Rock and roll. It started as a rebellious rumble, a blues and country collision that sparked a cultural revolution. But what began as something relatively simple has morphed into a sprawling, magnificent genre, a hydra-headed beast with countless subgenres – from the intricate tapestries of prog rock to the raw energy of punk, the thunderous roar of metal to the complex rhythms of math rock. With such a vast and diverse landscape, attempting to pinpoint the “greatest” rock songs feels like navigating a sonic Everest. How do you even begin to choose? At rockscapes.net, we love a challenge, especially when it comes to celebrating the music we’re passionate about.
So, we decided to strip it back to the core. We set four fundamental rules to guide our quest for the Greatest Rock Songs Of All Time, the songs that truly define the genre and continue to resonate today:
- Desert Island Discs: These songs had to be indispensable, the tracks you’d NEED to have with you if stranded on a desert island – the ultimate test of enduring quality.
- The Car Test: They had to be certified head-bangers, songs that compel you to crank up the volume and rock out with abandon, channeling your inner Wayne and Garth.
- Genre Pioneers: These weren’t just great songs; they had to be boundary-breakers, songs that pushed the very definition of rock music forward, influencing generations to come.
- Timeless Anthems: Crucially, these songs had to stand the test of time. They needed to be as vital and electrifying now as they were the moment they first hit the airwaves.
Did we succeed in this monumental task? We believe so. Will everyone agree? Probably not! The beauty of rock music is its subjective and passionate nature. You might find your personal favorites missing, and perhaps even discover songs on this list you haven’t connected with yet. But consider this list an invitation, a deep dive into the heart of rock history. If it sparks a journey of rediscovery, sending you down a rock and roll rabbit hole where the classics feel fresh and new sounds echo the spirit of the past, then we consider it a resounding success.
So, without further ado, crank up the volume and immerse yourself in our definitive list of the 25 greatest rock songs of all time. Prepare to rock!
1. “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” (1981) – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
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Okay, purists might point out it’s a cover. But Joan Jett & The Blackhearts didn’t just cover “I Love Rock ‘N Roll”; they ignited it. Joan Jett, with her iconic jet-black shag and guitar-slinging swagger, embodies the very essence of rock and roll rebellion. Her toughness wasn’t manufactured image; it was forged in the crucible of the music industry. After the Runaways fractured, Jett, undeterred, recorded a solo album with her band, The Blackhearts, only to face rejection from 23 record labels. This adversity made the chart-topping eruption of “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” all the more triumphant.
Producer Kenny Laguna, a stalwart of rock production, crafted a minimalist masterpiece, a sonic schoolyard chant driven by crisp handclaps and raw, distorted guitar chords. And at the heart of it all, Jett’s voice – a husky, powerful force – delivers every lyric with unwavering conviction. “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” isn’t just a song; it’s a declaration, a timeless anthem of rock and roll passion. It’s a testament to perseverance, a celebration of the genre’s raw energy, and undeniably one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded.
2. “Born to Run” (1975) – Bruce Springsteen
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“At night, we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines.” These opening lines of “Born to Run” are anything but typical rock lyrics. This isn’t just a song; it’s a cinematic epic condensed into four minutes and thirty seconds, an ode to love, cars, and the yearning to escape the confines of small-town American dreams. “Born to Run,” the title track from Bruce Springsteen’s career-defining third album, stands as his magnum opus. It’s a desperate plea for escape from New Jersey, specifically via Highway 9, the very road that cuts through his hometown of Freehold.
Springsteen’s vocal delivery starts weary, almost monotone, reflecting the weight of those dreams, before gradually being lifted by a monumental wall of sound – guitars, organ, saxophone, drums, glockenspiel, bass, and keyboards all coalescing into a glorious crescendo. And then, those iconic woo-oah‘s – the finest in rock history – arrive, injecting pure exhilaration. The song surges relentlessly forward, mirroring the chrome-wheeled, fuel-injected machines he sings about. As “Born to Run” races toward its powerful conclusion, something miraculous occurs: hope triumphs over despair. It’s a sonic embodiment of the American dream, fraught with struggle but ultimately reaching for redemption, solidifying its place among the greatest rock songs of all time.
3. “Starman” (1972) – David Bowie
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David Bowie’s “Starman” is pure, shimmering magic. It’s a fantastical tale spun in sonic glitter, about an alien visitor communicating with Earth’s children through the airwaves. While the lyrics are steeped in science fiction, the song itself is a loving homage to classic American pop. From the soaring “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” octave leap to the Morse code-like “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” guitar riff and the infectious “oh-oh-oh” intro, “Starman” is built on familiar foundations, yet utterly transformed by Bowie’s unique vision.
Like an intricate origami box, each listen to “Starman” reveals new sonic treasures, from Mick Ronson’s stratospheric guitar work to the undeniably feel-good chorus. Bowie’s legendary 1972 BBC TV performance of “Starman” was a seismic cultural moment. It reached a generation of future stars while they were still children – from Bono to Boy George – and felt as if the song’s lyrics were manifesting in real-time. “Starman” wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural catalyst, a glam rock beacon that signaled a new era of musical and artistic possibility, making it one of the greatest rock songs ever written.
4. “Once in a Lifetime” (1980) – Talking Heads
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“Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads is an exploration of disassociation, a sonic journey into the feeling of being adrift in the modern world. The song’s hypnotic pulse is driven by Tina Weymouth’s incredibly influential rubber-band bassline and Chris Frantz’s subtly unsettling drumbeats. But the studio wizardry of producer Brian Eno played a crucial role in shaping its unique sound. Eno took the band’s Fela Kuti-inspired jam sessions and masterfully looped them, a groundbreaking innovation for its time.
The result is a soundscape that evokes the feeling of being trapped within a massive telephone switchboard, a maze of repeating signals, samples, and sonic fragments. David Byrne’s hauntingly existential lyrics – “How did I get here?” – and his distinctive delivery, a blend of fortune teller and street preacher, elevate “Once in a Lifetime” to another dimension. It’s a new wave masterpiece that captures the anxieties and alienation of modern life with uncanny precision and enduring musical innovation, cementing its place as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
5. “Rebel Girl” (1993) – Bikini Kill
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In the male-dominated 90s punk scene, mosh pits were aggressive spaces, and the word “feminism” was often met with hostility. Then came Bikini Kill, fronted by the powerhouse Kathleen Hanna, who stormed onto the stage, roaring “Girls to the front!” and “Revolution girl style now!” “Rebel Girl” is Bikini Kill’s original anthem of grrrl power, a raw, defiant statement fueled by crunchy guitars and an unrelenting, driving beat.
Of the various recordings, the ’98 version, featuring Joan Jett on guitar, arguably packs the most punch, with Jett’s chords adding extra muscle to the mix. But the constant is Hanna’s unmistakable voice, a force of nature that captures the raw intensity and complexity of teenage girlhood like no other (only Poly Styrene comes close). Her Valley girl howl is both a challenge and a rallying cry, proclaiming friendship, revolution, and yes, female desire. “Rebel Girl” was more than just a song; it was a sonic manifesto, a pivotal moment in the riot grrrl movement, and a powerful contender for the title of greatest rock song of its era.
6. “Where Is My Mind?” (1988) – Pixies
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Pixies, hailed by David Bowie as “a psychotic Beatles” and cited by Kurt Cobain as a primary influence, were masters of the “loud-quiet-loud” dynamic. Choosing a single “best” Pixies song from their catalog of quirky, infectious, and violently hummable tracks is a near-impossible task. However, “Where Is My Mind?” comes remarkably close.
Distinguished by Joey Santiago’s melodic, wave-like guitar lines, Black Francis’s surreal, panic-dream storytelling, and Kim Deal’s ethereal “ooh-ooh’s” that seem to drift in from an underwater graveyard (actually recorded in the studio bathroom), the song, like all Pixies songs, finds its magic in stark contrasts. Dreamy versus screamy, darkness versus light, the effect is like surf rock engulfed in flames. “Where Is My Mind?” is an alternative rock masterpiece, showcasing the band’s unique ability to blend beauty and dissonance, solidifying its place as one of the greatest rock songs of the late 80s and beyond.
7. “Whole Lotta Love” (1969) – Led Zeppelin
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As a cornerstone of the classic rock canon, it’s easy to overlook just how unconventional Led Zeppelin truly was, largely due to the revolutionary drumming of John Bonham. Breaking away from the standard rock formula where the drummer follows the bass, Bonham instead locked in with Jimmy Page’s guitar riffs, creating a heavy, winding, almost unpredictable sound unlike anything before.
Even with its iconic, wicked guitar riffs, Robert Plant’s over-the-top, blues-infused vocals (a “reinterpretation” of classic Willie Dixon lyrics), and a psychedelic theremin breakdown, “Whole Lotta Love” remains grounded, thanks to Bonham’s powerhouse drumming. It’s a raw, primal force of nature, a hard rock blueprint that redefined the genre and continues to inspire awe, firmly establishing its status as one of the greatest rock songs ever conceived.
8. “La Grange” (1973) – ZZ Top
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To truly appreciate the radical impact of a monster track like ZZ Top’s “La Grange” – a heavy, swinging, ten-ton blues-rock explosion – consider its 1973 release date. The top radio hit that year was by Tony Orlando and Dawn. ZZ Top – Billy Gibbons (guitar), Frank Beard (drums), and Dusty Hill (bass) – forged a potent blend of modern rock and boogie blues, topped off with some of the crunchiest, funkiest, and most outrageously fiery guitar work ever laid down.
The result was a completely new kind of groove. Later, ZZ Top would embrace a slick, commercially polished image (complete with MTV-ready videos), but in their “La Grange” era, they were simply a trio of BBQ-soaked Texas eccentrics doing their own thing. “La Grange” is pure, unadulterated Texas boogie, a blues-rock masterpiece that exemplifies ZZ Top’s raw power and laid-back cool, making it a standout among the greatest rock songs of the 70s.
9. “Fell in Love With a Girl” (2001) – The White Stripes
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If you had to choose a song that sounds like the chaotic, exhilarating rush of falling in love, “Fell in Love With a Girl” by The White Stripes would be a prime contender. The White Stripes understood that love isn’t all hearts and flowers; it’s also snotty sing-alongs, slashing guitars, and a raw, untamed energy that makes you want to leap six feet in the air.
Orson Welles famously said, “The enemy of art is the absence of limitations,” a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates The White Stripes’ artistic philosophy. Limitation was their creative fuel – from their stark three-color palette to their two-person lineup, from Meg White’s deceptively simple yet powerful drumming to Jack White’s insistence on using cheap, plastic guitars. So, if you’re still puzzling over how something so minimal could generate a sound this massive, just remember Welles’ words. “Fell in Love With a Girl” is a garage rock explosion, a testament to the power of simplicity and raw emotion, and a modern classic among the greatest rock songs of the 21st century.
10. “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975) – Queen
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The making of “Bohemian Rhapsody” is legendary – from the grueling 10-hour-a-day singing sessions to the three-week recording period and the mind-boggling 180 overdubs. But all the technical details fade away the moment you press “play” on Queen’s Frankensteinian masterpiece and embark on a nearly six-minute journey of pure head-banging joy. One of the keys to the enduring appeal of this “mock opera,” as Freddie Mercury playfully called it, is its sheer singalong-ability.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is as entertaining as a summer blockbuster and as satisfying as a six-course feast. It’s structured like a mini-opera in itself – intro, ballad, guitar solo, operatic section, hard rock, outro – a joyful creative excess that knows no bounds. “Bohemian Rhapsody” was, is, and will forever remain a monument to rock music’s limitless potential, a progressive rock opera that transcends genre and time, rightfully earning its place as one of the greatest rock songs ever created.
11. “Gimme Shelter” (1969) – The Rolling Stones
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For a snapshot of societal chaos, look no further than 1969: the Manson murders, the escalating Vietnam War draft, and the election of Nixon. The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” perfectly captured the unraveling of the “peace and love” era, encapsulating the desperation of the time through Keith Richards’ echoing, freight-train shuffle guitar riff and the frantic gospel-infused vocals of Mick Jagger and Merry Clayton.
Clayton’s wrenching vocal performance, the emotional core of the song, was the result of an impromptu midnight recording session where she delivered the iconic “rape/murder” siren call in her pajamas. Adding a final, almost cursed touch, Richards’ guitar literally fell apart in his hands on the very last note of the recording. But they left it in – the sound of something breaking became the perfect coda. “Gimme Shelter” is a raw, apocalyptic masterpiece, a haunting reflection of a turbulent era, and a testament to the Rolling Stones’ ability to capture the zeitgeist in sound, solidifying its place as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
12. “There She Goes, My Beautiful World” (2004) – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
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“You weren’t much of a muse/but then I weren’t much of a poet.” These lines might not immediately scream “love song,” but this is Nick Cave we’re talking about. His driving artistic force is love in all its multifaceted forms – from the deepest despair to the most absurd heights, always delivered with raw, unflinching emotion. On Abattoir Blues/Lyre of Orpheus, his 13th album with the Bad Seeds, we encounter a new Nick Cave – Cave 2.0, if you will – married, sober, and harnessing the power of gospel music without ever abandoning his punk rock spirit.
“There She Goes, My Beautiful World” presents Cave in full black-suited power-preacher mode, backed by a band ablaze, delivering holy poetry while name-dropping literary giants like Larkin and Nabokov alongside punk icon Johnny Thunders. It’s arguably the greatest (and possibly only) rock song ever written about writer’s block. “There She Goes, My Beautiful World” is a poetic, gospel-infused rock anthem, showcasing Nick Cave’s evolution and enduring lyrical genius, making it a standout among the greatest rock songs of the 21st century.
13. “All Day and All of the Night” (1964) – The Kinks
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It seems almost unbelievable that “All Day and All of the Night,” a song that pulsates with raw teen lust, was released in 1964. Joey Ramone was only 13 years old, and the term “punk rock” wouldn’t even enter the lexicon for another seven years. Yet, the raw, modern sound of “All Day and All of the Night” wouldn’t feel out of place on a contemporary Sub Pop release.
Yes, the chords are jagged, deliberate, and perfectly paced. Yes, Ray Davies exudes effortless cool. But the true magic lies in that frenetic tone – the dirty, grungy, previously unheard sonic sludge created when guitarist Dave Davies, Ray’s brother, famously slashed his amp’s speaker cone with a razor blade. And just like that – with a flick of the wrist – proto-punk was born. “All Day and All of the Night” is a foundational rock song, a raw, distorted blast of teenage energy that prefigured punk rock and remains as potent today as it was in 1964, solidifying its place among the greatest rock songs of all time.
14. “London Calling” (1979) – The Clash
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If you were fortunate enough to hear “London Calling” on the radio in 1980 (when it finally infiltrated the US airwaves), those first 20 seconds would have stopped you dead in your tracks. What else sounded like Topper Headon’s drumbeat, a sound akin to boots pounding on rain-soaked asphalt, followed by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones’s guitars crashing in? By the time the bass line swoops in, “London Calling” has already set in motion a rain-drenched, three-minute cinematic experience, narrated by master storyteller Joe Strummer.
Clash songs are sonic instruments of pure function – low budget, stripped-down, muscular – and “London Calling” is no exception. Guitars provide brief, jagged bursts of color, but the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Strummer and his apocalyptic narrative. Apocalyptic, yes, but never despairing – more like a call to arms, a defiant roar in the face of impending doom. “London Calling” is a post-punk masterpiece, a politically charged, sonically innovative anthem that remains fiercely relevant and one of the greatest rock songs ever to emerge from the punk movement.
15. “Blitzkrieg Bop” (1976) – The Ramones
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The Ramones were the embodiment of simplicity and efficiency. Four members, four chords. Identical names, identical outfits. And you always knew when their hard-and-fast songs were about to detonate because Joey Ramone (aka the Punk Giant) would provide a helpful countdown – “1, 2, 3, 4!” or, in the case of “Blitzkrieg Bop,” the iconic “Hey, ho, let’s go!”
The Ramones stood on stage not as untouchable rock gods or distant heroes, but as relatable oddballs, misfits, and fellow outcasts in ripped jeans. Of course, they created incredibly catchy, bouncy, and undeniably perfect pop-punk, but the democratic spirit of The Ramones is their true legacy – everyone was invited to the party. “Blitzkrieg Bop” is the ultimate punk rock anthem, a burst of pure, unadulterated energy that encapsulates the spirit of the Ramones and remains one of the greatest and most influential rock songs of all time.
16. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991) – Nirvana
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“With the lights out, it’s less dangerous/Here we are now, entertain us.” Kurt Cobain famously loathed fame. Emerging from the flannel-clad Pacific Northwest punk/grunge scene, the monumental success of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – a platinum-selling, critically acclaimed phenomenon – seemed to genuinely surprise him. An ironic, angst-ridden anthem for an ironic, angst-ridden generation, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” combined rhythmic punk power chords (inspired by Pixies’ “Debaser”) with angry, sarcastic lyrics and Dave Grohl’s funk-influenced drumming, creating a once-in-a-lifetime rock alchemy.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural earthquake, a grunge anthem that defined a generation and irrevocably changed the landscape of rock music. Its raw energy, sardonic lyrics, and groundbreaking sound cemented its place as one of the greatest rock songs of the 90s and of all time.
17. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” (1968) – The Jimi Hendrix Experience
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“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” is Jimi Hendrix unleashed, a sonic representation of Zeus hurling Stratocaster-shaped thunderbolts to earth. Hendrix transforms into a fire-breathing rock monster, Godzilla in tie-dye, or simply, Guitar God, casually recounting tales of standing next to mountains, chopping them down with his hand, and crafting islands from the debris – you know, just typical Jimi stuff. And then, as if winking at the listener, Hendrix lets out a laugh.
The astonishing thing is that the guitar work on “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” is so incandescent, so utterly groundbreaking, that he earns those bragging rights – and then some. It’s a psychedelic rock masterpiece, a showcase of Hendrix’s unparalleled guitar virtuosity and showmanship. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” is not just a song; it’s a sonic experience, a testament to Hendrix’s genius, and without question one of the greatest guitar-driven rock songs ever recorded.
18. “Gloria” (1975) – Patti Smith
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“Jesus died for somebody’s sins but not mine,” Patti Smith declares in what is arguably the most self-assured and coolest rock intro of all time. Her version of “Gloria” is actually a brilliant mashup of two works – Smith’s original poem “Oath” and Van Morrison’s song “Gloria.” Unsurprisingly, she completely slays it, bending and twisting Morrison’s innocent bop to fit her darker, more complex vision.
When she asserts, “My sins belong to me, me,” it sends shivers down your spine. It’s the sound of a woman staking her claim in a male-dominated rock and roll world, forcefully shoving aside the establishment and declaring, “make room.” And they did. “Gloria” is a punk rock reinvention, a powerful statement of female artistic agency, and a testament to Patti Smith’s raw poetic power, securing its place among the greatest rock songs of the punk era and beyond.
19. “Search and Destroy” (1973) – The Stooges
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You might already know the pivotal role “Search and Destroy” played in the very invention of punk rock. But what you might not know is the extent of David Bowie’s influence as producer. His decision to push Iggy Pop’s vocals and James Williamson’s wild guitar melodies to the forefront (while lowering the volume of the rhythm section) inadvertently created a template that would be adopted by bands from the Sex Pistols to The White Stripes and countless others.
The result is an urgent, propulsive song with a raw, untamed spirit and some of Iggy Pop’s most supercharged songwriting. Beneath the sonic aggression lie deceptively simple lyrics about love and war, dripping with desperation. “Search and Destroy” is a proto-punk landmark, a raw, aggressive, and incredibly influential track that laid the groundwork for generations of punk and alternative rock bands, making it a foundational piece in the history of greatest rock songs.
20. “Let’s Go Crazy” (1984) – Prince & The Revolution
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With its purple bananas, elevators, church organs, feverish guitar solos, and arguably the best sermon/eulogy in rock and roll history, Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy,” a paean to both partying and spirituality (“de-elevator” being a reference to Satan), exploded onto the scene as the opening track of Purple Rain – both the album and the film. With its irresistible mix of synth, drums, guitar, brilliant wordplay (“Dr. Everything’ll-be-alright/will make everything go wrong”), and a vocal howl that puts all others to shame, “Let’s Go Crazy” has undeniably stood the test of time.
Now that Prince is gone, the life-and-death lyrics take on an even deeper poignancy, but songs like “Let’s Go Crazy” ensure his legacy endures. It’s a funk-rock masterpiece, a celebration of life and music that showcases Prince’s unparalleled talent and flamboyant genius, solidifying its place as one of the greatest rock songs of the 80s and of all time.
21. “Tutti Frutti” (1955) – Little Richard
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Little Richard, a former drag queen (performing as Princess Lavonne) from the Deep South, catapulted himself into the American pop music mainstream in the 1950s with a signature blend of gospel, blues, and an unapologetically fearless attitude. Richard, who famously declared himself the “King and Queen” of rock and roll, screamed and played piano with a fervor that suggested his very life depended on it. As EW’s Jonathan Bernstein aptly noted, Richard was considered the “first-ever mainstream popular entertainer of his era to openly explore his gender identity and sexuality on stage.”
To make “Tutti Frutti,” his explosive debut hit, radio-friendly, a writer helped him sanitize the original NSFW lyrics, but thankfully, the vivacious spirit remained untouched, transforming “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bam-boom” into a national catchphrase. “Tutti Frutti” is a foundational rock and roll track, an explosion of energy and flamboyant style that helped define the genre and continues to inspire, rightfully earning its place as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
22. “Johnny B. Goode” (1958) – Chuck Berry
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There’s little debate about who “invented” rock and roll: Mr. Chuck Berry. While “Maybellene” was his initial breakthrough in 1955, it was “Johnny B. Goode” a few years later that truly blew the roof off, a wild, rollicking guitar ride that influenced… well… everyone. And when we say everyone, we truly mean everyone! From the Beatles to the Rolling Stones to virtually every guitarist who followed, Chuck Berry’s influence is undeniable.
“Johnny B. Goode” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a quintessential rock and roll guitar anthem, and a testament to Chuck Berry’s unparalleled songwriting and showmanship. Its infectious energy and iconic guitar riff have resonated for generations, solidifying its status as one of the greatest and most influential rock songs ever written.
23. “Be My Baby” (1963) – The Ronettes
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Ronnie Spector (née Bennett) was an 18-year-old singer from Spanish Harlem with an achingly emotional, tough-girl voice (and perfectly winged eyeliner) when she recorded “Be My Baby” with producer Phil Spector, her future husband. And despite the dark turns their lives would take, both together and apart, this recording still shines as a flawless example of Spector’s revolutionary “wall of sound” technique. It perfectly captured Ronnie’s raw, youthful expression of young love, and features one of the most iconic drum intros in rock and roll history.
Though Ronnie Spector passed away at age 78 in January 2022, her voice and the timeless magic of “Be My Baby” live on forever. It’s girl group pop perfection, a sonic masterpiece of teenage romance and longing, and a testament to Ronnie Spector’s unforgettable voice, rightfully recognized as one of the greatest rock songs of the 60s and of all time.
24. “A Day in the Life” (1967) – The Beatles
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The final track on The Beatles’ groundbreaking Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is “A Day in the Life,” a surrealistic John Lennon/Paul McCartney collaboration for the ages. After John’s darkly introspective opening – “I read the news today, oh boy” – Paul seamlessly steps in from an alternate universe, chirping about his cheerfully mundane morning routine. The song famously culminates in a 40-piece orchestra going completely wild, guided by McCartney to start at the lowest note and build to the highest, creating a beautiful cacophony that resolves into a single, resonant E chord struck on three pianos simultaneously.
“A Day in the Life” is a mystery box of a song, a crown jewel in the Beatles’ unparalleled catalog, and a continuous demonstration of rock music’s limitless creative potential, even today. It’s a psychedelic rock masterpiece, a sonic journey that seamlessly blends contrasting moods and textures, and a testament to the Beatles’ innovative spirit, solidifying its place as one of the greatest rock songs ever conceived.
25. “Wuthering Heights” (1978) – Kate Bush
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Spoiler alert: “Wuthering Heights” is sung from the perspective of Cathy’s ghost. Non-spoiler alert: this isn’t even the strangest thing about this utterly unique song. “Wuthering Heights” is pure mood, an atmospheric gothic masterpiece. While it might not sound traditionally rebellious, it is arguably the most radical choice on this list. As sonically bizarre now as the day it was released, this Brontë novel set to music captures a haunting beauty in its swirling chorus that you won’t easily forget.
Written by Kate Bush when she was only 18 and sung in what could be described as “full banshee mode,” “Wuthering Heights” was initially rejected by her label as a single. But she persisted, filming a now-legendary music video to accompany it. In 2022, Bush’s story experienced a remarkable resurgence as her music’s prominent role in Stranger Things garnered renewed interest and a new generation of devoted fans. Long may she twirl. “Wuthering Heights” is an art-pop gothic masterpiece, a testament to Kate Bush’s unique artistic vision and vocal prowess, and a truly singular and unforgettable entry in the pantheon of greatest rock songs.
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