Top 10 Rock Anthems

While the fast-paced and rebellious “My Generation” could’ve also worked, we picked the more experimental hard rocker “Baba O’Riley” for number ten. With its unforgettable synthesizer opening, violin solo and soulful vocals, it’s often considered one of The Who’s best. And thanks to the repetition of the phrase “teenage wasteland,” the song has brought adolescents together in celebration for decades.

#9: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965) The Rolling Stones

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After conceiving this song’s now-famous riff in a dream, Keith Richards teamed up with Mick Jagger to compose this sexually charged number. On the strength of its guitar sound, and lyrics that truly spoke to a generation, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” became the Rolling Stones’ first American chart-topper. Meanwhile, Jaggers’ versatile vocal delivery attracted fans around the world and has us coming back for more over and over again.

#8: “Eye of the Tiger” (1982) Survivor

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For its distinctive guitar riff and motivational lyrics, “Rocky III”’s theme song makes our list. Not only is the Survivor tune used in the film during a montage of Rocky Balboa’s multiple boxing victories, it’s also a chart-topping hard rocker that “rises up to the challenge of its rivals.” Whether you’re working out, at a show or hanging out in your bedroom, there’s just nothing that’ll pump you up like “Eye of Tiger.”

#7: “Don’t Stop Believin’” (1981) Journey

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You’d be hard pressed to find a rock fan who doesn’t recognize the keyboard riff that opens this Journey power ballad. The top 10 ‘80s hit is now the best-selling rock song in digital history. While multiple sports teams have adopted the song thanks to its anthemic nature and catchy lyrics, it’s the track’s use in pop culture and motivating lyrics that’ve really got us “holding on to that feelin’.”

#6: “Pride (In the Name of Love)” (1984) U2

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While the clanging guitars and military-inspired beat of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” make it hard to forget, it’s U2’s sonic tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. that lands here. Thanks to a combination of rock and post-punk elements, bolstered by meaningful lyrics and a memorable melody, “Pride” showcased Bono’s incredible vocal range and the band’s musical chemistry. But it’s the number’s power and inspiring lyrics that nabbed the band their first American top forty track and has us singing along every time.

Though an acoustic arrangement of this Freedom track has been released, it’s obviously the electric version of “Rockin’ in the Free World” that lands here. Written and produced by Neil Young, this politically charged track has the Canadian singer-songwriter displaying his electrifying guitar skills. Though its chorus has become associated with the fall of communism, we love it because it still rocks hard and loud today.

The title track to Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. was the singer-songwriter’s third top ten American single from his seventh studio album. With its heartland rock style and socio-political lyrics, the song has become a Springsteen classic. But it’s “Born in the U.S.A.”’s rousing chorus, memorable synthesizer riff and blasting drums, that have made it one of his most well-known tracks.

This Mars Bonfire-penned track was originally conceived as a ballad. That obviously didn’t pan out and boy, are we glad it didn’t. By speeding things up and adding a blast of drums and guitar, Steppenwolf brought out our wild sides and earned a number two hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the process. It also had us “looking for adventure” and wanting to “take the world in a love embrace.”