Evaluate headphones consistently, and these 5 rounds of rock anthems are my go-to choices every session:
Alright, we've got a brand spankin' new pair of wireless cans, and you're wondering what tunes to crank to test 'em out, eh? Well, grab your air guitar and sit back, because I'm about to drop some knowledge. I'm not just a tech enthusiast, but I've got a serious weakness for classic rock. Here are the tracks I personally use to give my headphones a run for their money.
Got yourself a Qobuz Subscription for $10.83? Sweet! It's got all the classics and boasts top-notch streaming quality that'll make your ears happy. It's the go-to streaming service for us Tom's Guide folks when we're reviewing headphones. Let's dig in.
Led Zeppelin - "Misty Mountain Hop"
Sure, "Stairway to Heaven" is a classic, but "Misty Mountain Hop" is where it's at when you want to test your headphones. The track showcases rock n' roll beat, fantastic seventies stereo separation, and a massive soundstage. Led Zeppelin was known for pushing two-channel stereo recording to its limits, and "Misty Mountain Hop" is a perfect example of that. I want my new headphones to separate the guitars at the beginning of the track and nail the vocals right in the center of the mix. I need to hear the drums move from ear to ear as Bonham dances on his kit, and I want the track to feel goddamn colossal.
Pink Floyd - "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast"
Yes, I could have picked "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" or "Money," but "Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast" is more fun, and it's a bizarre fever dream that puts headphones to the test. I want to ensure that when Alan is pouring his cornflakes, the left channel is completely silent, before the plucked guitar line picks itself up from the studio floor. The vocal that comes in around the seventh minute needs to be just out of earshot, and the crackling bacon needs to sound like it's right next to me. It's a weird, occasional loud voice that many headphones struggle with, so I use it every time.
Moody Blues - "Knights in White Satin"
It's not just a heartfelt love song; it's a great way to test how dynamic a pair of headphones is. The song goes from calm and restrained to huge and orchestral in the blink of an eye, and I need my headphones to keep up. The drums need to move from earcup to earcup, and the strange vocal affectations need to be clear and high without being too fatiguing and dominating. The bass guitar needs plenty of body, and the track needs to sound massive as the instruments layer onto each other. It's a song sung from the heart, and I want to hear and feel every beat from my headphones.
Rush - "Tom Sawyer"
I'm not immune to the rock epic that is "Tom Sawyer." Not only is it a perfect showcase of what rock was becoming in the dawn of the eighties, but it's a great way to test out your new wireless headphones. It's big, loud, a little silly, and loaded with prog-rock fun. I'm looking for the cymbals of the drums to be detailed and precise, and while Geddy Lee's almost falsetto vocals need to be high without being too piercing. Then there's the drum beat – the drums are set up tight, with a fairly sharp snare tone. It needs to sound quick – some headphones struggle with timing, and the snare often ends up feeling flabby. Finally, there's that guitar solo – it has a habit of being overpowering with some headphones, but I need it to be just on the tolerable side of piercing.
Heart - "Magic Man"
Whenever Ann Wilson opens her mouth, brilliance emerges. "Magic Man" is a perfect example, and the perfect way to test how rhythmic your headphones are. Wilson's voice makes a great test for a headphone's vocal clarity, and the song's rhythm section is excellent for assessing a headphone's ability to handle rhythmic precision. Plus, it's a seventies classic – what's not to love?
In conclusion, these classic rock tracks are the perfect way to put your new headphones through the wringer and give 'em a real workout. Get those Apple Music or Spotify playlists loaded up, and let those tunes flow through your ears like honey. Happy listening!
Test out your new headphones with the classic rock track "Led Zeppelin - "Misty Mountain Hop" for a fantastic display of stereo separation and soundstage. The precision and details in the drums and guitars, as well as the clarity of the vocals, will give you an excellent idea of your headphones' capabilities.
For an assessment of rhythm precision, try the seventies classic "Heart - "Magic Man". Ann Wilson's voice provides a excellent test for a headphone's vocal clarity, while the rhythm section delivers a robust gauge for your headphone's rhythmic prowess. Stream these tracks on your Qobuz Subscription for an immersive experience that will truly put your headphones to the test.
