Bursting onto the scene in the late 1980s, the multi-instrumentalist completely defied the heavily synthesized trends of the era, opting instead for a raw, analog blend of classic rock, soul, funk, and psychedelia.

Kravitz is famous not just for his staggering vocal range and leather-clad aesthetic, but for his incredible studio prowess—frequently writing, producing, and playing practically every single instrument on his records. As the four-time Grammy winner celebrates his milestone birthday today, we are turning the volume all the way up to count down his 10 most famous and unforgettable tracks.

1. “Are You Gonna Go My Way” (1993)

Boasting one of the most instantly recognizable and blistering guitar riffs of the entire 1990s, this massive title track completely skyrocketed Kravitz into the rock and roll stratosphere. Blending Jimi Hendrix-style psychedelia with an incredibly tight, driving rhythm, the song serves as the ultimate statement of his retro-futuristic sound. Decades later, the explosive track remains his absolute most reliable, stadium-shaking crowd-pleaser.

2. “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over” (1991)

Showcasing his incredible versatility, Kravitz pivoted from hard rock to lush, Motown-inspired soul for this gorgeous, heartbroken ballad. Famously written about his struggling marriage to actress Lisa Bonet, the track features soaring string arrangements, a funky bassline, and some of the most spectacular, impassioned vocal falsettos of his entire career. It successfully proved he was far more than just a talented guitar shredder.

3. “Fly Away” (1998)

What originally began as a simple, incredibly catchy chord progression practically thrown onto the 5 album at the last minute became the biggest commercial smash hit of his career. The song’s driving, repetitive guitar hook and soaring, escapist lyrics absolutely dominated global radio airwaves and television commercials for years. It rightfully earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

4. “American Woman” (1999)

Taking on a classic track by The Guess Who, Kravitz completely reinvented the song for the Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me soundtrack. He stripped away the original’s frantic, garage-rock energy and replaced it with a slow, heavy, incredibly sexy funk-rock groove. The wildly successful cover introduced his music to an entirely new generation and secured him yet another Grammy victory.

5. “Again” (2000)

Recorded specifically for his massive Greatest Hits compilation, this soaring, mid-tempo rock ballad rapidly became a massive hit in its own right. Seamlessly blending his signature acoustic strumming with a heavy, distorted chorus, the track perfectly captures the agonizing uncertainty of wondering if you will ever reconnect with a lost love. It remains one of his most deeply emotional and universally beloved compositions.

6. “Let Love Rule” (1989)

This is the brilliant, raw debut single that started it all. Completely ignoring the highly polished pop landscape of the late 80s, Kravitz delivered a soaring, deeply earnest plea for universal peace wrapped in a distinctly 1960s, Beatles-esque aesthetic. The track firmly established his signature, analog-heavy production style and introduced the world to an artist who was entirely unconcerned with chasing modern trends.

7. “Always on the Run” (1991)

For this absolute funk-rock masterclass, Kravitz teamed up with his high school classmate and Guns N’ Roses legend, Slash. Driven by an incredibly tight, aggressive horn section and Slash’s signature blistering guitar solos, the track is a masterfully chaotic groove. It beautifully highlights Kravitz’s ability to seamlessly blend deep, rhythmic funk with heavy, aggressive hard rock.

8. “I Belong to You” (1998)

Returning to his sensual, R&B-infused roots, this incredibly smooth track from the 5 album perfectly highlights his romantic side. Swapping out aggressive distortion for gentle acoustic picking, electronic drum loops, and atmospheric synthesizers, Kravitz crafted a deeply intimate, modern soul classic. It serves as a brilliant showcase for his rich, lower vocal register and impeccable production instincts.

9. “Believe” (1993)

Leaning heavily into his classic rock influences, this sprawling, psychedelic epic perfectly channels the ambitious spirit of artists like Led Zeppelin and John Lennon. Transitioning from a quiet, eerie acoustic opening into a massive, heavily orchestrated rock climax, the track requires an incredible amount of vocal and instrumental stamina. It stands as one of his most sonically adventurous and rewarding compositions.

10. “Dig In” (2001)

Kicking off the 2000s with an absolute roar, this explosive lead single from his Lenny album proved he had absolutely no intention of slowing down. Driven by a heavy, relentless guitar riff and an incredibly catchy pop-rock chorus, the energetic track scored him his fourth consecutive Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance—an unprecedented, record-breaking achievement in that category.