Rock may not be dead but it certainly isn’t very popular anymore. Take a look over the Billboard list of best-selling albums of 2019 and there are a total of zero traditional rock bands among the top 100. The closest you can get to something in the neighborhood is the pop rock of Panic! At the Disco’s Pray for the Wicked at #39, Imagine Dragon’s Origins at #44 and Evolve at #50, while Mumford & Sons folk rock Delta sneaking in at #100.
The top rock acts that are touring are primarily senior citizens. How weird is that? The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, KISS, and Fleetwood Mac combined to make $433.9 million on tour in 2019. How did rock lose so much popularity? It does seem like it was chipped away from public consciousness very slowly in the 1990’s. In Part I of this series I mentioned how the rock bands and the scene from 1991 made it seem like a new era was about to grow throughout the world but it ended pretty quickly.
Here are my thoughts on what happened:
- Hip-hop and pop simply took over as the coolest form of music by the late 90’s and power brokers like MTV only exacerbated the fall of rock by catering to pre-teens.
- The digital revolution allowed making music easier for rock, but even easier for rap and pop music.
- Producing music in the digital age is far easier, cheaper, and faster without a group of musicians.
- Youth today are more drawn towards individuals, in the same way sports fans today are more drawn to specific players and less adherent to following favorite teams.
If you look at musical artists who have sold at least 80 million records and were founded no earlier than the 1990’s you have the following group:
Rhianna, Eminem, Taylor Swift, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Chris Brown, Kanye West, Bruno Mars, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Adele, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Shania Twain, Pink, Justin Timberlake, and Flo Rida
And then you have these “rock” acts which all 3 are extremely debatable rock groups: Maroon 5, Coldplay, and Linkin Park.
We’re lucky if 3 or 4 rock bands will be successful enough each decade to be able to do what the likes of Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters are doing now as they age gracefully. Today is a far cry from 1970 when the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, the Woodstock Soundtrack, Blood, Sweat and Tears, CSNY, CCR, and Santana had number one albums for 42 weeks of the year.
Obviously, the definition of rock is different for everybody. I just want to share and talk about some of my favorite songs in the rock genre atmosphere since the garage rock revival in 2001. One quick note before we get started:
I didn’t repeat groups, otherwise I’d be sharing a lot of Black Keys songs. Let’s get started.
2001, The Shins, “New Slang”
Spotify Streams: 168+ million
Written by front-man James Mercer before The Shins were formed, this single was released 4 months prior to the group’s debut album.
The acoustic guitar chord changes are just lovely and Mercer’s voice is so damn soothing. This is one of the most chill songs this century.
2002, Queens of the Stone Age, “No One Knows”
Spotify Streams: 174+ million
I can only take Queens of the Stone Age in small doses but if you’re going to listen to them “No One Knows” is a perfect encapsulation of their sound.
The breakdown in the second half of the song leading back to the main melody is an excellent touch.
2002, Audioslave, “Like a Stone”
Spotify Streams: 239+ million
When this supergroup formed I thought it would make some of the best music in history. While Audioslave did some good things I always think about the time I saw them in concert and they were out-performed by Alice in Chains with their replacement of Layne Staley.
This hit-single was the band’s biggest hit and for good reason. It’s a nice combination of Chris Cornell (RIP) singing and muted Rage musicality.
2003, Jet, “Cold Hard B*tch”
Spotify Streams: 38+ million
Most remember this group from their single “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” from this same album. That song charted all the way up to #29 on the Billboard Hot 100. I like this one a little better.
It’s heavily influenced by AC/DC especially the beginning. Bands just don’t rock much like this anymore.
2006, The Black Keys, “Just Got to Be”
Spotify Streams: 6+ million
From perhaps my favorite modern band off their breakthrough (and maybe best!) album Magic Potion this is the lead track. With only 6 million streams here’s more evidence people don’t listen to albums anymore.
This was right in that sweet spot after the band progressed forward from extremely raw blues and before venturing toward more highly produced and more creative work.
2006, The Raconteurs, “Level”
Spotify Streams: 15+ million
This song came on the debut album for the group fronted by the White Stripes’ Jack White. While it wasn’t the massive hit of “Steady As She Goes” I prefer this track more.
I really dig the slow intro and that oh so fuzzy guitar work from the band.
2008, Dr. Dog, “The Breeze”
Spotify Streams: 26+ million
Dr. Dog aren’t super popular but they are so, so good. This song has some of my favorite lyrics in today’s list and it’s sung wonderfully.
This is off the band’s 4th album and allowed them to enter the music spotlight after 6 years together.
2010, Arcade Fire, “The Suburbs”
Spotify Streams: 79+ million
The title track from Arcade Fire’s third album which absolutely blew up for the group. The album won a Grammy and went to No. 1 in the United States.
This song is a nice rollicking tune that isn’t fussy at all.
2012, Muse, “Madness”
Spotify Streams: 191+ million
Truthfully, Muse really aren’t my cup of tea generally speaking although this album was the only one from their collection I enjoyed.
My favorite thing about this song is the absolutely awesome Kitara synth bass that is played throughout.
2013, Arctic Monkeys, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”
Spotify Streams: 366+ million
The Arctic Monkeys became household names in the United States with this album AM that produced several hit singles. Even with this song being the clear third single from the album it is still by far the most streamed from the songs listed here today.
This album has a very similar vibe between the songs. I really enjoy the bridge on this one. Also, not many songs have “Why’d” in their title so respect for pulling that off.
2013, Foxygen, “San Francisco”
Spotify Streams: 26+ million
Before Foxygen turned into weird theater composers they were this really cool band with a strong 1960’s feel and this aptly named song seems as if it was recorded during the height of Haight-Ashbury.
“I left my love in San Francisco. That’s okay, I was bored anyway. I left my love in the room. That’s okay, I was born in L.A.” Let that get stuck in your head.
2013, Cage the Elephant, “Telescope”
Spotify Streams: 36+ million
Cage has been on a really strong run for over 5 years now and there are many songs of theirs to choose from. For whatever reason this one always catches my attention.
It’s a quintessential song for the band, combining softness and more loud rock bits. I’m also a sucker for a nice, clean drum intro 40 seconds into the song.
2015, Alabama Shakes, “Don’t Wanna Fight”
Spotify Streams: 91+ million
Please. Come. Back. Alabama Shakes released 2 albums, the second which might be the best rock album this century and they haven’t released anything over the last five years as lead singer Brittany Howard pursues a solo career.
This song jams so hard. Their stuff is impeccably produced around their soulful singing and clean guitars. The way they can groove on this song makes me cry they haven’t reformed in so long.
2016, The Growlers, “Night Ride”
Spotify Streams: 25+ million
For a split second when this song begins it reminds me of the Cardigans’ “Lovefool” which is high praise. This is one of my favorite tracks on my running playlist and always feels good listening to out on the road.
I’m particular fond of the way the song transitions from the chorus to a bridge and into a nice little guitar solo. Well done.
2016, The Strokes, “Threat of Joy”
Spotify Streams: 40+ million
I’m sure many would pick a song off of The Strokes first album which helped create the garage rock revival and you couldn’t go wrong with any of those selections. However, “Threat of Joy” is probably my favorite song from the group.
Released on a 4-song EP back in 2016 this has such a classic guitar sound from the group. Never before has a band made a monotonous guitar chord progression sound so good.
2016, The Lumineers, “Cleopatra”
Spotify Streams: 132+ million
I will never get sick of this song. Although, I sometimes get a little tired of the band’s indie folk sound I’ll admit they have released 3 really good albums so far. The best of the bunch coming on their second offering and the title-track presented here.
It’s kind of a heartbreaking sad story and yet somehow feels uplifting and courageous. It’s just a terrific song.
2017, Rex Orange County, “Never Enough”
Spotify Streams: 18+ million
I don’t know much about this artist except this song was featured on the FIFA 18 soundtrack and I’ve loved it ever since.
When I was little all I wanted to be was a drummer and this song is perfect for those of you who love to air drum. Great drum track!
2018, MGMT, “When You Die”
Spotify Streams: 43+ million
I don’t remember how but I was on the ground floor for MGMT’s landmark debut album Oracular Spectacular in 2007 and absolutely wore that out on the old iPod. Then, I lost track of the group as they shunned the spotlight and only released two albums over the following 11 years.
Then, Little Dark Age comes out in 2018 and MGMT are right back in my heart! They can be heavily EDM, progressive, and experimental at times but that’s also their appeal when they usually stick to a core of drums and bass guitar. This song “When You Die” is so weird and awesome.
2018, Parquet Courts, “Tenderness”
Spotify Streams: 9+ million
Phish meets Elvis Costello? This band can be a little bit all over the place and you can kind of hear that within the song “Tenderness” which finishes their latest album Wide Awake!
They are often labeled as a post-punk band, and while there’s elements of that, it’s interesting to hear the piano in this short song adding a decidedly non-punk sound.
2019, Vampire Weekend, “Flower Moon”
Spotify Streams: 8+ million
This is my favorite track of Vampire Weekend’s latest album Father of the Bride which debuted at No. 1 and scooped up a Grammy Award. Both Steve Lacy and Danielle Haim are included on the album and featured in this song, too.
Of course, the pop guitar sound is great as per usual with Vampire Weekend. Moreover, that’s where Lacy’s guitar layering makes this song even better.
I think you hit the nail on the head here about what happened with rock, and why other genres surpassed it. I like your list, some really good choices here, but I fear you miss one important band of the last 20 years (imo) for the survival of rock. Coheed and Cambria. The early fusion of emo with prog was such a great crossover for fans of both styles. Now I know Coheed can be one of those bands for many people that they either like them or don’t, there isn’t much fence sitting with them. However, their evolution throughout the concept of their albums, the ability to shift genres within albums, longevity, and more make them a staple for the holding out with rock.
Share a few songs from them!
This song, In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3, really sets the stage for this album as a whole, and also that prog feel.
https://youtu.be/Wp_Now6WDRc
That’s an interesting metal sound.
This is Key Entity Extraction V: Sentry the Defiant, another proggy song from a later album that shows their evolution as musicians while still having that same Coheed feel.
https://youtu.be/Ya2JgAWPqHg
Since 2001 there are still some rock bands and artists that put out some great stuff but, even some of them are starting to get long in the tooth. Off the top of my head some of my favs I’m talking about in the last twenty years, Killers, Editors, British Sea Power, Doves, Death Cab for Cutie, Bob Mould, The National. I can count on liking some stuff from these and some other bands with each album they release.
There are still some bands out there but, it takes some looking. Just like in the old days most people will just listen to whatever main stream media says is “popular” now. They’re satisfied listening to that, where as I would rather turn the stereo off, if that’s my option. I could care less if the artist is “popular” or the song is considered “a hit”. What everyone else is listening to hasn’t mattered to me in a long while.
I’ve recently invested some $$ into a new music system. This is the best system I’ve ever had. So, I’ve been going back and listening to some of my favorite stuff as far back as the 60’s. With the streaming services available, you don’t need to even buy music now to enjoy so much material. It is one of the pluses of the changes in the music industry in this century, at least for the consumer. My timing was good with all that’s been going on. While most have been binge watching TV, I’ve been binge listening to half a century of music.
Rock steady everyone.
I’d add Franz Ferdinand to this pop-rock era. Those guys rocked the mid 2000’s with a new sound that a few of your other selections seem to have evolved from.
Last year there were two of the best start-to-finish rock albums of this century, IMO (realize you listed songs, but just FYI if you haven’t listened yet):
This Land – Gary Clark Jr.
Sound and Fury – Sturgill Simpson
Also, one additional song for your list’s consideration: Ball and Biscuit – White Stripes. Absolute banger.
I don’t think I’d ever considered Sturgill “rock” before, but I guess that sort of proves the point of the “What exactly is ‘rock’ today?” question.
His most recent album is less country and more rock – e.g., to the extent there was a single off the album, this is it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpSMoBp8awM
(imo that’s not really in contention for the best song on the album, so if you like it I’d really recommend the whole album)
Sturgill himself has turned away from classifying himself as country and has become a bit much for me with his haughtiness. His style has evolved and he’s done too much psychedelics for my liking that’s bled into his sound (but some people prefer that, which is OK too!) Sturgill’s first two albums were very, very fine, but more country than rock. Now I think it’s right to classify him as rock, but IMO his early stuff is way better.
(Which I hope isn’t pretentious to say, not trying to sound like a hipster, just that he has a very new style that’s evolved. Certainly a very interesting and talented artist. I had tickets for him and Tyler Childers that was one week before the corona shutdown hit, and now the whole tour isn’t coming back. For shame).
I like his stuff and was already familiar, just making the point I didn’t really consider him “rock” until you said it, but yeah, why not. “Make Art Not Friends” is as much, if not more, rock than country (though it is decidedly neither).
Would like to add Ben Harper & Relentless7 to the discussion, as well as (the probably more polarizing) Kings of Leon.
You cannot have this type of discussion without mentioning Spoon — great albums and also great in concert.
Do you think Tame Impala’s too pop to be classified as rock? Inner Speaker and Lonerism are much more rock than Currents (which is still pretty good and much better than The Slow Rush). The Black Lips’ Arabia Mountain and Good, Bad, Not Evil albums are great. The Black Angel’s Passover album is also incredible. Most of what has come out the past 20 years has a heavy dose of psychedelic sound to it, but it’s still good rock. Allah La’s do some good slower rock-Worship the Sun has a nice surf-rock vibe to it.
If you like rock mixed with some soul, then St Paul & the Broken Bones has not made a bad album. KIWANUKA, from Michael Kiwanuka and Danger Mouse also does a good job mixing rock and soul.
You aren’t going to find classic rock that sells to a wide audience anymore, but it’s still being made. It’s just not on the top 100.
Tame Impala does some great stuff. Hard to believe that is only one guy doing everything.
https://youtu.be/pFptt7Cargc
I would definitely include Tame Impala in the rock sphere.
Digging the music posts! Got to drop a plug for Mastodon here; a great one is their song Blood and Thunder. If you are into metal Mastodon is a must. https://youtu.be/v-Su1YXQYek
I do love No One Knows, but another great one from that QOTSA record is Song for the Dead, just an absolutely epic 6 minute ride with terrific drumming by Grohl https://youtu.be/eFg1AGuAGYA
I am from the Stone Age (to me it is the Golden Age of rock) as I was in college in the late ’60s. I am not familiar with most of the groups on Eric’s list. However, I think Arcade Fire before their Reflektor Album rivals anything from the ’60s and ’70s. Cage the Elephant and anything by the Lumineers are great. I like the Shins, Mumford and Sons.and the Crimson Tide Shakes. Ones not on your list are the Avett Brothers, Fleet Foxes, Lana Del Rey and Of Monsters and Men. Portugal the Man is from the city I live in Alaska.