5 Songs From 1969 That Define Rock History
1969 was a pivotal time in the evolution of rock, and songs from bands like the Beatles, CCR, and the Stooges went on to define rock 'n' roll history.
Read More1969 was a pivotal time in the evolution of rock, and songs from bands like the Beatles, CCR, and the Stooges went on to define rock 'n' roll history.
Read MoreWho among us truly knows the meaning of life? Nonetheless, these songs from the tumultuous '60s certainly touch on some answers that we can all relate to.
Read MoreEven with all of his hits, songs that came off of Neil Diamond's '70s albums like "Moods," "Stones" and "Tap Root Manuscript" didn't get the love they deserved.
Read MoreDisco reigned supreme in 1978, but one surprise breakout from a lesser-known and since forgotten star was the longest-running No. 1 love song that year.
Read MoreFor Fleetwood Mac, Heat, David Bowie, and other rock trailblazers, 1977 was a banner year for songs that have only gotten better with time.
Read MoreFrom bizarre and creepy lyrics to vocal performances straight from dive-bar karaoke, these '70s songs became hits despite the best efforts of their singers.
Read MoreFrom the evocative lyrics of Elton John to the irresistible beat of Earth, Wind & Fire, these iconic '70s wedding songs will always be a hit with boomers.
Read MoreThere is something special about music considered timeless. While some songs age well, others get even better as the years go on, like these five from 1974.
Read MoreWhether it be the appeal of enduring love or an exhortation to make up after a breakup, these '70s songs tugged the heartstrings as much as they sold copies.
Read MoreFrom the excitement of a great night out to a loud and proud expression of being free to be yourself, these '80s tunes captured the essence of youthful energy.
Read MoreSome '80s songs from iconic acts like Talking Heads and Lindsey Buckingham were flops on their release, but have since become eternally classic tunes.
Read MoreMusic in the 1980s splintered into many directions, but the timeless allure of a love song held strong, with these odes to romantic feelings going platinum.
Read MoreStevie Wonder's iconic 1981 hit "Happy Birthday" came from a dream and it was the catalyst for a federal holiday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Read MoreFrom a last-gasp hit from a fading arena rock band to breakout solo acts that flamed out, these chart-toppers from 1986 are now approaching a quiet middle age.
Read MoreWhen a song's lyrics don't make sense, we just roll with it even as we say, huh? Here are a few '80s songs with lyrics that may always be head-scratchers.
Read MoreEveryone has their favorite '80s love ballad, and everyone is right about whichever one it is, but a few classics have stuck with us like heirlooms.
Read MoreBilly Joel's hit song "We Didn't Start the Fire" is based on events and people who shaped the 20th century. Only three people named in the song are still alive.
Read MoreMany bands that toiled throughout the '80s eventually reached the next level in their careers because of the attention brought to them by one particular tune.
Read MoreHow is it that a good song becomes bad? Oh yeah, that's right — it gets played, and played a lot, which makes them especially intolerable on repeat listen.
Read MoreFirst aired in 1981, MTV transformed the industry and modern culture. With it ending in 2025, we've chosen MTV's most iconic and influential '80s music videos.
Read MoreQueen's "Don't Stop Me Now" only made it to No. 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, but new audiences discovered it in a horror-comedy 25 years later.
Read MoreFrom songs evoking the call of the open road to anthemic ballads, these rock songs from the '60s and '70s earned a permanent place in boomer dads' hearts.
Read MoreElton John and members of Queen were friends, but John had no faith in their biggest hit. It was iconic for the same reasons John thought it wouldn't work.
Read MoreJust because a song makes you famous and rich, it doesn't ensure that you actually want to sing it. These five singers hated their most popular songs.
Read MoreMany rock songs can capture our feelings about love in a more powerful way. Take a look at five of our favorite love anthems from iconic rock bands.
Read MoreWhile many classic rock bands continue to enjoy legendary status, even the biggest artists have great tracks that are unfairly overlooked by casual listeners.
Read MoreThe Scorpions have some of the best songs you still hear on classic rock radio. Songs like "Wind of Change" and "Still Loving You" are definitive of the genre.
Read MoreIn 1973, flamboyant glam rock, hard-hitting punk, and even electro-rock were muscling aside the cobwebs of '60s rock music, as defined by these iconic songs.
Read MoreTime is kinder to some songs than others. Looking back to 1981, certain tunes from 1981 seem to crackle with new energy, sounding even better today.
Read MoreThere are so many songs that are hugely overrated — Lenny Kravitz and Green Day are just two artists we highlight here for too-catchy tunes and awful lyrics.
Read MoreThese classic rock songs, from anthemic karaoke favorites to timeless rock history game-changers, were an undeserved swing and miss for the coveted No. 1 spot.
Read MoreNot every rock song about love has aged well. In fact, given how society has changed, some tracks are pretty creepy and unsettling in retrospect.
Read MoreCrossover songs introduce music fans to new approaches to familiar genres. These era-defining jams merged rock with folk, hip-hop, country, and symphonic music.
Read MoreDavid Bowie, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and John Lennon are icons for a reason. These songs they released 1971 still resonate today.
Read MoreIn 1972, these songs from Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Elton John, and Lou Reed broke new ground and went on to define rock history.
Read MoreThe 1970s was a great era for rock music, but so many songs are way too overrated. Many classic rock bands even had better songs that represented their sound.
Read MoreBob Weir may have died, but the Grateful Dead will live forever, even their most obscure and underrated songs. These five weren't hits, but they're favorites.
Read MoreFrom the Rolling Stones' classic anti-war anthem to Led Zeppelin's sultry mood-setter, here are five classic rock songs that will never lose their appeal.
Read MoreWith acts like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath stepping up to the plate, these iconic songs from the opening act of the 1970s set the pace for decades to come.
Read MoreIt's not easy to choose a mere five best songs from a band as prolific as the Grateful Dead during their most compelling decade, but we think these stand out.
Read MoreThe Grateful Dead song, Truckin', was based on what Bob Weir described as an "endless cycle" of touring and an incident in which the band members were arrested.
Read MoreBob Weir and Jerry Garcia are best known as musicians in the Grateful Dead, but Weir has been clear that his bond with Garcia felt almost cosmic.
Read MoreSampling is a huge part of hip-hop, and you may not know that songs from classic rock artists from Ozzy Osbourne to Elton John were part of these modern hits.
Read MoreFrom rare demos and deep cuts to rock classics like "Free Bird" and "Gimme Three Steps," the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd unfolds through these essential songs.
Read MoreLed Zeppelin was the quintessential rock band of the 1970s, and some songs perfectly capture what the band was all about at certain points in time.
Read MoreCountry music superstar Johnny Cash worked with numerous iconic musicians over his long career, crossing genres as diverse as funk, rock, and folk music.
Read MoreWhether it was a superb cover, a seasonally timed rerelease, or a reimagining of the original, these flop songs from the '50s eventually found chart success.
Read MoreThe golden age of classic rock might have ended in the '80s, but the year 1984, specifically, produced some rock songs that have aged very well.
Read MoreAn ever-changing and experimental Radiohead distanced itself from its breakout pop hit, "Creep," but that hasn't stopped other musicians from covering it.
Read MoreEven the biggest heavy metal bands, like Metallica and Black Sabbath, have gone through bland periods, yet we think these duds are actually gems in the rough.
Read MoreIf you find yourself without a partner this Valentine's Day, we have about 80 years of highly varied rock music to choose from.
Read MoreA lot of of songs that made it to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Hits chart didn't age well. Here's a look at five that die-hard rock fans can't stand.
Read MoreTom Petty's hit songs are like the soundtrack to the later decades of the 20th century, and we wish we'd had the chance to ask him about his music.
Read MoreIn the 1970s, music critics didn't hold back, but they sometimes misjudged rock fans, who adored critically panned songs by legends such as Queen and Bob Dylan.
Read MoreKim Carnes isn't a household name, and she didn't have many hits, but a love song she covered stayed at No. 1 for 9 weeks in 1981. We know you'll recognize it.
Read MoreIn 1975, Loretta Lynn, Alice Cooper, and Donna Summer released women-focused songs, and Bob Dylan sang of racial injustice. Each caused controversy. Here's why.
Read MoreFrom Dave Grohl's scandal to Liz Phair's self-sabotage, here's how these ’90s rock icons damaged their own legacies and changed how fans remember them.
Read MoreThe music created during the decades when the boomers were young is lauded as some of the best in rock, funk, soul, and R&B history. These five songs prove it.
Read MoreThis alt-rock college band hit the mainstream in the late '80s, becoming a beloved fixture on rock radio. Though they broke up, we'd love to see a comeback.
Read MoreLots of musicians who went on to be iconic started out as controversial, and Yungblud is that modern-day legend. Here's why rock fans shouldn't hate on him.
Read MoreBarry Manilow's iconic, successful song "I Write the Songs" wasn't actually written by him, and the person who did won the 1976 Grammy Song of the Year award.
Read MoreFrom pretentious descriptions of an entire continent to humdrum sounds that verge on cultural appropriation, we do not think highly of Toto's "Africa."
Read MoreSuper Bowl commercials go big. Some even commission iconic rock songs to add nostalgia and the cool factor to their products. These are the best yet.
Read More1970 saw a lot of heavier-rock as the '60s era of flower-power came to an end, including these five bangers from bands like Derek and the Dominoes and Mountain.
Read MoreEven though they flopped commercially, we think these '70s songs, from anthemic pop toe-tappers to quaint novelty tunes, have a special place in our hearts.
Read MoreTake a hit classic rock song, give it to an A-list musician, and watch the money roll in. Job done? Not according to fans of the original, in these cases.
Read MoreGen Xers may seem tough as nails, but an iconic Prince-penned tearjerker or soaring ballad from their formative years will burst the thickest emotional dams.
Read MoreThe Beatles still hold the record for the most No. 1 Billboard hits, but this 1968 classic was also the song that stayed at the top the longest for them.
Read MoreThese hit songs from the '80s from bands like Journey and Toto managed to become even more popular in subsequent decades, generating massive amounts of money.
Read MoreThere's a mountain of country songs about heartbreak, love rivalries, and wandering souls, but what if we took the best and added that extra shot of rock?
Read MoreThe grunge era was short lived, but its impact has never gone away. These songs from bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Nirvana still define '90s grunge.
Read MoreThe '80s were a great time for music, but the years were also riddled with duds that make us wonder just what record buyers and radio programmers were thinking.
Read MoreThese five songs from Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, and other artists have only gotten more romantic, moving, or poignant with the passage of time.
Read MoreInflated egos, money to burn, and a lack of accountability can make famous people insufferable. These '80s musicians embody why you shouldn't meet your heroes.
Read MoreWritten partly as a response to a scathing diss track, this light-hearted love song spent five weeks at the top of Billboard's Hot 100.
Read MoreThe 1970s were a mixed bag. Lots of iconic music came from that decade, but some bad No. 1 hits were spawned too. Here are five of the worst offenders.
Read MoreThese five hit songs from the '80s got so much airplay that they became definitive of the decade, but the artists weren't initially agreeable to recording them.
Read MoreOccasionally, subpar albums conceal a secret treasure swimming in the midst of all the sonic swill, and the '70s has a few examples of such tracks.
Read MoreFrom ignoring one of the greatest musicians of all time to treating an entire category as a sideshow, we've curated the biggest '80s Grammy brush-offs.
Read MoreFrom anti-war protests to environmental pleas and cathartic advice that would put any therapist to shame, these acclaimed songs from 1970 cut to life's core.
Read MoreIt's hard to imagine certain iconic shows or scenes from them without hearing a specific tune. Some rock songs were made famous for this reason.
Read MoreFrom epic guitar solos to protest songs and a Black pride song just about everyone knows, these iconic '70s tunes fell short in the charts on their release.
Read MoreAllegedly, the Grammy's award the most deserving artists for their output each year, but we question the institution's voters for these '80s rock song winners.
Read MoreWhile acts like The Beatles routinely topped the '60s charts, other artists got to enjoy some time at the top too, and some of these songs are pretty bad.
Read MoreBand lineups can be fluid, but less so with lead singers. However, these iconic bands from the era of classic rock had a revolving door for front men.
Read MoreThe early 1970s was an era in which rock especially made leaps and bounds, and some of the standout songs of the time sound even cooler today.
Read MoreThese five covers by Heart, Nine Inch Nails, Metallica, and others took ’80s originals from a variety of genres and somehow made them better than ever.
Read MoreThe evolution of metal since grunge music dominated the ‘90s has given rise to innovative metal subgenres offering bigger, harder, and bolder songs to fans.
Read MoreFrom Billy Idol’s rock anthem to the art-pop brilliance of Talking Heads and David Bowie, these five rock songs from 1983 prove great music ages well.
Read MoreThe songwriters of the '60s seemed to be particularly favored by the love muse, creating some very well-made tunes of romance and affection.
Read MoreThere is no feeling quite like being young and free, and whether you're in it now, or you just remember it fondly, these '70s songs embody that exuberant time.
Read MoreWith apologies to the Kiss Army, the band's 1991 comeback hit is an embarrassingly corny addition to the catalog of rock songs about rock.
Read MoreFrom theme songs for beloved childrens shows to cheerful radio hits played in childhood homes, these '60s tunes will take boomers way down memory lane.
Read MoreSociety was different in 1969, and so these risqué, awkwardly timed, or expletive-laden songs once riled up listeners and got music executives sweating.
Read MoreThose early days of driving and the independence it offers are exciting times, and for younger boomers, these five radio hits will take you right back.
Read MoreBoomers' kids may not have associated their parents with anti-war ballads and screeching guitars, but these songs will forge a common intergenerational bond.
Read MoreBarry Manilow wrote many jingles you would likely recognize, but one that he was paid $500 for in 1971 is still the calling card of a well-known company.
Read MoreThe innovation and creativity of the '80s created countless classic hits we still love today, but some of them are surprisingly better a cappella.
Read MoreWe thing these five classics, including "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant" and "Captain Jack," are the best songs Billy Joel recorded in the 1970s.
Read MoreIn the evolution of rock much has changed, and in the '80s, songs from artists like Joy Division, Motörhead, and Kate Bush helped define the genre.
Read MoreMusic was in flux during the '70s, with new genres emerging and established artists breaking new ground, which that decade's Grammy awards seemed oblivious to.
Read MoreSting is well-respected musician, but he wrote some of the most corny lyrics in rock when he was with the Police. Here are a few examples to prove our point.
Read MoreThe 1960s were an exciting time for rock music, but in 1967 one manufactured act managed to dominate the album charts, and the band's name may surprise you.
Read MoreThe category of best rock & roll recording debuted at the 4th Grammy Awards in 1962, yet many winners of the decade were undeserving of the accolade.
Read MoreThere were plenty of '70s artists who took home the best new artist award and went on to do great things, but some were apparently hit by the legendary "curse."
Read MoreKenny Rogers was a silver fox, and nothing drove it home more than his approach to a sappy love song. This one held the top spot for six weeks in 1980.
Read MoreAsk yourself: What is a rock song? It gets you up out of bed and gets your heart pumping, your mind cranking, and your body ready to face the day.
Read MoreLegend has it that some '80s musicians who won a Grammy for best new artist were befallen by a curse, which led to a steep decline in their fortunes.
Read MoreThere are some big rock stars who have found themselves hating their own songs, whether because of artistic maturity, executive pressure, or another reason.
Read MoreInspired by these '70s and '80s artists, Bruno Mars's approach to entertaining audiences and to song craft is a modern take on R&B, funk, rock, and soul.
Read MoreThis love song was written and released to accompany a movie whose star also sang the signature ballad. It hit No. 1 and stayed on the charts for 23 weeks.
Read MoreBoomers grew up in quite a time, and there's no shortage of songs sure to transport them back to the sock hops, groovy parties, and disco nights of their youth.
Read MoreThese acerbic breakup songs by Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, and others might remind Boomers of their own messy romantic entanglements.
Read MoreLove songs connect with audiences, conjuring memories and emotions, but they stir their creators, too. The singers of these five love songs felt them deeply.
Read MoreIf you want sincerity in a love song, one decade will especially help: the 1970s. One obvious choice is the unparalleled "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green.
Read MoreMany rock stars who went through something horrible will eventually tell the world about what happened. Other times, they take the tragic secret to the grave.
Read MoreFrom a murder to an Elvis hoax, the 1980s had a few incidents that we still don't have answers for. It's a short list, but inquiring minds still want to know.
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