4 Rock Songs That Refuse To Be Background Music

Some songs can easily fade into the background. They can work for any occasion—a party, a carpool, or a solo listening session. Then, some songs demand attention. The four rock songs below couldn’t possibly be background music, no matter how hard you tried.

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[RELATED: 3 Self-Referential Classic Rock Songs From the 1960s We Still Love]

“Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne

You couldn’t ignore the yell Ozzy Osbourne delivered at the beginning of “Crazy Train.” His train conductor intro is as in-your-face as it gets, leaving listeners with a lasting impression for decades.

While the intro is this rock song’s shining moment, the rest of the track is boisterous and confrontational. It sums up The Prince of Darkness’ singular persona and attitude, making this song an apt memorial for Osbourne’s legacy.

“We Will Rock You” by Queen

Queen’s “We Will Rock You” is addictive—Pavlovian levels of addiction. You have to join in on the “stom-stomp-clap” rhythm of this song like any other instinct. This song can’t be a background song because of its audience participation.

Nothing about listening to this song is passive. It’s become a staple at sporting events and other crowded affairs for a reason. Even when this song is secondary to some other entertainment, it manages to steal the spotlight, at least for a moment.

“Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses

The opening riff of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is one of the most instantly recognizable riffs in rock history. The nostalgia factor of this hit won’t let you ignore it when it comes on. Something clicks in all of our brains when this rock song is played. Even if you claim not to like it, your ears perk up.

The chorus is similarly infectious. Good luck not singing along to the title phrase when Axl Rose does. It’s survived as a pop crossover hit for so long for a reason. That reason is that no one can ignore it, no matter how hard they try.

“Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi

In a similar vein, Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer” is karaoke fodder. Almost every generation of listeners since this rock song’s release has been infatuated with the anthemic chorus Bon Jovi delivered here.

Even if this song faded into the background a bit, there would always be a small part of you that jams along to this Bon Jovi hit. A foot may tap. You may hum. Either way, this song will never truly be background music.

(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)