Greatest Hard Rock Songs – Top 10 List (by VH1)
Last Updated: June 3, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)
VH1 is an authority in the music industry. They compiled a list of the greatest hard rock songs. We thought we would share the top 10.
What is the difference between rock and hard rock? Hard rock is a bit more angry singing, has a significant guitar interlude and has a faster tempo.
The hard rock songs span from the late 1960s through today. We wouldn’t argue with any song on the list.
Music groups that were popular in the 1970s when the songs were released include Van Halen (with David Lee Roth as the lead singer), and Aerosmith (with Steven Tyler as the lead singer.
He was also a featured judge on American Idol), The Who (Roger Daltrey as lead singer), and Black Sabbath (lead singer Ozzie Osbourne). Led Zeppelin closed out the 1960s with Whole Lotta Love (Robert Plant as lead singer). The 1980s included Motorhead (Ian Fraser Kilmister as lead singer), AC/DC (lead singer Bon Scott), and Guns N’ Roses (lead singer Axel Rose).
The list closes out with the 1990s bands Metallica (James Hetfield lead singer) and Nirvana (Curt Cobain as lead singer). We mention the lead singers in each band as they are very charismatic and are the featured artist in each band. Is there a hard rock song you would add to the list?
Spotify Hard Rock Playlist
Best Hard Rock Songs List
Welcome To The Jungle – Guns N Roses
1987, Appetite for Destruction
Rock
In the jungle, welcome to the jungle
Feel my, my, my, my serpentine
Back In Black – AC/DC
1980, Back in Black
Rock
Well, I’m back in black
Yes, I’m back in black
Back in the back
Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin
1969, Led Zeppelin II
Rock
A-way, way down inside
A-honey you need-ah
I’m gonna give you my love
Paranoid – Black Sabbath
1970, Paranoid
Rock
I need someone to show me the things in life that I can’t find
I can’t see the things that make true happiness, I must be blind
Enter Sandman – Metallica
1991, Metallica
Rock
Exit light
Enter night
Take my hand
We’re off to Never Neverland
Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who
1971, Who’s Next
Rock
Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
We don’t get fooled again, no, no
Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
1991, Nevermind
Grunge
And for this gift I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end
Walk This Way – Aerosmith
1975, Toys in the Attic
Rock
It wasn’t me she was foolin
‘Cause she knew what was she was doin’
When she told me how to walk this way
Runnin’ With The Devil – Van Halen
1978, Van Halen
Rock
God damn it lady, you know I ain’t lying to ya
I’m only gonna tell you one time
Yes I am
Ace of Spades – Motorhead
1980, Ace of Spades
Rock
I see it in your eyes, take one look and die
The only thing you see, you know it’s gonna be the Ace of Spades
Have a song you think should be on our list of greatest hard rock songs list? Please share your thoughts below.