The 25 best rock songs of all time

So we went back to basics.

There were four rules:

Did we succeed?

We also, most likely, included something you hate.

With vinyl-black hair and Gibson-sculpted arms, Jett doesn’t justloverock, sheisrock.

And in the middle of it all, Jett’s husky force of a voice victory in every word.

Of course,David Byrne’s hauntingly existential lyrics (“How did I get here?")

and delivery part fortune teller, part street preacher really puts this thing over the top.

Cut to aBikini Killshow, led by the powerhouseKathleen Hanna roaring “Girls up front!”

and “Revolution girl style now!”

When she sang, we heard the revolution.

“Where Is My Mind?”

The effect is like surf rock set on fire.

The result was a whole new kinda groove.

So if anyone’s still puzzled over how somethingsominimal could create a soundthismassive, just ask Welles.

A final cursed touch: Richards' guitar fell apart in his handson the last note.

But they left it the sound of something breaking was a perfect coda.

His core driving philosophy islovein all its variety from darkest depths to goofiest heights, always delivered with desperation.

rock song written about writer’s block.

Yeah, the chords are jaggedy, deliberate, and perfectly paced.

And just like that with the flick of a wrist punk was born.

What else sounded like Topper Headon’s drum crunch asJoe StrummerandMick Jonesfollowed on their guitars?

Boots pounding asphalt, maybe?

Clash songs are solid state instruments low budget, low flourish, muscular and this one’s no different.

Apocalyptic, yeah, but never dour more like a call to arms.

The Ramoneswere the essence of simplicity and efficiency.

Four members, four chords.

Identical names, identical outfits.

And you always knew when their hard-n'-fast songs were about to start becauseJoey Ramone(a.k.a.

the Punk Giant) used a helpful “1, 2, 3, 4!”

Kurt Cobain famously hated being famous.

And then, as if to wink at the listener, Hendrix laughs.

But what you might NOT know is how much Bowie (as producer) had to do with it.

Thoughshe diedat age 78 in January 2022, Ronnie’s voice goes on forever.

The final track onthe Beatles’Sgt.

Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Bandis a surrealisticJohn Lennon/Paul McCartneycollaboration for the ages.

Non-spoiler alert: This isnotthe strangest thing about the song.

But she insisted, filming a now-legendary video to match.

Long may she twirl.