Only People With Good Taste In Music Can Match The Hit To The Rock Band
- by Marc Schmidt
- – on
- in Entertainment
Finding all the songs we put on this quiz was a daunting task. While many of the songs chosen are some of the biggest of the past 30-35 years, there are so many others by the same artists that could easily have taken their place. However, these songs and the artists they are associated with are some the very best and most iconic of the past few decades.
From hair metal to alternative rock, the artists listed below really made their mark thanks to the songs listed here. The diversity of sounds that have been heard over the decades can also be found here as singer/songwriters and artists with a more classic rock sound also made a huge impact.
If you consider yourself a well rounded, knowledgeable music fan, then this quiz will be a great way to test your knowledge. The bands and hits listed below are likely some of the first you would think of when reflecting on the popular music landscape of the past thirty plus years. Chances are, if you do very well on this quiz, it means you have a very well rounded taste in music. So take a moment to go through the soundtrack of your life and see if you can match the hit to the rock band/singers listed below.
Smells Like Teen Spirit
This 1991 smash hit was a real game changer for this band. It not only launched their career as the first single from their album Nevermind, it also helped to usher in a new era of rock n' roll. Their Seattle grunge sound sent shockwaves throughout the music industry as many bands and artists tried to emulate them. Although their career was fairly short, their impact was enormous. When most people think about 90s alternative rock, this song by this band is one of the first things they think of.
Basket Case
This band's 1994 album Dookie produced a number of pop punk hits that are instantly identifiable by most kids of the 90s generation. This song may not have struck quite the same chord as their debut single Longview, but many people will remember the music video that takes place in mental institution. The message of this song and the video parallel each other as the song compares the love and admiration that is being expressed to the same type of mentality that might make you feel like you are losing your mind.
I Bet My Life
The mid-2010s wouldn't be complete without this song. Chances are, you probably heard this song virtually everywhere throughout this decade. This particular song was a big breakthrough for this creatively named band. Any speculation of this band being a one hit wonder were squashed after the release of other big hits such as Believer and Thunder. Their sound tends to be very anthemic, almost as is their songs could be placed on just about any inspirational movie soundtrack from this decade.
Hungry Like The Wolf
The 1983 smash hit from this band wasn't the first time nor was it the last time we heard from this band. Their sound helped to put MTV on the map thanks to their creative, big budget music videos. The music video for this song had a very Indiana Jones-esque feel it as it took place in a remote jungle. The exotic setting and action in the video were meant to parallel the title and the message of this song.
Pretty Fly For A White Guy
This 1998 pop punk masterpiece takes a look at the traits that make up a white guy who tries to act like he is from the streets. This isn't the first time this particular band has infused humor with its pop punk sound. Although their other hits such as Come Out And Play, Self Esteem, and Why Don't You Get A Job are memorable, this song might be their most memorable and iconic. You may also remember this song for its video featuring the kid wearing the number 13 jersey.
Sweet Child O' Mine
This band exploded onto the rock scene during the late 80's thanks to their album Appetite For Destruction. They only released three singles from this album, but they made it count which each one. Although Welcome To The Jungle is arguably more famous than this song, Sweet Child O'Mine might be more recognizable due to the stellar guitar solo during the start and middle of the song. Hardcore fans may be able to identify every original member of the band, but most casual fans will at least know the names Axl and Slash.
All You Wanted
Back in the early 2000s, this teenage singer/songwriter made a big splash with her hit 2001 album The Spirit Room. Although her singles Everywhere and Goodbye to you were huge, All You Wanted might be the one everybody remembers the most. This was the one song that made you feel a little less lonely on the inside because the lyrics spoke directly to you and how you were feeling. Finding somebody who truly cares isn't always easy. This girl communicated that through this song better than just about anybody ever has.
All The Small Things
If you were a fan of MTV's TRL back in the late 90s and early 2000s, then there is a very good chance you are familiar with this band. They burst onto the scene with their breakthrough single What's My Age Again? prior to the release of this song. The video was a parody of some boy band and Britney Spears videos you probably also saw on TRL. Their fun take on these videos might be more memorable to some than the song itself. It is arguably their most well known song to date.
My Sharona
This song has the unique distinction of being a hit for the same band in two different decades. The song enjoyed it's initial run at the top of the charts during the late 70s, but then returned to the charts as minor hit during the mid 90s. This was thanks to it's inclusion in the movie Reality Bites. Unfortunately, this proved to be the only major hit for this particular band, but it remains a very memorable song in rock n roll history.
Last Nite
The early 2000s saw the revival of the "The" bands in rock music. This particular band not only embraced this identity through their name, they also embraced it through their simplistic music videos and simple rock song arrangements. Although there were quite a few "The" bands that were memorable during this time period, this particular one was probably the most memorable. They even opted to go with the "cooler" spelling of night for this track as well. This song shouldn't be confused with their other hit from this era, Someday.
The Power Of Love
This band and this song are synonymous with the movie Back To The Future. You can even coach the lead singer of this band in a small, but memorable uncredited cameo in the film. The song wasn't actually written with the plot of the movie in mind, but somehow it all blended in perfectly. You probably can't even think about Back To The Future without this song popping into your head instantly. Although this band had many hits, this one is arguably their most beloved.
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
This song was a pretty big departure from what this band had been doing up to this point. They were caught right in the middle of the 80s hair metal movement when this song was released off of their album Open Up And Say Ahh. This was not the loud and glitzy brand of metal fans were used to, but it may very well be their most well known song to date. It is likely that you've heard or performed this song during karaoke over the years. You may also be familiar with lead singer Bret Michaels due to his various tv appearances over the years.
Faith
Former Wham! member George Michael had a huge hit with this song back in the late 80s when he first launched his solo career. This song probably would have stood the test of time just on his version alone, but something unexpected happened during the late 80s. A rap metal band scored their breakthrough hit with a rockin' cover of this 80s rockabilly number. Some might say that this cover helped bring the rap metal genre to the mainstream. Lead singer Fred Durst's charisma helped shape the style and image of this band from this point on.
Smooth Criminal
This band managed to score a surprise alternative rock hit with a cover of Michael Jackson's 1988 classic hit Smooth Criminal during the early 2000s. Not much has been heard from this band since this massive hit, but they managed to take an iconic song and make it their own. This song was so good that people still debate whether they like Alien Ant Farm's version or Michael Jackson's version better. chances are you've probably heard this at an arena at some point in order to get the crowd pumped up.
Eye Of The Tiger
If you've seen the Rocky movies, especially the ones that take place during the 80s, then there is no doubt that you've heard this song. If not there, then you've probably heard this song at sporting events and pretty much anywhere else where tenacity is required. Although the band switched lead singers shortly after the release of this song, they managed to keep the band going through much of the rest of the 80s. They even scored another Rocky related hit with another lead singer later in the decade.
Fell In Love With A Girl
This band was a part of a big wave of "The" bands back in the early 2000s. This song was their breakthrough hit back in 2001. You may remember this song best for the innovative lego-esque music video they made for it. The rockin' pace of this song makes it feel shorter than it's 1 minute 56 second length. The band is known for their simple garage rock arrangements as the band only consists of guitarist/lead singer Jack White and drummer Meg White.
Shine
it's very likely that this song was most people's introduction to this band. Their breakthrough hit "Shine" was a massive alternative rock hit for the band back in the early 90s. It's driving unpolished distorted guitar sound made this band a big sensation during the peak of the alternative rock era. Some people may think of this as a Christian song due to some religious references, but most may consider it a song with an uplifting message. The song helped pave the way for a successful career on the modern rock charts through the rest of the 90s.
Hold My Hand
Although their singles Let Her Cry or Only Wanna Be With You might have been many fans introduction to this band, their song Hold My Hand was actually the debut single off their first major label album Cracked Rear View. The video for this song received massive airplay on VH1 and MTV prior to and after their breakthrough. Although their lead singer Darius Rucker has had a very successful solo career, many music fans will remember him best as the lead singer of this oddly named band. A lot of people still think the silly first part of the bands name is a reference to Rucker himself.
Runaway Train
This band scored a massive hit with this song about runaways in the early 90s. Their video is remembered for featuring many names of missing children and other very moving images relating to the topic. The unique video and message helped the band receive a ton of airplay on MTV and VH1 during this era. This song proved to be the high point for this band, but did have some other minor alternative rock hits such as Misery and Black Gold.
Black Hole Sun
The video for Black Hole Sun is probably one of the most memorable in music video history. The 90s wouldn't have been complete without the ultra trip images of the band playing in a field amongst dark fast moving clouds. The video is also knowns for dark images of barbecuing a barbie doll and many other dark actions and expressions by the characters in the video. The song itself is a rockin' tune that is among one of the most quintessential alternative songs of the 90s.
Dude Looks Like A Lady
Some people may remember this song for its unique guitar riffs, but others may know this as the song that revitalized this band's career. Although they get off to a great start during the 70s, internal conflict among the band members caused it all to fall apart. Just when you thought they were done, a very successful second phase of their career was born thanks to this song. Although hardcore fans will know who all five member of this band are, most casual fans can instantly identify who Steven Tyler and Joe Perry are.
Pour Some Sugar On Me
This band managed to obtain massive success in the late 80s thanks to this song. This song helped to make their album Hysteria one of the most successful albums of all time. It seemed like this song was virtually everywhere during this time period. Their singles Animal and Love Bites were also massive hits from their Hysteria album, but not quite as memorable as Pour Some Sugar On Me. Many music fans will be able to identify this band due to the unique drum style of Rick Allen, who lost his arm in a accident earlier in the decade.
Interstate Love Song
This band was a major alternative rock hit making machine during the 90s, but this particular song is arguably their most well known song. Interstate Love Song received massive airplay on alternative rock stations and MTV during the peak of the alternative rock era in the mid 90s. Although the band itself is very good, most fans consider lead singer Scott Weiland to be the heart and soul of the band due to his amazing voice and charismatic stage presence.
Semi Charmed Life
The post grunge era of the late 90s would feel incomplete without this song about the need to find something to help you get through life. Although there were several huge hits off their self titled late 90's album, this song is probably their most well known. The presence of lead singer Stephan Jenkins also helped to shape the band's image and voice. This song can probably be found on most 90s alternative rock playlists on Apple Music and Spotify.
All I Wanna Do
Most people never heard of this artist until this debut single made a huge breakthrough during the early 90s. It is the song that helped this singer/songwriter's album Tuesday Night Music club to become a massive success. Although huge hit singles like Strong Enough and Can't Cry Anymore helped to solidify their rising fame, it was was this song that received endless amounts of airplay on MTV, VH1, and radio stations all over the world. This song's success ensured that this artist had more than their share of fun during this era.
Buddy Holly
Alternative rock artists produced a number of very memorable breakthrough moments in song and music videos during the 90s. This particular band created a music video and song that are arguably the most memorable and best of all time thanks to incredible special effects that place the band in the middle of a Happy Days episode. Even if you didn't like this song about the geek getting the pretty girl, you at least tuned in to watch the amazing music video that was directed by Spike Jonze.
We Got The Beat
This band proved to be one of the first of its kind. An all female mainstream rock band who played and wrote their own songs. This may not seem like such a big deal today, but back in the early 80s it was. You can't think about 80s popular music without thinking of this song. Chances are, if you've seen the movie Fast Times At Ridgemont High, you've heard this song as it is one of the first you will hear in this iconic 80s movie.
Harder To Breathe
The early 2000s saw a breakthrough from several artists who were still trying to cash in on the 90s sound. This band was no different as their breakthrough single Harder To Breathe is very reminiscent of the 90s alternative sound. Although it is similar to that sound, it is uniquely their own. Much like a lot of bands, their lead singer might be the most identifiable member of this band. It helps that Levine wrote this massive breakthrough hit that propelled them to stardom.
Here I Go Again
This song has the unique distinction of being written, recorded, and re-recorded by the same band over a five year time period. The original version featured a lot more guitar work and could be considered a heavier version than the one their recorded a few years later. The second, re-recorded version is probably more famous. This version is especially famous due to the appearance made by lead singer David Coverdale's girlfriend Tawney Kitaen. This song is probably the most well known song by this band.
Uma Thurman
Younger music fans may not realize it, but the guitar riff you hear during this song is not an original riff created by the band. It is actually a sample of the theme song from the spooky 60s sitcom The Munsters. The title of the song itself is a reference to Uma Thurman's famous dance scene during the epic 90s film Pulp Fiction. Putting these pop culture references together may seem odd, but it actually helped to produce one of this bands most famous songs.
Ironic
The video for this song is might be almost as famous as the song itself. The clever video showcasing several different sides of this singer's personality while driving in a car is one of the most iconic of the 90s. This song is also famous for having lyrics that don't actually talk about ironic situations. You could consider many of the situations described in the song as a letdown or a bummer rather than being ironic. This was arguably the biggest hit off their debut album Jagged Little Pill.
Today
The soap opera that is this band is almost as memorable as the music they made. The opening riff of their debut single Today is easily identified by most 90s music fans. The era this song came out preceded all of the band member changes and other internal issues they had in the years to come. Although they had other massive hits such as Disarm and Tonight, Tonight, this song is arguably their most well known and iconic from their tumultuous career.
Down Under
The song Down Under is in fact a song about a band who is actually from "Down Under". This Australian band released one of the most iconic singles of the 80s with this homage to their homeland. The video for this song is probably one of the most iconic of the 80s MTV Generation. Although you may know this band for their single Who Can It Be Now, this song is clearly their most famous and most well known by music fans of all ages.
Free Fallin
Sadly, the lead singer of this band passed away in 2017, but they left behind a number of great hits in their catalogue. This song is arguably the most well known among many iconic songs. Their career spanned several decades and generations of fans. Depending on your age, you may know them best for the early hits such as American Girl while others may be more familiar with songs like Free Fallin, a track that came out during the height of this band's career.
Jump
The history of this band is a tale of two lead singers. Named after the guitarist and drummer, this band has enjoyed decades of success despite changes to the lead singer. In this case, David Lee Roth was the lead singer of the band. His voice and charisma gave this rockin band a fun identity during the height of the heavy metal/hard rock era. The twist to this track is that it is less of a rocker and more of a disco-sequels type of song.
Don't Spek
This band has arguably one of the biggest soap opera stories in rock n' roll history. This particular song was written about the break up between band members Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal. Although they enjoyed huge alternative rock hits with songs like Just A Girl and Spiderwebs, this is the song that received the most airplay on MTV and radio stations around the world during the mid to late 90s. Before Gwen Stefani was the solo sensation we know today, she was the front woman for this ska/alternative rock band.
You Might Think
During the mid 80s MTV was all the rave in the music industry. A great video pretty much ensured your band of being catapulted to another level of stardom. Although this band had a big breakthrough a few years before this song was released, it is very possible that most people remember this band for the creative music video they released for this song. A lot of cool special effects, including turning singer Rik Ocasek into a fly are just one of many fun moments from this video.
Stupid GIrl
90s Alternative rock fans will remember band for their experimental sound and gloomy lyrics from their front woman Shirley Manson. This band's sound tended to veer closer to the "alternative" genre than it did rock, but they did a great job of mixing the two sounds in order to create their own. Legend has it that they gave their band its name after somebody said their music sounded like trash. However, they used another trash related word to describe what the band sounded like.
What I Got
A lot of this band's fanbase came after the untimely death of lead singer Bradley Nowell in 1996. He was the heart and soul of this California band that mixed punk, ska, reggae, and other genres into their sound. Before Nowell death, this band was an underground band on the rise. Their self titled album proved to be their biggest statement with What I Got being the song that still receives the most airplay to this day. You can learn a lot about Nowell and his dog through this song alone.
Livin' On A Prayer
When you think about 80s hair metal, this band and song are sure to come up early in the conversation. Although this band had experienced some mainstream success thanks to hits off their first two albums, you can really tell that they gave it everything they had on their 1986 album Slippery When Wet. Livin' On A Prayer is an anthemic track despite the fact that it doesn't rock too hard. Some might say this was the beginning of their transition away from the hair metal genre and into more straight up rock n roll.
Walk LIke An Egyptian
Although this quartet was very passionate about the sounds of the 60s, they opted to go for the novelty approach with this ancient dance/rock track. Three out of four members of the band get to sing on this track. This is unusual since a good percentage of their singles featured lead vocals from Susanna Hoffs. Although this isn't one of the band's favorite tracks in their catalogue, it did prove to be one of their biggest hits during the 80's.
Heat Of The Moment
This early 80s supergroup made their mark with three very memorable hits. Out of those three, Heat Of The Moment has had the best staying power over the course of time. If you've seen 40 Year Old Virgin, you'll know that a reference or two was made about this band during the movie. This song can also be heard during one of the most important scenes. Back in the 80s they were one of the most important bands during the early years of MTV.
Jack & Diane
This "little ditty" has been well loved for decades. Whether you enjoy this artist's brand of roots driven rock or just a casual 80s fan, this song is sure to be one of the first you think of. Back in the early days, he included the word "Cougar" in his name, but later dropped it to the name most people are familiar with today. The popularity of this song among all of the other great heartland rock hits in his catalogue has only grown over the years.
Every Breath You Take
This is another one of those songs that defined the 80s and the early years of MTV. Although the band was at the end of their tenure together, they certainly went out with a bang as this song proved to be their biggest hit. 90s music fans may remember this as the song Puff Daddy did a cover for during the latter part of the decade. You can still hear the original version by this authoritatively named band on 80s stations several times per day.
Summer Of '69
This song proved to be a big breakthrough for an artist whose career was steadily growing during the early 80s. The song itself tells the story of starting a band, falling in love, and trying to keep everything together despite all of the changes going on in life. By the end of the song, they are simply memories from a great time in his life. Thanks to the rockin' nostalgic hooks of this song, this artist's popular really bloomed into a successful career on the charts through much of the 90s.
Complicated
Although this artist has been accused of being a "poser" by many hardcore punk fans, there is no denying the impact she made during the early 2000s with her style of pop/punk. Complicated was not only her debut single, it was a huge breakthrough for this teenage newcomer. This song helped to propel her debut album Let Go to enormous popularity due to constant radio and MTV airplay. Although she is remembered for her image and punky attire, her music proved to be equally as memorable.
Shut Up And Dance
This band, which has a very spacey name, scored a huge hit with this song back in the mid 2010s. The song was a big breakthrough for this band and helped to bring them into the mainstream. The song itself encourages you to stop talking about your feelings and just get up and dance. Although this song may sound like a one hit wonder, it actually isn't as they've been able to score a few other hits since this one dominated the charts.
The Final Countdownn
This song has been receiving airplay in sports arenas since its release back in the 80s. Although this band is known as more of a hair metal band, plenty of synthesizers can be heard on this track. If you don't remember this song from its original 80's release, then you might remember it as the theme song of Arrested Deveolpment's GOB Bluth. He always opened up his magic shows with this epic track blaring as he made his way onto the stage to perform a hilarious illusion.
Big Me
After Nirvana came to an end, it might have been easy for band member Dave Grohl to be content with his short, but amazing brush with fame as the bands drummer. However, Grohl was much more ambitious than a lot of people knew as he quickly formed a new band and churned out a number of memorable alternative rock tracks over the years. This particular song might not be their heaviest song, but it is one of their most famous ones. The hilarious music video featuring references to 90s Mentos commercials helped to make this a standout track.
Rebellion (Lies)
Some fans may not have gotten introduced to this band until their album The Suburbs came out a few years later. However, many hardcore fans of this band and the genera of alternative rock probably think of this as their big breakthrough. The song itself is a commentary making sure you remain aware of what is going on in the world around you. Sleep is used as a clever metaphor for this message. This was the biggest of many hits this band had off their breakthrough album Funeral.