10 Classic Rock Songs That Would Still Be Hits Today

Everyone knows that one parent or grandparent who swears music hit its peak in the ’70s—when classic rock ruled the world. They might be a little biased, but hey, they’re not totally wrong. Some of those old-school anthems are just as powerful now as they were back in the day.

Here are 10 classic rock tracks that still sound fresh, loud, and legendary—no matter what decade you’re in.

10. “Lola” – The Kinks
Released in 1970, “Lola” pushed boundaries with a bold story about a romance involving a trans woman—something rarely heard in pop music at the time. While it may not hit today’s standards for political correctness, it still holds up as a gutsy, unforgettable tune. Its mix of cheeky lyrics, catchy hooks, and that unmistakable vintage rock groove makes it feel surprisingly current. If it dropped today, it’d be right at home in a modern indie or alt-rock playlist.

9. “All the Way from Memphis” – Mott the Hoople
Long before bands like Brand New sang about the struggles of touring, Mott the Hoople dropped this fun, frustrated anthem about losing a guitar on the road. While it probably wouldn’t take a month to track down missing gear today, the chaos of touring is still super relatable. With its piano-driven groove and gritty storytelling, the song could easily fit into the modern rock scene. Hand it to someone like Kings of Leon or Mumford & Sons, and it’d still sound like a hit.

8. “Rock & Roll” – The Velvet Underground
Songs about how music saves your soul never go out of style, and “Rock & Roll” nails that feeling perfectly. Lou Reed tells the story of hearing rock music on the radio for the first time and feeling like his whole world just cracked open. It’s a reminder of how one great song can totally change your life. And honestly, it wouldn’t have to stay a rock track—this one could easily be flipped into a hip-hop version and still hit hard. A lot of Lou Reed’s work would, actually.

7. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” – The Clash
If any old-school punk band could slide right into today’s scene, it’s The Clash. Unlike some of their louder, rawer peers, they had sharp lyrics, tight musicianship, and a style that still feels fresh. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” has that perfect mix of catchy hooks and attitude that modern alt-rock fans would eat up. Hand it over to a new punk band—maybe The Interrupters or White Lung—and it’d be an instant hit. One gritty guitar strum, and they’d have the crowd in the palm of their hands.

6. “Instant Karma” – John Lennon
Let’s be honest—while The Beatles are legends, their classic sound might not vibe with today’s charts. But John Lennon’s solo track “Instant Karma” is a whole different story. With its raw energy, catchy chorus, and message about accountability, this one could totally land today. Picture someone like Sam Smith or Ed Sheeran dropping a bold, soulful version—it’d blow up. The song’s punchy rhythm and sharp lyrics feel timeless, and with the right voice behind it, “Instant Karma” could make a serious comeback in a whole new era.

5. “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” – T. Rex
T. Rex nailed the cool-before-it-was-cool sound way back in the early ’70s with “Bang a Gong (Get It On).” Its groovy beat, slick guitar riffs, and glam rock swagger still hit just right. With today’s love for retro-inspired pop-rock—think The Black Keys or Fitz and the Tantrums—this track would fit right in on the Top 40. Its mix of funk, dance vibes, and catchy hooks could easily make it the lead single on a modern album. Some songs just never go out of style, and this is one of them.

4. “Fame” – David Bowie
Now imagine St. Vincent stepping onstage and tearing into David Bowie’s “Fame.” The funky groove, the sharp edge, the sly commentary—it’s a match made in art-pop heaven. Honestly, just about any Bowie song could be reimagined by today’s offbeat artists, but “Fame” feels tailor-made for a modern spin. Whether it’s St. Vincent, Beck, or even someone like Billie Eilish, the song’s mix of cool weirdness and biting wit would still sound fresh and fearless today.

3. “Gloria” – Patti Smith
Sure, Patti Smith didn’t write “Gloria,” but let’s be real—her version is the one that hits hardest. Raw, poetic, and bold, Smith transformed the Van Morrison original into a gritty anthem of rebellion. That opening line—“Jesus died for somebody’s sins, but not mine”—still feels like a punch in the gut, in the best way. Today’s rockers with edge and soul (think Angel Olsen or Phoebe Bridgers) could totally revive it and turn it into something powerful all over again. This kind of fearless, fiery energy never goes out of style.

2. “Like a Rolling Stone” – Bob Dylan
Every year, there’s a new folky singer-songwriter who gets hyped as the “next Bob Dylan”—and let’s be honest, that’s a pretty tall order. But if one of them could pull off a Dylan classic, “Like a Rolling Stone” would be the ultimate test. It’s sharp, emotional, and unapologetically honest. Someone like Conor Oberst could totally give it a fresh spin—he’s got the charm, the heartbreak, and just enough attitude to make it feel raw and real all over again.

1. “Gimme Shelter” – The Rolling Stones
You could pick almost any classic Rolling Stones track and it’d still hit hard today, but “Gimme Shelter” is next-level timeless. That gritty, bluesy rock vibe? It’s everywhere right now—just ask fans of Alabama Shakes or Black Keys. Mick and Keith perfected that raw edge decades ago, and plenty of today’s “original” acts are really just borrowing from their playbook. If a rising band dropped “Gimme Shelter” today, it’d still sound fresh—and probably top every rock playlist out there.