3 Timeless Songs You Won’t Hear on Classic Rock Radio

Despite living in the age of streaming and satellite radio, sometimes it’s nice to switch over to the FM band, find your local classic rock station, and crank the volume, just for old time’s sake. The problem is, classic rock radio usually focuses on the same list of hit songs. This leaves so many great tunes gathering dust while “The Summer of ’69” plays for the third time in less than a day.

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The issue is that, in the era of classic rock, bands were more focused on building cohesive albums than hammering out a few hit songs and a ton of filler. The bands in the list below have songs that are still in heavy rotation on the radio, but to hear the real gems, you’ll have to spin (or stream) the album.

[RELATED: 4 Classic Rock Radio Hits From 1975 That Practically Disappeared Overnight]

“It Came Out of the Sky” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Songs from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s discography make up a good chunk of classic rock radio. “Proud Mary,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Down on the Corner” remain popular among DJs. However, their quality cuts don’t end there.

“It Came Out of the Sky” from their 1969 album Willy and the Poor Boys is a prime example. On the surface, it’s a humorous song about a farmer who becomes famous after something–probably a UFO–falls on his property. A closer look reveals some sharp social commentary.

“Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Let’s face it, if you want to hear “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Free Bird” or one of a handful of other Skynyrd songs, all you have to do is listen to classic rock radio for a few hours. Their output stays in heavy rotation, especially in the South. Unfortunately, though, one of their best songs gets little to no airplay.

“Tuesday’s Gone” is a heartbroken masterpiece that adds depth to their 1973 debut album.

3“Astronomy” by Blue Öyster Cult

Unfortunately, Blue Öyster Cult’s songs don’t get the love they deserve when it comes to classic rock radio. “Burnin’ for You” and “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” will pop up in rotation now and then. However, you’re probably never going to hear “Astronomy.”

Taken from their 1974 album Secret Treaties, this is more than a song. It’s a fantasy epic. That’s not all that keeps this one out of rotation, though. The shortest version of this wild tale clocks in at just under six and a half minutes. If you’ve never heard it, it’s worth a listen.

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