Throughout the years of my short life thus far, many different things about individual people have interested, concerned, and even amazed me. But one thing that I find to be the most interesting aspect of the human psyche is the choice of music. Music has always been a personal passion of mine, and the fact that most people have no idea the history, the passion, the pure talent of some of the greatest musicians ever simply slays me. This, and the fact that I could write about music all day long has motivated me to educate the masses, and compile a list of the ten greatest rock bands of all time. Let me remind you before I get started that this list will only contain collective bands, as in groups of people, and will not contain any solo artists or duets, Let me also tell you that this list is purely and solely my personal opinion, but it is an educated and experienced opinion.
Coming in at number ten on my list of Greatest Rock Bands of all Time has to be Queen. Along with having some of the most memorable baselines and guitar riffs, Queen has at least in my opinion the single greatest lead singer of all time. Freddie Mercury has a voice that could very well have had a very successful solo career himself. “Bohemian Rhapsody” displays Mercury’s talent like no other song, and without Freddie it is very likely that Queen does not make the cut.
Number nine on the list is the ever youthful Beastie Boys. They have withstood the test of time with their new album, and they sound better than ever. There is really no other reason to put them on the list other than the simple reason that their music is fun to listen to and it sounds good. It is understood that they don’t play any instruments, but with the music they put together they don’t have to.
Coming in at number eight are the icons of the south. Lynrd Skynrd is a band that is now simultaneous with the song “Sweet Home Alabama” but their depth is much greater than one song. With a rock resume of songs that include; “That Smell”, “Simple Man”, “Gimme Three Steps”, and of course the ultimate encore experience, “Freebird”, It is quite easy to understand why these demy gods from the south made the cut.
Number seven honors reside with the band of my youth, and by far the greatest thing to ever happen to the 90’s. After bursting on the scene with their self-titled album in the early 90’s, Korn has been making some of the most revolutionary music in rock today. They are without a doubt today the reigning king of all contemporary hard rock bands, and that is an understatement. They even put out an extremely high selling album this year with such singles are “Coming Undone”, and “Twisted Transistor”. Without a doubt Korn is my favorite hard rock band of all time, and I know several thousand people that will agree.
No other punk band in the history of music has made me whip out the old air Gibson more than the immortal Misfits. The misfits come from a meager background with only one objective in mind, to make your stomach cringe. To say that the Misfits has risqué lyrics is one of the biggest understatements I have ever heard. Their creepy riffs paired with the lyrics and the archetypical punk voice of Glen Danzig is the formula for the best punk band ever assembled. That is why I dub the Misfits the fifth best band of all time.
Okay, so the fourth best band of all time is actually a tie. Listen, this is my list, so I can cheat if I want to. Splitting the fourth place honors are the immortal Doors, and giants of the British invasion, The Who. No other front man in rock history has the mysterious iconic aura of the Lizard King. Jim Morrison pioneered what a lead singer should personify. The tragedy of his death wrecked the hearts of millions of Doors fans, and although I do find Ray Manzerek and his organ to be quite annoying, the Doors are fully deserving of fourth place honors. The Who are simply amazing. In my opinion Keith Moon was absolutely the most talented drummer to ever walk the face of the earth. The Who’s powerful beats and complicated guitar riffs make for, without a doubt, one of the best bands of all time.
Some people would say that Lynrd Skynrd are the pioneers of Southern rock. These people are absolutely wrong. If anyone ever tells you this, smack them in the face and throw a CCR CD on. Creedence Clearwater Revival comes in at number three for very good reason. These good old Louisiana boys sure know how to put together some timeless music. Before there was Ike and Tina, John Foggerty Slayed the masses with his original version of “Proud Mary”. CCR’s rendition of Marvin Gaye’s timeless hit “Heard it Through the Grapevine” still remains one of my favorite songs of all time. Put those two amazing titles together with such songs as ‘Down on the Corner”, “Fortunate Son”, and “Bad Moon Rising” and without a doubt you will end up with the third greatest band of all time.
The distinction between number two on my list and number one was the single hardest decision that I have personally ever made. Okay, probably not, but it was still an amazingly hard decision, but I do believe that I came to the right conclusion. The second greatest rock band of all time is Led Zeppelin. Zeppelin burst onto the scene in America, and they never looked back. Robert Plant is the best singer to ever come out of England, and paired with one of the greatest guitarists ever in Jimmy Page, Zeppelin is without a doubt an icon of hard rock history. “Stairway to Heaven” is still viewed as one of the greatest rock songs of all time, and so isn’t a great deal of their other songs. With Plant’s soothing voice, and Page’s screaming guitar riffs, I believe that I can safely say that Led Zeppelin equals legend.
Okay, so you must holding your breath in anticipation of what the greatest rock band of all time could possibly be. Hello? Dark Side of the Moon anyone? that’s right, Pink Floyd is the holy grail of the music world. If you have never heard the live version of “Comfortably Numb” off of “Pulse”, then you haven’t lived yet. David Gilmour and Roger Waters both have the ability to make their guitars absolutely wail, cry, and scream. Roger Waters lyrics are a tribute to mankind, and he performs them with the most heart that any front man will ever deliver. Pink Floyd not only is the greatest rock band of all time, but they also composed what to me is essentially the perfect album. Released in 1973, “Dark Side of the Moon” from start to finish isn’t music. Dark Side of the Moon is a journey, it is a momentary release from reality. I could rant and rave forever defending them, but the fact of the matter remains, no other band in rock history has even come close to the status of Pink Floyd.
Well there you have it. My personally compiled list of the ten greatest rock bands of all time. I am sure you disagree, because I myself have read many peoples lists of the greatest bands, and have wanted to tear my hair out every time. I also thank you for reading my compilation and hoped you enjoyed my analysis. Keep on Shreddin’ y’all!
