Bruce Springsteen: World's Apart (2002)

Just love this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvRXg-smk-U

Blondie: Heart of Glass (1979)

Blondie was very good at incorporating other influences into their punk/new wave sound. "Heart of Glass" is an example. In 1979, a war raged between rock fans and disco advocates. In the end, rock won.  However, before the ultimate victory, Blondie added disco into their took kit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGU_4-5RaxU

The Rolling Stones: Midnight Rambler (1969)

The Stones created the first blues opera with "Midnight Rambler." The song caused a stir as the song plays out a Boston Strangler rape/murder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNaAEJv_sDQ

Van Halen: Runaround (1991)

While David Lee Roth became a lounge act, Van Halen sold out arenas with Sammy Hagar. This song went to #1 on the rock charts. It also won a Grammy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKFp0QTGF8M

U2: Every Breaking Wave (2015)

U2 left "Every Breaking Wave" off 2009's No Line on the Horizon.  The song probably would have been a major hit in 2009. In 2015, it performed respectably.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYVEik7Lvc4

Sammy Hagar: Heavy Metal (1981)

"Heavy Metal" is one of Sammy Hagar's best works. It appeared in the movie of the same name and on the classic 1981 album Standing Hampton.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQE1Q1NILfQ

The Rolling Stones: Hang Fire (1982)

The Rolling Stones use surf rock to make social commentary. Basically, it laments the demise of the working class in the late 70s. The term "Hang Fire" itself means to delay action and was a shot at the politicians.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xbtlW16Gts

Bruce Springsteen: Brilliant Disguise (1987)

I always thought this was one of Springsteen's rawest songs. In it, Bruce admits the failings and doubts of his marriage. He divorced in 1988.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idnJnjV_8rg

Scott McKenzie: San Francisco (1967)

This is one of the most wonderful period pieces ever recorded. It became an anthem to the counterculture. Basically, McKenzie calls people to San Francisco to live free. By the time the song hit the charts, the San Francisco nirvana had run its course.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ_WG3d3GL8

Coldplay: Violet Hill (2008)

The song began as an anti-war protest and evolved into a commentary on Bill O'Reilly and banks. The band borrow from John Lennon and the Beatles as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IakDItZ7f7Q