Genre Description
The rock ‘n’ roll category emerged in the mid-20th century and completely transformed the landscape of the music industry. Rhythm and blues (R&B), jazz, and even country music are all represented in rock ‘n’ roll; however, with the advent of electric instruments, it has evolved into its own distinct genre. This genre was first associated with rebellion and transgression among young people; it is now renowned for its lively performances, catchy tunes, and frequently incisive lyrics (Rock ‘n’ roll music guide: 4 characteristics of rock ‘n’ roll, 2021).
Playlist Presentation
As a result, the compilation below features a rock and roll playlist spanning the 1970s to the 1990s. The songs in the compilation are organized from the most well-known, conveying the most important messages, to those designed to be entertaining, culminating in a theme that represents a new musical genre. Additionally, since each piece of music in the compilation has elements of rock & roll, such as vigor, pulsing rhythms, electric instruments, and drum kits, they all blend well.
Kenny Rogers – The Gambler (1978)
This song was selected because it covers various topics in its lyrics, which was a significant factor in my decision. The music remains enjoyable to me, as the chorus serves as a metaphor for how one should approach life. In addition, contemporary listeners can still relate to the song because it contains a message that cautions them against gambling, an activity that has become increasingly prevalent among the younger population. This song is of a country style, which places it appropriately within the history of rock and roll music.
Whitesnake — Is This Love (1987)
This song was selected because it incorporates elements of heavy metal, upbeat rock anthems, calm power ballads, and guitar riffs with pop musical influences. Additionally, I adore the music because it conveys a message about love to the listener. As a result of the song’s message, listeners in the current generation can relate to the song, as they did in the 1980s, still experiencing the thrill of falling in love. This song is considered part of the glam rock subgenre because it depicts a male rock musician who dresses in a feminine manner and applies makeup while playing rock music. It belongs to the history of rock and roll because its roots lie in the rock genre.
Judas Priest — Painkiller (1990)
The song was chosen because of its loud and distorted guitars, powerful rhythms, deep bass and drum sound, and rousing vocals. In addition, I enjoy the song since it illustrates how Jesus came into the world to save people and defeat evil. Since it concerns salvation, which Christians consider, today’s listeners can relate to the song.
The words of this heavy metal song discuss depressing topics such as conflict, devastation, darkness, and grief. This is why the song is in the heavy metal genre. Due to its roots in rock, it easily belongs within the expansive history of rock and roll.
Mr. Mister — Broken Wings (1985)
The song was chosen because, rather than having defiant or angry lyrics, it features introspective and upbeat lyrics. Additionally, I enjoy the song because it conveys a motivational message about how people should love without conditions. Due to this message, listeners living in modern times can connect with the music, even though the current generation has commercialized everything, even love. The rock tempo and some of the other more aggressive hues in this song are toned down, lending it a soft rock feel. The song’s roots in rock music enable it to find a place in the annals of rock and roll history.
Led Zeppelin — Whole Lotta Love (1969)
The song’s menacing lyrics and distorted electric guitars led to its selection as the winning entry. In addition, I enjoy the song’s message, which is that a lot of love is needed. The fact that everyone in our generation desperately needs a lot of love is one of the reasons why listeners of today may still relate to the song. Due to the sort of guitar utilized in the music, it is classified as hard rock. The song holds a significant position in the history of rock and roll due to the rock genre foundation upon which it is built.
The 4th Movement — The 4th Movement (1980)
The song was chosen because it features quick tempos, angular melodies, scattered backing music, and lyrics that are often shouted and are either anti-establishment or political in nature. In addition, I enjoy the song since it portrays a gospel celebration following a person’s passing. The song’s celebration of life after death makes it relevant to listeners in the modern era, particularly Christians, who are firm believers in the idea that there is life beyond the grave. The song’s performance features instruments characteristic of the proto-punk genre. Its origins in the rock genre allow it to be contextualized within the annals of rock and roll history.
Earth, Wind & Fire — Boogie Wonderland (1979)
The hypnotic pace, the repetitive lyrics, and the synthetic orchestration all contributed to the decision to use this song. Additionally, one of the reasons I enjoy listening to this song is that it has a celebratory vibe. This song remains relevant to today’s listeners, as people of this generation enjoy going out and having fun. It is possible to categorize the music as disco due to its catchy beats, and its origins in the rock genre make it a suitable addition to rock and roll history.
Tom Tom Club — Genius of Love (1984)
The song was chosen because of its aggressive urban dance music, propelled by powerful syncopated bass lines and drumbeats, and emphasized by any number of instruments engaged in rhythmic counterplay. Additionally, I like the song as it inspires listeners to have fun. Due to the song’s lighthearted nature, it remains relevant to today’s listeners who enjoy having fun. The genius of love is evident in urban dance music, which is a distinct funk genre. Since the song has its foundation in rock, it fits into the history of rock and roll.
Mike Mareen — Love Spy (1986)
This tune was chosen for its energizing dancing beats. Moreover, I like the song because its lyrics appeal to having fun. Due to its message of fun, it still resonates with today’s listeners who enjoy intimate moments. Due to the song’s fun nature, it can be classified as a disco genre. Additionally, the song has roots in rock, making it a fitting part of the history of rock and roll.
Eurythmics — Sweet Dreams (1983)
This track was chosen to represent a specific type of rock ‘n’ roll that draws from a wide variety of influences, including punk rock, mainstream pop, art rock, synth-pop, funk, and reggae.I also find it appealing since it reflects the singer’s reflective nature and the idealistic but unrealistic expectations with which she approaches her life. Since most people have a perception of living a perfect life, this song still relates to today’s listeners. This song’s rock background makes it a suitable addition to the history of rock & roll.
Sex Pistols — Anarchy in the UK (1977)
The song was chosen because it fits the criteria of short song formats, fast tempos, anti-establishment words, and simple melodies and harmonies. Moreover, I like the song as it reveals the declaration of self-government and complete independence. This song is still valuable to today’s listeners, especially those fighting to be freed from the queen’s rule. Additionally, the song can be described as a punk genre, fitting the history of rock and roll because it is grounded in the rock genre.
Bon Jovi — Livin’ on a Prayer (1986)
This track was chosen because it represents heavy metal characterized by catchy choruses and guitar riffs influenced by popular music such as fast rock anthems and slow power ballads. Additionally, I appreciate the song as it serves as a motivational anthem for the working class facing economic hardship. This message is relevant to today’s listeners who are facing challenging economic times. This song can be described as a blend of glam metal and power pop, owing to its instrumentation, and it fits the history of rock and roll, as it is founded on rock.
Cher — Believe (1998)
The song was chosen because it represents a new musical genre that fuses electronic and pop influences. In addition, the song’s message of moving on from the heartbreak of a past relationship resonates with me. This song resonates with today’s listeners who have recently experienced heartbreak and yearn for more. Furthermore, the song can be categorized as electropop and Dance-Pop, and it fits the history of rock and roll due to its foundation in rock.
Additional Songs
- Pop: Taylor Swift — Blank Space (2014). Lyrically, the song pokes fun at the media’s fixation on Taylor Swift’s love life.
- R&B: Ariana Grande — Positions (2020). This song celebrates the many hats a woman can wear, from the president to housewife (stereotype alert), and everything in between. For the benefit of herself and the person she loves, a woman can do anything and do it well.
- Hip-Hop: Jay-Z — Renegade Featuring Eminem Released (2001). The song tackles the general public’s dislike for both artists but explains their toughness by saying they are genuine ghetto products.
After listening to these three songs and watching their accompanying music videos, I have concluded that the future of music will likely follow the same patterns currently being seen in modern technology. It will be amicable, comparable to social media, and become increasingly computer-based and artificial intelligence-driven. Finally, I believe music will act as a window to the past, held open by musicians who continue to create music using more conventional methods.
Reference
Rock ‘n’ roll music guide: 4 characteristics of rock ‘n’ roll. MasterClass. (2021). Web.