The 7 Biggest Rock Songs of 2025 So Far

Rock music in 2025 has been full of surprises. Veteran artists returned with unexpected ideas, while newer acts pushed their sound in bold directions. Some leaned into nostalgia, while others explored styles they once avoided. Together, these releases helped shape a year that has already delivered standout moments across generations.

Below are the seven songs making the strongest impact so far. Each track brings a different voice and mood, showing how wide today’s rock scene can be. From studio experiments to live cuts and long-awaited reunions, these songs highlight how creative the genre remains.

7. Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Morrison – “Gods of Rock N Roll”

From: The Morrison Project

Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Morrison finally gave new life to a song they wrote a decade ago. The earlier version appeared on Morrison’s God Shaped Hole, but Osbourne always believed it needed more weight. This updated take brings that missing scale, with Steve Stevens joining in to strengthen the arrangement and add edge where it counts.

Morrison rebuilt the track from the ground up, matching Osbourne’s original vision. The result is a larger, fuller recording that balances orchestral elements with thick guitar work. Osbourne joked it took ten years for Morrison to listen to him, but the wait paid off.

6. Jethro Tull – “Curious Ruminant”

From: Curious Ruminant

“Curious Ruminant” began without a title, but its reflective tone pushed Ian Anderson toward a name tied to self-searching. He felt the music represented his own need to explore ideas closely, leading him to extend that approach across the full album. The song sets the tone for the project with a calm but steady pace.

Anderson says this work moves away from his usual distance as a writer. Instead, he let the themes feel more personal. The song blends acoustic textures with subtle progressive turns, giving listeners a clear sense of the album’s overall direction and mindset.

5. The Darkness – “Walking Through Fire”

From: Dreams on Toast

The Darkness are known for humor and dramatic flair, but this album took on a more focused approach. Justin Hawkins hinted early that the material looked back at songs that shaped him, and parts of the record show that influence. “Walking Through Fire” stands out by channeling tight, hook-driven rock in a way that feels direct and confident.

Across this track, the band leans into sharp riffs and clean vocal lines rather than their usual theatrical style. It carries hints of classic power-pop energy while still feeling like modern Darkness. It’s familiar, but reframed with a clearer sense of purpose.

4. Dirty Honey – “When I’m Gone (Live)”

From: Mayhem and Revelry Live

Dirty Honey’s first live release captures why the band’s shows gained momentum worldwide. This version of “When I’m Gone” was recorded during their 2023–24 tour, and the crowd response becomes part of the performance. The band’s influences—AC/DC, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses—come through naturally in the way they attack each section.

The track also marks a milestone for the group. The original studio version made them the first unsigned act to hit No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Onstage, the song grows louder and faster, proving how much their sound thrives in front of an audience.

3. Ringo Starr – “Look Up”

From: Look Up

Ringo Starr joined forces with producer T Bone Burnett to create a song built around a steady, hopeful message. “Look Up” pairs simple imagery with a rhythm that moves without rushing. The lyrics encourage keeping an eye on brighter moments, and Starr’s familiar voice grounds the message with calm and clarity.

This track leads Starr’s first country-leaning album in decades. His natural vocal style fits smoothly with Burnett’s writing, giving the song the easy feel of a dusty road tune. It’s upbeat without being loud, offering something warm and encouraging in a straightforward package.

2. The Rolling Stones – “Zydeco Sont Pas Sales”

From: A Tribute to the King of Zydeco

The Rolling Stones revisited an influence many listeners might not expect from them. Their cover of Clifton Chenier’s classic honors the Louisiana musician’s centennial while bringing the band’s own touch to the groove. Mick Jagger has spoken often about how much Chenier shaped his view of blending blues with regional styles.

The Stones have crossed paths with Louisiana artists before, so this track fits naturally into their history. Their take keeps the song’s swing while adding classic Stones grit. It’s a respectful nod to a musician they long admired, delivered with loose, confident playing.

1. Alice Cooper – “Black Mamba”

From: The Revenge of Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper reunited his original band in the studio, giving this track a raw, in-the-room feel. “Black Mamba” formed during a warm-up jam that grew into a slithering riff. Cooper and the band shaped it into a full song centered on the dangerous tone suggested by its title. The idea emerged quickly, making the track feel instinctive.

The song also includes a guest appearance from Doors guitarist Robby Krieger. His playing adds a smoky edge that fits the song’s mood. As the lead single from the group’s first album together since 1973, “Black Mamba” shows how natural their chemistry remains.