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.
**********************************************
*70
LISTEN TO THE MUSIC
Doobie Brothers
In 1972, "Listen To The Music" became the first major chart hit for The Doobie Brothers. The song featured the band's rock sound with elements of country and soul.
*69
BORN IN THE U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
The title track of The Boss' 1984 smash hit album 'Born In The U.S.A.' is far from patriotic. It remains one of the most potent anti-war songs and a highlight from Bruce Springsteen's canon.
*68
PURPLE HAZE
Jimi Hendrix Experience
Recorded in January 1967 and issued 2 months later as a single, "Purple Haze" cemented Jimi Hendrix's reputation as an otherwordly guitarist.
*67
SUPERSTITION
Stevie Wonder
A more adult Stevie Wonder tackled new themes while he was also expanding his musical palette. The gifted musician amped up the funk on "Superstition". Released in 1972, the single reached #1 in America.
*66
WHITE RABBIT
Jefferson Airplane
In 1967 Jefferson Airplane recorded its female member Grace Slick's song "White Rabbit". The single became the group's 2nd Top 10 hit, both being from the 'Surrealistic Pillow' LP.
*65
LOSING MY RELIGION
R.E.M.
R.E.M. had shown glimpses of brilliance over a series of albums, but it was sustained over an entire album when the band unleashed its 'Automatic For The People' album in 1991. "Losing My Religion" remains a highlight, complemented with its award-winning music video.
*64
JACK & DIANE
John Cougar Mellencamp
He hadn't yet started releasing albums with his actual surname Mellencamp, but John Cougar distanced himself even further from his teen idol start by the time of his 1982 album 'American Fool'. Songs such as the #1 single "Jack & Diane" proved he could rival contemporaries such as Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel.
*63
I LOVE ROCK 'N ROLL
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Although originally recorded by The Arrows in 1975, the obscure track was famously covered by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. In 1982, her remake made it to #1. "I Love Rock 'N Roll" has been a rock anthem ever since.
*62
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Lou Reed
One of American rock's most revered songwriters is Lou Reed. He penned highly influential songs for his band The Velvet Underground and his subsequent solo career. "Walk On The Wild Side" was lifted off his daring 'Transformer' album. It introduces us to a series of colourful characters.
*61
PIANO MAN
Billy Joel
Billy Joel's string of hits began in 1973with "Piano Man". Its tale of a jaded piano lounge performer mentions a number of patrons. Joel summarizes details about each one. It remains his signature song.
Check
out the playlist on spotify with new songs added for each update of the
countdown.
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