[Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs

Purple HazeJimi Hendrix

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Purple Haze (Live at the Atlanta Pop Festival)

One of the signature songs by the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix—known to virtually every guitarist.

Released as his second single, it’s famous for using the “dominant 7#9” chord—often called the “Jimi Hendrix chord” or “Hendrix chord”—right after the intro.

The guitar solo features an octave-up effect using an octaver, now a common tool, and the track is filled with classic techniques and expressions that form the foundation of rock guitar.

It’s a song where you can fully savor Hendrix’s emotional vocals and guitar playing.

High HopesPanic! At The Disco

Panic! At The Disco – High Hopes (Official Video)

Even on YouTube alone, the global hit song “High Hopes” has been played over 500 million times worldwide.

It’s a track released in 2018 by Panic! At The Disco, the solo project of Brendon Urie.

The melody, which showcases Brendon’s signature high-tone vocals, easily sticks in your ear.

It’s a passionate anthem packed with an irreplaceable message from his mother: “Live with high hopes.”

Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles

Hotel California (2013 Remaster)

The title track from the Eagles’ album Hotel California, released in February 1977.

Even people who aren’t particularly interested in rock have probably heard the chorus at least once.

The guitar solo in the middle section is also exceptionally melodic and outstanding—many rock fans can even hum the entire solo! Along with its beautiful vocal melody, it truly stands as a masterpiece of rock ballads.

I hope those who haven’t been into rock until now will give it a listen.

By the way, the “Hotel California” in the title is an imaginary hotel and doesn’t actually exist.

Seven Nation ArmyThe White Stripes

The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army (Official Music Video)

Despite being an astonishingly simple ensemble of just guitar and drums, this masterpiece boasts an instantly memorable riff that’s unbelievably cool.

The White Stripes, the band Jack White—singer-songwriter and guitarist who headlined Fuji Rock in 2022—was part of, are emblematic of the 2000s garage rock movement and stand as one of the most renowned rock bands since the 2000s, with a Grammy win to their name.

Though the band has since disbanded, Jack continues to work energetically as a solo artist, maintaining a presence so strong that it’s no exaggeration to call him one of the greatest rock musicians active today.

Seven Nation Army, the song discussed here, is a signature track from the White Stripes era and a certified classic that was also performed during the aforementioned Fuji Rock set.

The main phrase, which at first listen could be mistaken for a bass line, is actually played on guitar using a Whammy pedal.

Beyond its commercial success, the song also won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.

The PretenderFoo Fighters

Foo Fighters – The Pretender

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they’re one of the most famous rock bands in the world.

Led by Dave Grohl, former drummer of Nirvana, Foo Fighters have produced many great songs over their long career.

This time, we’re focusing on their 2007 classic “The Pretender,” a track bursting with their signature, intensely emotional melodies and rock sound.

Released as the lead single from their sixth album, “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace,” which came out the same year, it became one of their most commercially successful singles and won Best Hard Rock Performance at the 50th Grammy Awards.

As mentioned, the dynamic yet pop-infused Foo Fighters rock sound is flawless here, and the simple yet undeniably cool, tight band ensemble is so well-crafted it makes you think it would feel incredible to cover it as a band.

The lyrics are striking as well and open to multiple interpretations, so be sure to check out a Japanese translation too.

ThroneBring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon – Throne

A track released for digital download in 2015 by Bring Me the Horizon.

Departing from their trademark metalcore sound toward a more pop-rock approach, it features an up-tempo rhythm and strong melodies.

JumpVan Halen

van halen jump

A song by the four-piece rock band Van Halen, led by Edward Van Halen, who passed away in 2020.

While the band revolutionized rock guitar by creating the groundbreaking technique known as tapping, this track includes the surprise of him playing keyboards rather than guitar for half of the song.

It could also be said to showcase the band’s boundless musicality, as the keyboard riff that runs from the intro is the most famous part of the track.

It’s a song everyone should hear at least once—one that continues to live on in the hearts of rock fans around the world.