You know, when it comes to the quintessential essence of the classic rock genre, one thing is abundantly clear. The songs need to be put on a big stereo and played LOUDLY! That’s one’s only recourse when you really want to hear the full effect of the songs—their purpose, their intent, and their capability.
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Here below, we wanted to explore three songs that exemplify that reality completely. A trio of classic rock songs that just need to be heard at top volume—at 11, as people say. Indeed, these are three 1970s classic rock songs to wake the dead (or the neighbors).
[RELATED: No Skips: 4 Classic Rock Albums You’ll Never Have to Fast-Forward]
“Paranoid” by Black Sabbath from Paranoid (1970)
These guitars are meant to shatter windows and rattle roof shingles off their perch. And then comes Ozzy Osbourne’s voice, the banshee call from the depths of the Earth’s core. What is he singing about? Being unsatisfied. He wants more and more from life. Bigger and better. He may even blow your house down, the Big Bad Wolf of Rock. Indeed, on the insanely rambunctious track, Osbourne sings,
Finished with my woman
‘Cause she couldn’t help me with my mind
People think I’m insane
Because I am frowning all the time (come on out)
All day long I think of things
But nothing seems to satisfy
Think I’ll lose my mind
If I don’t find something to pacify
“Baba O’Riley” by The Who from Who’s Next (1971)
If you play this song at the highest volume, your neighbors WILL hate you. They may even sign a petition to get you kicked off the block. Not only is the opening synth (or whatever that is) a drill into the brain, but the guitars and drums are enough to make your skeleton want to exit your body. And then the vocals—lightning bolts from another dimension. Sings Roger Daltrey,
Out here in the fields
I farm for my meals
I get my back into my living
I don’t need to fight
To prove I’m right
I don’t need to be forgiven
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple from Machine Head (1973)
There’s a looming, brooding vibe this song brings at its very outset. Those guitar chords sound like a giant monster devil creature is walking toward you from up the road. Slowly, measured, and assured. You’re about to get got. And want to give that feeling to those living around you, well just pump this song at full volume and let Deep Purple consume the ears of those in your surroundings. Sings lead vocalist Ian Gillan,
We all came out to Montreux
On the Lake Geneva shoreline
To make records with a mobile, yeah
We didn’t have much time now
Frank Zappa and the Mothers
Were at the best place around
But some stupid with a flare gun
Burned the place to the ground
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky
(Smoke) on the water, you guys are great
Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images
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