Can't Stop Rock 'n Roll
Most of us have probably grown up with someone in our lives who considers rock — specifically from the ‘60s, ‘70s or ‘80s — to be the best and only kind of music to play when they have aux. Honestly, they’re not wrong about how amazing the music is. Rock has maintained its number three spot in top genres in the music industry’s recent years.
Even if you don't consider yourself a fan, most of the time you can at least recognize or sing along to songs like “Back in Black,” “Edge of Seventeen,” “Don’t Stop Believin’” or “We Will Rock You.”
The Rolling Stones, Credit: rollingstone.com
Artists like Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Def Leppard, Aerosmith and KISS have molded a specific image of what classic rock is: hypnotizing guitar solos, heavy bass, intense drum beats and powerful vocals showcased through energetic performances. And as you listen you may feel obligated to play air guitar or drums and live out your rockstar dreams for a moment.
Even though the genre has evolved, those characteristics are still at the core of rock songs today. The eccentric nature of classic rock sounds makes for a genre that musicians will always go back to.
A rock resurgence in recent years has been found in bands like Måneskin, Greta Van Fleet, the Neighbourhood and Arctic Monkeys. The genre has gained even more of a footing in the charts from artists who have switched to rock or created rock-inspired songs.
Artists like Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, Olivia Rodirigo and Post Malone have all contributed to bringing back rock with their bold crossovers into the genre. Their creative new approaches open fans' music tastes to a new sound they didn’t even know they wanted.
Miley Cyrus, Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Rock is so ingrained into the entertainment industry through its sub genres of alternative and punk being the big influences of the 2000s and 2010s. It is constantly in television and movie soundtracks, as well as new and old songs almost always trending on TikTok.
With the recent resurgence of rock music, the fashion and makeup industry has also seen a resurgence of bold campy looks inspired by glam rock. The glitter, leather, platform shoes, jumpsuits, metallics, sequins, flared trousers, silk shirts and eye-catching makeup regardless of identity have made a comeback on the runway.
These fun looks are found in fashion’s biggest names’ recent shows like Gucci, Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Dolce & Gabbana. These designers are giving a nod to the icons that helped popularize glam rock, like David Bowie and Marc Bolan, while adapting their looks to today’s trends.
However, this style isn’t just found in fashion shows. The trend has subtly and slowly made its way into our lives with leather jackets and pants, platforms, trousers, silk scarves, bold makeup looks and even band t-shirts, all reconnecting us back to an incredible era.
“Rock and Roll never dies.”
An infamous saying found in songs by Neil Young and AC/DC, but even more recently said by lead singer Damiano David of the Italian rock band Måneskin after winning the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.
You can’t escape rock, and why would you even want to?
Graphics by: Madeleine Bates