Soft Rock
tagStarted 1970Peak 1975-1982Last big hit 1988
Located in 2 routes
Smooth, mellow rock built for AM radio and easy listening: acoustic guitars, warm electric piano, lush backing vocals, and gentle midtempo grooves. Lyrics lean toward love and reflection, production is glossy and uncluttered, and aggression is almost entirely absent. Comfortable, melodic, and impeccably arranged for maximum accessibility.
History
Emerged around 1970 as folk-rock softened and LA session culture polished its edges. Dominated late-'70s radio with mellow, ballad-heavy hits and tight studio craft. Defined the adult-pop mainstream until synth-driven sounds and harder rock pulled airplay away by the late '80s, but its production template echoes through adult contemporary to this day.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_rock
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/soft-rock-ma0000002817
- https://www.britannica.com/art/rock-music