THE 200  MOST ESSENTIAL AMERICAN ROCK SONGS: #80-71. 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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*80

BORN TO BE WILD

Steppenwolf

Written by Steppenwolf drummer Jerry Edmonton's brother Dennis using the alias of Mars Bonfire, this song remains a rock staple. The single reached #2 in 1968 when it was lifted as the 3rd single off the band's self-titled debut album.

*79

FOXY LADY

Jimi Hendrix Experience

"Foxy Lady" is also known as "Foxey Lady". The track was featured on The Jimi Hendrix Experience's debut album 'Are You Experienced' which introduced music fans to the sonic powers of the legendary axeman in 1967.

*78

WAR

Edwin Starr

Although originally recorded by The Temptations, labelmate Edwin Starr made "War" one of the most defining discs of the American rock canon. His remake reached #1 in 1970, tapping into the anti- Vietnam War mood.

*77

SWEET CAROLINE

Neil Diamond

In 1969, Neil Diamond released "Sweet Caroline". The song has remained a perennial favourite ever since.  It climbed to #4 in the U.S.A.

*76

I FOUGHT THE LAW

Bobby Fuller Four

Originally recorded by its writer Sonny Curtis when he joined The Crickets, "I Fought The Law" has since been covered by the likes of The Bobby Fuller Four (1965) and The Clash (1979).

*75

LOUIE, LOUIE

The Kingsmen

The Kingsmen unleashed "Louie, Louie" in 1963. It became an instant garage rock classic.

*74

WHAT'S GOING ON

Marvin Gaye

The 'What's Going On' album was the fruit of Marvin Gaye's long fought for free reign. Its title track has never lost its relevance. In 1971, the song topped the Soul Chart and made #2 on Billboard's Hot 100.

*73

BEST OF MY LOVE

Eagles

The first Eagles single to reach the top of the American Pop Chart was the soft rock track "Best Of My Love" in 1974. 

*72

GREEN RIVER

Creedence Clearwater Revival

The title track from the CCR 'Green River' album was released in 1969. The swamp rock track climbed to #2 on the American chart.

*71

RIVER DEEP- MOUNTAIN HIGH

Ike & Tina Turner

The fact that "River Deep- Mountain High" was not a massive smash hit around the planet is perplexing. No one was more disappointed than its producer Phil Spector. Fortunately, the Ike & Tina Turner recording has gained momentum and popularity since its release in 1966.

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

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