The most incendiary rock songs of all time

“Rock music has always been synonymous with rebellion, but sometimes the establishment has reacted vehemently,” like this Classical Music introduces the list of the twenty-one most incendiary songs of all time (their words). A list of songs that were banned at the time and, perhaps, also for this reason their notoriety among the public was amplified. Songs that – whether they talked about drugs, politics or some other uncomfortable and taboo topic at the time of their release – were not just music, but also provocation. The Top Ten of this special ranking is yours.

10. Cramps: ‘Human Fly’ (1978)

9. Kingsmen: ‘Louie Louie’ (1963)

8. Frank Zappa: ‘Bobby Brown Goes Down’ (1979)

7. Doors: ‘The End’ (1967)

6. Madonna: ‘Like a Virgin’ (1984)

5. Pink Floyd: ‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)’ (1979)

4. Frankie Goes to Hollywood: ‘Relax’ (1983)

3. Sex Pistols: ‘God Save the Queen’ (1977)

2. NWA: ‘F*** tha Police’ (1988)

1. Rage Against the Machine: ‘Killing in the Name’ (1992)