Forever Awesome: Classic Rock Playlist

Sparkler Claire967's parents must be proud. Instead of hating on their music without even hearing it, she's embraced it! —SparkNotes editors

There are a ton of new bands and musicians to listen to these days, many of them known by, well, pretty much everybody, whether they like them or not: The Fray, Coldplay, Fall Out Boy, Linkin Park, etc. But what happened to the good old music, the stuff our parents listened to when they were kids...and still sing along to (please tell me my dad’s not the only one who sings "Born to be Wild" as he goes down the Interstate)?

Talents like Freddy Mercury, Gene Simmons, Steven Tyler, and Eddie Van Halen won’t be seen again, so take a trip back through time and take a look at some of the greatest music ever made. From songs that make you want to get up and dance to tunes that inspire you to stage your own revolution, here are ten of my favorite classic artists and their best songs:

1. “Voulez Vous” and “Dancing Queen” by Abba
Seriously, “Voulez Vous” was made to dance to, even if only behind closed—and locked—doors. Fast paced and catchy, it’ll make you jump out of your chair before ten seconds have elapsed. “Dancing Queen” is in the same category, with the added bonus of immediately cheering you up.

2. “Bad Reputation” and “I Love Rock n Roll” by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
For any rebels without a cause, “Bad Reputation” is your song. Jett’s hard-edged voice is perfect for such an "I don’t give a damn" single, and will make you want to flaunt your individuality. And I know, The Arrows did “I Love Rock n Roll” first, but Jett just completely rocks it, and makes it a true classic.

3. “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and “You Really Got Me” by Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen is one of the best guitarists ever, and I love “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” He’s got the same rollicking guitar rhythm and killer vocals in “You Really Got Me,” which will have you up and dancing along.

4. “It’s Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It)” and “Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones have one of the most distinctive sounds, and “It’s Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It)” is a song that will grab your attention right away—you might even start singing along. About a free-spirited girl, “Ruby Tuesday” has one of those choruses that you can listen to over and over.

5. “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” and “Take It To the Limit” by The Eagles
“All She Wants to Do Is Dance,” and that’s what you’ll be doing after you listen to this. The Eagles had so many hits it’s hard to pick the best ones, but “Take It to the Limit” is great for anyone who can’t quit dreaming.

6. “Just What I Needed” and “My Best Friend’s Girl” by The Cars

“My Best Friend’s Girl” will make you feel better about your unrequited love. “Just What I Needed” is a love song that’s upbeat and fun—and really sweet.

7. “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
“You Give Love a Bad Name” almost makes you want to break up with someone just so you can listen to it. And for those free souls who make their own way, “Living on a Prayer” is the song for you.

8. “Pink Cadillac” and “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen
Catchy and infectiously fun, “Pink Cadillac” is one you’ll listen to over and over. And OK, maybe you aren’t old enough to think back on the good old days, but “Glory Days” has something irresistibly melancholy and reminiscent about it. But when did The Boss ever make a bad song?

9. “I Only Want to Be with You” and “Saturday Night” by Bay City Rollers
“I Only Want to Be with You” is actually a love song that won’t make you cringe. It’s sweet but not too sappy, and makes a great song for Homecoming. “Saturday Night” captures the fun of a weekend when you’re in high school with a quick beat and a distinctive sound.

10. “Cold as Ice” and “Say You Will” by Foreigner
“Cold as Ice” is a classic breakup song—plus it has awesome vocals. It might make you feel better about getting dumped. If you're in relationship purgatory, “Say You Will” is the perfect song to get you through.

What classic rock songs do you love?

Related Post: Which Music Genre Defines You?

Wanna write for SparkLife? Send your submission and nickname to contribute@sparknotes.com for consideration!