[2025] A roundup of classic UK rock songs: from the latest tracks to timeless staples!
These days, whether you look at the charts in the U.
S.
or the U.
K.
, pop, hip-hop, and R&B dominate the top spots, so rock fans might be feeling a bit left out.
That said, UK rock has long been popular among Japanese listeners of Western music, and even now, as we approach the mid-2020s, a new generation of talented bands is emerging.
Taking into account that veteran bands are also releasing strong tracks, this article highlights the latest UK rock gems in the first half, and then moves on to a lineup packed with timeless classics.
If you’re new to UK rock, be sure to check it out!
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- [2025] A roundup of recommended UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming artists!
- [2025] A Collection of Classic Piano Rock/Pop Songs (Western Music)
- [Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- [Western Music] Start with this one! Classic and popular songs of alternative rock
- [2025] Popular British Artists: Recommended Singer-Songwriters
- [2025] The State of Western Hard Rock Today: A Roundup of Notable Tracks
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
- [2025] Songs You’ll Want to Listen to This Summer! Popular and Recommended Classic Rock Tracks from the West
- Western songs with cool bass lines: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists
- [2025] Must-Sing! A Roundup of Popular Western Rock Songs for Karaoke
- Western Rock Music Popularity Ranking [2025]
[2025] A roundup of iconic UK rock songs: from the latest tracks to timeless classics! (71–80)
InvincibleMuse
When it comes to Muse, I usually think of them as eccentric, but Invincible is a song that changed that impression in a good way.
Marching drums by Dominic Howard set the pace as Matthew Bellamy’s vocals gradually build and push forward with power.
If I Get HighNothing But Thieves
When I first listened to this song, Connor’s beautiful falsetto vocals left a strong impression, but as it built toward the ending, he sang with a powerful intensity that seemed to resonate with the band’s increasingly fierce ensemble.
I thought it was a wonderful track.
SledgehammerPeter Gabriel
It’s included on the 1986 album “So.” He is a singer-songwriter born in Surrey in 1950 and the former lead vocalist of Genesis.
The music video for this song became famous for its distinctive motion achieved by increasing the film frame rate from 24 to 30 frames per second during shooting, and it became a number-one hit.
[2025] A roundup of classic UK rock songs: from the latest tracks to timeless staples! (81–90)
Fake Plastic TreesRadiohead
Perhaps this is one of Radiohead’s most famous songs.
It starts with an acoustic guitar, and Thom Yorke’s beautiful voice comes in.
Every time, I wonder why the distorted electric guitar at the peak feels so warm—it’s such a memorable track for me.
My GenerationThe Who
It’s included on the 1965 album “My Generation.” The band, from London, debuted in 1964.
They are regarded as one of the three great UK rock bands alongside the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
This song has enjoyed lasting support from fans across generations, and many bands have covered it.
Hold On TightElectric Light Orchestra
It is included on the 1981 album “Time.” They are a trio that began activity in 1970.
They gained popularity for their unique musical style, incorporating full orchestral arrangements into a rock sound and using synthesizers.
Since phrases from this song have been used on television, I think many people have heard it.
SheElvis Costello
He is a male singer who debuted in 1977.
His stage name is derived from combining Elvis Presley with his paternal grandmother’s maiden name.
There’s a story that, out of respect for the inventor of Cup Noodles, Momofuku Ando, he titled one of his albums “Momofuku.”