If you’re a fan of the classic rock genre, you probably know some of the best songs. For example, you may like the songs by Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Eric Clapton, and Les Claypool. However, there are many other great classic rock songs that are just as popular. Here are some of them. But before we jump into the classics make sure you check out a new single that’s sure to become a classic. She Don’t Know Me by Daneka Nation is a song you don’t want to miss.
Les Claypool
In 1995, Les Claypool released a single called “Funky,” which featured the band’s distinctive funk sound, with a slight southern rock undertone. The song reached number twelve on the US Alternative Rock Charts. The song was a commercial success, and it helped the band’s debut album, Tales From the Punchbowl, to chart.
Les Claypool’s Fancy Band did a national tour in 2006, and recorded their concert DVD with a mixture of soundboard and taper recordings. The band hasn’t toured since. Nonetheless, the band’s latest album, 5 Gallons Of Diesel, features a few of its classic rock songs.
During a hiatus from Primus, Claypool went back to his roots, playing songs by Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and the Beatles. The result was a band he called the Frog Brigade, which he described as a “mid-life crisis band.” They performed at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, and the line-up included drummers Bryan Mantia, bassist Jeff Chimenti, and drummer Skerik.
Jimi Hendrix
One of Jimi Hendrix’s most famous classic rock songs is “Love Song.” Hendrix said that love changes like the axis of the earth, which shifts every few thousand years. It can transform human beings and change the course of their entire lives. In 2006, John Mayer covered the song for his Continuum disc.
Another of Jimi Hendrix’s best known songs is “Easy Rider,” a cover of the movie Easy Rider. This song was originally recorded for the Cry of Love album, which was supposed to be Hendrix’s fourth studio album. However, he recorded this song on two subsequent attempts to complete the record.
“Love” is one of the most iconic Jimi Hendrix songs, and the most popular one in the world. The psychedelic tune has a fantastic instrumental section, and the distorted riff is just amazing. The song was written after Hendrix saw Little Richard live in London. The song is a rock anthem and has become a staple of album-oriented classic FM rock.
Eric Clapton
The list of Eric Clapton’s classic rock songs is an impressive one. The guitar great has been in the music industry for more than five decades and has contributed to countless albums and singles. While most of his music was written for bands, he was more interested in revealing himself through the music. Over the years, he’s become a master songwriter. His many albums feature original material, as well as cover songs.
Clapton’s passion for blues-rock is well-known. The passion stems from his childhood love of the blues, which he continued to embrace as an adult. His dynamic guitar playing made him the most popular rock star in the world, and he inspired countless people to take up the guitar.
Santana
One of Santana’s most popular cover songs is “Hold On”. It was written by Canadian singer-songwriter Ian Thomas and first released on his 1982 album Shango. It was one of Santana’s most successful hits, reaching #4 in Canada and #15 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song also charted in several other countries, including the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Australia.
Another of Santana’s classic rock songs is a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Black Magic Woman.” The album, released in 1970, was the band’s second top-selling album. The medley of “Black Magic Woman” and Gabor Szabo’s instrumental “Gypsy Queen” reached No. 4 on the charts and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.
The Jefferson Airplane
If you’re looking for a list of the best classic rock songs from The Jefferson Airplane, look no further. In 1968, the group was already four albums into their career and riding the hippie train. Their song “Lather” showcased this, as well as their psychedelic sound and medieval melodies. The song also featured a humorous dig at the band’s drummer Spencer Dryden, who was about to turn 30 at the time.
Their popularity soared during the 1970s, when albums began to replace singles as the preferred medium. During that time, Jefferson Airplane released eight studio albums, including the #1 Red Octopus, which was their highest-charting album in the United States. All of these albums were certified Gold, which meant they sold at least 500,000 copies. Sadly, Kantner left the band after the 1984 release of Nuclear Furniture and did not participate in their subsequent spin-off, Starship.
Aerosmith
“Dream On” was one of the first Aerosmith songs to reach the charts. The track is a favorite among fans and reached number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song is reminiscent of classic rock and roll and also features funk influences. It was released as a single from the group’s self-titled debut album.
Aerosmith started out as a power trio in a small ice cream parlor in Sunapee, New Hampshire. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry met while working at the parlor. Together, they formed a power trio, including Tom Hamilton. Eventually, they expanded their line-up to four members, including drummer Ray Tabano, who had previously been a member of Earth Inc. Later, Joey Kramer joined the band. The band relocated to Boston in 1971, and their popularity grew.
Led Zeppelin
The discography of Led Zeppelin is extensive. This means that choosing a single favorite song can be a daunting task. The band members have often been asked this question, and in most cases, they have shied away from the question, refusing to answer. But in rare instances, they have shared their thoughts on their favorite songs.
While many of the band’s songs sounded similar, some songs had varying degrees of depth. For example, “Achilles Last Stand” is one of the band’s longest recordings, taking over two weeks to complete.
The Young Rascals
As a band, The Young Rascals were one of the best classic rock acts of the 1960s. The group had a winning style with melody and were masters of production. Songs like “Ready For Love” and “I Believe” were top hits in the charts.
Although most of their material is dated today, there is some timeless material on The Young Rascals’s albums. “Baby, Let’s Wait” is a powerful track with Eddie’s soaring vocals. The song reintroduced the band to a whole new generation and helped earn them legions of fans on the East Coast.
“People Got to Be Free” was the Rascals’ best-selling record and reached #1 in Canada. The song was written in the aftermath of the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King and was one of the most influential songs of the decade. This song would be the band’s sixth Canadian #1 and its final U.S. Top Ten hit.
Don’t Stop Believin’
Journey is one of the most popular rock bands of the 1980s and their most famous song is “Don’t Stop Believin’.” This rock song is a classic that features a complex structure and awesome guitar runs. Sung by Steve Perry, this track reached the top of the charts in several countries. Although the song is considered to be a classic, it has evolved over the years.
This song was released in 1984, and immediately became a hit with fans around the world. The lyrics are patriotic and nationalistic, and it captures the mood of a time when the United States was experiencing bad times.