Greatest Rock & Roll Song - Ever

[BlackDog]

In your opinion, what is the greatest rock & roll song ever? And why? You can use whatever criteria you wish; musical skill, composition, tight harmony, meaninfulness of lyrics, kick-arse guitar riffs, amazing drum solos, videos with hot chicks in hot pants, cool cover art, whatever.

Me? Even though I very nearly fall on my knees and worship the likes of BB King, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana, and Mark Knopfler, I think the A-1 greatest rock & roll song is Save Me by Queen. I think this song has it all; clever composition, a great guitar riff, Freddie Mercury's great voice, and a meaningfulness to which nearly everyone can relate.

[dubnick]

Just Pick One?...Hmmmmmmm

I think I'll go with Baba O'Riley by the Who

Great Guitar, Great Lyrics, Classic Who sound.

[TheTraveler]

Wow, it's so very hard to narrow the list down to twenty, let alone just one!!!

I guess if I could only choose just one "best" rock-n-roll song I'd pick ..... damn it I'm having a hard time here.

OK, I'd have to choose "Free Four" (Pink Floyd - Obscured By Clouds) for a couple of reasons:

1. The line "The memories of a man in his old age are the deeds of a man in his prime" is a simple but powerful reminder that we are what we DO to and for others, not what we THINK of ourselves. What we do and what we say have an impact on everything we know of the world and also on the way we perceive ourselves inside that world. Be careful what you do yet be carefree at the same time. Live life fully but don't tread on others.

2. I'm a HUGE Pink Floyd fan so I pretty much had to pick a song from that band. ;)

[Da Klugs]

Point in time kind of thing...

Over the years:

Magic Carpet Ride
Baba Oreily
Stairway to Heaven
Born to Run
Free Bird
Maggot Brain
Welcome to the Jungle

[kelmac07]

Led Zep "Over The Hills & Far Away"

[The Poet]

Sorry boys, despite all the possible options, there ain't but one clear choice: Voodoo Child. If you need reasons why, you don't know $#!+.

[MajorCaptSilly]

Won't Get Fooled Again


MCS

[Doctorossi]

And yet, by the definition of many, none of you has yet actually mentioned a real "rock & roll" song.

How 'bout a little Eddie Cochran or Little Richard or somethin'?

[Blindjimme]

As much as I want to bring Elvis or Chuck Berry into the deal, I have to say Led Zeppelin's Rock & Roll sure is a fine example of a rock song. :tu

[icehog3]

Might change my opinion tomorrow, but today

"Can't You Hear Me Knockin' " by the Rolling Stones.

[BlackDog]

And yet, by the definition of many, none of you has yet actually mentioned a real "rock & roll" song.
True. I was using the broader definition of "rock & roll."

From Wikipedia:
The term "rock and roll" now has at least two different meanings, both in common usage. The American Heritage Dictionary and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary both define rock and roll as synonymous with rock music. Conversely, Allwords.com defines the term to refer specifically to the music of the 1950s. For the purpose of differentiation, this article uses the latter definition, while the broader musical genre is discussed in the "rock music" article.

[csbrewfisher]

Knowing that every answer is completely subjective, I'll suggest this one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4BBTTfrbEo) for several reasons.

1. It is epic in length
2. It has blistering guitar work and solid drumming
3. It was performed before 1/2 million people
4. It gives nods to several "classic" rock and rollers
5. It receives a special reward at the end

It's not my favorite, but it may be the greatest ever. :banger

[icehog3]

Knowing that every answer is completely subjective, I'll suggest this one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4BBTTfrbEo) for several reasons.



Not everyone can link to youtube at work, what is the song, Jerry?

[bobarian]

So hard to pick just one.
Today's pick-"All Along the Watchtower"-Jimi Hendrix

[csbrewfisher]

Not everyone can link to youtube at work, what is the song, Jerry?

Sorry Tom. It's "I'm going Home" by Ten Years After...

[hotreds]

Green Grass and High Tides

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R82OM5tzcrk

[drevim]

Point in time kind of thing...

Over the years:

Magic Carpet Ride
Baba Oreily
Stairway to Heaven
Born to Run
Free Bird
Maggot Brain
Welcome to the Jungle

Wow, I'm shocked you left one off, Dave (or Tom). ;)


I'd go with Ramble On, but like Tom, it's day to day.

I think it was Miles Davis, or one of his band members, that said something to the effect of "Who's to say what the best of any music style is, my opinion is the only one that matters to me."

[floydp]

Comfortably Numb.

[Gophernut]

Kashmir - Led Zeppelin
Sweet Child of Mine - Guns 'N Roses

Couldn't decide which.

[jjirons69]

OK, I'd have to choose "Free Four" (Pink Floyd - Obscured By Clouds)


I love that song! I didn't think another soul in the world knew about it.

[jjirons69]

Won't Get Fooled Again


MCS

What about "Love Reign O'er Me"?

[Don Fernando]

I can't pick just one song, the no.1 depends on my mood. But my ringtone is Cult of Personality from Living Colour, and it is my ringtone for a reason.

[MajorCaptSilly]

What about "Love Reign O'er Me"?

That's the greatest song ever! It surpasses the confines of rock-n-roll baybeee!

MCS

[Scothew]

I love that song! I didn't think another soul in the world knew about it.

Make that 3 :) Im a huge Floyd fan.

I acctually consider Pink Floyds - Wish You Were Here to be a great rock song. Its distinguisable by within the first second of its playing due to unforgettable riff, amazing lyrics and meaning and showcases musicianship of the band. Granted there are other songs of theirs I love much much more, but this is one of their best as far as mainstream rock that is still carried on today.

Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion is a good notable mention.

Peter Framptons - Do You Feel Like We Do.. can't believe it hasnt been brought up.

[csbrewfisher]

I love that song! I didn't think another soul in the world knew about it.

...a comment which suggests that this is "my favorite", not the "best ever".

Although...popularity does not directly translate to quality, as demonstrated by Swisher.

[The Poet]

Listen, I know there is no right answer to the question, just as I know opinions are like @$$holes - everybody has at least one, and likely two if they count the one they made themselves. But the electric guitar is the Apollonian heart-and-soul of rock'n'roll (despite your definition of the term), and Rolling Stone's list of best guitarists ever put Jimi first and Duane second. Yet so far only one other person has mentioned Jimi, and no one has mentioned The Allmans, whereas The Who have been all but lionized. Now, I like them myself, but WTF???

[csbrewfisher]

Listen, I know there is no right answer to the question, just as I know opinions are like @$$holes - everybody has at least one, and likely two if they count the one they made themselves. But the electric guitar is the Apollonian heart-and-soul of rock'n'roll (despite your definition of the term), and Rolling Stone's list of best guitarists ever put Jimi first and Duane second. Yet so far only one other person has mentioned Jimi, and no one has mentioned The Allmans, whereas The Who have been all but lionized. Now, I like them myself, but WTF???

All good points. But the best rock and roll song does not necessarily mean it was played by the greatest guitarist. I mean, look at "Great Balls of Fire". Let's also remember that Rolling Stone listed Curt Cobain in the top 100. ????

[The Poet]

Let's also remember that Rolling Stone listed Curt Cobain in the top 100. ????


I think that was a shotgun wedding. :r

[tobii3]

Jessica

If you need to ask by who, you should be taken outside and beaten. (or have your diaper changed)

:banger

[Dunkel]

To judge one song as the best rock & roll is very tough, especially if the person answering the question knows music beyond what the radio plays. I'm going to come out of left field with this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMxHBcqAFro

The Allman Brothers Soulshine

[hotreds]

Nights in White Satin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9muzyOd4Lh8

House of the Rising Sun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C86oH5RwyJg&feature=related

[Resipsa]

I'm going to have to go with

"Come On Eileen" by Dexies Midnight Runners after much thought
t:r:banger;s

[Bruins Fan]

Niel Young...Cowgirl in the sand :tu

[icehog3]

Sorry Tom. It's "I'm going Home" by Ten Years After...

No need to be sorry, Jerry, I was just wonderign what you picked. :)

[icehog3]

no one has mentioned The Allmans, whereas The Who have been all but lionized. Now, I like them myself, but WTF???

Midnight Rider would be right up there. :2

[gettysburgfreak]

Simple Man
Freebird

I could listen to these songs every day. Great lyrics and great sound

[icehog3]

What about "Love Reign O'er Me"?

Eddie Vedder did an excellent version of that last night in Chicago. :tu

[floydp]

I'm going to have to go with

"Come On Eileen" by Dexies Midnight Runners after much thought
t:r:banger;s

:r:r

[icehog3]

I'm going to have to go with

"Come On Eileen" by Dexies Midnight Runners after much thought
t:r:banger;s

I hate you, Vic. :r

[Silound]

Throughout my life, as long as I have listened to music, I've sought to find that one song that best fills the artistic and personal void that we all have. We all look for that feeling, but most of us never find it in one song, rather we find it encompassed in a series of songs, drawing strengths from each.


Personally, the closest I have ever come to filling that void has happened twice in my life. The first was when I sat one day and listened to the complete works of Led Zeppelin as they were arranged on the albums. The way the songs are arranged to call and respond to one anthers' musical qualities and nuances is often beyond my ability to describe.

The second time I nearly hit that void was with The Eagles. If I had to pick that one song, it would be Lyin' Eyes. The simple soft rock/country rhythm combined Glenn Frey's vocal clarity and seamless transitions and the backing voices/instruments of the rest of the Eagles hit a certain spot with me. The lyrics, while outright with intent convey a deeper meaning of selfish, deceitful actions and life's consequences for your failures.

My :2

[larryinlc]

Make that 3 :)

Peter Framptons - Do You Feel Like We Do.. can't believe it hasnt been brought up.

Maybe not the best, but my favorite live recording of all time.(Frampton Comes Alive) Good choice. You tube version not that version, but still good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7rFYbMhcG8

Larry

[Smokin Gator]

No way I could ever pick just one...

[TripleF]

Live version of FREE BIRD !! :wo

[CBI_2]

Zepplin - Stairway to Heaven Great the way it starts slow like a ballad and then cranks at the back end.

Personal favorite from my ute. Kiss - Rock & Roll All Nite :banger

[BlackDog]

There's a bunch of really good songs here. I think I'm going to make a playlist of them all on Rhapsody and down load it onto my Mp3 player. Thanks guys! :tu

[14holestogie]

Showing Michigan some home-grown love.



Bob Seger-Travelin' Man

or

Grand Funk Railroad- Closer to Home

[smokin5]

I'm stretching the 'definition' a little, but I believe the absolute best song of all time is :

"Mustang Sally" :banger

Wilson Pickett's version rocks, but nearly everyone else who has covered it kicks it as well. I think I have 8 or more different versions by different artists, & I love each one. It is one song I never tire of hearing.

[kelmac07]

Can't forget "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress"

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

No way I could ever pick just one...

:tpd: I can't either

[ratpack]

No song all. It's Elvis!

[SchizoFilly]

This is not an easy question to answer, but here goes:

Joe Walsh- Life's Been Good (lyrically it personifies the rock & roll live fast, die young mentality, not one of my favorites but the definition of the lifestyle is in there)
Kiss- Rock & Roll All Night LIVE (and this only applies to the live version; I do not like any Kiss music but this is quite possibly the greatest live music spectacle I've ever witnessed)
Red Hot Chili Peppers- My Friends (just simple and beautiful)
Nine Inch Nails- Hurt (feel the pain and sorrow; Johnny Cash did a great cover of this also and the Cash video is hauntingly perfect)
Pink Floyd- Hey You (hey you, out there on the road always doing what you're told....hits way too close to home to ever get away from those lyrics)
Lynyrd Skynyrd- Simple Man (listen daily)

I know I'm in a different generation with some of these, but everyone has their reasons and the music that speaks to them. How could anyone ever pick just one? I'm up to 23 gigs of music and I still find more I like every day.

P.S. thanks for reminding me of The Allman Brothers.

[csbrewfisher]

Throughout my life, as long as I have listened to music, I've sought to find that one song that best fills the artistic and personal void that we all have. We all look for that feeling, but most of us never find it in one song, rather we find it encompassed in a series of songs, drawing strengths from each.


Personally, the closest I have ever come to filling that void has happened twice in my life. The first was when I sat one day and listened to the complete works of Led Zeppelin

I still remember the night we all sat around on my friends porch tripping on mushrooms and smoking something other than cigars. A mutual friend came over with the brand new Led Zep album. We put it on the turntable and proceeded to have our minds blown away.

http://www.whatihearyousayingis.com/zoso.jpg

[beamish]

the end....by the doors
ten years gone...by zeppelin

a few that come to mind

[macpappy]

Lot of good songs on here.
My only question is how many of them are pure rock and roll and how many are just a$$kicking rock?

I've always felt that there is a difference between the two.

[Doctorossi]

ten years gone...by zeppelin

:chr

Good man! That's my fave Zep tune, right there.

[BlackDog]

"Mustang Sally" :banger

Wilson Pickett's version rocks, but nearly everyone else who has covered it kicks it as well. I think I have 8 or more different versions by different artists, & I love each one. It is one song I never tire of hearing.
I'm listening to a Buddy Guy version right now.

[csbrewfisher]

My personal favorite LZ tune: When the Levee Breaks

[shilala]

I think I'd have to pick Hey, Hey, What Can I do - Zeppelin

[Doctorossi]

My personal favorite LZ tune: When the Levee Breaks

Can't go wrong, there. Top 10 for sure!

[BlackDog]

I think I'd have to pick Hey, Hey, What Can I do - Zeppelin

Hey now. You're from western PA. You're supposed to vote for Donnie Iris' Ah Leah! or Tough World. :D

[bobarian]

Today's #1 Lou Reed-Rock and Roll - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArRexgJ41NQ&feature=related :banger

[Seanohue]

Gotta be "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry. Whenever I think of "traditional" rock & roll, this song is always the first that pops into my head.

[DonniePaul]

maybe not be the "best ever" but it is awesome for sure.

Frankenstein - Edgar Winter Group

:banger

All the players on that tune are tearing it up. And it is great from a composition stand point too. You can knock off some points for no vocals but still I think it deserves a mention.

[macpappy]

Sweet Home Alabama by Lynard Skynard

[Starscream]

Freebird!:banger:

[Starscream]

maybe not be the "best ever" but it is awesome for sure.

Frankenstein - Edgar Winter Group

:banger



This one too!

[Tio Gato]

Sweet Home Alabama by Lynard Skynard

The bride and I had this conversation Saturday. IMHO Sweet Home Alabama is the best American rock song. (Although Free Bird was my high school class song and I still love it.)

I love The Who's Behind Blue Eyes. I guess that's because I am the evil man behind blue eyes.;)

But I gotta say I think U2's Bad is my favorite all time rock song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPyhYczii8I Don't bother watching, just relax and listen.

[The Poet]

Well, I just got through listening to Electric Ladyland for the umpteenth-hundred time, and I have to stand by what I said - it is Voodoo Child, Voodoo Child, Lord knows that it's Voodoo Child. It taps into all the roots of American music, then blows them all away. Between that song and Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue", one can learn everything essential in our musical culture.

[jjirons69]

Here's the scene...I'm in the eletric chair with one song request left. Give me a damn nice pair of headphones and put "Wish You Were Here" in. To top it off, play the Gold SBM CD version. Pull the handle as the winds blow at the end...

This tune automatically puts me in a diferent mood for 5 minutes. It reminds me of many things and most often reminds me of my college days. The beautiful 12-string intro and the haphazard rhyming lines, along with the subtle piano and organ make for a solid recording. It fades in, does what it was meant to do, and fades away. How could you ask for more?

[hotreds]

Another one I thought of:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKbPUzhWeeI

Riders on the Storm

[MajorCaptSilly]

I just listened to The Stooges doing Raw Power. I can't think of anything else to say.

MCS

[DonniePaul]

Here's the scene...I'm in the eletric chair with one song request left. Give me a damn nice pair of headphones and put "Wish You Were Here" in. To top it off, play the Gold SBM CD version. Pull the handle as the winds blow at the end...

This tune automatically puts me in a diferent mood for 5 minutes. It reminds me of many things and most often reminds me of my college days. The beautiful 12-string intro and the haphazard rhyming lines, along with the subtle piano and organ make for a solid recording. It fades in, does what it was meant to do, and fades away. How could you ask for more?

I am with you on the Pink Floyd. They have a very special talent for taking you wherever they want you to be for the duration of a song.

I can still listen to the "Animals" album on repeat for days without thinking of changing it. :chr

[smokin5]

Gotta be "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry. Whenever I think of "traditional" rock & roll, this song is always the first that pops into my head.

My second choice - yep, yep, yep!!!:tu

[csbrewfisher]

Well, I just got through listening to Electric Ladyland for the umpteenth-hundred time, and I have to stand by what I said - it is Voodoo Child, Voodoo Child, Lord knows that it's Voodoo Child. It taps into all the roots of American music, then blows them all away. Between that song and Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue", one can learn everything essential in our musical culture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwjOd8KQRnk

[CasaDooley]

2 come to mind;
Jimi Hendrix-Manic Depression=Old school azz kickin
Judas Priest-Painkiller=http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hpUx05hyHY&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hpUx05hyHY&feature=related) This version gets the blood flowing:banger

[kugie]

Should I stay or Should I go

The Clash

There are so many i Like thats the first that popped in to my Head

[DPD6030]

Welcome to the Jungle
Hotel California (if that's a rock & roll song) Guitar Hero anyone :D

[SeanGAR]

A couple come to mind.

Call me the breeze - Skynyrd's version
Billy Powell on piano ... yessir.

Layla ... love Clapton and Allman playing together.

Queen - the show must go on. Great Lyrics, singing by Freddy and may's guitar.

[The Poet]

Layla ... love Clapton and Allman playing together.

Yeah, me too - but I much prefer the guitar dual they have in Key To The Highway. IMHO, the best song on that album, by far.

[heavyd]

Green Grass and High Tides


The best thing about threads like this one is that someone is bound to remind you of a song you love but have somehow forgotten about. This one is killer! thanks hotreds :D

[BlackDog]

Call me the breeze - Skynyrd's version

Great song there.

[Kreth]

I'm more of a metal fan, but Rock and Roll All Nite by Kiss.

[bobarian]

Here's todays #1. Crossroads-Cream:banger

[ActionAndy]

Search and Destroy by Iggy and the Stooges.

[MajorCaptSilly]

Search and Destroy by Iggy and the Stooges.


Oh yeah baybeee!!!!


MCS

[kugie]

the Cradle will Rock!!!

Van Halen

"have you Seen juniors Graaades??!!!"

[acarr]

So hard to pick just one.
Today's pick-"All Along the Watchtower"-Jimi Hendrix

Does Jimi get credit for this one or Bob Dylan for writing it and making the original recording?

[shark]

Sorry boys, despite all the possible options, there ain't but one clear choice: Voodoo Child. If you need reasons why, you don't know $#!+.


Word, brotha!

[shark]

Oh yeah baybeee!!!!


MCS



edited because I goofed up the chain of quoted posts....

[shark]

Search and Destroy by Iggy and the Stooges.


Especially near and dear to my heart because of the DeeTroit connection. Iggy's Dad taught at a Dearborn High School local to me, Fordson High in east Dearborn. Dearborn, Detroit, we are all in the same Metro area of the motor city so....We stick together __________________

[Chainsaw13]

Whoa, digging up an old thread Ron.

Like most here have stated, depends on the day. For me, it’s You Really Got Me - VH. Iconic riff, you know what song it is instantly.