I realize the claim is nothing but hyperbole; everyone likes a different style of rock (harder, softer) and has very personal reactions to music, making a single selection impossible.

Nevertheless, Tom Cochrane's "The Boy Inside the Man" is as powerful and melodic as any song I know, and is near, if not at, the top of my list.

Ewwww

I don't know the song, I think I'll have to check it out.

I always considered "Rockin' In The Free World" by Neil Young the best rock song ever, both musically and lyrical-wise.

Actually, I think it's the best song ever. Period.

Thats how I feel about Smashing Pumpkins "Tonight, Tonight". Ill check out your song now though.

This thread already is showing why there will never be a definitive answer to this question. Tom Cochrane, Neil Young and Smashing Pumkins already.

I would vote "Baba O'Riley", so I guess you can add The Who to the list.

I nominate "Just Like Heaven", by The Cure.

There are too many great ones, but the first one that came to my mind was "Satisfaction". Even though "Paint It Black" is my personal favorite Stones song, I really think that song embodies rock and roll perfectly.

And I'm not even a big Stones fan.

Well, I did use a disclaimer saying how subjective it is. Perhaps the thread title should have been different. Anyway, obviously none of you is familiar with the thing, so, by all means, check it out.

Groucho, did the song remind you of the book from last week's Arrested Development as well?

I thought Chuck Berry's My Ding-A-Ling was the greatest rock song ever.

The Rolling Stones - "Satisfaction"

What about Rock Around The Clock by Bill Haley & The Comets??

That's widely considering the "first" official song of the rock n roll era

Tha guitar solo in the middle is classic 50's sound

I'd have to give American Pie by Don Maclean a vote also. That song has very meaningful lyrics