THE 200  MOST ESSENTIAL AMERICAN ROCK SONGS: #140-131. 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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*140

BLACK HOLE SUN

Soundgarden

Chris Cornell penned "Black Hole Sun". Soundgarden's 1994 single featured elements of metal, alternative rock and grunge.

*139

ALL I HAVE TO DO IS DREAM

The Everly Brothers

Phil and Don Everly influenced countless acts with a catalogue brimming with irresistible hooks. "All I Have To Do Is Dream" was a #1 hit in 1958.

*138

HANGING ON THE TELEPHONE

Blondie

Blondie's remake of "Hanging On The Telephone" was included on the band's 1978 album 'Parallel Lines'.

*137

LOSER

Beck

In 1993, Beck broke through with the radio staple "Loser". Upon arrival, it was an oddity with lyrics that make little no sense yet all come together to form a highlight of 90s rock.

*136

BARRACUDA

Heart

Heart revolved around sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. These rock siblings feature prominently on vocals and guitar on the biting "Barracuda". The 1977 single was lifted off the group's 'Little Queen' album. 

*135

PURPLE RAIN

Prince & The Revolution

The title track from Prince's film and soundtrack album, 'Purple Rain' is a sublime epic that runs for 8 minutes and 40 seconds in its full form. The hit meshes gospel, blues, soul and rock.

 

*134

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

Eagles

Built around a riff invented by Joe Walsh, "Life In The Fast Lane" deals with hedonism and over-indulgence. The Eagles track was featured on the group's 1976 LP 'Hotel California'.

 

*133

HURTS SO GOOD

John Cougar

John Mellencamp was still known by the name John Cougar when "Hurts So Good" was unleashed from his 1982 album 'American Fool'.

*132

BLACK MAGIC WOMAN

Santana

"Black Magic Woman" may have been written by Peter Green and originally recorded by British group Fleetwood Mac, but Santana's remake allowed the song to soar. Carlos Santana shines on guitar, complemented by the other members of the band that bears his name. The cover version was issued in 1970, 2 years after the original.

*131

FIRE AND RAIN

James Taylor

The death of a childhood friend inspired James Taylor to pen "Fire And Rain". In 1970, it took the singer / songwriter to #1 in his homeland.

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