10 Best Songs With The Word 'Rebel' In The Title (2024)

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We were definitely in for a challenging job with a topic as large as rebellion put up for review in our classic words and song titles series. If we were to choose songs about rebellion, we would have had to have made a top 1000 list because it’s entirely possible that more than half the songs ever written in rock and roll are about rebellion. We just weren’t in the mood to count, because it would have taken a couple of years, probably So, we paired it down to just the single word “rebel” in song titles to make it a little easier. Still it was pretty challenging to just pick 10. What would be your picks?

# 10 – “Rebel Girl” – Bikini Kill

“Rebel Girl,” a punk rock landmark from Bikini Kill, was released in 1993 across multiple formats, including Pussy Whipped, the New Radio +2 single, and the split LP Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah. The single version, produced by Joan Jett, stands out for her additional guitar work and backing vocals, adding an extra layer of grit to the song’s raw energy. Written collaboratively by the band—Kathleen Hanna, Billy Karren, Tobi Vail, and Kathi Wilcox—the track captures a spirit of defiance and feminist empowerment, offering a powerful tribute to solidarity and queer love. Its visceral energy and unapologetic lyrics have made it Bikini Kill’s signature track, hailed as a defining anthem of the riot grrrl movement and one of punk rock’s most enduring cultural statements.

Read More: Top 10 Bikini Kill Songs

# 9 – Rebel Yell – Billy Idol

“Rebel Yell,” the electrifying title track from Billy Idol’s 1983 album Rebel Yell, epitomizes his blend of punk energy and rock flamboyance. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City and produced by Keith Forsey, the track features Steve Stevens’s searing guitar riffs, blending perfectly with Idol’s snarling vocals and the driving rhythm section. A bottle of Rebel Yell bourbon inspired the song and became a defining moment in Idol’s career, reaching number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving widespread acclaim.

Read More: Billy Idol Rebel Yell 40th Anniversary Vinyl Review

# 8 – Rebel Heart – Rod Stewart

“Rebel Heart” is a track from Rod Stewart’s 1991 album Vagabond Heart. The song was co-written by Rod Stewart, Jeff Golub, Chuck Kentis, and Carmine Rojas. The production was handled by Bernard Edwards and Rod Stewart. The album features contributions from various musicians, including Jeff Golub on guitar, Chuck Kentis on keyboards, and Carmine Rojas on bass. While “Rebel Heart” was not released as a single, it is part of an album that includes notable tracks like “Rhythm of My Heart” and “The Motown Song,” which achieved significant chart success.

Read More: Top 10 Rocking Rod Stewart Songs From The 1970s

# 7 – The Last Rebel – Lynyrd Skynyrd

“The Last Rebel,” the powerful title track from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1993 album The Last Rebel, showcases the band’s iconic Southern rock style while exploring themes of nostalgia and resilience. Recorded at Emerald Sound Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Barry Beckett, the track features Johnny Van Zant on lead vocals, Gary Rossington and Ed King on guitars, Leon Wilkeson on bass, Billy Powell on keyboards, Randall Hall on guitar, and Kurt Custer on drums.

# 6 – Rebel With A Cause – Gov’t Mule

“Rebel With a Cause” is a dynamic track from Gov’t Mule’s 2007 album Mighty High. This album, released on October 16, 2007, showcases the band’s fusion of rock and reggae influences. The track features Warren Haynes on vocals and guitar, Matt Abts on drums, and Andy Hess on bass, with additional contributions from Danny Louis on keyboards. Produced by Warren Haynes and Gordie Johnson, the song exemplifies the band’s versatility and willingness to explore diverse musical landscapes. While it did not chart as a single, “Rebel With a Cause” stands out for its compelling blend of genres and the band’s signature improvisational style.

Read More: Warren Haynes: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 5 – Rebel Waltz – The Clash

“Rebel Waltz,” a haunting and unconventional entry in The Clash’s catalog, appears on their ambitious 1980 album Sandinista!. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City and produced by the band, the song’s 3/4 time signature and poignant lyrics reflect the group’s fearless experimentation with new sounds and storytelling. Joe Strummer’s expressive vocals are complemented by Mick Jones’s nuanced guitar work, Paul Simonon’s steady basslines, and Topper Headon’s rhythmic precision, creating a song that blurs the boundaries between punk and folk-inspired balladry. The track remains a vivid example of The Clash’s willingness to push their artistic limits.

Read More: Top 10 Clash Songs

# 4 – Rebels – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

“Rebels,” a compelling track from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ 1985 album Southern Accents, delves into themes of Southern identity and personal struggle. The song was recorded in 1984, during which Petty experienced a significant setback; frustrated with the recording process, he punched a wall and broke his hand, an incident that underscored the intense emotions behind the track.

Produced by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell, the recording features Petty’s evocative vocals and rhythm guitar, Campbell’s lead guitar, Benmont Tench on keyboards, Howie Epstein on bass, and Stan Lynch on drums.

Read More: Complete List Of Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers Albums

# 3 – Surfin Rebel – Dick Dale

“Surfin’ Rebel” is a dynamic instrumental track from Dick Dale & His Del-Tones’ 1964 album Summer Surf. Known as the “King of the Surf Guitar,” Dale’s innovative playing style is evident in this piece, characterized by rapid alternate picking and heavy reverb, which became hallmarks of the surf rock genre. The album was recorded during a prolific period for Dale, who was instrumental in popularizing surf music in the early 1960s. “Surfin’ Rebel” exemplifies the energetic and rebellious spirit of the era, with its driving rhythms and distinctive guitar work. While not released as a single, the track contributes to the album’s reputation as a classic in surf music history.

Read More: Top 10 Dick Dale Songs

# 2 – Rebel Rouser – Duane Eddy

“Rebel-‘Rouser,” Duane Eddy’s groundbreaking instrumental, was released in 1958 and became a defining track of early rock and roll. Originally titled “Rabble Rouser,” the song was recorded at Audio Recorders studio in Phoenix, Arizona, with production by Lee Hazlewood. Eddy’s distinctive “twangy” guitar sound is complemented by saxophonist Gil Bernal and the doo-wop group the Rivingtons, who provided yells and handclaps. The track achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 8 on the R&B Best Sellers chart. “Rebel-‘Rouser” also appeared on Eddy’s debut album, Have ‘Twangy’ Guitar Will Travel, solidifying his influence on the instrumental rock genre.

Read More: Top 10 Duane Eddy Songs

# 1 – Rebel Rebel – David Bowie

“Rebel Rebel,” David Bowie’s glam rock masterpiece, was released as a single in 1974 and later included on his album Diamond Dogs. Written and produced by Bowie, the track was recorded at Olympic Studios in London, with Bowie himself playing the instantly recognizable guitar riff. The song captures the rebellious spirit of youth with its infectious energy and lyrics celebrating individuality and nonconformity. Often regarded as Bowie’s farewell to the glam rock era, “Rebel Rebel” became one of his most enduring hits, reaching number 5 on the UK Singles Chart.

Read More: 10 Best David Bowie Songs