Rock and roll is a genre that originated in the USA in the 1940s and 1950s, blending blues, rhythm and blues (R&B), and country music. It’s often characterized by its electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, and vocals, with Chuck Berry being one of the first notable singers in the genre. It became immensely popular because of stars like Elvis Presley, and in England, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Rock was famous for inspiring change, and is still played globally.
Rock and roll has stayed relevant throughout the decades and can spark feelings of nostalgia. Today, rock and roll has evolved into a plethora of different sub genres. Some, like punk and heavy metal, amplify rock music’s signature electric guitar in their music, while alternative rock and pop give rock and roll a different vibe. The top artists of the genre include The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and Nirvana, followed by Queen and Radiohead. Because rock and roll is such a broad genre, its top songs are difficult to list. However, the most sold songs under the rock umbrella are “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, “Hotel California” by Eagles, and ”Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, followed by John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Personally, I enjoy calmer rock music, and would suggest the following songs: “Cemetry Gates” by The Smiths, “Inbetween Days” by The Cure, “Perfect” by The Smashing Pumpkins, “Mardy Bum” by Arctic Monkeys, and “Friday I’m in Love” by The Cure.
