[Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
Many music listeners, regardless of generation, probably learned the word “rock” from Western music.
To convey the enduring greatness of Western rock across any era, this article highlights gem-like masterpieces born over more than 60 years of rock history, delivering a curated selection of the best rock songs for those who want to start exploring Western rock.
Articles like this tend to focus on classic oldies, but our lineup also includes artists from the 2000s onward.
So even if you used to listen to rock back in the day, be sure to check it out!
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[Masterpiece Selection] Collection of Classic Western Rock Songs (61–70)
Darksideblink-182
A song by the American pop-punk band Blink-182.
It starts with a smooth, pleasant melodic line, then bursts into intense, punk-style instrumentation in the chorus, instantly pushing the energy to a peak.
It’s a track that combines beautiful melody with power, and is recommended even for rock fans who don’t usually listen to Western music.
Way Down We GoKaleo
Their bluesy, gritty vocals are incredibly captivating.
KALEO is a rock band from Iceland.
The group began with three childhood friends, and additional members joined naturally over time, leading to their current five-piece lineup.
Their biggest hit, “Way Down We Go,” is a simple yet goosebump-inducing track: the vocalist’s expressive delivery and the band’s unified performance come together to craft a single, vivid image with remarkable cohesion.
Kiss The Go-GoatGHOST
A song by the Swedish heavy metal band Ghost.
In the music video, they wear skull-like masks, and while showcasing the heavy sound characteristic of metal bands, the track also features catchy melodies.
It even includes sections reminiscent of musical theater, making it a number that keeps listeners engaged.
20th Century BoyT-REX
It’s a famous song that has been used in numerous commercials and even served as the theme for Naoki Urasawa’s manga “20th Century Boys” in Japan.
The opening guitar riff is rough yet unforgettable.
T.
Rex is also well known, alongside artists like David Bowie, as a pioneer of glam rock.
Every Breath You TakeThe Police
An English rock band featuring Sting, the world’s most famous singing bassist.
This song by The Police won Song of the Year at the 1984 Grammy Awards.
His popularity extends beyond the generation that spent their youth at the time to younger generations as well.
VertigoU2
U2 is a rock band that holds the record for the most Grammy Awards won by an artist group and has enjoyed long-lasting popularity with a rock sound that evokes the atmosphere of their home country, Ireland.
Vertigo, the lead single from their 11th album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, is a track whose straightforward rock ensemble amps up the energy.
The guitar riff in the intro, which doubles the bass to add thickness, is simple—made up only of power chords—yet its choice of notes is brilliantly memorable.
It’s a stylish rock tune that was also featured in Apple’s iPod commercial.
Johnny B. GoodeChuck Berry
Chuck Berry, the legendary man who gave birth to rock ’n’ roll.
Without him, neither the Beatles nor the Sex Pistols would have existed! His signature song is Johnny B.
Goode.
At the start of the track, you can hear the phrase he created—often called the Chuck Berry riff.
Even now, after rock ’n’ roll has passed through time and kept changing shape, he remains a legendary figure, respected by countless musicians.