If you’re a fan of classic rock, you’re probably tuned into classic rock radio stations on the regular. If that sounds like you, you probably also know that there are a handful of iconic tunes that are still in heavy rotation today. We’d be bold enough to say that the following five songs will probably never stop playing on radio stations and playlists alike. Let’s dive into five classic rock songs that still rule the airwaves decades after they were released!
1. “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones
It doesn’t get more classic than “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones. This hit raga rock song was released way back in 1966, and it’s still heavily played on classic rock radio today. Mick Jagger’s vocals, that groovy rhythm, that sitar… it doesn’t get better than “Paint It Black”.
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2. “Hotel California” by Eagles
When one thinks of classic rock songs, one often thinks of “Hotel California” by Eagles almost immediately… even if you aren’t necessarily a classic rock fan. This 1976 rock song is Eagles’ most well-known track of their career, and we’re not exactly surprised. The songwriting here is next-level, and “Hotel California” has been used in quite a few soundtracks for film and television in the decades since it was released.
3. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is the karaoke song. Even if you weren’t around in 1975 when this iconic long-winded suite was released, you probably know at least some of the words to the song. This iconic track is still played on the radio constantly today. And it’s still known as one of few tracks in the prog-rock genre to make it to mainstream fame.
4. “Baba O’Riley” by The Who
No, it’s not called “Teenage Wasteland”. Confusing title and chorus focus aside, this 1971 song from The Who was a huge hit when it was first released. Not only will you hear this hard rock classic all the time on the radio, but it also has made it to virtually every “best songs of all time” list out there.
5. “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
“Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin is the definitive classic rock song of all classic rock songs. So, it only makes sense that many classic rock radio stations play it daily. It’s a hard hit to hate, honestly. “Stairway To Heaven” was released in 1971 to critical acclaim, and it’s still considered one of the greatest rock songs of the 20th century; if not of all time.
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