THE 200  MOST ESSENTIAL AMERICAN ROCK SONGS: #40-31. 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.

**********************************************

*40

ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC

Chuck Berry

Guitarist / singer / songwriter Chuck Berry played a fundamental role in the development of rock and roll. This track, a Top 10 hit from 1957, says it all.

*39

I WALK THE LINE

Johnny Cash

In 1957, "I Walk The Line" took Johnny Cash to the top of the US Country Chart and #17 Pop. He remains one of the most significant country crossover musicians.

 

*38

THE TWIST

Chubby Checker

To fathom just how big a sensation "The Twist" was, it is still the only single to reach #1 in America during 2 separate chart runs: in 1960 and 1962.

 

*37

DREAM ON

Aerosmith

"Dream On" inspired countless power ballads in its wake. It was included on Aerosmith's self-titled 1973 debut album.

*36

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL

Big Joe Turner

In 1954, Big Joe Turner issued "Shake, Rattle & Roll". Its lyrics were far from subtle, filled with sexual innuendo. The song was later watered down for mainstream consumption by Bill Haley & His Comets.

*35

CRAZY

Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline remains one of country music's most influential female artists. "Crazy" is a true standard of the genre. Penned by a then unknown Willie Nelson, Cline's 1961 interpretation made the Top 10 on the Pop, Country and Adult Contemporary charts.

 

*34

WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES

The Doobie Brothers

Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers co-wrote the infectious fusion of pop and soul that is "What A Fool Believes". The single reached #1 in 1979 and collected the Song and Record of the Year Grammy Awards.

*33

CALIFORNIA GIRLS

The Beach Boys

No American state's women have ever been celebrated in such a lush and sublime context. The Beach Boys bring the harmonies to the fore, extolling the beauty of Cali females. "California Girls" peaked at #3 in 1965.

*32

MORE THAN A FEELING

Boston

Written by Boston member Tom Scholz, "More Than A Feeling"

bears the hallmarks of a quintessential American rock song. It reached #5 in 1976.

*31

BLOWIN' IN THE WIND

Bob Dylan

Issued in 1963, "Blowin' In The Wind" asks the questions of the Sixties protest era. Sadly, the world is still waiting for some definite answers. 

 

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