Western Rock Music Popularity Ranking [2025]

Anarchy in the U.K.SEX PISTOLS71rank/position

Sex Pistols – Anarchy In The UK

The Sex Pistols, the British band known as a cornerstone of punk rock, released their debut single in November 1976—a work that laid bare a spirit of rebellion against the established music industry and social order.

Featuring fierce guitar riffs and Johnny Rotten’s distinctive vocals, the track is memorable for its simple three-chord structure that makes it easy for beginners to play, while still carrying a passionate message.

Released by EMI Records, it reached No.

38 on the UK Singles Chart.

It has since been covered by many artists and was included in the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

This is an ideal song for those who want to master basic band-playing techniques or practice their instruments while learning about the history of punk rock.

1901Phoenix72rank/position

Phoenix – 1901(Official Video)

This is a song whose appeal lies in its distinctive lyrics and catchy melody.

It contrasts past and present Paris, conveying the city’s transformations and a sense of nostalgia.

Characterized by heavy use of synthesizers, its energetic atmosphere is striking.

After being released for free on Phoenix’s official website in February 2009, it was included on the album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.

It gained recognition through extensive use in TV shows and commercials.

Recommended for those who want to reflect on urban life and the passage of time, this work—blending nostalgia with novelty—is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Lo/HiThe Black Keys73rank/position

The Black Keys – Lo/Hi [Official Audio]

A song by the American rock duo The Black Keys.

With a style and sound influenced by blues rock, it evokes a classic, old-school vibe while still being crafted into a modern, punchy track—one that’s sure to bring a grin to the face of rock fans.

Do It AgainSteely Dan74rank/position

Steely Dan – Do It Again

Steely Dan seamlessly fused a wide range of genres—including not only rock but also black music such as soul and jazz, as well as Latin music—through exceptional technique and taste, achieving major commercial success with their refined, distinctive sound.

Led by the core duo of longtime college friends Donald Fagen, who originally aimed for a career as a songwriter, and Walter Becker, who sadly passed away in 2017, they created a series of highly polished works that left a lasting mark on rock history, employing different musicians for each project.

The song being introduced here, “Do It Again,” appears on their landmark debut album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, released in 1972.

It became one of their early signature tracks and a hit, reaching No.

6 on the U.

S.

singles chart.

Rather than straightforward jazz-rock, it’s stylish rock at its core, enriched with jazz-like chord progressions and R&B elements.

The exquisite ensemble that casually showcases advanced musicianship had a profound influence on subsequent artists.

Even rock fans who aren’t fond of overly ‘jazzy’ sounds should find it pleasantly listenable.

Don’t Stop Believin’Journey75rank/position

Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Escape Tour 1981: Live In Houston)

Here is an anthem that can be called a symbol of American rock in the ’80s.

This song by Journey sings of the importance of pursuing your dreams and resonates deeply with listeners.

Powerfully conveying the value of never losing hope and always looking forward, it was released in October 1981 and included on the album Escape.

It drew renewed attention through its cover on the TV show Glee, winning a new generation of fans and serving as a source of support for those striving to get through difficult times.

When you feel lost in life, or when you need courage and hope, why not give this song a listen?

With or Without YouU276rank/position

U2 – With Or Without You (U2 At The BBC)

U2 is a national band of Ireland.

They continue to work actively, and U2 is said to be one of the highest-earning artists in the world.

Their frontman, Bono, is also famous as an international philanthropist and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times in the past.

All Along The WatchtowerThe Jimi Hendrix Experience77rank/position

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – All Along The Watchtower (Official Audio)

The guitar god Jimi Hendrix, known as “Jimi,” led The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Formed in London in 1966, the band had a short run until 1970, but in that time they vastly expanded the possibilities of the electric guitar and became an innovative force in rock.

Their sound drew widely from pop rock, R&B, hard rock, blues rock, and psychedelia—unconventional and daring, as evidenced by their legendary performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival where Hendrix set his Fender Stratocaster on fire.

Hendrix’s guitar playing can be considered the very prototype of hard rock, profoundly influencing later musicians.

As a landmark of classic rock, this is a highly recommended band packed with timeless tracks that every rock fan should hear.