Regardless of whether or not you’re a diehard classic rock fan, there are probably a few tunes from that era that you’d kill to hear again for the first time. Hearing an incredible song for the first time is a transcendent experience that some would say rewired their brains and changed them as people. Let’s dive into six songs that classic rock fans would give anything to hear again for the very first time!
1. “Baba O’Riley” by The Who
Comedian Joe Pera famously depicted what it was like to hear “Baba O’Riley” for the first time on the show Joe Pera Talks With You. It was a humorous bit, but it wasn’t that far off from reality for a lot of The Who fans. For many, that song’s introduction to radiowaves was the first time they had heard The Who in 1971. It’s an addictive tune with enduring listening power today.
Videos by American Songwriter
2. “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix
Many Jimi Hendrix fans could agree that the 1967 release of “Purple Haze”, as well as Are You Experienced as a whole, turned them onto the late great guitarist. The track is Hendrix at his guitar-shredding best. It’s still an incredible song to listen to today, even if you aren’t under the influence of psychedelic substances.
3. “Whole Lotta Love” Led Zeppelin
This wouldn’t be a list of classic rock songs that fans would do anything to hear for the first time again without mentioning at least one Led Zeppelin track. The band, as a whole, was incredibly influential in the late 1960s and 1970s. “Whole Lotta Love” was the opener of the 1969 album Led Zeppelin II, and it’s one of the most memorable tracks from the entire album.
4. “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd
The Wall is a legendary piece of work. There are a number of songs on that 1979 album that entranced listeners, including both established fans and first-time listeners. However, “Comfortably Numb” is particularly epic. It’s undeniably classic rock, but it’s also psychedelic, rich in guitar solos, and a little terrifying.
[See Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour Live On Tour]
5. “Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones have produced a number of songs through the years that classic rock fans would love to hear for the first time again. However, “Sympathy For The Devil” makes this list because it was the Stones at their most powerful. It’s sloppy, energetic, feral, and unique for its time. It wasn’t a hit like “Satisfaction”. But on an artistic level, it is quite special.
6. “The Boys Are Back In Town” by Thin Lizzy
“The Boys Are Back In Town” by Thin Lizzy is one of the biggest earworms on this list. Nowadays, party songs are very overproduced and lean more towards pop and electronica. But back in 1976, nothing got a crowd going quite like the roaring guitar and vocals of this particular song.
Photo by Dezo Hoffman/Shutterstock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.