3 Timeless Classic Rock Songs from Iggy Pop

Some guys just have the street cred. Some guys just ooze that je ne sais quoi appeal that makes them both pop stars and underground heroes. Indeed, the Muskegon, Michigan-born punk rocker Iggy Pop is one of those artists. As famous for his songs as he is for his authenticity, Pop exudes credibility, all while seemingly never wearing a shirt.

Here below, we wanted to dive into three songs from the artist that remain classics today. A trio of tracks that showcase his lyricism, connections in the industry, and why he is known as the “Godfather of Punk.” Indeed, these are three timeless classic rock songs from Iggy Pop.

[RELATED: How Iggy Pop Challenging a Biker Gang Created a Wild, Violent Fan-Favorite Album]

“Lust for Life” from Lust for Life (1977)

As the title of this song suggests, this track is exuberant and vibrant. Co-written by Iggy Pop and David Bowie (who shows up on another song on this list, too), this song is propelled by a vibrant drumbeat and Pop’s electric current-like vocal performance. As far as the lyrics, Pop sings about things that would give most people a jolt, from liquor and drugs to flesh machines and lotion. Hey, if you’re going to dive into lust and life, these are your tools, after all. On the track, he sings,

Here comes Johnny Yen again

With the liquor and drugs

And a flesh machine

He’s gonna do another striptease

Hey man, where’d you get that lotion?

I’ve been hurting since I bought the gimmick

About something called love

Yeah, something called love

Well, that’s like hypnotizing chickens

Well, I’m just a modern guy

Of course, I’ve had it in the ear before

Been on a lust for life

‘Cause of a lust for life

“The Passenger” from Lust for Life (1977)

Also appearing on Pop’s 1977 LP Lust for Life, this song is perhaps his best-known song. Featuring a sticky guitar line and jangly drums, this song on the face of it is about driving along in a car, seeing the world pass by your windows. But on a deeper level, it’s a song of existentialism, about living life while time, bright lights, and everything else passes in front of you. The song also features David Bowie on background vocals and piano. Partly inspired by a Jim Morrison poem and partly inspired by touring with Bowie, the song lasts for its simplicity and its depth. On the track, Pop sings,

I am a passenger

And I ride, and I ride

I ride through the city’s backsides

I see the stars come out of the sky

Yeah, they’re bright in a hollow sky

You know it looks so good tonight

I am the passenger

I stay under glass

I look through my window so bright

I see the stars come out tonight

I see the bright and hollow sky

Over the city’s ripped back sky

And everything looks good tonight

“Real Wild Child” from Blah-Blah-Blah (1986)

Originally released by Australian rocker Johnny O’Keefe in 1958, Pop covered this track on his 1986 LP Blah-Blah-Blah. It was hit a hit for Pop both in the UK and United States, showcasing the artist’s smooth style and penchant for rebellion. When it comes to rock, the wild ones are often the most desired. They’re charming and willing to bust through just about any kind of wall—and Pop exemplifies that perfectly. On the song, which has since been featured on several movie soundtracks and commercials, Pop sings,

Gonna meet all my friends

Gonna have myself a ball

Gonna tell my friends

Gonna tell them all

That I’m a wild one

Oh yeah, I’m a wild one

Gonna break and loose

Gonna keep a movin’ wild

Gonna keep a swingin’, baby

I’m a real wild child

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