Western Rock Music Popularity Ranking [2025]

Back in BlackAC/DC43rank/position

AC/DC – Back In Black (Official 4K Video)

A song by AC/DC, an Australian rock band formed around the Scottish Young brothers.

In Japan, it’s often counted among the “songs where the intro is more famous than the vocals,” thanks to its catchy guitar obbligato that shines within a simple yet tight band sound.

Also, as of 2019, the self-titled album on which the song appears has sold over 50 million copies and is cherished by many rock fans as the third best-selling album in the world.

Somebody To LoveQueen44rank/position

Queen – Somebody To Love (Official Video)

I definitely think Queen has beautiful choruses, but I feel this song reaches its climax from the moment Freddie Mercury starts playing the piano.

As always, the vocals are gorgeous, and I don’t think there are many vocalists who can sing so naturally with that level of nuance and dynamic expression.

EvenflowPearl Jam45rank/position

Pearl Jam – Even Flow (Official Video)

Hailing from the same Seattle scene as Nirvana, they are a quintessential alternative rock band that transformed the early 1990s music landscape.

Despite lineup changes, they are one of the few bands that have never disbanded and have continued their activities well into the 2020s.

Frontman Eddie Vedder—whose voice is often compared to that of Jim Morrison—was hailed, alongside Kurt Cobain, as a spokesperson for Generation X.

Yet, as you can hear in the classic Even Flow introduced here, early Pearl Jam in particular is characterized by a dynamic sound built around 1970s-style hard rock riffs.

It’s a track that captures this great American rock band in their youth, so be sure to crank it up loud!

Johnny B. GoodeChuck Berry46rank/position

Johnny B. Goode

When it comes to songs that define the golden age of rock and roll, this one is indispensable.

Its story of the American Dream and the power of music grips listeners and never lets go.

The soundscape woven by Chuck Berry’s brilliant guitar playing and its lively rhythm is rock and roll in its purest form.

Released in 1958, the song earned high praise in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and was influential enough to be included on the Voyager Golden Record.

Its use in the film Back to the Future is also well known.

This track is dedicated to everyone who pursues their dreams through music.

Live ForeverOasis47rank/position

Oasis – Live Forever (Official HD Remastered Video)

Oasis is a band that has given me strength.

Noel Gallagher’s guitar solos feel more powerful than any UK rock I’ve heard before, and Liam Gallagher’s vocals are becoming addictive.

You Really Got MeThe Kinks48rank/position

The Kinks – You Really Got Me (Official Audio)

The Kinks, a rock band emblematic of the 1960s British Invasion, revolutionized the UK music scene.

Formed in London in 1963 by brothers Ray Davies and Dave Davies, they quickly captivated the world in 1964 with a raw, distortion-driven guitar sound and powerful melodies, topping the UK charts.

Blending British beat, folk, and other styles, they forged a distinctive mode of expression.

They have received numerous honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

With lyrics that sharply satirize British society and dynamic performances, they left a brilliant legacy in rock history, making their music a perfect fit for listeners seeking an energetic sound.

Never MeantAmerican Football49rank/position

American Football – Never Meant [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

An emotionally moving song whose delicate phrases, woven by two interlacing guitars, seep deep into the heart.

It’s the opening track of the American indie rock band American Football’s 1999 album, American Football.

While it portrays the bittersweet feelings of a love nearing its end, the ensemble built on irregular time signatures and the softly resonant trumpet in the final section gently envelop those sentimental emotions.

Fifteen years after its release, the official music video was unveiled in 2014 and became a topic of conversation.

Like this track, if you listen on a night when you want to quietly immerse yourself in fading memories, you’ll feel a warm catharsis nestled within the sadness.