Overlooked Rock Songs Resurface in Major Rankings

Recent retrospectives highlight several classic-rock songs that have earned renewed recognition despite being overlooked or misunderstood at release. David Bowie’s “Suffragette City,” initially rejected by Mott the Hoople in favor of “All the Young Dudes,” is now regarded as one of Bowie’s finest compositions. The Rolling Stones’ “Heaven,” from Tattoo You, stands out for its radically different sound and unusually sparse lineup, featuring Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts, with Keith Richards absent from the recording. Jethro Tull’s “My God” was ranked among the most underrated classic-rock songs, praised for Ian Anderson’s guitar and flute work and its place on the enduringly successful Aqualung album. Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” was also recognized among the greatest rock songs, with its antiwar message rooted in the Vietnam era and strongly resonating with veterans who heard the band perform it live.