Top 10 Greatest Long Rock Songs in History

This isn't just a song. This is a progressive rock symphony. It's also probably the greatest progressive rock symphony to ever exist. The way it's segmented and concludes with a melancholy but satisfying climax makes it one of the greatest pieces of music, in my humble opinion.

Definitely an early masterpiece by Pink Floyd. However, I would vote up other songs such as "Atom Heart Mother" and "Dogs" (love "Dogs"). But in 1971, "Echoes" was the longest song that still has an impact to this day, clocking in at 23:28.

Just a great song comparable to Stairway to Heaven. This could have been released in the late '60s as it reminds me of those long cuts of the time.

The best piano, lyrics, and guitar solo makes it the best. The best guitar solo of all time.

Best song for love I have ever heard.

I can't believe I'm doing this, but I'm picking "One" over "Stairway to Heaven," and I'll explain why. The guitar riff in "One" is one of my favorites ever.

"Stairway" has some great guitar work, and yes, it does have the greatest guitar solo ever, but the riff belongs to "One." The progression doesn't leap out at you like in "Stairway," where the solo transitions it all for the most part. "One" starts fairly loud and gets better and better as it goes on, while "Stairway" has its ups and downs.

Finally, the passion. I may be alone on this, but I feel more invested in Metallica when hearing this song, specifically the louder parts. It makes me feel bad. Led Zeppelin is successful in doing this too, but not as well. There you have it.

This song inspired countless people to play guitar and become musicians. It's so powerful, and Robert Plant sounds hauntingly beautiful. It's probably rock's most valuable masterpiece.

Stairway to Heaven should be number one. It's the best song of all time, next to Imagine by John Lennon. I guess #1 was longer but not better. And where's Living In-A-Da-La Vida?

Two Led Zeppelin songs at the top of the list with no trace of Queen. This makes me really proud. Zeppelin is the best without a doubt.

One of the best guitar solos of all time, and at nearly 5 minutes, it's one of the longest too. Awesome song that every true fan can appreciate.

I think Green Grass and High Tides should be right alongside this.

I agree that the scream near the end is probably the most climactic moment of the seventies. The Who deserved way more than they got, but they kicked ass anyway.

The Who's greatest achievement, and therefore the greatest song of all time. Daltrey's "YEAAH" is the single greatest moment in rock music.

Child in Time is Deep Purple's masterpiece with powerful lyrics and music. It sounds calm at first, but in the middle, you will be like wow. And it's a whopping 10 minutes.

Not one Deep Purple song on this list? This would be it, then. Epic.

Epic song, catchy tunes, awesome music!

As much as I love Metallica, I really think this beats One. It is the most unique rock piece ever written, and you can't help but sing along.

By far and away the most creative piece on this list. Innovative and musically coherent. Only November Rain comes close.

It's not a short song, and indeed it is the BEST song of all time, so much better than all the others on this list.

A two-part Pink Floyd classic! Both parts are over 12 minutes long and maintain an emotional hook that doesn't let go. Shine On You Crazy Diamond is Pink Floyd at their best. It gives all band members a chance to shine: Roger with his bass, Gilmour on guitar, Richard's synths, and the beat provided by Nick.

The entire song is an emotional journey from beginning to end and is definitely one of the best songs made.

(How is this down at number 19?)

I wouldn't consider anything shorter than 10 minutes a long song. In terms of songs longer than 10 minutes, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" blows everything else away. It's hard to believe that a song longer than 25 minutes isn't too long and is awesome from start to end.

Second place, in my opinion, goes to "Halloween" by Helloween, a magnificent 13-minute-long power metal song.

Even though I ended up voting for The Prophet's Song by Queen, it's ridiculous how low this one is. Zeppelin's best song, in my opinion!

This song is simply amazing. It's 9 minutes long, but it feels like 3 minutes. It's like your life has not been wasted for one second because this song is so good and makes a great impact.

Really amazing song that described both the state of America's poorly maintained suburbs and its youth at the same time. Deserves to be top 3.

This isn't the best long rock song ever, but it is the best Green Day song and definitely deserves to be in the top 5. Love the music video as well.

No song will ever beat "Master of Puppets" for the title of the best Thrash Metal song of all time. The length of this song makes it better.

For example, if Metallica had cut off the part at 5:11 after James' guitar solo, with the lyrics "Master, master, where's the dreams that I've been after?", the song would not have had the epicness it has with the extra 3.5 minutes. This includes some awesomely sung lines by Hetfield and a guitar solo by Kirk that is one of the greatest of all time.

"Master" keeps you interested and engaged throughout the whole song, even in its slow part in the middle, which nicely captures the feel of the song but gives us a break from the onslaught of aggression that the outstanding opening riff provides. Even at 8:37, I still want more of this masterpiece. I'd be happy if it went on for another 3 minutes with more lyrics. It never gets old and is always catchy.

The Doors should be all over this list. Light My Fire, Riders on the Storm, When the Music's Over... etc. But The End is an amazing song and, frankly, I think it is far superior to Stairway to Heaven, which is highly overrated.

This is simply better than Stairway to Heaven and much more revolutionary.

I've always, without a doubt, considered this the best rock song over 10 minutes. Vocals match the narrative in the lyrics so well.

Number 1 please! How many feelings in this song... It's my favorite by Guns N' Roses! I cry with this song. I love you, Axl!

Ridiculously good song. Vocals and highs are perfect. Should be number one and is one of the most underrated songs by Guns N' Roses.

Best song/composition ever written!

God, this hypnotic tune is amazing.

This is my music confession: I was exposed to (and performed) plenty of music from many different genres and eras from as far back as I can remember. I heard this song at 9 years old and have loved Zeppelin since. I still listen to a variety of music (37 years later), but my constant is Led Zeppelin.

I guess it's partly the emotion/yearning that is effectively communicated, not just by a single member, but by each member's talent in their catalog. I won't rant and wax rhapsodic. I love them!

I did not get the chance to see them live, but if you enjoy them, I can tell you that Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience is a great show. Search it, see it. Thanks for the poll. Peace.

For all those who think songs like Bohemian Rhapsody and Hotel California are long, listen to this masterpiece. Those songs are fantastic, but as a lifelong fan of Genesis, this song is amazing to me.

I also recommend Echoes, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, and Dogs by Pink Floyd, Close to the Edge and The Gates of Delirium by Yes, and Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull if you're looking for other really long songs.

You just know that this is so low because so few people know it. The same goes for other masterpieces like Close to the Edge or A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers.

One of the best Eagles' songs and one of my favorite songs ever.

Great song. One of the all-time classics!

What? This song is surely number 3.

I don't know why this isn't in the top 100. This is a fantastic song!