Top 10 Songs That Launched Legendary Bands
#10: “Light My Fire” (1967)
The Doors
After their hit “Break On Through (To the Other Side),” this tune was even bigger. It’s one in a string of classic rockers from The Doors. Complete with an exciting intro and tight grooves, “Light My Fire” is a perfect encapsulation of the band’s greatness. The track also includes the dynamic lyrics and vocal stylings of Jim Morrison. Ray Manzarek’s hands give the composition another edge, while Robby Krieger’s guitar is worth a shoutout. The group’s relatively short output can be traced back to successes like this one. Their number-one hit put them in the spotlight, with the four-piece becoming psychedelic icons soon after.
#9: “Take It Easy” (1972)
Eagles
You might love them or hate them, but you can’t deny their success. The Eagles arrived as a unit ready to hit the big time. Their first album includes one of their most enduring hits, powered by great hooks and notable storytelling. The song is co-written by bandmate Glenn Frey and rock legend Jackson Browne. Together, they bring a specificity to the overall experience. It’s a novelistic tale that blends the best country writing with a rock vibe. In their first years as a band, they already had a song to help carry them through their biggest decade. “Take It Easy” is still recognized by audiences today as something of a standard.
#8: “Enter Sandman” (1991)
Metallica
This might be a controversial choice given the long history of Metallica. They slayed audiences in the 1980s as a thrash metal outfit, with some really great songs like Master of Puppets and Fade to Black, but the mainstream crowd didn’t always connect with them. Their self-titled record came out in 1991 and made them even bigger. With the song “Enter Sandman,” the band was able to capitalize on their roots and deliver something for the masses. Purists might think it’s too popular or distracts from their deeper work. Ultimately, you can’t deny that this Billboard top-twenty hit reshaped their career. It’s also a furious production that stands as a quality recording.
#7: “Creep” (1992)
Radiohead
Despite their impressive career since then, Radiohead is still associated with this 1992 song. “Creep” was their first single and later ended up on their debut album “Pablo Honey.” The hit song lives on as an angsty anthem, with distorted guitars and Thom Yorke’s signature falsetto. They got off to an amazing start with an engaging track. Finding the outcast in all of us, the lyrics provide a compelling template for an emotional ride. It’s rare that a group is so successful right out of the gate. In the alternative world, the band gave audiences a song that feels grungy and refreshing at the same time. It struck a chord with listeners, went platinum, and made the musicians ones to watch.
#6: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991)
Nirvana
It’s the most recognizable song for one of the 1990s greatest bands. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was a major force in mainstreaming grunge, making Nirvana one of the top groups of the early decade. The track helped turn their album “Nevermind” into a massive success and pulled focus to other alternative acts from Washington. Kurt Cobain’s generational talent combined personal songwriting, a punk attitude, and pop hooks. The singer and his bandmates came ready to play, creating a radio staple that wowed audiences of all kinds. This single made the trio icons that influenced the next phase of rock music.
#5: “I Can’t Explain” (1964)
The Who
Before their louder and more intense work in the 1970s, The Who staked a claim for rock dominance with this track. “I Can’t Explain” came out during a defining period in pop music and put the band among contemporaries like The Beatles and The Kinks. The garage rock feel also provided a less-polished and grittier feeling that made the record more energetic. With a top-ten hit on the UK Singles chart, the group were well on their way to releasing future classics like “My Generation.” All it took was some catchy songwriting from Pete Townshend and the work of his excellent bandmates.
#4: “Paranoid” (1970)
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath was integral in making heavy metal a reality. Their first several albums created a foundation for the genre, with “Paranoid” being one prime example of their sound. The latter song did especially well in their home country, while also shaking up the charts around the world. It’s still one of their most popular tracks and even performed better worldwide than works like “Iron Man.” Tony Iommi’s guitar parts likely inspired a host of imitators, creating a legion of metal players over the next few decades. Ozzy Osbourne also created a gritty performance style that made him a legend. Along with the incredible work of Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, the original quartet were going places after this second-album single.
#3: “Whole Lotta Love” (1969)
Led Zeppelin
As rock got harder and heavier, Led Zeppelin helped spearhead a new sound for the genre. They impressed audiences with their first album and kicked it up a notch for their second. “Whole Lotta Love” represented another stage in the evolution, with Jimmy Page’s crunchy riff leading things off. It starts off their sophomore record with a huge bang. With countries around the world taking notice of it, the single elevated the intensity and universality of awesome rock. Robert Plant’s towering voice only compliments the hard-hitting grooves of an all-star rhythm section. After you hear it, you’ll know why Zeppelin became synonymous with cool.
#2: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)
The Rolling Stones
In rock history, few riffs are as noteworthy. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is among the band’s signature songs for that reason and more. The lyrics are also iconic for their provocative themes. This song saw success as a single in 1965, with a major response in both the United Kingdom and America. The track could be seen as a turning point on multiple levels. On the tail of bands like The Beatles, this tune helped set the act apart with their more counter-cultural and raw style. They bring an attitude that feels especially groundbreaking for a more clean-cut era. Keith Richards hits you with his guitar, while Mick Jagger’s sassy vocal charms you even more.
#1: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1963)
The Beatles
It’s nearly impossible to boil this band’s legacy down to one hit. The Beatles are often considered the best for a reason, but there was a time when they weren’t atop Mount Olympus yet. Their early catalog included a promising debut album and singles like “Love Me Do.” “I Want to Hold Your Hand” was a track that combined their pop and early rock influences together. Unsurprisingly, the song took the charts by storm. It was one of the songs the band played on their career-defining visit to America in 1964. Thanks in no small part to this tune, Beatlemania became a well-known and contagious condition.
Did we forget another career-altering song from a legendary act? Let us know in the comments below.
