Category: Rock

In 1978, Joe Walsh released “Life’s Been Good,” a track that would become an anthem for rock stardom and a tongue-in-cheek reflection on the absurdities of fame. Featured on his album But Seriously, Folks…, the song blends Walsh’s signature guitar work, sly humor, and storytelling prowess to create a track that is both hilarious and…

When Bryan Adams released “Summer of ’69” in 1984, he wasn’t just giving the world a catchy rock anthem—he was capturing the essence of memory, youth, and the bittersweet ache of growing up. From the very first power-chord riff, the song evokes a sense of nostalgia that is immediate and visceral. Listeners are transported to…

Some songs don’t just play—they move. They pulse, they shuffle, they swagger, they glide. “Long Train Runnin’” by the Doobie Brothers, released in 1973, belongs to that rare category of tracks that seem to generate their own kinetic energy. The instant the guitar riff kicks in, you feel like you’re stepping into motion, caught in…

Some songs were born to be hits, some grew into hits, and then there are the rare oddballs that were created almost as elaborate jokes yet somehow became iconic cultural touchstones. Dr. Hook’s “Cover of the Rolling Stone,” released in 1972, belongs squarely in that third category—a satirical, tongue-in-cheek anthem that poked fun at rock-star…

Eric Clapton’s “Cocaine,” released in 1977 on his album Slowhand, stands as one of his most controversial and memorable tracks, combining gritty blues-rock instrumentation with a sharp, cautionary lyrical narrative. Originally written by J.J. Cale, the song became a defining moment in Clapton’s solo career, showcasing his ability to take a minimalist blues framework and…

Jim Croce’s “Bad Bad Leroy Brown,” released in 1973, remains one of the quintessential examples of narrative storytelling in popular music. With its catchy melody, vivid lyrics, and infectious swing rhythm, the song tells the tale of a larger-than-life character whose swagger and bravado mask the consequences of his actions. Croce, already known for his…

Electric Light Orchestra’s “Evil Woman,” released in 1975, remains one of the band’s most iconic tracks, blending orchestral sophistication with pop-rock accessibility in a way few other songs of the era could match. Written and produced by Jeff Lynne, the song exemplifies ELO’s signature approach: fusing classical instrumentation, rock energy, and hook-driven songwriting to create…

Some covers feel like tributes, but others feel like reinventions. Joan Jett’s version of “Crimson and Clover,” released in 1982 on her breakthrough album I Love Rock ’n Roll, is one of those rare transformations that fully reimagines a classic. Originally recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells in 1968, the song was a velvet-soft…

Some songs don’t just reflect an era—they set it on fire. “My Generation” by The Who, released in 1965, wasn’t simply a rock single; it was a declaration, a battle cry, and a blueprint for how youth rebellion would sound for decades to come. From the moment Roger Daltrey’s snarling, stuttering vocal kicks in, the…

There’s a reason certain rock songs feel timeless, endlessly re-energizing no matter how many times they blast from a speaker, jukebox, stadium PA, or road-trip playlist. Journey’s “Any Way You Want It,” released in 1980 on their album Departure, is one of those rare tracks that manages to sound like a celebration every single time…

When “Funk #49” hit the airwaves in 1970, rock music was in the midst of a thrilling transformation. Psychedelia was fading, hard rock was taking hold, and the blues-based riff was king. Enter The James Gang, a Cleveland power trio with a ferocious sound and a young guitarist named Joe Walsh, whose swaggering tone and…

In 1984, Bruce Springsteen released what would become one of the most iconic and frequently misinterpreted songs in rock history: “Born in the USA.” At first listen, the track’s pounding drums, arena-sized chorus, and Springsteen’s commanding vocal delivery give it the feel of a triumphant, patriotic anthem. Crowds roar along with its chorus, and radio…

The 1980s were a period of musical experimentation and political activism, with artists increasingly using their platform to address pressing social issues. Among these artists, the Australian rock band Midnight Oil stood out for their unwavering commitment to political engagement, blending explosive rock instrumentation with pointed social commentary. In 1987, the band released “Beds Are…

The late 1970s were a period of musical upheaval, a time when punk’s raw urgency collided with the burgeoning new wave scene to produce some of the most compelling and intelligent rock music of the era. In 1978, British singer-songwriter Elvis Costello released “Pump It Up”, a track that epitomized the energy, wit, and biting…