27 Best Songs With Killer Riffs: The Ultimate Guitar Anthem List

The world of rock music is brimming with iconic riffs, those instantly recognizable and unforgettable musical hooks that stick in your head long after the song ends. This list celebrates the power and enduring impact of these riffs, showcasing the genius of musicians who crafted some of the most memorable moments in music history. We're taking a journey through the soundscapes created by bands who redefined genres and influenced generations, highlighting tracks that epitomize the art of the killer riff. From the soaring, anthemic guitar work of certain legendary Californian hard rock bands to the thunderous, unstoppable energy of Australian hard rock icons, and the precise, polished musicianship of other influential groups, this collection offers a thrilling ride through musical history.

This isn't just a list of songs; it's a tribute to the craftsmanship and innovation that make these pieces timeless. Whether you're a seasoned rock fan or a newcomer eager to explore the genre's rich tapestry, this compilation provides a diverse range of sounds and styles, all united by their captivating riffs. These unforgettable melodies, some instantly recognizable from their opening notes, demonstrate the enduring power of a well-crafted riff to capture hearts and minds. Dive in and discover the enduring magic of these iconic tracks, and prepare to be swept away by their power and artistry. Prepare to rediscover, or perhaps discover for the first time, the magic behind some of music's most celebrated moments.

  • November Rain
    1

    November Rain

    Guns N' Roses

    1991

    Use Your Illusion I

  • Sweet Child O' Mine
    2

    Sweet Child O' Mine

    Guns N' Roses

    1987

    Appetite For Destruction

  • Thunderstruck
    3

    Thunderstruck

    AC/DC

    1990

    The Razors Edge

  • Nothing Else Matters
    4

    Nothing Else Matters

    Metallica

    1991

    Metallica (Remastered)

  • Every Breath You Take
    5

    Every Breath You Take

    The Police

    1983

    Synchronicity (Remastered 2003)

  • Back In Black
    6

    Back In Black

    AC/DC

    1980

    Back In Black

  • Hotel California
    7

    Hotel California

    The Eagles

    1976

  • Highway to Hell
    8

    Highway to Hell

    AC/DC

    1979

    Highway to Hell

  • You Shook Me All Night Long
    9

    You Shook Me All Night Long

    AC/DC

    1980

    Back In Black

  • Hold the Line
    10

    Hold the Line

    TOTO

    1978

    Toto

  • Paranoid
    11

    Paranoid

    Black Sabbath

    1970

    Paranoid (Remaster)

  • Whole Lotta Love
    12

    Whole Lotta Love

    Led Zeppelin

    1969

    Led Zeppelin II (1994 Remaster)

  • Stairway to Heaven
    13

    Stairway to Heaven

    Led Zeppelin

    1971

    Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)

  • Sweet Home Alabama
    14

    Sweet Home Alabama

    Lynyrd Skynyrd

    1974

    Second Helping (Expanded Edition)

  • Rock You Like A Hurricane
    15

    Rock You Like A Hurricane

    Scorpions

    1984

    Love At First Sting

  • Black Dog
    16

    Black Dog

    Led Zeppelin

    1971

    Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)

  • Crazy Train
    17

    Crazy Train

    Ozzy Osbourne

    1980

    Blizzard Of Ozz (40th Anniversary Expanded Edition)

  • Born To Be Wild
    18

    Born To Be Wild

    Steppenwolf

    1968

    Steppenwolf

  • Rock And Roll All Nite
    19

    Rock And Roll All Nite

    KISS

    1975

    Dressed To Kill

  • Free Bird
    20

    Free Bird

    Lynyrd Skynyrd

    1973

    Pronounced' Leh-'Nerd 'Skin-'Nerd

  • How Soon Is Now?
    21

    How Soon Is Now?

    The Smiths

    1985

    The Queen Is Dead

  • Sunshine Of Your Love
    22

    Sunshine Of Your Love

    Cream

    1967

    Disraeli Gears (Deluxe Edition)

  • Down Down
    23

    Down Down

    Status Quo

    1974

  • Brown Sugar
    24

    Brown Sugar

    The Rolling Stones

    1971

    Sticky Fingers (Remastered)

  • Layla
    25

    Layla

    Derek and Dominoes

    1970

  • Smoke On The Water
    26

    Smoke On The Water

    Deep Purple

    1972

    Machine Head

  • Iron Man
    27

    Iron Man

    Black Sabbath

    1970

    Paranoid (Remaster)