A new countdown begins with this post- THE 200  MOST ESSENTIAL AMERICAN ROCK SONGS. Continues tomorrow.

Caffé Latté celebrates…

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL

AMERICAN

ROCK SONGS

Country, folk and rhythm and blues begat rock ‘n’ roll. This musical form is the spawn of traditional American genres. Here are 200 of the most iconic and defining rock tracks from the United States.

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*200

BOOM BOOM

John Lee Hooker

Penned and performed by blues legend John Lee Hooker, "Boom Boom" came blasting out in 1962.

*199

RUNNING SCARED

Roy Orbison

The 'Big O' had his own distinctive vocal style, with a 3 octave range. He put it to effective use on the single "Running Scared". Issued in 1961, it told a story about a man lacking confidence.

*198

I GOT YOU BABE

Sonny & Cher

Although his wife's solo career would soon eclipse their work as a duo, Sonny Bono crafted a pop nugget that became a hippie anthem. "I Got You Babe" topped charts around the world. Cher soon outgrew the duo and the marriage, racking up a string of hits in her own right that continues to this day.

 

*197

GOODNIGHT SAIGON

Billy Joel

The war in Vietnam changed America forever. Billy Joel addressed the conflict in 1982 with "Goodnight Saigon" from his 'The Nylon Curtain' album.

 

*196

MONDAY, MONDAY

The Mamas & The Papas

John Phillips wrote "Monday, Monday" which was recorded by his group The Mamas & The Papas. Featuring glorious harmonies, the disc reached #1 in the U.S.A. in 1966.

 

*195

LET’S GET IT ON

Marvin Gaye

The title track from Marvin Gaye's 'Let's Get It On' album has no doubt been played in the background during many carnal relations. It topped the American chart in 1973.

*194

I CAN HEAR MUSIC

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys applied their harmonies and production techniques to "I Can Hear Music". Although a remake, the group made it their own. Released in 1969, it was part of a double A-sided disc with "All I Want To Do" on the flip.

*193

HUNGRY HEART

Bruce Springsteen

Unleashed as the lead single from Bruce Springsteen's 'The River' album, "Hungry Heart" became The Boss' first Top 10 hit in America. 

*192

GOOD RIDDANCE (TIME OF YOUR LIFE)

Green Day

Dropped in 1997, Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" soon became an enduring radio staple.

*191

THE LAST RESORT

Eagles

The 'Hotel California' album was issued in late 1976. Its closing track was "The Last Resort". Written by group members Don Henley and Glenn Frey, the lengthy track condemns man's compulsive destruction of beauty.

Check out the playlist on spotify with new songs added for each update of the countdown.