10 Modern Songs That Wouldn’t Feel Out of Place on a Classic Rock Radio Station

Classic rock may come from older decades, but its influence is still strong today. Many modern artists continue to use the same musical elements that shaped the genre, proving that the sound never truly disappeared. Even on today’s streaming platforms, classic tracks pull in millions of plays because listeners still connect with them. These songs are also being passed down to younger people, creating a steady link between generations.

Established artists like the Rolling Stones remain popular, showing that classic rock continues to guide new bands. Many musicians study these legends and blend their ideas with modern styles. What makes this even more interesting is that longtime bands also experiment with the classic feel, reminding fans of how timeless the genre’s sound can be.

10. DEAD MEADOW – “The Unhounded Now”

Album: Voyager To Voyager (2025)

DEAD MEADOW has been shaping psychedelic rock since 1998, often mixing in heavy metal themes and literary inspiration from writers like H.P. Lovecraft. Their 2025 album Voyager to Voyager included “The Unhounded Now,” a song that highlights some of their strongest qualities. It instantly stands out as one of the key tracks from the release.

The tune leans heavily on thick, distorted guitar tones that mirror the style of artists like Jimi Hendrix. “The guitar tones are everything you would expect from artists such as Jimi Hendrix.” The shifting colors in the music video enhance the hypnotic energy of the riffs, helping the song feel like a modern throwback.

9. The Black Keys – “Wild Child”

Album: Dropout Boogie (2022)

When the Black Keys released their 11th studio album in 2022, they joined the group of bands with long, consistent discographies. “Wild Child” became the standout single and earned two Grammy nominations, showing how well their blues-rock roots continue to resonate. The song’s upbeat feel also helped it connect with a wide audience.

Their mix of old-school influences and modern production keeps the energy high. The track blends a driving beat with a catchy chorus, staying light while still sounding grounded in classic rock. The music video adds humor by placing the duo in a chaotic school setting where nothing goes smoothly.

8. Greta Van Fleet – “Heat Above”

Album: The Battle at Garden’s Gate (2021)

Greta Van Fleet is known for embracing a style inspired by earlier eras, from their sound to their stage outfits. “Heat Above” shows how they keep classic rock alive in a modern setting. The song’s soaring vocals and warm production helped it earn strong attention from fans and critics.

Josh Kiszka’s high notes act as the center of the track, lifting the melody with ease. The music video uses a smoky, glowing atmosphere that adds a dated feel, further supporting their retro approach. The song climbed to number three on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, proving its lasting appeal.

7. Mayday Parade – “Thunder”

Album: Single Release (2022)

Mayday Parade is known for their emotional lyrics and softer melodies, which sometimes reflect the approach of classic bands like The Beatles. Their 2022 single “Thunder” is a strong example of this. The slow instrumental highlights the words, giving listeners space to focus on the mood of the track.

The style of the song draws from the same calm, reflective energy that U2 used in their early work. As the tune develops, it keeps familiar elements of classic rock ballads while bringing in the band’s own voice. It shows how older influences can still shape modern storytelling.

6. John Mayer – “Last Train Home”

Album: Sob Rock (2021)

John Mayer’s music has always carried an older spirit, whether through his guitar work or emotional songwriting. “Last Train Home,” from his 2021 album Sob Rock, continues this trend. Released as the fourth single, the song delivers a nostalgic ’80s feel that drew immediate comparisons to Toto.

“Many compared the ’80s style of this tune to artists such as Toto.” The song also includes vocals from Maren Morris, and the blend of voices adds a style that reminds many listeners of Fleetwood Mac’s harmonies. Its feature on The Bear helped introduce it to new audiences, proving its staying power.

5. Highly Suspect – “Summertime Voodoo”

Album: As Above, So Below (2024)

Highly Suspect has continually shaped their sound, aiming for something distinct while maintaining the energy of rock’s past. Their seven-minute track “Summertime Voodoo” reflects this approach. The length gives them space to experiment, creating a layered instrumental piece that shifts between moods.

The band also focuses on storytelling, a technique that many classic artists relied on. Some parts are sung, while others feel like spoken word, giving the track a dramatic tone. These choices help the song feel both new and rooted in the traditions of older rock music, showing how the group blends eras.

4. Fontaines D.C. – “Jackie Down the Line”

Album: Skinty Fia (2022)

“Jackie Down the Line,” the lead single from Fontaines D.C.’s third album, immediately drew attention for its familiar vintage tone. It became their first track to reach the Top 40 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Songs chart, marking an important moment for the band. The song uses a steady, tense rhythm that keeps listeners alert.

The production creates a thick, echoing sound that supports the lyrics. Its themes also connect with a wide audience, one reason it gained momentum. The music video uses simple lighting, older-style clothing, and muted colors, giving the entire presentation a feel inspired by earlier decades.

3. Dirty Honey – “California Dreamin’”

Album: Dirty Honey (2021)

Dirty Honey broke out in 2019 and followed up with their self-titled debut album in 2021. One of its standout tracks was “California Dreamin’,” a song about their home state. Writing about California has a long history in rock, so the band had big shoes to fill.

Their sound is often compared to Aerosmith, and this track helps show why. The vocals and guitar work reflect the classic rock spirit while keeping a fresh tone. The song’s music video also shows their retro-inspired style, matching the energy of the tune and highlighting why many view them as a modern revival.

2. Turnstile – “New Heart Design”

Album: Glow On (2021)

Turnstile has earned attention for their high-energy performances and genre-mixing style. While songs like “Blackout” and “Holiday” gained major popularity, “New Heart Design” also stands out. It demonstrates their ability to create moments that feel powerful both on record and on stage.

“They have a sound that makes people want to witness it in a live setting.” The band used concert footage in the music video to highlight this idea. Many classic acts relied on this strategy as well, showing how strong performances build a loyal fan base. The song’s upbeat nature makes it easy to imagine on a classic rock playlist.

1. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Eddie

Album: Return of the Dream Canteen (2022)

By the time the Red Hot Chili Peppers released “Eddie,” they had already explored many styles, learning what worked and what didn’t. Their early years were messy, but over time they shaped a sound that blended funk and rock in a way few bands could match. In 2022, they continued to grow with Return of the Dream Canteen, an album that showed how comfortable they are mixing old ideas with new ones.

“Eddie” stands out because it honors Eddie Van Halen, one of the most important names in classic rock. The track has a warm, emotional feel, carried by smooth guitar lines and a steady rhythm that echoes the ‘70s and ‘80s. It feels like the band reaching back to their influences while keeping their own identity. The song’s tone makes it easy to imagine on a classic rock station, proving how these sounds still connect today.