THE 200  MOST ESSENTIAL AMERICAN ROCK SONGS: #90-81. Continues next week.

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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*90

ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER

Jimi Hendrix Experience

Jimi Hendrix delivered an incendiary remake of Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower". The track was included on the Jimi Hendrix Experience's 1968 album 'Electric Ladyland'.

*89

WHERE DID OUR LOVE GO

The Supremes

The trio may have initially disliked the song, but in 1964, "Where Did Our Love Go" became the first of a dozen #1 singles in America for The Supremes. Motown now had the most influential girl group of all time.

*88

THE JOKER

Steve Miller Band

In 1973, the Steve Miller Band unleashed a new album entitled 'The Joker'. Its title track became a #1 single in the U.S.A. It did the same on the UK chart some 16 years later.

*87

DREAMS

Fleetwood Mac

In 1977, Fleetwood Mac issued 'Rumours', a timeless classic album that was filled to the brim with radio staples. "Dreams" was penned by American singer/ songwriter Stevie Nicks. As one of the 2 members from the then current line-up that was not British-born (along with Lindsey Buckingham), she helped shape the most successful sound of this version of the band and penned its only US #1 single.

*86

GOOD GOLLY, MISS MOLLY

Little Richard

Little Richard had a unique style that has arguably never been equalled in terms of brazen energy and personality. He influenced the likes of James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Elton John. "Good Golly, Miss Molly" was released as a single in 1958.

*85

WALK THIS WAY

Run-DMC. featuring Steven Tyler & Joe Perry

In 1986, Run-DMC took the brave step to adapt a cherished Aerosmith track and turn it into a groundbreaking rap classic. The hip hop legends invited the rock group's vocalist Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Tyler to guest on it.

*84

MY SHARONA

The Knack

One of US rock's perfect pop tracks, "My Sharona" celebrates what the Beatles did to the American musical genre of rock and reclaimed it. After a 6-week reign at #1 in 1979, The Knack unfortunately never managed to repeat its success.

*83

DESPERADO

Eagles

In 1973, 'Desperado' was released. The album housed a title track that gathered popularity in the ensuing years as an Eagles classic. It celebrates the old West and Americana.

*82

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH

Buffalo Springfield

Stephen Stills wrote "For What It's Worth". The song was included on his group Buffalo Springfield's self-titled album. Stills drew inspiration from riots in the Sunset Strip. The track was recorded in 1967 and made the Top 10 in the following year.

 

*81

FORTUNATE SON

Creedence Clearwater Revival

No other CCR track possesses as much venom as "Fortunate Son". John Fogerty wrote and produced the track which was lifted off the 1969 album "Willy And The Poor Boys'.

 

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