The best rock songs of all-time?

[GodShifter]

What are some of your favorites or ones you think are the best ever?

I bring this up because I was just listening to Blue Öyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and it's got to be top five, easily. For me, I think I'd probably put it at #1 of all-time. I recognize there might be better ones out there (Stones, Beatles, etc), but "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" gives me goosebumps every time I hear that classic guitar intro to the tune. It's just a magical tune and never, ever get tired of hearing it. I'd say that's probably the hallmark of a truly great rock n' roll tune; when you never get sick of listening to it.

[CanookieWookie]

I don't think I could pick a "specific" song as my fav. of all time.  Alot of what I listen to, depends on the day, moment etc....  for instance, I cannot get this song out of my head and have not been able to for a long time... one of my all time favs. 

[fallen]

Rock N Roll Hoochie Coo - Johnny Winter version. Has "rock" in the title, super rocking, lyrics about a band laying it down, amazing solo, super fun to play riffs, a guitar classic. I never get tired of that one.

[GodShifter]

I agree with "Rock N' Roll Hoochie Coo" but I prefer the Derringer version, myself.

For the Allman Brothers, it's probably "Midnight Rider" or "Whipping Post" for me.

[CanookieWookie]

Usually it is Dreams for me, when it comes to the Allmans, but it just depends on the day.  Alot of times I also go back to this song...

[grimniggzy]

[The Shocker]

[kirky]

stones-gimme shelter or monkey man.

[The Shocker]

Shit, how could I have forgotten this one?

[Damocles74]

[MikeyT]

 I'm thinking there are hundreds, possibly thousands of great Rock songs...  

     
                     

     
                                  Like this one.

[GodShifter]

Yes, you're right, of course. Tons to pick from, obviously.

I was just thinking what really stands out when you think about the topic. "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" is a great tune, like I said, but after revisiting the BÖC catalog a lot lately, it's not even their best tune, so, suffice to say, it's not the greatest tune of all-time either.

But I still like it very, very much

[MikeyT]

    ^ Well, the fact that there are quite a few great Rock songs is not a bad thing, it's good.
There are lots of great Rock songs because it's a huge genre, and also a genre wherein artists have been encouraged (and expected) to write their own material. It's a great topic.

Rock N Roll Hoochie Coo - Johnny Winter version. Has "rock" in the title, super rocking, lyrics about a band laying it down, amazing solo, super fun to play riffs, a guitar classic. I never get tired of that one.

 Love Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo; both versions, but Rick Derringer's is my fave.

In the 70's guitarplayers here would sometimes judge each others' skill by how well each played 'R&R, HK'.
Maybe a little like the role 'HIDEAWAY' played in some parts of Texas.


                   

[MikeyT]

                 

             The band pantomines and John actually sings along (you can hear the two vocals) with their incredible single, 'Born To Be Wild'. Just a snippet, but I thought it was pretty cool.


             

               

[CanookieWookie]

[MikeyT]

                           

                           Another great song from Steppenwolf s/t.




                           

                            A nice cover of same from the Pie.

[Andrew Blakk]

[Demon Lung]

I have to say "a whole lotta Rosie"

[delysid]

[delysid]

[Sparkle Motion]

Applauded.

[JimBob83]

Excellent shout for Peter Green's incarnation of Fleetwood Mac, the Live In Boston albums are incredible.  This song is great (Melvins do a pretty good cover of it too)...

No Quarter by the Mighty Zep has also got to get a mention...

[rayinreverse]

I most definitely agree with these three.

[diasdegalvan]

[Desertblues]

(Don't Fear) The Reaper is still number one but this runs it a close second