Today we’re looking at the top 25 rock’n’roll songs that America is truly rockin’ so far in 2023. Many of these are timeless rock anthems for the ages, but some may surprise you that’s for sure.
Does Radiohead still ring true as a popular artist of today? What about Tame Impala or The White Stripes?
These are the rock tunes that continue to be popular today are ever green tracks that are absolutely timeless.
25. Cigarette Daydreams (Cage The Elephant)
Cage The Elephant cemented their place in alt-rock lore with “Cigarette Daydreams,” the 10th track off their eponymous album. Hovering around the 3 minute 29 second mark, the track surfs on a tidal wave of nostalgia, raw guitar riffs, and painfully sweet lyrics. It’s a musical solitaire that grabs hold and doesn’t let go, taking listeners on a smoky, dreamy rollercoaster ride. It’s a capsule of memories and melancholy—a testimony to the existential angst of youth. This leviathan of a track, simply put, is a masterstroke in sonic storytelling.
24. Rich Girl (Daryl Hall & John Oates)
“Rich Girl,” the infamous cut from the dynamic duo Daryl Hall & John Oates, is a power-packed short delight that sits second on their eponymous album. Clocking in at a tight 2 min 22 seconds, “Rich Girl” dishes out an unforgettable rhythmic joy. Hall & Oates’ songwriting finesse doesn’t just shine through with this track, it absolutely blazes. This quintessential 70s gem, with its earworm melody, crisp harmonies, and reflective lyrics, plays out like a groove-filled cautionary tale of the pitfalls of wealth without wisdom. A timeless bop that resonated then and continues to hit hard now.
23. 505 (Arctic Monkeys)
“505” is the haunting climax of Arctic Monkeys’ defining album, a raw and emotional powerhouse. It’s the twelfth track, closing the loop with gut-punch intensity. The title drops a reference to the room number of a hotel Arctic Monkeys frequented; it’s not just an address, but an introspective sanctum. Clocking in at 4 minutes, 13 seconds, it’s a hypnotic drift through psychedelic lyricism. The tangible yearning, wrapped tightly in the regret-infused line “I’m going back to 505,” sears a place in your heart. It’s Arctic Monkeys at their most addictively vulnerable.
22. Take It Easy – 2013 Remaster (Eagles)
Firing up the ‘Eagles’ album, your ears are immediately graced with “Take It Easy – 2013 Remaster”. First on the record, it’s an absolute classic that takes you straight into the heart of 70s rock culture. Clocking in at around 3 minutes and 32 seconds, this gem doesn’t waste time with a slow build-up. Instead, it slaps you with catchy riffs and harmonious vocals that gives the tune a timeless appeal. Its simplicity is deceivingly complex; the Eagles knew what they were doing and this track is a testament to their deftness. Buckle up kiddos, this ain’t your average joyride!
21. Riptide (Vance Joy)
Off Vance Joy’s self-titled album comes the bittersweet tune, “Riptide,” track number 4. Clocking in just shy of 3 and a half minutes (3:24 to be exact), it’s a wickedly infectious piece with a raw emotional undertone. Joy masterfully combines the intense, rushing emotions of being in love with a surf motif, creating a unique sonic ride. “Riptide” is a mashup of folksy strummed ukelele, a thumping beat and Joy’s earnest vocals. In this tune, romance is an ocean and we’re all just trying not to get swept away.
20. Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison)
In just a hair over 3 minutes (exactly three minutes and three seconds if we’re splitting hairs), “Brown Eyed Girl,” the opening gambit of Van Morrison’s album, takes us on a nostalgic trip like no other. A timeless classic that still resonates with the masses, this ditty hooked us all with its catchy tune and relatable lyrics, and still has the ability to transport us back to the 60s. The melody’s decipherable – like a well-loved record on repeat, Morrison’s soulful vocal rendition of his “Brown Eyed Girl” is a memories-invoking piece with a penchant for inducing spontaneous, unabashed sing-alongs. Rock on!
19. The Middle (Jimmy Eat World)
From Jimmy Eat World’s eponymous album, “The Middle” is the sonic epitome of punk-pop. A rebellious anthem that screams “Never give up!” in its lyrics, clocking in at 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Landing as Track 3, it’s conveniently set for maximum impact. Its heart-thumping pace, catchy hooks, make it a standout. Sweating with youthful angst, it’s an emotional rollercoaster, making you feel invincible yet vulnerable. It’s a bucket of raw emotion, with a side of catchy tunes. As they say, “live right now, yeah just be yourself”, Jimmy Eat World will make you listen, it’s the law of “The Middle”.
18. The Chain – 2004 Remaster (Fleetwood Mac)
The phenomenal track “The Chain – 2004 Remaster” from Fleetwood Mac’s iconic self-titled album comes in at number seven on the record. Clocking in at just under 4.5 minutes (4 minutes and 30 seconds to be precise), it’s a baptism by musical mastery. The Chain is a potent mix of brilliant harmonies and searing guitar rifts, stirring the deepest emotional tides. It’s a revolution that drags you under, a raw anthology served hot, with a side serving of soul-shattering vibes. A classic that commands, takes hold, and never lets you go. So strap in, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
17. Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey)
Kicking off Journey’s iconic album, “Don’t Stop Believin'” is more than just track number 1 – it’s a rock anthem for the ages. Clocking in at a solid 4 minutes and 10 seconds, this tune has fueled countless sing-a-longs, cementing its place in the hall of fame of rock. The emotional journey painted by the lyrics has a universal appeal, connecting with fans from all walks of life. A classic example of Journey’s rock prowess, “Don’t Stop Believin'” continues to inspire generations, proving that raw emotion and epic storytelling never go out of style.
16. Everlong (Foo Fighters)
“Everlong” is not just a song; it’s an adrenaline-charged expedition. Clocking in at a tight 4 minutes and 10 seconds, it’s the 11th song off the Foo Fighters’ self-titled album. Its high-octane energy masks heartfelt sentimentality, making it a go-to anthem for grunge fanatics. Orchestrating belted vocals with fierce drumming and over-driven guitars, it’s a heart-thumper that has lodged it into countless playlists for two decades. It’s raw, emotional, with an intensity that cements its legacy in rock history. “Everlong” isn’t just an epic tune; it’s the sonic embodiment of ’90s alternative angst. Truly a classic!
15. Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” from the eponymous album is a protest anthem that still blares today. Sitting at Track 6 and clocking in at a lean 2 minutes and 21 seconds, it’s a fearless piece of Americana. This legendary tune throws punches at the privileged class, with lyrics that resonate through generations. To this date, it’s a go-to track for films, protests, or even the rebellious youth needing something edgy to help roll with the times. Short, sweet, and bitter, “Fortunate Son” remains a memorable slice of rock history.
14. The Less I Know The Better (Tame Impala)
Hailing from Tame Impala’s third studio album, “The Less I Know The Better” serves as the album’s seventh track. A rhythmic journey clocking in just under 4 minutes (3 minutes and 36 seconds, to be exact!), this psychedelic jam hails as one of the most definitive songs of the modern rock genre. The hypnotic guitar riffs channel an emotional whirlwind that grabs your psyche and insists on a trip to the mind’s abyss. A tune that embodies bittersweet surrender, it makes letting go sound more sonically alluring than ever before. An epic indie anthem for the ages, without a doubt.
13. Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes)
Packing a punch that rattles your bones, “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes kickstarts their eponymous album with raw, unadulterated rock energy. Clocking in at 3 minutes and 52 seconds, this feverish anthem is the pure essence of rock ‘n’ roll, stripped down to its bare, screaming bones. The tune is a war cry, a rebellion, with its iconic guitar riff acting like a siren calling all misfits and rock purists. It’s more than just a song; it’s a movement and a testament to the power of unfiltered garage rock.
12. Daddy Issues (The Neighbourhood)
“Daddy Issues” off The Neighbourhood’s self-titled album deals you a straight hit of anguished alt-pop right at its brooding best. Locked in as the sixth track, it serves up a solid 4 minutes and 20 seconds of pain-stricken prose dressed in groovy beats. The track invades your senses, painting stark pictures of relationship complexities. It hits home, hard and fast, particularly for those navigating the stormy waters of their own daddy issues. This emotional rollercoaster of a song isn’t just noise, it’s raw, it’s real and resonates to the bone. Gritty, groovy, and gut-wrenchingly profound – that’s “Daddy Issues” for you!
11. Dreams – 2004 Remaster (Fleetwood Mac)
“Dreams – 2004 Remaster”, the second track on Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album, is four minutes and seventeen seconds of pure, unadulterated brilliance. This timeless banger hits with just the right amount of emotional gravitas. Its hypnotic layers of ethereal melodies, woven intricately by the band’s formidable talent, have earned the tune its well-deserved reputation as a classic rock anthem. Despite its decades on the scene, the raw, visceral lyricism of this track hits home every time, securing a permanent spot on the playlist of every rock ‘n’ roll junkie’s heart. Crank it up and lose yourself!
10. Mr. Brightside (The Killers)
“Mr. Brightside” is a defining anthem from The Killers’ debut album. As the second track of “Hot Fuss”, this 3-minute 43-second laser beam of new wave pop-rock blew up the airwaves back in ’04. The raw emotion embedded in its lyrics still triggers a universal feeling of jealousy and paranoia; a testament to the band’s masterful storytelling that catapulted them into the stratosphere of rock royalty. With its heart-thumping beat and piercing guitar work, it screams youthful abandon and is often hailed as a soundtrack of the era. An addictive, unmissable hit, “Mr. Brightside” isn’t going anywhere soon.
9. Have You Ever Seen The Rain (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
From the foggy swamps of California, the gritty rock powerhouse, Creedence Clearwater Revival, gave birth to genuine gems, none shinier than “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”. Track number four on their self-titled album, this jam hits you right in the feels. Clocking in at a concise 2 minutes and 40 seconds, it’s a sweet, short, emotional ride – rain, sunshine, pain, joy, all wrapped into a musical package of endured sentiment. It’s the confluence of melancholy and optimism that makes this track a timeless wonder, dude!
8. Creep (Radiohead)
“Creep”, clocking in at 3 minutes and 58 seconds, nestles in snugly as the second track on Radiohead’s self-titled debut album. A journey into raw human fragility, this song showcases a side of the band seldom seen again. The lyrics, imbued with vulnerability and angst, resonate with anyone who’s felt a bit odd-duck against the world’s so-called ‘norm’. Its humbling honesty is a gut punch, an emotional rollercoaster that leaves your soul aching for more. The raw emotion embedded in its orchestration ensures “Creep” remains a timeless tune in Radiohead’s impressive discography.
7. Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High? (Arctic Monkeys)
“Arctic Monkeys” biggest hit, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” holds the 9th spot in the album. It’s a trippy cocktail of rock, stirring up emotions of love, despair and longing. With a run time of 2 minutes 41 seconds, it’s a short, punchy track that leads us into the twisted labyrinth of after-hours melancholy and alcohol-infused regret. The song throbs with a drunken energy, accompanied by Turner’s gritty vocals serving deep, poignant lyrics that resonate with an audience who’ve felt the longing that a late-night phone call brings. A visceral receptor to emotions, indeed.
6. Do I Wanna Know? (Arctic Monkeys)
“Do I Wanna Know?” is the anthem kicking off Arctic Monkeys’ majestic album, a heart-throbbing 4 minutes 32 seconds of pure rock ecstasy. This Brit-rock quartet takes you down memory lane, echoing the ragged glory of late-night confessions and unrequited love. The lyrics reel you into a world of misty-eyed melancholy and yearning. Frontman Alex Turner’s vocals drip with raw emotion, balancing perfectly on the razor’s edge of desire and despair. ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ transcends rock’n’roll, morphing into a universal cry for clarity in the games of love. That’s a tune that sticks, mates.
5. Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Tears For Fears)
Ladies and gents, when we’re talkin’ about the golden oldie ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’ by Tears For Fears, things get emotional real quick. The nostalgia trip kicks in full force right around 3rd track (4 min 11 sec), the sobering reminder of the human power trip. It’s a vintage synth-pop masterpiece, blending melancholic lyrics with an upbeat instrumental – a classic dichotomy. The tune is a definite staple of the 80s music scene and even today, it can pull the heartstrings of anyone longing for simpler times. This gem is a masterclass in what pop music once was, and perhaps, what it ought to be again.
4. Sweater Weather (The Neighbourhood)
“Sweater Weather,” the fourth track off of The Neighbourhood’s eponymous album, is a chilly masterpiece that clocks in at 4 minutes and 4 seconds. It’s a sonic cornucopia of feels, bringing on the cold vibes of winter in audio form. Every note, every lyric, drips with frosty emotion, wrapping listeners up in a sonic blanket that’s as comforting as it is cold. Simply put, “Sweater Weather” is a cozy sonic journey that’s as enjoyable as curling up with a good book on a snowy day.
3. Heat Waves (Glass Animals)
Catch a ride on the melancholic wave of “Heat Waves,” a standout track from Glass Animals’ eclectic album. As the 14th track, it emerges like a phoenix, bringing a refreshing whiff of electro-pop under a dazzling 3 minutes and 59 seconds. This track adds a bittersweet flavor to the air, diving deeply into the emotional whirlpool of human frailty. It’s like a summer mirage, both beautiful and distressing, hinting at the duality of life and art. It’s no wonder this Glass Animals gem has been melting the charts! Get ready to be swept away by its enthralling vibe.
2. I Ain’t Worried (OneRepublic)
Kicking off OneRepublic’s eponymous record, “I Ain’t Worried” roars out of the gate with a rousing 2 minutes and 28 seconds of unapologetic optimism. A delicious first serving on the album, it sets the tone with punchy rhythms and razor-sharp lyrics that silence the naysayers. Immersed in the head-bobbing beat and soul-lifting melody, you’re swept up in a whirlwind of resilient positivity. It’s an anthemic outcry to the world that does more than get your foot tapping. It’s a life-affirming track that, true to its title, dismisses worries like yesterday’s news. Pop-rock gold, anyone?
1. I Wanna Be Yours (Arctic Monkeys)
Closing out on a zesty note, the Arctic Monkeys laid down “I Wanna Be Yours” as the 12th track on their fire album. At a little over 3 minutes (3:03 to be precise), this joint drips with raw sentiment. The band’s signature rhythmic thrash becomes more gentle, delivering a lyrical love letter to an unnamed muse. Catching its cue from punk poet John Cooper Clarke’s words, it’s a goosebump-inducing mix of sweet, sour, and gritty. A sharp left turn from their usual high voltage, but man, does it stay with you. This ain’t your mama’s love song, it’s better.
