10 Classic Rock Songs More Famous Than Their Bands

Some songs don’t only define a moment, they outlive the bands that made them.

In classic rock, it’s not uncommon for one breakout hit to become bigger than the artist behind it, dominating playlists, soundtracks, and radio rotations long after the band fades from memory. These tracks didn’t just make music history—they overshadowed it.

While every band dreams that their time in the industry will impact culture for decades to come, sometimes their songs outlive them. Here are 10 classic rock songs that are well-known, even among listeners not familiar with who sings them.

Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” an almost 6-minute-long single, is one of the most famous songs ever released, even outside the rock genre. While Queen is certainly not an indie band, even if you haven’t heard their other music, you’ve likely heard “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The song and band would gain even more traction in 2018 when Bohemian Rhapsody, the Queen biopic, hit theaters.

However, it was pretty much an instant classic upon release. The song cracked the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100, peaking at #9, and in 2021, it made Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list at #17.

The song’s impact is evident in pop culture, appearing in films like Wayne’s World and being inducted into the Library of Congress in 2022. From the lyrics to Brian May’s guitar solo and the piano breakdown three minutes in, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is truly unique, and it’s no wonder it’s so renowned.

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin”

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin” also shockingly never hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, but it’s still one of the most popular rock songs ever released. The single broke some songwriting rules, with its main hook not coming in until the end of the song. However, that’s what makes it so unique.

The track has also had several revivals due to its use in popular television shows. From the controversial Sopranos finale to the premiere of Ryan Murphy’s Glee, “Don’t Stop Believin” has left its cultural imprint on many generations.

The song may seem like a cliché, but a lot of its popularity relies on its message of hope. Even if you’ve never heard any other Journey songs, you’d certainly recognize Steve Perry’s iconic vocals on the band’s 1981 hit.

Guns N Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine”

Even if Slash initially hated playing the song, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” was destined to become one of the best-known classic rock songs of all time. Its opening riff is one of the most iconic in music history and defined the 1988 track. Unlike the previous rock songs, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” actually did hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Aside from its opening, Slash also contributed a legendary guitar solo about two and a half minutes in, cementing the song’s legacy. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” has also been featured in a series of films, most memorably in 2008’s Step Brothers in a sing-along scene starring Adam Scott and Kathryn Hahn.

The song was also covered by singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow for the Big Daddy soundtrack and won her a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. While initially a love song, “Sweet Child O’ Mine’s” legacy extends past its initial message, even becoming a popular choice for father-daughter dances at weddings.

Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock N’ Roll”

No other song defines the Rock N’ Roll genre better than Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock N’ Roll.” The rock singer was fighting for a name for herself in a genre dominated by men, and she certainly came out on top.

From her raspy vocals to the catchy hook, Jett proved that there is a place for women in Rock N’ Roll. While the song was initially written and performed by the Arrows, Jett made it her own, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else launching the rock song into popularity.

The song would regain popularity in the 2000s when Britney Spears recorded her own version for the 2002 film Crossroads. Spears transformed herself from a pop diva to a true rock star in the film’s karaoke scene, introducing female rock to a whole new generation.

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers’ “American Girl”

It’s a rarity to end up at a 4th of July event that isn’t blasting Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “American Girl.” The catchy rock song, led by Petty’s vocals and Mike Campbell’s guitar skills, has withstood the test of time among music fans.

While the lyrics are quite simple, especially the repetitive chorus, it’s impossible not to find yourself nodding along to the hit every time it comes on. The song has also gained popularity among younger fans due to Taylor Swift’s 2009 cover. Swift later performed a piano cover of the hit for SiriruxXM in 2017.

AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long”

AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” has an infectious melody that’s made it the band’s most famous song in their 50-plus-year run. Whether you’re an avid rock listener or not, the 1980 single still dominates the airwaves and wedding receptions, 45 years after its release.

The single was listed among Rolling Stone’s 25 essential AC/DC songs, published in 2020. Lead guitarist Angus Young also performed an unforgettable solo that makes the hit even more electric.

Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out”

“School’s Out” by Alice Cooper (or the Alice Cooper Group) comes around every year in May and June as kids are being let out of school. The song had a prominent use in the 1993 film Dazed & Confused, as the characters ran from the school building on their final day before summer’s official start.

The comment section on the song’s official YouTube lyric video features stories from listeners who have played it, picking their kids up, or on their final day working as a teacher. It’s clear the song’s legacy lives on.

The Eagles’ “Hotel California”

While “Hotel California” is much softer than some of the other hard rock songs that have defined the genre, it’s still as influential. The Grammy Record of the Year-winning song is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, and topped the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of songs that shaped the genre.

The Eagles single has been covered countless times and has had a significant impact on pop culture. In American Horror Story: Hotel, the show’s fifth season, the episode played at the end of the season’s premiere episode.

The song’s dark lyrics bring attention to the corruption and greed of American culture. However, the dark message is also what makes the song so compelling and what has given it such a long shelf life.

The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”

Keith Richards’ opening riff on “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is one of the most emblematic hooks in rock music. The song is a rebellious anthem as Mick Jagger sings about being fed up with being told how to live his life. The message touched many, especially others in the spotlight who were constantly ridiculed for their every move.

For her 2000 album Oops!… I Did It Again, Britney Spears included a cover of the hit, and later performed it at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. Taylor Swift also performed the 1965 single with Jagger on her 1989 tour in 2015.

It’s likely the pop stars won’t be the last to cover the Rolling Stones classic. The song secured its place in pop culture history the moment it was released.

Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven”

What makes “Stairway to Heaven” so special is that it doesn’t really kick off until about 5 minutes in. It’s a much softer song than some of Led Zeppelin’s other work. However, it’s the one with the strongest legacy.

The song builds on its tempo various times, not fully picking up until the song is almost over. While it was unusual for the rock band, it worked in their favor as “Stairway to Heaven” is the song the band is most recognized for.