Top 10 Best Piano Rock Songs

As a classically trained pianist, there's nothing more thrilling than hearing a rock 'n' roll song that prominently features the ivories. From Jerry Lee Lewis to Elton John, the piano has left its mark on the rock music landscape. These songs bring an added element of depth and sophistication to the genre, elevating it to new heights.

Piano rock has a rich history dating back to the early days of rock and roll, with artists like Fats Domino and Little Richard incorporating piano into their high-energy performances. In the 1970s, piano rock exploded in popularity with the emergence of singer-songwriters like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Carole King. These artists used the piano as the centerpiece of their music, crafting timeless classics that continue to resonate with audiences today.

As the decades rolled on, piano rock continued to evolve and adapt to new styles and sounds. From Ben Folds to Coldplay, piano rock has remained a staple of the modern rock landscape. As a tribute to the genre, with your help, we've compiled a list of the best piano rock songs of all time.

The Top Ten

  1. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

  2. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant - Billy Joel

    Who else would take the number one spot but Billy Joel? And especially this song. It begins as a gentle ballad, then progresses into a Dixieland section which sets the stage for the upbeat story of Brenda and Eddie, and seamlessly transitions back into the ballad section of the beginning.

    If this isn't the most definitive piano rock song, I don't know what is.

  3. Rocket Man - Elton John

    No list of this type would be complete without Elton John. Almost any of his songs could fit here, but this is my favorite.

  4. Life on Mars? - David Bowie

  5. Gutter Ballet - Savatage

  6. Year of the Cat - Al Stewart

    I love everything about this song. It would be a strong candidate for number one if I made a list of the most underrated and overlooked songs that were once popular.

    I'm still amazed I didn't include this when I made this list a year ago. It's one of my favorite songs.

    Say what you will, the piano in this song is great. It is one of my favorite piano intros ever.

  7. Layla - Derek and the Dominos

    After probably the coolest guitar riff of all time, this song ends with one of the most emotional and beautiful piano pieces in rock. Clapton is God!

    It's a shame the band broke up after one album. They sounded great!

  8. November Rain - Guns N' Roses

  9. Lady Madonna - The Beatles

  10. Chance - Savatage

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Somewhere in Nowhere - The Arcana

  12. ?

    The Sound of Silence - Disturbed

    13. The Contenders

  13. Miracle Machine - Blind Guardian

  14. Old Time Rock and Roll - Bob Seger

  15. Desperado - Eagles

    I love the way Don Henley's understated piano sets the stage for the guitar solo. It is a wonderful song and the Eagles' finest, in my opinion.

  16. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel

    Closer to folk than rock, but it's too good not to be here.

  17. Mozart and Madness - Savatage

  18. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown - Jim Croce

  19. Bring Me to Life - Evanescence

  20. Clocks - Coldplay

    Possibly the greatest piano riff of all modern music. It should be much higher for bringing the piano to a greater role in pop and rock music in the early 2000s. This is definitely a seminal song, both of all time and of the piano rock genre.

    At the same time, it is a piano rock banger and the precursor of most of last decade's EDM, influencing people like David Guetta and Avicii. This is probably one of the best riffs in rock music.

  21. Piano Man - Billy Joel

  22. Butterflies and Hurricanes - Muse

    Intense rock song with a near-symphonic piano breakdown near the end.

  23. In the End - Linkin Park

  24. Riders On the Storm - The Doors

  25. Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis

    The Killer is the greatest rock 'n' roll piano player of all time!

  26. Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance

  27. England - Edguy

    "I may like New York, Bavaria or Paris

    But nothing compares to you, England

    'Cause you got the magic bullet

    England's got Steve Harris

    England - inventors of definitely Leppard

    Shakespeare

    Indian food, Gary Lineker..."

    (Bonus track from their 2014 album)

    P.S. Steve Harris is the founder and bassist of Iron Maiden.

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