You Voted and Chose The Top 5 Rock Songs Of All Time

It's become a Labour Day tradition to countdown the Top 500 rock songs of all time based on your votes. Now that the weekend has come and gone, the 2025 results are in. 

Here are the Top 5 rock songs from this year’s Top 500 Countdown, as voted by you! 

RELATED: See the full list of Top 500 Rock songs ...

5. Ozzy Osbourne - "Mama, I'm Coming Home" 

Sitting in fifth place is "Mama, I'm Coming Home", which moved up 257 places this year.

With Ozzy's recent passing, the Prince of Darkness' heartfelt ballad, “Mama, I’m Coming Home”, is making mark among rock fans once again.

Written by Osbourne and guitarist Zakk Wylde, the song was released in 1991 on the No More Tears album. The track showcases Osbourne’s distinctive voice, paired with Wylde’s soaring guitar solos, creating an emotional mix of rock power and tenderness.

The lyrics express longing and reconciliation, with Osbourne reportedly drawing inspiration from personal relationships at the time. Its blend of heavy guitars and melodic hooks makes it one of his most enduring solo hits.

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4. EAGLES – “HOTEL CALIFORNIA” 

“Hotel California” by the Eagles fell 3 spots in 2025 from #1 to #4.

The song was written by Don Felder, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley and speaks of materialism and excess in LA, though it could apply to many places. In 2007, Henley explained, “Some of the wilder interpretations of that song have been amazing. It was really about the excesses of American culture and certain girls we knew. But it was also about the uneasy balance between art and commerce.” 

Fedler came up with the song while playing at the beach. He later played the chord progression and basic guitar track for Henly and Frey, who helped finish the song. A year later, they recorded the song.

3. Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Free bird” 

“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd held its position at #3 on our list of top rock songs.  

While the radio edit of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” is usually 4:41, the full track is over 9 minutes long. The remaining track is completely instrumental with Allen Collis, Ed King and Gary Rossington jamming for extended periods. Some have argued it is the most famous instrumental in rock n’ roll history. 

The opening line, “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?” was something Allan Collin’s girlfriend (and later wife) asked him. 

According to Ronnie Van Zant the song is about “what it means to be free, in that a bird can fly wherever he wants to go. Everyone wants to be free. That’s what this country’s all about.” 

The song appeared on the album Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd, though their label didn’t want it to because of its length. No one had any idea it would gain so much popularity and help launch them into stardom.

2. Tragically Hip – “Wheat Kings” 

Tragically Hip moved up 4 positions from last year to take the 2nd place spot with “Wheat Kings”. 

Released in 1992 on their Fully Completely album, the song was inspired by the wrongful imprisonment of David Milgaard in Canada. Lead singer Gord Downie’s poignant lyrics combine storytelling with a reflective melody, capturing the sense of injustice and longing for redemption.

Musically, the track blends jangly guitars with a melodic rhythm section, creating a sound that is instantly recognizable as the Tragically Hip. “Wheat Kings” has endured as one of the band’s most iconic songs, celebrated for both its social commentary and emotional impact.

RELATED: Ranking 3 of the best songs by Tragically Hip …

1. Ozzy Osbourne – “Crazy Train” 

Moving up 8 places and taking the top spot for 2025 is none other than Ozzy Osbourne’s career-defining anthem, “Crazy Train.”

Released in 1980 as the lead single from his debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz, the song was co-written with guitarist Randy Rhoads. The instantly recognizable opening riff sets the tone for Osbourne’s powerful vocals and the song’s heavy yet infectious energy.

Lyrically, “Crazy Train” touches on themes of chaos, uncertainty, and the human condition, making it a song that resonates across generations. Following Ozzy’s passing earlier this year, fans have been revisiting his vast catalog, and “Crazy Train” remains one of his most iconic solo tracks.

It's a fitting tribute to a rock legend who helped define an era.

This is just a small taste of the iconic rock songs that appear on this year’s Top 500 listing. We can’t wait to see what next year brings! 

See the full list of Top 500 Rock songs ...