Category: Rock

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…

When Aerosmith released “Sweet Emotion” in 1975, the band was still carving out its identity amid the turbulent landscape of 1970s rock. Coming off the success of their previous albums, the Massachusetts-based group wanted to create a song that captured their raw energy, rebellious attitude, and bluesy roots, while also appealing to a wider audience.…

When Elton John released “Bennie and the Jets” in 1974 as part of his landmark album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, no one could have predicted that this strange, stuttering slice of glam-pop would become one of his defining anthems. The song didn’t sound like anything else on the radio. It was a live track that…

When I Love Rock ’n’ Roll blasted onto the airwaves in 1981, it didn’t just become a hit—it became a mission statement. Joan Jett wasn’t merely declaring her musical preference; she was reclaiming rock itself. Her growl, her sneer, and her swagger cut through the glossy pop and soft rock dominating radio, reminding everyone that…

There’s a certain melancholy beauty in Back in the Chain Gang that captures both the aching heart of grief and the unbreakable pulse of survival. When The Pretenders released the song in 1982, it wasn’t just another new wave single for radio rotation—it was a cathartic outpouring from a band grappling with death, turmoil, and…

There’s something deeply human about “Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones — something raw, vulnerable, and achingly soulful beneath its lazy, seductive groove. Released in 1978 on the band’s Some Girls album, the song stands as one of their finest late-period masterpieces, balancing rock’s rough edges with an unmistakable tenderness. It’s both a love…

In 1982, John Mellencamp released “Jack and Diane,” a song that would become an iconic portrayal of small-town American life and adolescent longing. Capturing the essence of teenage experience, the track blends melodic rock with storytelling lyricism, creating a vivid portrait of love, ambition, and the bittersweet passage from youth to adulthood. At its heart,…