During the 1970s, many music genres rose to popularity, including punk rock. Some of the greatest musicians to ever exist are those who perfected this genre. They were pioneers, just as bands like Black Sabbath were for heavy metal, Chicago was for soft rock, and Led Zeppelin was for hard rock. This was a time of exploration which made the defining songs that much more meaningful as they are the roots of the genre.

Some of the biggest punk rock hits of the '70s became major songs right away. Others took time to gain recognition, but appreciation for them has grown after their use in mainstream media. There are also cover songs that became celebrated, showcasing exactly how the genre could transform a tune. Ultimately, these defining punk rock songs have been played repeatedly and appreciated by fans and other musicians, making them absolute classics.

10 Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)

Album: Love Bites (1978)

The beginning of the Buzzcocks was a rocky one, as co-founder Howard Devoto left the band before they could release their first album. This left Pete Shelley with the responsibility of carrying on as the leader, but he didn't miss a beat. At the tail end of the late '70s, the band released three albums, with one of their most popular songs, "Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)" coming from their sophomore record, Love Bites.

The title alone was enough to get people interested in the track, but it was actually a great tune. It was catchy, relatable, and had the punk energy that was desired at that time. Like many punk songs, the lyrics broached a more serious subject, but the instrumentation kept the song feeling upbeat. The tune paid off for the band and became a major hit in their native UK. Throughout their career, this song has become one of their most performed live tracks.

9 New York Dolls - Personality Crisis

Album: New York Dolls (1973)

As one of the early bands in the New York City punk rock scene, the New York Dolls distinguished themselves with their unique look and style. Their goal was to be as flamboyant as possible, which conveyed a punk attitude before they even played a song. Although they didn't release a ton of work in their early days, their first two albums became fan favorites. One song that stood out from their self-titled debut was the lead track "Personality Crisis."

Over the years, the tune has drawn comparisons to songs by big-name bands such as the Rolling Stones and The Doors. It has also been named by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest songs of all time on multiple lists. Throughout the years, it has even been covered by the likes of Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots and by the band Sonic Youth. It has now become a staple of the proto-punk era, which was a precursor to the punk rock movement.

8 The Damned - Neat Neat Neat

Album: Damned Damned Damned (1977)

Bass guitar is a big part of punk, and this song has one of the most iconic basslines. Punk rock is often characterized by the energy it brings; however, this energy is frequently created by tremendous instrumentals. While bass guitar is represented throughout the history of music, one of its most significant uses comes in punk rock. Some of the most famous players originate from this genre, including Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 and Mike Dirnt of Green Day. The song "Neat Neat Neat" by the Damned is one that contains a prime example of a well-known bassline.

The bassline of the song has often been ranked as one of the best ever.

This line was created by Captain Sensible, a co-founder of the band. The bassline of the song has often been ranked as one of the best ever. Over the years, it has gained popularity, being covered by bands such as My Chemical Romance. Additionally, it has appeared in mainstream media, including an episode of The Simpsons and the Amazon Prime show The Boys, as well as in the video game True Crime: New York City.

7 Blondie - Rip Her To Shreds

Album: Blondie (1976)

There were many things that Blondie did as a band that were outside the norm for the punk rock genre, but they are key highlights of their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame career. First, they are fronted by the incredible Debbie Harry, who has been a trailblazer for other female vocalists. Secondly, even with a long hiatus, they have managed to achieve the longevity that many other bands in the genre did not. This has allowed them to build their discography with over ten studio albums.

Returning to their debut album, one of their first released songs was "Rip Her to Shreds." Along with its punk rock roots, it also included early elements of pop punk, along with a couple of other popular genres of the era. The lyrics were strong and focused on the effects of gossip columns, conveying a message that continues to withstand the test of time. Another interesting aspect of the song is that it is an homage to legendary band the Velvet Underground (Entertainment Weekly).

6 Stiff Little Fingers - Alternative Ulster

Album: Inflammable Material (1979)

First released as a single in 1978, "Alternative Ulster" became a key song on Stiff Little Fingers' debut studio album in 1979. The song has become a timeless punk rock classic, as its message opposes oppressive forces. It embraces the rebellion for which the genre is known, celebrating the freedoms that punk fans seek. Even on a smaller scale, it resonates with those feeling frustrated and longing for change.

Although the song does not have the accolades of some of the other tunes in the genre, its credibility has grown through its use of it in the mainstream media. It has featured in major motion pictures such as Jackass Forever, television productions like Derry Girls, and the video game Skate 2. Having one of their songs appear in productions like these wasn't bad for a Northern Irish band from Belfast that just wanted to make a mark on the genre they loved.

5 Dead Boys - Sonic Reducer

Album: Young, Loud And Snotty

Even though the Dead Boys have gone on hiatus several times in their career, they have still been able to make a lasting impact that has inspired some of the biggest bands ever. Their first studio album, Young, Loud and Snotty, arrived in October 1977. For a punk rock band out of Cleveland, Ohio, they did pretty well for themselves, as the record landed on the Billboard 200 at the 189th spot. Over the years, it has maintained its prominence, even placing in a major poll by Rolling Stone.

A fan favorite from the album is "Sonic Reducer," which has been appreciated for its unapologetic punk sound. It's loud, it's fast, and it's raw, all key elements of the genre. Beyond just the fans, many of their fellow musicians enjoy the song as well. It has been covered by numerous legends, including Guns N' Roses, Pearl Jam, and Bad Religion. With bands like this performing the track, it has kept its legacy growing in front of new audiences around the world.

4 The Stooges - Search And Destroy

Album: Raw Power (1973)

Before becoming a successful solo artist, Iggy Pop began making a name for himself as the lead singer of the Stooges. They became known for their dramatic live performances, which often involved dangerous stunts. One of their most well-known songs, "Search and Destroy," came from their third studio album, Raw Power. The title is unique to the period, as Pop has famously cited that the name comes from an article about the Vietnam War.

The song features an interesting blend of styles, incorporating proto-punk, early elements of glam rock, and garage rock. The latter is often referred to as '60s punk. The tune is credited with being an architectural piece, laying the foundation for others in the genre and making it a defining component of their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame career. Additionally, it has also become a favorite for bands to cover, such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Soundgarden.

3 Sex Pistols - Anarchy In The U.K.

Album: Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols (1976)

In a very short amount of time, the Sex Pistols were able to have one of the biggest impacts on the 1970s punk rock scene. With just their one studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, the band became an international hit. It reached number one in the UK and achieved a 106th place spot on the Billboard 200. The record includes many popular songs, such as "God Save the Queen" and the band's very first single, "Anarchy in the U.K."

The opening lines, "I am an Antichrist, I am an anarchist," have become one of the most recognizable in the genre.

Their first single became known for its rebellious message and provocative lyrics. The opening lines, "I am an Antichrist, I am an anarchist," have become one of the most recognizable in the genre. The jagged guitar riffs and vocal snarls of Johnny Rotten have also contributed to its popularity. Over the years, it has been recognized by outlets such as Rolling Stone and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the most influential songs of all time.

2 The Clash - I Fought The Law

Album: The Cost Of Living EP (1979)

One of the best ways to gain a true understanding of a genre is to select a great cover. Seeing a band remake a song can illustrate exactly the type of elements a genre brings, as the differences between tracks are often visible. One of the best examples of this was when the Clash covered "I Fought the Law" for their 1979 EP, The Cost of Living. This was at a time when the band was in the midst of building their brand and on their way to releasing their Platinum-certified album, London Calling.

Their cover of "I Fought the Law" came nearly 20 years after the original version was released in 1960. They weren't the only band that had put their own spin on the classic either, as the Bobby Fuller Four turned the song into a huge hit. For the Clash, they changed things by adding their raw and defiant sound. Additionally, they made the lyrics reflect frustration and political rebellion, which put a true punk stamp on the track.

1 Ramones - Sheena Is A Punk Rocker

Album: Rocket To Russia (1977)

When it comes to punk rock, it's hard to find a more influential group than the Ramones. They are recognized as one of the first bands of the genre, helping it become established. Although they would release 14 studio albums and play well over 2,200 shows, they were constantly fighting for recognition. One of the first times they thought they were going to have a breakout hit was with the song "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker."

The tune became known for combining surf rock and bubblegum pop with punk. It was straightforward, but still carried a powerful message of individual freedom. Although it didn't land as high as they hoped, it still finished in the 81st position on the Billboard Hot 100. This helped it become a cornerstone of the punk rock genre, making it a popular cover song for artists such as Charli XCX, Paul Jones, and Rancid.