10 Best Cover Songs In Classic Rock

The Kinks' release of "You Really Got Me" was a pivotal moment for hard rock. When most bands were still playing the typical bluesy pop rock of the day, the distorted opening guitar riff opened up a completely different world of possibilities to explore. Even with over a decade since its release, the song wowed audiences yet again when Van Halen added their glam rock touch.

Usually preceded by Eddie Van Halen's jaw dropping instrumental "Eruption," this song cuts through the speakers from the first jabs of the riff. Instead of just sticking at the normal laid-back tempo, this version pumps the song full of hard rock bravado, with David Lee Roth's vocals propelling the tune from the moment he comes in.

Though "Eruption" was already a Van Halen showcase, the solo of this tune shows even more of what Eddie can pull off, as he uses everything from tremolo-picked lines to effects pedals to get an aggressive wall of sound coming from his six-string. This not only became a highlight in the band's live set, but also the very first single they released from their colossal debut record. Someone else may have written it, but the aggressive delivery of "You Really Got Me" gave you everything you needed to know about who Van Halen were.