Rock N Roll

Soft rock is still alive and kicking, even all these years after it first came on the scene. Soft rock is like anything else, it enjoys a great start, fizzles out a little and keeps enjoying revivals. It was though, in the 70’s and the 80’s that soft rock enjoyed its most popular time.

Soft rock is the sound of mellow instruments, kind lyrics, gentle arrangements and songs all about romance, love and heartbreak. The main reason this form of rock music was so soft was to appeal not only to the teenagers, but to the parents. Soft rock is sometimes thought of as boring, offering the rock fans nothing but dull lyrics and easy sounds. However, there is a huge amount of quality, timeless songs that came from the soft rock era.

Many rock fans though of soft rock as far too easy going to be cool. Soft rock purposely avoided being involved in controversy and sometimes received criticism because of this.

The main artists within the soft rock era were James Taylor, Bread, Foreigner, Firefall, Chicago, America and many others. Their soothing, dulcet tones with the combination of the soft guitars and the gentle beats were what made them popular. The quality of the songs and the lyrics were second to none.

Rock and roll music has evolved into lots of different types of music over the years. Soft rock is just one of the ways in which it has changed through the times.

Country music has an unfair stigma attached to it. Many people think it is UN cool, UN hip and well, boring. However, even though most rock fans would hate the thought of listening to country music, they should be aware that they probably already are listening to it.

It is hard to deny the influence that country music has had on rock music today. Sounds of country twangs, guitars and voices can still be heard in a large variety of rock artists now. The Eagles, Neil Young and the Doobie brothers are all rock artists that credit country music with their sound and style.

It is thought that the first person to make country rock songs was Gram Parsons who died living the typical rock and roll lifestyle. However, country music ion rock music goes all the way back to the beginning of rock music in the 40’s and the 50’s.

Neil Young has a huge country sound to his music and is probably the most well known country rock artist in the world. Bob Dylan was another artists that successfully fused the country sound and the rock beat into his music – and very successfully too.

Whatever your opinion on country music, there is no denying the fusion between country and rock works perfectly.

Bob Dylan used his music in the 1960’s to convey social messages and to protest against the Vietnam war and other social upheavals.

A few of his songs, more notably, “The Times They Are a-Changin’” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” became the soundtrack for many civil right movements that took place. It is mainly his lyrics that take centre stage rather than the accompanying music. His influences can be heard heavily in his lyrics, particularly his literary, political, philosophical and social influences.

Bob Dylan is still touring the world and thrilling huge audiences. One of his latest albums called Modern Times is massive hit and has won the acclaimed title of Album of the Year by Rolling Stone magazine.

Dylan uses a guitar, harmonica and a piano to wow his audiences with his sound. His sound is not only unique, but so is his attitude. From his protesting days in the 60’s to his subtle political messages now, Dylan has always wanted to be able to express himself and his views freely.

Dylan is still touring now and his tours have been penned as the never-ending tour. Some people believe that as his vocals are not as strong as they used to be, he should stop touring. However, many of his fans and the fact that the tour sells out night after night, would clearly disagree with the critics.

Rock and roll comes in many forms. It all began back in the 40’s and has been evolving ever since. Rock and roll is usually created by guitars, bass and drums. This, of course, doesn’t have to be the sound of rock and roll. A few people have changed the look and the sound of rock and roll, such as Elvis.

Rock and roll not only changed music, but every other type of media available. Movies started to be about gorgeous teenagers singing songs of love and hate, print started to feature big stars, fashion changed dramatically and language also changed.

It is thought that rock and roll music originated from African American roots and featured a mix of the blues, folk music and also church gospel. There is piano based rock music, gospel based rock and roll, and country and western music had a big influence on the flavour and the sound of rock and roll music as well as jazz and blues. All of these sounds were thrown into a huge musical melting pit and created the rock and roll we all know and love.

Many people are involved in the debate of who actually had the very first rock and roll record. Some believe that the main contender for the title of first ever rock and roll record to be Jackie Brenston with the song called ‘Rocket 88’. There has since been hit after hit after hit for many rock and roll artists in every generation.

Rock and roll has a wonderfully rich history, a history that is still being written today.