Hard Rock / Heavy Rock
familyStarted 1968Peak 1972-1990Last big hit still active
Loud, riff-forward rock built on overdriven guitars, swaggering mid-tempo grooves, and big belted vocals — heavier than pop-rock but not committed to metal's speed or darkness. Distorted power chords, bluesy bent leads, thundering drums, and chorus hooks meant to fill rooms. The clearest sound-home for muscular, fist-pumping rock.
History
Crystallized at the turn of the 1970s as blues-rock got louder and heavier through Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath. Through the 70s and 80s it splintered into arena, glam, sleaze, and Southern variants, then mutated again via grunge and post-grunge in the 90s. It remains rock's default loud register, the umbrella under which riff-rock keeps regenerating.
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