The 1970s: The Golden Age of Album Rock

This guide explores the evolution of rock music from the 1970s through the 1990s and highlights the significant "classic rock" revival and activity seen in 2019.

However, the 80s also planted the seeds for the genre's next evolution. Towards the end of the decade, bands like Guns N' Roses stripped away the gloss to bring back a raw, dangerous edge. The 80s left us with a massive catalog of songs that, decades later, remain the soundtrack of summer barbecues and blockbuster movies.

Led Zeppelin and the Vinyl Boom

The night wore on, and the decades flew by in a blur of music. The 80s brought out the neon-clad crowd, dancing to the likes of Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. Alex sang along to "Sweet Child O' Mine," his voice hoarse by the end of the song. Guns N' Roses took the stage, and Axl Rose's unmistakable wail sent shivers down Alex's spine.

The Split:

By 1989, radio programmers faced a problem. The 60s/70s bands (The Who, Zeppelin) were aging, and 80s rock was too polished. The term "Classic Rock" was first formally coined by radio stations like WZLX in Boston in the early 80s to describe a format , not a genre. They played the 70s stuff and ignored most 80s hair bands.

Rival Sons and Greta Van Fleet

The 1980s (The Peak of Polished Rock)

: This decade is the "Golden Era" for many fans. Expect heavy hitters like Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer," Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," and Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine". This section of the playlist provides high-energy, radio-friendly hits that defined the MTV generation.