31 Best Guitar Hero Songs

Reptilia by The Strokes

Song Year: 2003

Another Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock addition is this top-rated song from The Strokes album Room on Fire. As an alternative and indie band, this song was perfect to include in the game and is one of the most played rounds.

On the unfortunate side, the song details a terrible break-up in which the guy cares more about the girl than she does for him. 

When We Were Young by The Killers

Song Year: 2006

It’s safe to say that the majority of the best Guitar Hero songs came from the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock edition. This song by The Killers comes in slow but grows more complex the more you get into the beat.

The meaning behind this tune, written by the entire band, is about going forward in life and leaving the past where it belongs. There is no need to dwell on what could have been when so much awaits you going forward.

Everlong by The Foo Fighters

Song Year: 1997

It’s always a blast when a Foo Fighters song comes on and including this song in the Guitar Hero: World Tour game brings a lot of happiness to the band's fans. From their album The Colour and the Shape, this song has been the recipient of many awards since its release.

The meaning of the song goes back to the lead singer. He wrote the song about the feelings of being in a relationship where you mesh in every way.

Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon

Song Year: 2008

This song, which you can find on Guitar Hero 5, comes from the band's album Only By the Night. It’s no surprise that the song revolves around sexual activities. The overarching theme is the remembrance of sex that was so good you’ll never forget it.

Since being released in 2008, the song has won several awards, including a Grammy for Best Rock Performance By a Duo.

Counting Stars by OneRepublic

Song Year: 2013

You may initially think that this will be an easy, light song to learn on the Guitar Hero Live game. However, once you get started, you will realize that the guitar segments are much more challenging than you thought.

The message behind the song is inspirational to listeners. In it, the lead singer recalls lying in bed at night stressing about money. The thought popped into his head that he can’t wait for the day when he’s not counting money but instead can be counting stars.

Sing by Ed Sheeran

Song Year: 2014

The trick to this song, which you can find on Guitar Hero Live, is that it has periods of light strumming followed by times of intense guitar beats. Even the most seasoned players will find themselves struggling at times.

This song highlights an actual situation in Sheeran’s life when he hooked up with a girl in Las Vegas, and the encounter ended badly.

Surrender by Cheap Trick

Song Year: 1978

On Guitar Hero II, you will find this 1978 classic from Cheap Trick’s album Heaven Tonight. This war-inspired tune talks about a person who is fascinated with a girl his mother disapproves of but whom he wants to give a chance.

As a classic rock song, this tune is filled with great guitar segments to play along on during the game. For an extra challenge, bump it up to expert!

Shout at the Devil by Motley Crue

Song Year: 1983

Another Guitar Hero II hit is this incredible piece of music from Motley Crue’s album of the same name. When this song was released in the 80s, it faced a lot of criticism due to the lyrics and the album cover, which many felt was satanic.

However, many have come to the realization that the song was actually going in the opposite direction and telling the devil what he was deserving of, which is nothing.

You Really Got Me by Van Halen

Song Year: 1978

This hit song, which people around the world still recognize today, was from the band’s self-titled debut album. Many years later, it found its way onto Guitar Hero II and reached a whole new population of music enthusiasts.

When playing this song, there are places where the guitar elements get really complicated, catching people off guard. However, the challenge is what makes it fun!

Message In a Bottle by The Police

Song Year: 1979

You won’t miss out on this song when playing Guitar Hero II. This hit from the band’s album Regatta de Blanc is a unique blend of rock and reggae, which proves quite tricky when you’re learning the guitar.

The lyrics of this song resonate with a lot of people in that the lead singer is expressing the feelings of loneliness he is experiencing and how he feels a need to send a message in a bottle to get help from someone.