Despite living in the age of streaming and satellite radio, sometimes it’s nice to switch over to the FM band, find your local classic rock station, and crank the volume, just for old time’s sake. The problem is, classic rock radio usually focuses on the same list of hit songs. This leaves so many great tunes gathering dust while “The Summer of ’69” plays for the third time in less than a day.
The issue is that, in the era of classic rock, bands were more focused on building cohesive albums than hammering out a few hit songs and a ton of filler. The bands in the list below have songs that are still in heavy rotation on the radio, but to hear the real gems, you’ll have to spin (or stream) the album.
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[RELATED: 4 Classic Rock Radio Hits From 1975 That Practically Disappeared Overnight]
“It Came Out of the Sky” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Songs from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s discography make up a good chunk of classic rock radio. “Proud Mary,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Down on the Corner” remain popular among DJs. However, their quality cuts don’t end there.
“It Came Out of the Sky” from their 1969 album Willy and the Poor Boys is a prime example. On the surface, it’s a humorous song about a farmer who becomes famous after something–probably a UFO–falls on his property. A closer look reveals some sharp social commentary.
“Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Let’s face it, if you want to hear “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Free Bird” or one of a handful of other Skynyrd songs, all you have to do is listen to classic rock radio for a few hours. Their output stays in heavy rotation, especially in the South. Unfortunately, though, one of their best songs gets little to no airplay.
“Tuesday’s Gone” is a heartbroken masterpiece that adds depth to their 1973 debut album.
3“Astronomy” by Blue Öyster Cult
Unfortunately, Blue Öyster Cult’s songs don’t get the love they deserve when it comes to classic rock radio. “Burnin’ for You” and “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” will pop up in rotation now and then. However, you’re probably never going to hear “Astronomy.”
Taken from their 1974 album Secret Treaties, this is more than a song. It’s a fantasy epic. That’s not all that keeps this one out of rotation, though. The shortest version of this wild tale clocks in at just under six and a half minutes. If you’ve never heard it, it’s worth a listen.
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British guitarist, singer and songwriter Mark Knopfler (left) plays a Schecter Stratocaster as his band, Dire Straits, including Hal Lindes (right), performs live in concert at Wembley Arena in London, England, July 1985. Dire Straits played twelve dates (between 4th July and 16th July) at the venue as part of their 'Brothers in Arms' Tour. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images) -
1990 MTV Video Music Awards (L-R) American musicians Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Joe Perry, Steven Tyler and Joey Kramer, of the American rock band Aerosmith, pose with their Moonman award backstage during the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California, September 6, 1990. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images) -
Richie Blackmore of Deep Purple, who recorded a classic rock album any dad would love to have. -
Queen – Freddie Mercury, Queen – Freddie Mercury (Photo by Brian Rasic/Getty Images) -
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Phil Collins (born in 1951), British actor and singer-songwriter, during a concert at Bercy. Paris (12th arrondissement), March 5, 1985. (Photo by Christian Rose/Roger Viollet via Getty Images)
