Music: it keeps the world turning. There are so many genres of music available for us to listen to; pop, rock, R&B, metal, indie, country, and electronica, to name a few. However, there is only one genre that stands out from the rest, the one genre that remains eternal; rock and roll.
First off, rock music has a unique way of combining relatable feelings with powerful instrumentals. It is for this reason that this genre provides both listeners and musicians a sense of strength, courage, and exhilaration. Nothing can compare to the electric guitar riffs charging through your body, the upbeat drums beating with your heart, the thumping bassline that keeps you dancing, and the emotional vocals that leave you no choice but to sing along. However, rock music is more than just the thunderous instruments and melodious vocals. The empowerment that comes with rock music brings fans together, therefore forming a sense of community.
Rock and roll is also the most inspiring genre of music. It has the ability to motivate musicians and listeners alike to shape their lives into something magnificent. It has been inspiring people since its rise in the 1950s to the present day, from The Beatles to Fall Out Boy. Rock music has had such a significant impact in my life and was even the inspiration for the plot of my very own novel. It is mainly for this reason that rock music plays such a major role in my life.
Not only is rock the most inspirational of all genres, but it also gives listeners a burst of optimism and confidence. When I press “play” on my playlist and start singing along to my favorites, I feel like I’m ready to take on the world; especially in my car on the way to my first class of the day. Rock music gets us through hard times knowing that we’re not the only ones feeling the way we do. Overall, rock has inspired me to be more outgoing and to face my fears headfirst.
Not only is rock music bursting with emotion, but it also allows musicians to express political and social issues through intense instrumentals and vivid lyrics. Green Day’s “American Idiot,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA,” and John Lennon’s “Imagine” have all become anthems for political issues that have arisen in the country.
There’s no denying that rock bands conduct the best concerts. Upon glancing into the crowd, you’d see rock lovers head banging, jumping, and singing along to the powerful music amplifying from the stage. The talent of the musicians is endless, as they are able to sprint across the stage while simultaneously singing into the microphone, shredding on the guitar, plucking the strings of the bass, or pounding on the drum set. The Stone Pony, located in Asbury Park, is a famous venue for rock music that is known for blooming the careers of Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi. At a concert, the sense of community is found once again when fans are given the opportunity to be surrounded by those who love the genre just as much as they do. It’s incredible how people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds come together to share their love for rock and roll.
Overall, rock and roll is a feel-good genre. As soon as the intro of a song begins to play, the instruments are guaranteed to boost your mood, inspire your creative side, and give you a spark of confidence. So, what are you waiting for? Go find a rock song you love and press “play” to enhance your entire day!
PHOTO TAKEN by Brett O’Grady
