Hard Rock
tagStarted 1968Peak 1972-1985Last big hit still active
Located in 1 route
The core sound: overdriven guitars hammering power-chord riffs over a swinging mid-tempo backbeat, bluesy pentatonic leads, and a wailing, full-throated vocal. Less ornate than metal, more aggressive than pop-rock — built on groove, volume, and a chorus you can shout. Crunch and swagger over speed and shred.
History
Emerged as late-60s blues-rock turned up its amps; Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Cream fused heavy riffs with blues phrasing. AC/DC and Aerosmith codified the lean, riff-and-hook template through the 70s, and the style became rock radio's default muscular register, endlessly revived by later bands chasing its swing and grit.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_rock
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/hard-rock-ma0000002633
- https://www.britannica.com/art/hard-rock