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Ireland has produced some of the best rock artists of all time. Here at IrishCentral.com we have compiled our favorite top ten rock anthems. The variety, talent and legacy of each of these performers lives on and continues to influence fans and artists across the globe. So sit back, relax and enjoy, in no particular order, the talent of our indigenous rock stars.
1. “With or Without You” by U2 is one of their most iconic tunes. It comes from their 1987 album Joshua Tree. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine placed the single at number 131 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
2. “Whiskey in the Jar” by Thin Lizzy. One of Ireland's biggest rock bands in the 1970s. The Dublin band after their chart debut with this song the band appeared on Top of the Pops February 1973. .
3. “Linger” by The Cranberries. The Limerick band rose to prominence in the U.S. in the early nineties and continue to enjoy a loyal stateside fan base. In a documentary lead vocalist Dolores O'Riordan said the song was about her first kiss.
4. “I don't like Mondays” by Boomtown Rats. A number one hit in 32 countries, front-man Bob Geldof was inspired to write the song when a Californian schoolgirl told police that she shot her principal because she didn’t like Mondays.
5. “Breakeven” by The Script. Just back home to Ireland from their latest U.S. tour. The Script have gone from strength to strength in recent years. ‘Breakeven’ has sold over 1.7 million downloads in the US alone.
6. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol. The second song from their fourth album, the song is one of the bands most well known and has enjoyed 2m downloads in the U.S. alone. Listeners of Virgin Radio voted the song as “Best Song of All Time”
7. “Revelate” by the Frames. The band was founded in 1990by Glen Hansard. Led by the Swell Season star, the band had great success with this 1995 single.
8. “Days Like This” by Van Morrison was contained in the 23rd album of the Northern Irish singer/songwriter. It went on to become the official anthem of the peace process in Northern Ireland. It was also featured on the soundtrack of the film “As good as it gets”.
9. “Dearg Doom” by the Horslips. The Horslips are considered as one of the leading Irish Celtic rock bands of the 1970s. Released in 1973, this song continues to be one of the most iconic tracks of that rock era having one of the greatest riffs of rock and roll.
10. “A Million Miles Away” by Rory Gallagher. Saving the best until last, this Donegal born, Cork raised man was a founding father of Irish blues rock music. This track was featured on the album “Tattoo”.
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8 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.donal1951 | Nov 15, 2012, 01:24 AM EST
The heck with all of them. Since I believe neither of us drink alcohol any more, it would have to be a cup of tea and a meal, but I'd like to share it with Pecker Dunne, the last of the travelling people as he calls himself. If the Pecker were not available, I'd like to have a meal with Big Tom.
bronxjames | Apr 13, 2011, 09:54 AM EDT
Horslips and Gallagher...2 of the greatest bands of ANY nationality...but they were IRISH in the end.
tippboy | Dec 08, 2010, 04:16 PM EST
Got to include Lizzy's "The Boys are Back in Town" in any list if Irish rock classics.
BallinaLass | Nov 18, 2010, 04:00 PM EST
The Undertones! How could we forget them? "Teenage Kicks" was John Peel's all-time favorite song. A tip o' the hat to Stiff Little Fingers "Alternative Ulster" as well, and Ash "Girl from Mars." It's all coming back to me now. The Thrills "One Horse Town" - it's their only good song so far, but it's really good.
mickmickt | Nov 18, 2010, 09:21 AM EST
what about jimmy jimmy by the undertones?
BallinaLass | Nov 17, 2010, 01:47 PM EST
Very good list - thanks, Ms. Kelly. It caused me to check out some songs I wasn't familiar with, such as the wonderful Horslips tune. I wonder if the pipe solo inspired The Church's "Under the Milky Way," probably.
mikemcd123 | Nov 17, 2010, 10:45 AM EST
Growing up, one wall of my bedroom was covered with Lizzy pics and articles, Good to see Phil and the boys are back in the limelight (and town, for that matter).
mayoman | Nov 17, 2010, 10:06 AM EST
My favorite Irish rock songs have long been "New Year's Day" by U2 from the Live at Red Rock album, and Rory Gallagher's fantastic "Moonchild".