Classic rock has been one of the most popular genres in music history for longer than I have been alive. Classic rock began to fully develop in the 1980’s. With elements of Rock and Roll, but twists of modern music, the genre was born. Some of the most recognizable and iconic songs include “ Creep” by Radiohead, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N Roses “Smells like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, and “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins. The diversity of classic rock includes topics like love, growing up, and insane guitar shreds, but this spectacular genre truly shines whenrock displays more soft and melancholic; nowadays that’s shoegaze. Shoegaze originates in alternative classic rock, but contains more dreamy vocals and presents various guitar styles. Some recognizable shoegaze artists are My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. Both artists combine the usage of different guitars and dreamy vocals, but stretch their sound categorizing it as classic rock.
My attention towards the genre started at a young age all thanks to my dad. From listening to 98.5 KFOX South Bay’s Classic Rock Station everyday on the drive to school, to listening to the Scorpions discography as we did our weekly weekend cleaning, the music started to grow on me. As I listened more and more, I started creating a playlist with my favorite Classic Rock songs. That being said, with the help of Sophomore Audrey Marshall, I have come up with the Top 20 Greatest Classic Rock Hits although in my opinion, all rock is great.
Top 20 Greatest Rock Hits
“Dumb” by Nirvana
“Livin’ On A Prayer”by Bon Jovi
“When the Sun Hits” by Slowdive
“Wake Me up When September Ends” by Green Day
“Where is My Mind” by Pixies
“Heart-Shaped Box” by Nirvana
“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead
“Barracuda” by Heart
“Brain Damage” by Pink Floyd
“One” by Metallica
“Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“ Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie
“Linger” by The Cranberries
“Petals” by Hole
“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
“Come as you are” by Nirvana
“No One Like You” by Scorpions
“Vienna” by Billy Joel
“Heaven Beside You” by Alice in Chains
“Everlong” by Foo Fighters