy for this song in 2002.

Fitting for a track released more than a decade after their debut, it feels impressively well put together.

It starts with a piano intro and then, after a while, shifts fully into a rock style—that transition is the song’s real charm.

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Can’t Fight This FeelingREO Speed Wagon

REO Speedwagon – Can’t Fight This Feeling (Official HD Video)

Can't Fight This FeelingREO Speed Wagon

Recent piano rock seems to feature many darker songs about topics like heartbreak, but this track sings passionately about his feelings for his girlfriend and has a brighter tone.

It’s a song that held the number-one spot on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks.

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Hey JudeThe Beatles

The Beatles – Hey Jude

Hey JudeThe Beatles

The Beatles are known by everyone, and this song is famous too.

When this track became a hit, I imagine many people, along with Let It Be, became captivated by playing it on the piano.

“Jude” refers to John Lennon’s son, and it’s said the song was written when his parents were divorcing.

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In conclusion

Even within the broad label of piano rock, the piano plays a major role across a variety of genres—ranging from more pop-leaning styles to emo and metal.

As mentioned at the beginning, there are plenty of classic rock tracks centered around the piano even if the band doesn’t necessarily include a singer-songwriter who plays piano or a dedicated pianist.

If you’re interested, use this article as a springboard to dig deeper.