THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL BRITISH ROCK SONGS. 
This post: #70-61. Continues tomorrow.

Caffé Latté celebrates…

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL

BRITISH

ROCK SONGS

Rock and roll’s roots may have been American, but the Brits have been putting their own stamp on its sound and attitude since the 1950s. Some significant rock legends hail from the United Kingdom, including The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Clash, Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Elton John and David Bowie. This countdown focuses on 200 British tracks that have made the greatest impact on rock music.

*70

DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER

Oasis

Noel Gallagher penned some of the best Britpop tracks in the 1990s. "Don't Look Back In Anger" was included on Oasis' second album '(What's The Story) Morning Glory' which was unleashed in 1995. The following year, the single became the group's second UK #1.

*69

SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL

Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones exceeded the parameters of its hitherto sound with "Sympathy For The Devil". Featured on the group's 1968 album 'Beggars Banquet', the track incorporates African rhythms and many references to Satan. It remains a great example of a band taking risks to create greatness.

*68

KARMA POLICE

Radiohead

Radiohead had wowed fans and critics prior to 1997, but the album 'OK Computer' brought expectations to a sensory climax. "Karma Police" reached the Top 10 and is one of the defining tracks from one of the most important British groups of the last 25 years.

*67

MAGGIE MAY

Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart was already famous as a member of The Faces before launching a solo career. In 1971, "Maggie May"became his first hit, topping charts all over the world, including in Britain. The protagonist falls for an older woman who unlocks his virginity. Stewart delivers the song with a genuine melancholy and nostalgia.

*66

NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN

The Moody Blues

In 1967, The Moody Blues added Justin Hayward and John Lodge to its line-up. The former penned "Nights In White Satin", a beautiful prog-rock pop hit that, when re-issued in 1972, climbed up to the UK Top 10.

*65

ROCK THE CASBAH

The Clash

The Clash's Joe Strummer noticed a news report of Iranians being flogged for possessing a disco album. He reacted by writing "Rock The Casbah". The song was included on 'Combat Rock'. It made the UK Top 30 but gave the influential punk group its first major hit in America.

*64

EVER FALLEN IN LOVE

(WITH SOMEONE YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE)

The Buzzcocks

Pete Shelley wrote "Ever Fallen In Love (With Somebody You Shouldn't Have)" and his group The Buzzcocks released it in 1978. It soon became one of the most popular punk crossover songs. The single reached #12.

*63

SONG 2

Blur

Known to some as "Woo Hoo", "Song 2" by Blur is one of its most famous singles. In 1997, the song peaked at #2.

*62

ELEANOR RIGBY

The Beatles

The Beatles were tackling more serious themes by 1966. "Eleanor Rigby" demonstrates an undisputed maturity in Paul McCartney's lyrics. The track was included on the band's lauded album 'Revolver'. Its sombre mood made it an unlikely Top 40 hit but the single shot to #1.

*61

VIVA LA VIDA

Coldplay

In 2008, Coldplay raised the bar yet again with the radio staple "Viva La Vida". The group earned a Song of the Year Grammy Award for the track.

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