Styles of Rock
There are many styles of rock, and the list keeps growing as new hybrids are developed. Almost since its inception, rock-n-roll has mutated into offshoots or subgenres. It's hard to even keep up with the new styles that emerge (and fade away) with each passing decade. Some of these movements are regional and never really get off the ground. Others are retro and, therefore, disappear after a new fad comes along.
Some noteworthy substyles of rock include rockabilly, folk rock, country rock, Latin rock, Christian rock, southern rock, psychedelic rock, stoner rock, progressive rock, hard rock, heavy metal, punk rock, new wave, garage rock, grunge, alternative rock, death metal, and indie rock. Many would argue that rock also gave birth to techno, electronica, rap, and hip-hop.
In this book, you will learn about the following major movements in rock:
R&B and early rock-n-roll (1950s)
The British invasion and psychedelic rock (1960s)
Progressive and hard rock (1970s)
Funk and soul (1970s)
The second British invasion, new wave, and synth pop (1980s)
Contemporary hybrids (1990s and beyond)
Since this book revolves around the piano, you will also learn about pop pianists/songwriters such as Elton John, Billy Joel, Randy Newman, and to a lesser extent newer faces like Tori Amos, Ben Folds, Rufus Wainwright, and others. Grouped together you could call this “piano rock” or “piano pop.” Differentiating between those terms is something to explore as well and distinctions will be made about the sometimes hazy discrepancy between pop and rock in Chapter 12.
Rock virtually ruled the popular music roost until rap and hip-hop came along and topped it in CD sales in the 1990s. However, rock continues to have an enormous impact on popular culture. More and more, it is being re-energized and reorganized by musicians who are combining rap and hip-hop with rock's thunderous grooves and sonic presence. Rock instruments such as electric guitars, drum sets, and bass guitars are also being incorporated more and more into modern R&B settings (as opposed to drum machines and other computerized filler). This suggests rock's assertiveness in an era when computer technology could put any instrumentalist out of work.
In 1999, file sharing became popular due to advancements in Internet technology and a company called Napster. To this day, file sharing, CD burning, and illegal downloads continue to be hot topics in the record industry. Arguments for and against music sharing are likely to continue as intellectual property rights are disputed online and in courtrooms worldwide.
One thing's for sure: It's safe to say that keyboards are here to stay. Artists of all genres and subgenres readily use keyboards and synthesizers in both the studio and on the stage. Moreover, blues and rock piano licks from earlier generations are being rediscovered as up-and-coming artists root their tunes in older, more traditional styles.
