The 25 best songs that go on for more than 10 minutes

The closing number to Highway 61 Revisited, "Desolation Row" clocks in as a marathon of musical brilliance. The song's composition is highly complex, involving several characters and some surreal lyrical imagery that touches on disturbing topics. Perhaps the length of the track kept it from enjoying consistent commercial success, but the song's impact has left a lasting impression on various artists, such as emo rockers My Chemical Romance, who released its own unique version in 2009.

The legendary Nina Simone wasn't the first to record this lengthy tale of hopeful redemption when it all comes down. However, her version of the iconic jazzy, gospel classic has usually been considered the best of the lot. "Sinnerman," in fact, might be Simone's signature recording, which is truly saying a lot. Of course, her exceptional vocal performance, and stellar band accompaniment on a revivalist, almost speeding-train-like vibe, is the stuff legends are made from. 

The appropriately named finale of the Doors' self-titled debut runs more than 11 minutes, and is one of the more controversial songs by the band, assuming the listener digs deep into what's going on with the potentially disturbing lyrics. It's a haunting piece, interpreted as perhaps a goodbye to innocence. In many ways, that made it the perfect track to open Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam War classic Apocalypse Now, which also helped introduce both this iconic track and the Doors to a new generation of listeners. And it still does today.

Iron Butterfly's signature track and often considered one of the most influential songs on the heavy metal movement — especially in the United States. A progressive rock gem, as well, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" has also been known for its length. Perhaps the highlight of the track is Ron Bushy's drum solo at just over the six-minute mark. It delivers a kind of George of the Jungle vibe. It builds up to a frenetic pace and cools off before the band comes together for a collective jam. Bushy again moves into the forefront at the 13-minute mark; an overall drum performance that was quite impressive for the late 1960s, and helped define this epic rock classic.

An icon preaching about a piece of music iconography. The legendary B.B. King takes his time when letting fans of the blues know about the bevy of Gibson guitars he's dubbed "Lucille." When something is this special, there's no need to rush. And, King isn't singing, but rather "talking," about "Lucille," and the associated passion and joy that playing "her" gives this internationally beloved bluesman. 

Not the most family-friendly topics to sing about, but this Velvet Underground classic can be considered as a punk/noise rock movie all its own. Lou Reed and Co. were never shy when it came to singing about their demons — in this case, another ode to shooting up. Throw in an orgy complete with drag queens and a murder, and it's nearly 17 1/2 minutes of dark, debaucherous, distorted proto-punk rock that is another highlight to the band's White Light/White Heat masterpiece. All four band members played integral parts in the composition of the track.

Found on the Jimi Hendrix Experience classic Electric Ladyland record, "Voodoo Chile" was considered the foundation for the more well-known "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" — the closing number on the famed double LP. Essentially, "Voodoo Chile" is a jam song, and featured Steve Winwood (then with Traffic) on the organ, and Jefferson Airplane bassist Jack Casady on the track. Though not a hit, it's Hendrix longest and most free-form track. 

One of Grand Funk's most recognizable tracks is also one of the most seemingly unlikely types of songs from the legendary rock group. Long and melodic, complex and orchestral, this two-part opus of sorts remains a true rock classic that has plenty of progressive tendencies. The tale of a captain and his apparently mutinous crew proved the depth of the band, which was out of step for contemporary bands of that caliber. It remains a classic rock staple to this day.

The first of three Pink Floyd selections to make this list. (Yes, the Floyd loved its extended musical fare.) At 23 1/2 minutes, side two of 1971's Meddle is the entire song "Echoes." Talk about epic. The track is one of Pink Floyd's most renowned musical accomplishments, where Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright each contributed to the writing and composing. Notably, on Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii, "Echoes" is split into two parts — at the beginning and end of the album. 

Often the best musical performances don't need words. A masterful instrumental piece from the legendary Funkadelic, "Maggot Brain" reportedly was recorded on one take, and band leader George Clinton's reported direction to guitarist Eddie Hazel on finding motivation for the instrumental is the stuff of legends. It's an innovative piece of electronic music, bridging the psychedelic vibe of the late 1960s with the ever-growing funk presence, plus a healthy dose of distorted rock. In some critical music circles, it's considered the best of Eddie Hazel's masterful and underrated guitar work with the legendary group. And true classic rock fans can't forget the eye-catching cover of the album for which the track got its name. 

The best part about Tull's most recognizable piece is that it's a conceptual project making fun of concept albums. The record is one continuous song (ultimately edited for radio play), divided into two parts, and, when listening to it on vinyl, it spans both sides of the record. The brilliance of Jethro Tull frontman and leader Ian Anderson, Thick as a Brick is a poem from the fictional young boy Gerald Bostock. It's also the epitome of  '70s progressive rock, and quite the listening experience.

Broken into two parts, which feature two more extended musical impressions, "Karn Evil 9" is perhaps ELP's most recognized and celebrated tune. It also shows off the brilliance of drummer Carl Palmer, who never passed up a good solo. There are solos, fills, and breaks aplenty during this extended epic track from ELP's classic Brain Salad Surgery record. It's kind of hard to pick out one that stands out. From the beginning of the song's "1st Impression," Palmer makes his presence known. His drumming on this mammoth cut is a mix of brilliant progressive rock, with plenty of jazz peppered in for good measure.  

The song that essentially introduced mainstream music fans to Donna Summer — and, perhaps, made her a star. Yes, as most fans of the time came to know, that is as Summer moaning in apparent ecstasy on the steamy track, which was first released in Europe and ran roughly 3 1/2 minutes. It was her first top-40 hit in the United States (reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100), became one of the great disco tunes of all time, and took up the entire first side of the studio album from which it resides. 

More from Pink Floyd. The nine parts of this Wish You Were Here opus bookend the album. The musically detailed journey is creative, trippy, haunting, and quite sad when considering the subject matter (missing former frontman Syd Barrett and his bittersweet legacy). Bassist Roger Waters wrote the lyrics, and the entire band was responsible for the overall composition. The track features some of David Gilmour's most innovative and genius guitar work. The overall beauty of Shine On ... is truly something special.

At roughly 20 1/2 minutes, the title track to the ambitious 1976 album takes up the entire first side of the vinyl release. The "Overture" and second part, known as "The Temples of Syrinx," are perhaps the best known of this gargantuan opus. Mainly because that's what was heard on the radio — then and as a classic today. 2112 is one of Rush's greatest efforts, and one that truly encompasses the collective greatness of the trio when putting it all together.

Presence, Led Zeppelin's seventh studio album from 1976, is often lost in the mix when compared to its earlier, more acclaimed releases. The highlight of this under-appreciated record is the lead-off track. A lot is going on — guitar overdubs. complex transitions — on a cut that runs almost 10 1/2 minutes long. It may be a lot to take in, but the collective talent showcased in this song is undeniable, and one of the band's best late-career performances.

From the album of the same name, which remains perhaps Bowie's most ambitious musical project. "Station to Station," the longest song Bowie ever recorded in the studio, is a true listening experience. From its train-like beginning to a rollicking mid-section onto what has been described as something of a progressive disco vibe," with his dastardly alter ego of the Thin White Duke along for the ride, "Station to Station" is a trip that reportedly was fueled by Bowie's reliance on cocaine at the time. Not to be discarded is the blistering guitar work of Earl Slick. 

The title cut from the New York City art punk outfit's debut record. The track, often considered the band's signature offering, clocked in at just under 10 minutes. However, upon re-issue, it was expanded well over 10, worthy enough to qualify on this list considering its influence on the punk movement of the late 1970s in the United States. Length, though, proved to be the song's downfall in terms of mainstream success. A shorter single version was released in the United Kingdom, but the passage of time ultimately was able to generate some well-deserved appreciation for this twangy, quirky punk staple. 

There's a conceptual aspect to the 1977 Animals album, another progressive rock gem from the Floyd. Within Roger Waters' critical-thinking mind, "pigs" represent the top rung of the social ladder in accordance with the album's theme. From a musical standpoint, "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" is arguably the standout moment of an underrated album sandwiched between commercial juggernauts Wish You Were Here and The Wall. There are trippy moments and some head-scratching vibes, but certainly a worthwhile musical experience.

Tackling a musical version of a poem as extensive and in-depth as Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is no small feat, even for the most seasoned musicians and history buffs like the Maiden guys. Still, comparable to the stage version of a book, Iron Maiden delivers a 13-minute, 45-second showstopper to close out the iconic 1984 classic album Powerslave. There would be more epic, over-the-top moments like this from Iron Maiden, and we really couldn't get enough, but this is still the band's greatest such achievement.

Clocking in at a little more than 10 minutes to close Use Your Illusion I, "Coma" is the longest song Guns N' Roses has ever recorded. Despite its epic duration, "Coma" is an intense listening experience that became a regular part of the group's live set during the reunion shows, and has actually become one of its most appreciated tracks over the years. While more popular lengthy Guns N' Roses songs like "November Rain" and "Estranged" smack of grandiose and musical self-pretentiousness, "Coma" is a well-executed, emotionally driven sound experience for the ears.

Meat Loaf returned to musical prominence in a major way during the first half of the 1990s. And, of course, the musical statement from himself and longtime songwriter Jim Steinman was epic. When it comes to true no-holds-barred, over-the-top balladry and bombast, this 1993 hit (No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100) from his Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell album reigns supreme. The album version clocks at just over 12 minutes, but the journey is so much worth the time. It's a roller coaster of musical emotion and cheesy lyrics that re-introduced Meat Loaf to the masses and another generation of rock fans.

The intricacies of Tool's music have always been part of what has made the band so successful. "Rosetta Stoned" might be a perfect example of everything the band is about from a true musical standpoint. Spanning more than 11 minutes, the track is a heavy stream-of-consciousness audio trip about an alien encounter — for starters. The true highlights of the piece, though, are lauded drummer Danny Carey's ever-changing drum fills and complex time signatures that are examples of why he remains one of the best in the business. 

The longest track in Lamar's illustrious musical catalog is this two-part song from his highly acclaimed Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, which remains one of the best rap/hip hop records of all time. It's more emotional storytelling from Lamar, who's quick and successive lyrics prove that he's also a standout on the mic and arguably the greatest rapper of this era. Just like life, characters are woven in and out of the piece through Lamar's lyrics, making for one of the greatest conceptual rap experiences ever created.  

The original 5 1/2-minute version of "All Too Well" appeared on 2012's Red, Swift's fourth studio album. However, in the wake of the superstar's fight over the master copies of her recordings from those earlier albums, she re-recorded and re-issued the tracks from that era. In 2021, Red (Taylor's Version) was released, with the extended take of "All Too Well." Already an emotion-churning ballad about a breakup and its undesirable aftermath, the 10 Minute Version only heightened things, making for another stellar Swift song about heartbreak and failed love. She performed this version, in its entirety, on a 2021 episode of Saturday Night Live.