3 Songs for People Who Say They Don’t Like Classic Rock

When some hear the term “classic rock,” they might think of old music. Music for their mother or grandfather’s generation. Music that isn’t modern or new or contemporary. And this might just turn them off to diving deep into the sounds of the rollicking genre. But that would be a mistake—at least in our estimation.

Here below, we wanted to explore three songs that exemplify the best of the genre. A trio of tracks that get the toes tapping, the heart racing, the blood flowing. Three tunes that showcase the power of the electric guitar, big drums, giant voices, and even otherworldly solos. Indeed, these are three songs for people who say they don’t like classic rock.

[RELATED: 3 Songs for People Who Say They Don’t Like Led Zeppelin]

“Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones from Beggars Banquet (1968)

The opening song on The Rolling Stones’ 1968 LP Beggars Banquet, this track does something special: It brings the listener closer to the devil. But not necessarily in any evil or worrisome way. Instead, it humanizes the figure some, personalizing him. For a genre of music—rock and roll—that used to be called “the devil’s music,” this song hits that idea home. And it does so with rousing rhythms, big melodies, and those interesting lyrics. Sings lead vocalist Mick Jagger,

Please allow me to introduce myself
I’m a man of wealth and taste
I’ve been around for a long, long years
Stole million man’s soul an faith

And I was ’round when Jesus Christ
Had his moment of doubt and pain
Made damn sure that Pilate
Washed his hands and sealed his fate

Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
But what’s puzzling you
Is the nature of my game

“Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin from Led Zeppelin II (1969)

From Led Zeppelin’s second LP, this explosive song includes imagery and lyrics inspired by the famous novel The Lord of the Rings, including the scary area of Middle Earth known as Mordor. Of course, any classic rock fan can’t go wrong with just about any Led Zeppelin song, but this literary-inspired track is one of the best from the British-born band. On the track, which is all about finding a lost love, lead singer Robert Plant offers,

Ramble on
And now’s the time, the time is now
To sing my song
I’m goin’ ’round the world, I got to find my girl
On my way
I’ve been this way ten years to the day
Ramble on
Gotta find the queen of all my dreams

Got no time for spreadin’ roots
The time has come to be gone
And thoough our health we drank a thousand times
It’s time to ramble on

“All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix from Electric Ladyland (1968)

Originally written by Bob Dylan for his 1967 LP John Wesley Harding, this song got new life a year later when Jimi Hendrix recorded his own rendition for his 1968 album Electric Ladyland. Like Whitney Houston with Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” Hendrix took this track to the next level with elaborate guitars, amplifier-busting chords, and a vocal performance that echoes from the heavens. On the track, which includes a conversation between a joker and a thief, Hendrix sings,

There must be some kind of way outta here
Said the joker to the thief
There’s too much confusion
I can’t get no relief

Business men, they drink my wine
Plowmen dig my earth
None will level on the line
Nobody offered his word

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