Music is a massive part of pop culture. One of the more popular genres is Rock music. While most rock bands have distinct vocals and beats, it can be a challenge to distinguish different types, or subgenres, of rock. For example, what’s the difference between heavy metal and death metal? How many subgenres of rock are there? And so on.
Rock music dates back to the late 1940s when jazz had a large influence on the rising style, inspiring different tunes and vocal melodies. By the 1960s, fusion and Rock-Jazz hybrids were introduced. Surprising listeners with their complex rhythms yet slower pace. The 1970s brought in punk-rock and protest-esque songs focused on the Anti-War Movement. Exposing viewers to harsh themes and angry riffs. In the 1980s, punk-rock had evolved into alternative rock and a new wave of music that was very diverse both in pace and tune. Grunge, Indie, and Brit-pop became popular in the 1990s. Taking inspiration from Alt-Rock and punk to create songs with darker themes and complicated beats. Even in today’s time, new subgenres are being created.
There are over 250 distinct, recognized subgenres of rock today, but there are eight main branches that the rest fit into. The eight branches are Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Punk Rock, Alt-Rock, Grunge, Progressive Rock (PROG), and Soft Rock.
Classic Rock has primarily guitar-driven tunes and was heavily influenced by Blues. Examples of famous Classic Rock Bands include The Beatles, Queen, and The Rolling Stones.
Hard Rock is known for its loud and aggressive tunes, distorted riffs, and powerful vocals. Well-known Hard-Rock bands include AD/DC, Van Halen, and Guns N’ Roses.
Dark themes, fast pacing, and dramatic, complex melodies are all key factors of Heavy Metal. Examples of Heavy Metal bands are Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath. Punk Rock is famous for its raw, angry, and often political songs. Some famous Punk Rock bands are Green Day, Blink-182, and The Clash.
Alt-Rock is known for the way it blends many different subgenres, and its goal is to defy mainstream music. Well-known Alt-Rock bands include Weezer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Arctic Monkeys.
Pessimistic and often slow tunes are the scaffolding of Grunge music (A mix of Heavy Metal and Punk). Examples of Grunge bands are Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains.
Progressive Rock (PROG) is highly skill-based, with songs often being long and complex. Some famous PROG bands are Pink Floyd, Rush, and Yes.
Soft Rock is known for its polished and quiet songs. Most Soft-Rock is entirely melody-based for easy listening. Well-known Soft-Rock bands include Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and the Bee Gees.
Within the 250 subgenres, the top 25 right now are:
- Alt-Rock
- Heavy Metal
- Grunge
- Blues Rock
- Progressive Rock (PROG)
- Glam Rock
- Punk Rock
- Psychedelic Rock
- Arena Rock
- Alt Metal
- Soft Rock
- Acid Rock
- Art Rock
- Folk Rock
- New Wave
- Garage Rock
- Indie Rock
- Roots Rock
- Pop Punk
- Hair Metal
- Funk Rock
- Nu Metal
- Brit-pop
- Gothic Rock
- Electronic Rock
While subgenres are the main focus of rock music, they wouldn’t exist without the artists. The top 25 artists right now are:
- The Beatles
- The Rolling Stones
- Led Zeppelin
- The Doors
- Pink Floyd
- The Beach Boys
- The Who
- Simon & Garfunkel
- U2
- Cream
- The Velvet Underground
- The Kinks
- Nirvana
- The Band
- Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
- Police
- Deep Purple
- The Clash
- Sly and the Family Store
- AC/DC
- Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Eagles
- The Temptations
- The Byrds
- Fleetwood Mac
As a Rock-lover myself, I’d recommend trying many different subgenres of rock. My personal favorite is Hard Rock, but I love how every single subgenre is unique in its own way. My favorite band is Guns N’ Roses, but I’d also recommend Metallica, MCR, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Queen, Green Day, Gorillaz, Weezer, Imagine Dragons, Arctic Monkeys, and Mother Mother.
Rock music is just one example of how culture can change and evolve in so many ways. Music is an amazing form of art- why not embrace it?