[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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- Must-Listen Now! Classic and Hit Western Rock Songs from the 2000s
- [2025] Songs You’ll Want to Listen to This Summer! Popular and Recommended Classic Rock Tracks from the West
- [2025] Recommended for people in their 50s! A roundup of timeless, crowd-pleasing Western music classics
- Famous Western songs everyone knows: a roundup of classic tunes you’ve heard somewhere before
- Emotional Western Music Special | Handpicked from All Generations
- [2025] A roundup of classic UK rock songs: from the latest tracks to timeless staples!
[Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs (21–30)
I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith
Aerosmith’s signature song “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” famous as the theme song of the classic film Armageddon.
Among the many hits Aerosmith has released, it’s one of their most representative tracks.
The song was actually written by American songwriter Diane Warren.
She came up with it when she was commissioned to write the film’s theme and saw the final scene of Armageddon.
At first, it was planned to be sung by a female vocalist like Celine Dion.
However, Diane felt it needed more power, so she decided to have Aerosmith perform it.
GET UPShinedown
This is a song released in 2018 by Shinedown, a U.
S.
band highly popular for their dynamic yet melodic sound often described as alternative metal to post-grunge.
It hit No.
1 on the mainstream rock chart in their home country, and their sixth album “Attention Attention,” which includes this track, debuted at No.
5 on the U.
S.
charts, underscoring their steady popularity.
Beginning with a simple, solemn piano accompaniment, “GET UP” tones down the band’s characteristic hard guitars and delivers a chorus so anthemic and sing-along-ready that just hearing the melody can feel cleansing and deeply moving.
Even listeners who aren’t fond of overly heavy sounds should find it approachable.
Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics as well—they’re written from a powerful yet gentle perspective, said to be directed to a band member struggling with depression.
[Masterpiece Selection] A Collection of Classic Western Rock Songs (31–40)
Basket CaseGreen Day
This song is from the monster album Dookie, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
The title, which means having both arms and legs cut off, expresses the process of a person becoming unable to do anything through a very pop punk sound, and it sings about the importance of maintaining your own core by yourself.
Green Day pushed pop punk and melodic hardcore from the streets all the way to MTV, eventually earning the honor of a Grammy.
I imagine many people started bands because of this song.
The Vengeful OneDisturbed
Disturbed is an American heavy metal band formed in 1994.
They are based in Chicago, a city known as a hidden gem of the American music scene.
Since signing with Giant Records in 2000, they have achieved the remarkable feat of having every album they release go platinum.
Their classic track “The Vengeful One” features razor-sharp guitar riffs, biting vocals, and thunderous drums, making for a ferocious song.
It’s especially recommended for anyone interested in heavy metal!
I Was Made For Loving YouKISS
KISS is a rock band whose trademark is their flamboyant white face makeup, known as corpse paint.
They relentlessly pursued extravagance and eccentricity, and as a result, devoted fans known as the KISS Army sprang up all over the world.
In 1979, they released “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” a track that fused the disco music popular at the time with rock, and it became one of the biggest hits they ever released.
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt CheapAC/DC
During the heyday of hard rock in the 1970s, countless bands burst onto the scene, but among them, the one that truly captivated listeners with a powerful personality and undeniably great songs was AC/DC.
Formed around the Young brothers, Malcolm and Angus, this hard rock band is famous for having a massive global fanbase.
Malcolm Young’s raspy, distortion-tinged growl, and above all, the blistering performances of Angus Young—swinging his SG guitar in his trademark school uniform with an unforgettable, wildly unique look—are absolutely electrifying.
And of course, the songs are phenomenal!
Eye Of The TigerSurvivor
It’s a famous song known as the theme for Rocky III, starring and directed by Sylvester Stallone, and it’s often used in Japan on variety shows and at sports days.
It’s a rock number that somehow stirs up courage and fighting spirit when you listen to it.
Many people probably use it as background music for running.