13 Songs That Totally ROCK 🤘

Reading Time: 13 min read

13 Songs That Totally ROCK features music courtesy of Bailey Zimmerman, Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton, George McCrae, and Lil Uzi Vert.

Prepare to ROCK TF out, peeps! That’s right, this playlist right here, 13 Songs That Totally ROCK , focuses on the word, rock. It is worth noting that rock can be used in various contexts, hence why this is NOT a list exclusively comprised of rock (the style) songs. Confusing? Maybe, but there’s something for everybody on 13 Songs That Totally ROCK , which features music courtesy of Bailey Zimmerman, Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton, George McCrae, and Lil Uzi Vert among others. So, without further ado, let’s F N rock out !

1. Hues Corporation, “Rock the Boat” 

  Freedom for the Stallion • Sony Music Entertainment • 1973 

“So, I’d like to know where you got the notion / Said I’d like to know where you got the notion / To…” QUESTION: Can you fill in the next line? If you responded with “Rock the Boat” you were totally correct.  “Rock the Boat” marked the biggest hit by trio Hues Corporation comprised originally of Hubert Ann Kelley, Fleming Williams, and Bernard “St. Clair Lee” Henderson. Because this gold certified, no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 is the best-known single by the band, it is assumed they are a one-hit wonder. WRONG! Hues Corporation would strike gold again with “Rockin’ Soul” which peaked at no. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. But our focus is on the infectious “Rock the Boat,” one of the truly infectious, beloved disco/soul gems of the 1970s which appears on the collective’s Freedom for the Stallion.

The chorus is the biggest selling point, period (“Rock the boat / Don’t tip the boat over / Rock the boat / Don’t rock the boat, baby / Rock the boat”). Besides the ear catching chorus, the production and sound of the recording is a vibe.  Groovy from the onset featuring colorful orchestration (horns and strings), the minute the DJ turns this one on, you’re ready to head to the dance floor – the discotheque calls your name ! Beyond the chorus, the verses yield an enjoyable, memorable listening experience as well (“Ever since our voyage of love began / Your touch has thrilled me / Like the rush of the wind”).  The vocals are elite, the melodies tuneful, and there’s a sense of pleasantry.  The pre-chorus… or bridge (of sorts) is one of the distinct parts of this song, separating itself from the other sections (“Our love is like a ship on the ocean…”).  All told, “Rock the Boat” is a bop for all-time, baby!

Appears in : 

2. Lil Uzi Vert, “Just Wanna Rock”  

Pink Tape • Generation Now / Atlantic • 2023

“Damn / Damn / (MC, make another hit) Whoa / This ain’t what you want (Project-Project X) / This ain’t what you want / This ain’t what you want.” WOO… methinks… Anyways, Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Uzi Vert is truly one of a kind.  They do their own thing on “Just Wanna Rock,” the promo single from their 2023 LP, Pink Tape. Best described as an experimental trap cut with club elements (this is one you just have to hear), “Just Wanna Rock” runs just two minutes in change.  The energy from Lil Uzi Vert is turned up as they spit over malicious synths, minor key production ( McVertt and Synthetic), and a hard-hitting beat.  Do they say much in their rhymes? Absolutely not! “I just wanna rock, body-ody, yeah (Shake it down) / Shawty got that body-ody, ah, ah, ah (Shake it down),” they rap in the sole verse, adding, “Hit it once, no ties (Shake it-shake it) / How the fuck you gon’ kill my vibe?” Perhaps the most colorful moment of his performance is the repeated, “Buh, buh, buh, buh(s)” in the outro. “Just Wanna Rock” is, um, interesting!

Appears in : 

13 Songs You Don’t WANNA Miss (2023)

3. Dolly Parton, “Rockstar”

Rockstar • Butterfly / Big Machine • 2023

“I’m a rockstar (rockstar) / They say if you can dream, you can have it, so I play / I play / Rockstar.” Rock on ! “Rockstar” commences Rockstar, the 49th studio album, and first rock album by iconic musician, Dolly Parton. After her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Parton recorded the lengthy, star-studded rock album. On “Rockstar,” she remains true to self – that signature country twang remains front and center. Still, she embraces being a rock star on this original, which features guitaring and background vocals from Richie Sambora. The songwriting is fun, rebellious, and exemplifies dreaming of becoming a rockstar. “A teenage dreamer, dreaming one day I could be a star / I close my door, turn on my amp, and plug in my guitar,” she sings in the first verse. In the second, she asserts, “Dad storms in my room, unplugs my amp, and starts his bitchin’ / But to their sorrow, I’ll just do the same dang thing tomorrow.” Woo! She adds to the chorus [excerpted at the top of this blurb], “I stand before my mirror, play and sing and dream, someday / I’ll be standing in the lights, selling shows out every night / Have ‘em dancing in the aisles, I’ll be famous / I’ll be a rockstar.” Indeed, indeed! All told, “Rockstar” kicks off Rockstar with ample fierceness! Horns up !

4. LMFAO, “Party Rock Anthem” (Ft. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock)

Sorry for Party Rocking • Interscope • 2011

Three words: “Everyday I’m shuffling.” Oh, yeah! LMFAO had quite a successful run in 2011. “Party Rock Anthem” from their album, Sorry for Party Rocking, spent six weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. That’s success right there. Furthermore, it’s not all just the laughing my fucking ass off by Redfoo and Sky Blue. They get the assist from Lauren Bennett and GoonRock on this diamond certified single. So, what makes “Party Rock Anthem” the sugar honey iced tea? The production (Redfoo and Listenbee) goes a long way, with its heavy, hard-hitting, dance beat, and electrifying, exuberant synths that hit you right in the chest like POW . The backdrop is colorful. Even more than a decade after its arrival, it still gives off fresh vibes. The bars are mid (they go stupid) but that’s part of the charm of this gargantuan hit from the collective. A prime example, courtesy of Sky Blue: “Booty moving weight like she on the block.” Word. Also, Redfoo asserts, “On the rise to the top, no Led in our Zeppelin.” There’s a blend of rapping and singing, which, believe it or not, is far more common in today’s music than it was in 2011. The biggest selling point beyond the backdrop, however, is the simple but fun, sing-along chorus, courtesy of Redfoo:

“Party rock is in the house tonight

Everybody just have a good time

And we gon’ make you lose your mind

Everybody just have a good time.”

Appears in :

11 Sensational Anthem Songs (2023)

5. Aretha Franklin, “Rock Steady”

Young, Gifted and Black • Atlantic • 1972

“What it is, what it is, what it is.” ‘What it is’ is one of the funkiest songs from the Aretha Franklin catalog: “Rock Steady”. “Rock Steady” appears on Franklin’s fabulous 1972 album, Young, Gifted and Black. While most of the album is covers, featuring others handling songwriting duties, Franklin wrote “Rock Steady” herself. There is no way you listen to this record and don’t move some part of your body. The excellence includes a big, fat bass line, epic percussive groove, tremendous electric guitar riffs, and soulful organ. Beyond the core rhythm section, the horns up the ante, in all their accented glory. Also, you can’t leave out the background vocals, which provide a further lift to the star of the show, Franklin, who kills it. Tom Dowd, Arif Mardin, and Jerry Wexler produced this southern soul gem.

“Let’s call this song exactly what it is,” Aretha Franklin sings in the first verse, adding, “Step and move your hips with a feeling from side to side.” Ooh-wee! The chorus features similar lyrics to the verses, which emphasize dancing: “It’s a funky and low-down feeling (What it is) / In my hips from left to right (What it is).” “Rock Steady” is one of 17 top-10 hits by Franklin – impressive. Ultimately, it peaked at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. It just missed the top spot on the R&B charts, reaching no. 2. Furthermore, it was certified gold by the RIAA – impressive for a song from the early 1970s. That, folks, is what it is!

Appears in :

Aretha Franklin, Rock Steady: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 188 (2023)

6. Bailey Zimmerman, “Rock and A Hard Place”

Religiously. The Album. • Warner Music Nashville / Elektra • 2023

“Somethin’ ‘bout a ring makes you think we’re better / Off with all this, but we’re caught in-between.” “Rock and A Hard Place” appears as the ninth track from Religiously. The Album., the debut album by country musician, Bailey Zimmerman. Zimmerman was a young 23-years old when Religiously. The Album. was released in spring 2023. However, the multiplatinum single at hand was released in 2022, and first appeared on his EP, Leave the Light On. “Rock and A Hard Place” is all about matters of the heart, specifically, a fading relationship. In the first verse, Zimmerman asserts, “Been a while since your kiss felt like kissin’ / It’s just different.” Sounds like the spark is gone! Still, in the second verse, he states, “For the record (shit) / Throwin’ in the towel takes some effort / So, I’d rather ride it out for better weather / Together.” Basically, that’s where this being between a rock and a hard place comes into play. In the chorus, he sings, “Damn, I’m exhausted / What the hell’s this all for? / Is this where it mends, or it breaks? / Between a rock and a hard place.” Even though country music may not tickle everyone’s fancy, the scenario is relatable. Furthermore, the powerful-voiced artist sings beautifully over this slow, dynamic countrified backdrop.

7. Pusha T, “Rock N Roll”

It’s Almost Dry • Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc. / Def Jam • 2022

“Every time we wild, that’s rock n’ roll, baby.” Word. Great production minds join forces on “Rock N Roll,” among the best records from the Grammy-nominated, Pusha T album, It’s Almost Dry. Kanye West is listed as a performer (verse three) and producer, with Pharrell Williams and Ojivolta joining him behind the boards. Kid Cudi brings some color to the record, delivering the chorus with distorted melodic rapped vocals. Cudi also performs the bridge with those beloved hums – a vibe! Also, can’t fail to mention Beyoncé, who is brilliantly sampled ( “1+1”). King Push gets the first two verses, and they are on-point: “A ‘C’ on my chest, coke dealers, come and play here” and, “I’m the trap, I’m the fix, I’m the broker, I’m The Joker / In the deck, Arthur Fleck, when he’s pissed, triple six.” Killer!  

8. George McCrae, “Rock Your Baby”

Rock Your Baby • Rhino Entertainment • 1974  

“Woman / Take me in your arms / Rock your baby.”  Sometimes, it takes only one big hit to cement a musical legacy. For George McCrae, it is his influential, no. 1 hit, “Rock Your Baby”.  “Rock Your Baby” is, indeed, “smooth like butter” – perfect for the dance floors back in the day.  Even though disco isn’t the sensation in the 2020s that it was the 1970s, “Rock Your Baby” still feels like a slice of dance music heaven .  Notably, this record influenced one of the most iconic disco songs of all time: “Dancing Queen” by ABBA.  That alone tells you that Mr. McCrae had it going on ! 

Supported by that celestial instrumental, it also helps that McCrae has an angelic instrument on his hands.  His voice is stunning.  He never forces things or over sings.  What he serves up is just wright – cool, calm, and collected.  Like “I Get Lifted” from his 1974 album, Rock Your Baby, Richard Finch and Henry Wayne Casey (KC) – members of the legendary KC & The Sunshine Band – wrote and produced the track. “Yeah! Hold me tight / With all your might / Now, let your lovin’ flow / Real sweet and slow.” Ooh la la, George! “Rock Your Baby” remains the sugar honey iced tea to this day!   

Appears in :  

9. Kelly Clarkson, “rock hudson” 

chemistry • Kelly Clarkson / Atlantic • 2023 

“You were my Rock Hudson / It was real, but it wasn’t / No, I never saw it comin’ / I was never what you want and…”   Rock Hudson was a beloved actor.  He was tall, dark, handsome, and, although discreet, gay. It is that wrinkle that makes  “rock hudson” ( chemistry ) even more intriguing as a Kelly Clarkson song.  The Grammy winner likens her ex to Hudson, a desirable, hunky man, who she thought was the real deal, yet, ultimately, it failed to work. Obviously, women desired to be with Hudson, but he was ultimately unattainable because he was gay. In the case of Clarkson and her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, she believed she’d found her real-life movie star, but, in reality, it just didn’t work out.  “Rock hudson” is one of the more thought-provoking songs from chemistry thanks to the actor Clarkson name drops, and how she characterizes her love troubles.  

Appears in :

13 Compelling Songs About Specific People (2023)

10. The Whispers, “Rock Steady”

Just Gets Better With Time • Unidisc Music Inc. • 1987

The Whispers, a legendary R&B group, earned just one top-10 pop hit during an illustrious career: the electrifying “Rock Steady”. “Rock Steady,” which graces their 1987 platinum album, Just Gets Better With Time, peaked at no. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. On the R&B charts, “Rock Steady” performed even better, reaching no. 1. Adding to the accolades, the collective earned their sole Grammy nomination (Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocal) for “Rock Steady.”

So, why is “Rock Steady” so awesome? The singing is on-point. The Whispers keep it soulful, even well into the 1980s. Backed by a more modern, synth-driven, rhythmic backdrop (credit LA Reid and Babyface), they assimilate to the times. without compromising or sacrificing soul. Well-written (Reid, Babyface, and Bo Watson), the melodies are tuneful on the verses as well as the centerpiece, the chorus:

“And we being to rock steady

Steady rocking all night long

As we begin to rock steady

Rocking ‘til the break of dawn.”

WOO! Matters of the heart (and bedroom) dominate soul pop affair. Intrigued by this woman, the question is, does she feel the same way? “I begin to touch / But you wouldn’t let it / It never seemed to be the right time…” Of course, we find out, “And then you changed your mind,” hence, the steady rocking all night long. And for further evidence, found in the bridge: “I started to give up / But love wouldn’t let it / Then you walked into my life.” WORD. All told, The Whispers shine on “Rock Steady”.

Appears in :

The Whispers, Rock Steady: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 187 (2023)

11. Elvis Presley, “Jailhouse Rock”  

Elvis 30 #1 Hits • Sony Music Entertainment • 2002

“Let’s rock, everybody, let’s rock / Everybody in the whole cell block / Was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock.” Woo! There are few prison or jail-related songs that are more infectious than “Jailhouse Rock” – FACTS! Rock icon Elvis Presley would end up having a slew of hits in his short lifetime of just 42 years.  That said, if only one of those hits had caught on, ‘The King’ would’ve solidified his legacy.  Of course, the energetic, novel, and vintage 1957 gem “Jailhouse Rock” ranks at the top of his catalog. “Jailhouse Rock” was penned and produced by the heavyweight team of Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller. Lyrically, it’s tongue-n-cheek (“You shoulda heard those knocked out jailbirds sing”), but that’s part of the novel charm.  Of course, it makes sense that there’s outlandish, absurd stories given it’s the title track of Presley’s movie, Jailhouse Rock.  Also, it was the 1950s, a starkly different time.

“Number forty-seven said to number three 

‘You the cutest jailbird I ever did see 

I sure would be delighted with your company 

Come on and do the ‘Jailhouse Rock’ with me.’”  

Still, decades after this groovy juggernaut was born, it remains timeless, led by the charismatic, gifted Elvis.

Appears in :

13 Totally Locked Up, Prison Songs (2021)

12. Brenda Lee, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” 

Merry Christmas from Brenda • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1964 

One of the most popular Christmas recordings EVER arrives courtesy of pop and country singer, Brenda Lee.  That beloved gem is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” which commences her 1964 Christmas album, Merry Christmas from Brenda.  It’s rare that a holiday classic can cement your artistic legacy but that’s certainly the case with Lee.  Had she recorded no other song, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” would’ve been sufficient. What makes it so awesome? It’s fun, novel, and honestly, incredibly festive.  Listening to it, you just absorb the spirit of Christmas.  Brenda’s exuberant vocals make us feel exuberant.  The saxophone solo ups the ante, making us want to dance and share “the most wonderful time of the year” with those we love.  Honestly, this two-minutes-and-change number speaks for itself.  In 2023, 65 years after being released, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” reached no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Appears in :

13. Queen, “We Will Rock You”

News of the World • Hollywood • 1977 

“Buddy, you’re a boy, make a big noise / Playing in the street / Gonna be a big man someday.” Ah, please continue Freddie Mercury! “You got mud on your face / You big disgrace / Kicking your can / All over the place, singing…” I think EVERYBODY and his brother (or sister) can sing the following line: “We will, we will rock you!”  “We Will Rock You” ( News of the World, 1977) is one of the best Queen songs of all time.  Furthermore, it’s one of the greatest songs, regardless of band or musical style of all time! There are so many reasons why “We Will Rock You” is the sugar honey iced tea. One big reason is Freddie effing Mercury, who is nothing short of awesome.  Mercury’s voice was a once-in-a-lifetime voice, period.  Did the man ever miss a note? I certainly don’t believe so, particularly with his wide range.  The lyrics, particularly the sing along chorus, is another reason why “We Will Rock You” is epic.  The verses are also energetic and memorable.  All that said, the thing that really makes “We Will Rock You” so timeless is the body percussion, woo! Children and adults everywhere love the simple yet innovative groove that is instantly recognizable.  Also, give some love to Brian May and that awesome guitar solo (and writing the song, too). 

Appears in :

11 Thrilling Will or Wheel Songs (2022)

13 Songs That Totally ROCK (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Big Machine, Butterfly, Def Jam, Elektra, Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc., Generation Now, Hollywood, Interscope, Kelly Clarkson, Rhino Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc., Unidisc Music Inc., Warner Music Nashville; cottonbro studio, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Weavehall Collective, Yan Krukau from Pexels; Jazella, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

13 Songs That Totally ROCK | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on December 18, 2023December 18, 2023