10 Good Songs From Terrible Rock Bands

Rock legends abound, but some bands never achieved widespread success and faced harsh criticism. Here, we compile a list of 10 good songs from bands that, despite their talent, didn’t make it big and received negative reviews.

The Sonics’ “Strychnine”
The Sonics had a clear vision: their music needed to be fast, hard, and dirty. They employed unorthodox recording techniques to achieve this, creating an aggressive and extreme sound that set them apart from other garage bands of their time.

Count Five’s “Psychotic Reaction”
Count Five epitomized the fleeting nature of ’60s rock bands. They managed to release a single album and enjoy a brief moment in the spotlight, thanks to the success of their hit “Psychotic Reaction.”

The Electric Prunes’s “I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)”
During their short-lived career from 1965 to 1970, The Electric Prunes released five albums, underwent numerous lineup changes, and even modified their name. Their most memorable contribution remains their self-titled debut album, highlighted by the hit “I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night).”

Love’s “A House Is Not A Motel”
Although overlooked at the time of its release, Love’s “A House Is Not A Motel” from their masterpiece has become a gem of the 1967 Summer of Love. The song is powerful, nuanced, and profoundly moving, deserving a special place in music history.

The 13th Floor Elevators’ “You’re Gonna Miss Me”
The origins of psychedelic rock are murky, but The 13th Floor Elevators’ The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators stands as an early and clear reference. “You’re Gonna Miss Me” is a standout track, pushing the boundaries of garage rock with its distinctive psychedelic touch.

U2’s “With or Without You”
U2’s “With or Without You” is a powerful track that resonated worldwide. Its explosive impact made it an instant classic, making the song a U2 mark in rock history.

The Police’s “Every Breath You Take”
“Every Breath You Take” is a song almost everyone knows. It’s the track that etched Sting and The Police into the annals of music history, despite the band’s other numerous hits.

KISS’s “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”
“I Was Made For Lovin’ You” marked KISS’s venture into disco music. The infectious bass line, seductive hum, and universal chorus allowed KISS to break out of the heavy metal niche and achieve pop crossover success.

Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the U.K.”
The Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the U.K.” stands as a revolutionary track, despite debates over their British authenticity. The song’s defiant sound and message secured their place in music history, representing a bold departure from the norm.

The Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry”
Originally released as a single in 1979 and later included in the U.S. version of their debut album, Boys Don’t Cry by The Cure is a classic. Despite facing criticism for their lack of evolution, the song remains a beloved staple of their early work.