[sup]This has probably been discussed, but…[/sup]
What do you consider the best classic rock song of all time? I am personally in love with Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” although I probably wouldn’t say it’s the best song of all time. Stairway to Heaven? Hotel California? Love them both, but I think they’re too…what’s the word I’m looking for? Common, maybe?
So what is it, fellow Dopers?
Oops…after posting this I realize it will probably be moved to Cafe Society. shrug
Layla would probably be a popular choice, but not mine.
I’d go for Child in Time by Deep Purple. Or maybe, Aqualung by Jethro Tull.
I think I’d have to go with Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. It’s got all the elements…long enough to be complex, tempo changes, plus that whole “arena-rock” factor.
Honorable mentions go to Sweet Home Alabama, Ramblin’ Man, and More Than A Feeling.
I second “Wish You Were Here” although I think “Freebird” by Lynrd Skynrd deserves an honourable mention.
Obviously, “Dark Side of the Moon” is the best album ever made by anybody but that belongs in a different thread.
My definition of Classic Rock is different.
Queen wouldn’t make the cut. But, it’s a subjective thing.
I’d say “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple
or “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin
or “All Along the Watchtower” (Hendryx cover)
Not that I necessarily like these songs (some) but they qualify to me as quintessential “classic” rock.
As far as Floyd is concerned, I’d have to go with Shine On You Crazy Diamond
…otherwise, Candy Man by Sammy Davis Jr. No question.
In those “count down” radio thingys “Stairway To Heaven” is usually No. 1 and I don’t really have a problem with that.
My favorite classic song is “Cocaine” by Eric Clapton. I am not sure why I like the song so much, probably the same reason anyone likes any song?
Any discussion of classic rock songs must begin, and end, with Louie, Louie.
Gotta agree with Zep’s Rock and Roll. It kinda defines R&R, doesn’t it?
I think Stairway to Heaven, the mainstay, deserves and lives
up to the title.
The song that popped into my head when I opened the thread, though, was Sweet Emotion.
Cafe Society has a beat you can dance to. 
Rolling Stones, “Satisfaction”
Why is this even subject to debate?
It’s very hard to topple Stairway to Heaven and Satisfaction. Layla has to be way up there, as well.
BUT! … sorry, Kunilou – there is definitely room for debate. IMHO, there are other classic rock songs which I think are as good, musically, as the three anthems above:
Don’t Fear the Reaper, Blue Oyster Cult
Walk Away, James Gang
More Than a Feeling, Boston (tragically overplayed)
Carry On Wayward Son, Kansas
While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Beatles
Bell Bottom Blues, Eric Clapton/Derrick & the Dominos (was he still in D&D then?)
“Old Time Rock N Roll” by Bob Seger.
In the CD cover of his greatest hits collection, Bob says that this is the 2nd most played jukebox song of all time. (He says #1 is Patsy Cline’s “Crazy”)
It isn’t. This is IMHO, and the man asked for ours. Or lady. Whatever.
The greatest difficulties I have with this are twofold; too many songs have always been called the best, and I really can’t stand then any more because they’re played out. Stairway, Freebird and Hotel California come under this.
The second problem I have is defining “Classic Rock”. Queen, Led Zep, Hendrix, The Who, Cream, BOC … this list goes on and on … however, they came along during or just after what are popularly called “oldies”; Mamas and the Papas, The Beatles … ect.
I like an awful lot of both.
Two Sillouettes on the Shade, Can’t You Hear My Heart Beat?, and Monday Monday are favorites, but are called oldies.
Classic Rock songs that are best?
Bobby McGee, Hey Joe, Four Sticks and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Not all personal faves, but certainly big-time classics.
Hmmm, seems to me these lists can get awful long, too.
Oh, yeah, bordolond … how could I forget Kansas’ Dust in the Wind?
Rock and Roll by Zep was great, but Rock and Roll on Lou Reed’s live album (Rock and Roll Animal , IIRC) always topped that one in my mind.
Drift away by Dobie Gray
followed closely by Wheel in the Sky by Journey