Hard rock is a high-energy genre characterized by powerful guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and often, raw, emotive vocals. Emerging in the late 1960s, it evolved from blues-rock and psychedelic rock, with bands incorporating heavier sounds and distortion. By the 1970s and 1980s, hard rock had become a staple of popular music, with its anthemic choruses and guitar-driven melodies captivating audiences worldwide. As a cultural phenomenon, hard rock embodied rebellion and excess, reflecting the era's social and economic upheaval. While closely tied to heavy metal, hard rock tended to be more commercially oriented and radio-friendly, with a focus on catchy hooks and guitar heroics. Its influence can be seen in later genres like grunge and alternative, and its iconic guitarists and frontmen continue to inspire new generations of musicians.

True Black

Jay Buchanan•

Rival Sons

Single - Released January 9, 2026