Music streaming giant Spotify boasts a prestigious playlist called the “Billions Club”. This exclusive group features songs that have surpassed a whopping one billion streams on the platform.
As of July 10, 2024, a staggering 682 songs have reached this milestone. Rock and metal fans will be happy to hear the genre’s strong showing – over 10% of the “Billions Club” belong to this category!
That’s right, a total of 70 rock and metal anthems have been streamed over a billion times each, a testament to their enduring popularity. But which bands are leading the charge? Keep reading to discover 15 classic rock acts that boast at least one song in this elite streaming club.
AC/DC
AC/DC electrifies Spotify’s “Billions Club” with a quartet of their most electrifying anthems. The unmistakable opening riff of “Back In Black” needs no introduction, solidifying its place as one of rock’s most recognizable songs.
Joining this classic are three more powerhouse tracks: the high-voltage rock anthem “Thunderstruck”, the rebellious spirit of “Highway to Hell”, and the party anthem “You Shook Me All Night Long”. These tracks showcase AC/DC’s signature blend of bluesy riffs, powerful vocals, and pure rock and roll energy, proving their music’s timeless appeal.
Aerosmith
Rock legends Aerosmith join the billion ranks with not just one, but two iconic tracks. Their power ballad “Dream On”, originally released in 1973, is a rock anthem that continues to inspire with its soaring vocals and epic guitar work. It’s no surprise this track has resonated with listeners for decades.
Joining “Dream On” is the chart-topping ballad “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”, written for the 1998 film Armageddon. This emotional power ballad showcased Aerosmith’s softer side while still packing a punch, solidifying their place as one of rock’s most versatile bands.
The Beatles
The Beatles, the undisputed kings of rock and roll, make an appearance on the playlist surprisingly with just one entry: the sunshine-filled classic “Here Comes the Sun”.
This beloved track, released in 1969 on their iconic album Abbey Road, is a celebration of hope and optimism, instantly recognizable by its uplifting melody and George Harrison’s signature guitar work. Despite having only one song on the list, The Beatles’ enduring influence and massive global sales solidify their place as rock and roll royalty.
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath, the godfathers of heavy metal, claim their rightful place in Spotify’s “Billions Club” with the genre-defining track “Paranoid”.
This 1970 anthem remains a cornerstone of metal music, instantly recognizable with its distorted riffs, Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals, and the iconic opening scream. “Paranoid” continues to inspire countless metal bands and remains a testament to Black Sabbath’s enduring influence on rock music.
Bon Jovi
Coming in with two billion-stream tracks is Bon Jovi. The arena-rock anthem “Livin’ on a Prayer”, released in 1986, tells the story of star-crossed lovers Tommy and Gina, capturing hearts with its powerful vocals and infectious melody. It’s no surprise this karaoke favorite continues to be a singalong favorite for generations of fans.
Right alongside it is “You Give Love a Bad Name”, another high-energy anthem from their 1986 album Slippery When Wet. This track showcases Jon Bon Jovi’s signature raspy vocals and Richie Sambora’s electrifying guitar work, solidifying their place as one of the biggest rock bands of the 80s.
Bryan Adams
Canadian rock icon Bryan Adams nabs a spot on the “Billions Club” with his timeless classic, “Summer of ’69”. This nostalgic anthem, released in 1985, captures the carefree spirit of youth with its driving guitars and relatable lyrics.
Despite various interpretations of the title’s meaning, “Summer of ’69” remains a fan favorite and a summertime staple, solidifying its place as one of the most streamed rock songs of all time.
The Clash
Punks don’t always play by the rules, but The Clash definitely crack the code for Spotify’s exclusive club. Their inclusion comes courtesy of the instantly recognizable anthem “Should I Stay or Should I Go”.
Released in 1982, this track perfectly captures the internal conflict and raw energy of punk rock with its driving rhythm and Joe Strummer’s signature snarl. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” transcended punk’s boundaries to become a universal anthem of indecision, proving The Clash’s lasting influence on music.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival proves their swamp rock royalty with two entries. The first, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”, released in 1970, is a melancholic masterpiece. Fogerty’s soulful vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation paint a vivid picture of longing and loss, resonating deeply with listeners for over five decades.
Following close behind is the iconic “Fortunate Son”, a scorching indictment of social inequality released in 1969. This guitar-driven anthem continues to be a powerful protest song, solidifying Creedence Clearwater Revival’s place as a band with a message that endures.
Dire Straits
Barging in with their signature storytelling rock is Mark Knopfler’s Dire Straits, with their iconic track “Sultans of Swing”. This song, released in 1978, wasn’t just a hit, it became a calling card for the band’s signature sound.
Knopfler’s masterful fingerpicking guitar work and the band’s tight rhythms created a sophisticated brand of rock music that resonated with a wide audience. “Sultans of Swing” cemented Dire Straits’ place in music history, proving that complex musicianship could also be wildly popular.
The Eagles
Soaring into Spotify’s “Billions Club” is the legendary Eagles with their enigmatic masterpiece, “Hotel California”. Released in 1976, this track transcended genre boundaries to become a rock anthem for the ages. The song’s cryptic lyrics about a luxurious hotel that guests can check out of but never leave sparked endless interpretations, fueling its enduring mystique.
“Hotel California” showcases the Eagles’ signature blend of country-tinged rock and soaring vocals, solidifying their place as one of the best-selling American bands of all time.
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac, of course, can’t be left out, strolling in with a double-entry into Spotify’s prestigious “Billions Club”. “The Chain”, a masterpiece of interwoven guitar lines and Stevie Nicks’ haunting vocals, is a testament to the band’s collaborative spirit. Released in 1977, this complex and dynamic track perfectly encapsulates the emotional turmoil captured on their landmark album Rumours.
Following close behind is the dreamy and ethereal “Dreams”, another 1977 song that showcases Christine McVie’s songwriting prowess. “Dreams” topped the charts and became a timeless classic, solidifying Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of rock’s most enduring and beloved bands.
Foo Fighters
Grunge veterans Foo Fighters enter the elite ranks of the billion-streams club with their 1997 hit, “Everlong”. This song wasn’t just a single, it became a defining anthem for a generation.
Dave Grohl’s soaring vocals and the band’s driving rock energy perfectly capture the angst and yearning of young adulthood. “Everlong” cemented the Foo Fighters’ place as a powerhouse band, proving that Grohl’s post-Nirvana project would become a rock force in its own right.
Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses shreds their way into Spotify’s prestigious “Billions Club” not with one, but three iconic anthems. The scorching guitar riff of “Sweet Child o’ Mine”, released in 1987, needs no introduction. This track, with its soaring vocals and Slash’s unforgettable solo, became a cornerstone of hard rock and a staple of 80s rock radio.
Joining this classic are two more staples from their landmark debut album, Appetite for Destruction: the opening track “Welcome to the Jungle”, a chaotic and electrifying introduction to the band’s world, and the closing epic “Paradise City”, a nostalgic look at the dark side of the American dream.
Journey
Steve Perry’s Journey joins the exclusive Club with a single song that has become their signature classic: “Don’t Stop Believin’”. Released in 1981, this power ballad transcended genre to become a universal anthem of hope and perseverance.
Its soaring vocals, catchy melody, and uplifting lyrics have resonated with listeners for over four decades, making it a karaoke staple and a guaranteed singalong at sporting events. “Don’t Stop Believin’” cemented Journey’s place in rock and roll royalty, proving the enduring power of a single, well-crafted song.
KISS
KISS, the iconic rock band known for their elaborate makeup and high-energy performances, has also secured a spot on this list. Their entry comes courtesy of the infectious disco-rock anthem “I Was Made for Lovin’ You”.
Released in 1979, this track marked a departure from their earlier hard rock sound, but it did not disappoint. With its catchy melody, singalong chorus, and prominent use of synthesizers, “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” became a massive hit, solidifying KISS’s place as pop culture icons and proving their ability to adapt and conquer new musical territory.