Styles of Rock
The era of the late 90s on a musical perspective was filled with a wide variety of rock and alternative music artists. Musical taste over that era was as varied these resulted to many rock events organized over that period. Although early in the decade, techno and hip-hop dominated on-air and music on demand airwaves, rock was noticeable. The new styles of the rock music were attracting much attention and gaining popularity. The songs contained catchy lyrics on the lifestyles of teenagers and this fact had an impact on my way of thinking (Books, LLC 56).
Songs done by rock bands such as Pearl Jam and Sound Garden were often listened and enjoyed by many. The songs had messages on the effect of the status quo and conservative ideas to the society. The messages would easily identify with the sense helplessness that was felt among us in our teenage years. The Song “Smells like Teen Spirit” by the Nirvana’s was about a teen revolution. Though released in the early 90s it marked the onset of the grunge, as well as, alternative rock. These were extremely popular in my teenage years. However, late in the nineties this was replaced by the movement of “happy rock”. This was a contrast of the negativity expressed in the grunge bands. The young had been worn off being against the majority, and they needed a fun life too. This were the messages of the new rock Bands such as Hogtie and Blowfish, the Bo Deans and Sister Hazel. The positive lyrics also dealt with issues like love and relationships (Free Rock Music).
My choice of musical styles as I was growing up was rock. Ballads as well as, the happy-sounding songs were my preferences. The song “All for you” by Sister Hazel had a sizeable impact on my relationships with others. Though I listened to some grunge bands, much of that was driven by adolescence rebellion. The rise of bubblegum pop later in my teen years did not change my preference for happy rock, but I listened to some other hits as a result peer pressure Lateralus the album was released after an intensive legal dispute between Tool and their label. However, it was released as Systema Encéphale and had a 12-song tracklist (Studwell and Lonergan 49).
Since the effect of the late 80s, recession was still on and social life was restrained. This was because of the ailing economy. Disposable incomes were low in many family settings including mine. However, my parents did provide us with the basic and some extras for fun. This was a time when fashion inspiration could start on the streets rising its way up. This was contrary to the past where the high-end fashion catwalks dominated the influence on the day’s fashion. The grunge as a style was used customizes and justifies second-hand clothes. The political climate was tense with citizens blaming the leaders for their woes. It was chaotic as the United States engaged in several military conflicts. This led to the deployment of troops to countries like Kuwait, Haiti and Yugoslavia (McDonald 29).
Alice in Chains and Tool were my best rock bands back in the day. The first band has its roots in Seattle with four studio albums in their profile. Layne Staley who does the vocals was one of the founders of the band. The song “Heaven beside You” moved me a lot. This song from the band’s double-platinum album was my first reason to like them. The other reason is the fact that they are a metal band with a heavy guitarist. Over the years Jerry Cantrell, the band’s guitarist has been my hero with the strings. On the other hand, tool is also a metal band, which was my preference in my late teen. Drummer Danny Carey at six feet five inches is the tallest of his Tool bandmates. On the other hand, Carey who has some prodigious drumming skills replaced Anthony Martinez Their originality and unique sound is unbelievable. Whenever I listen to their songs, I get emotional. Their way of connecting to their fans using poetic lyrics is astounding (Studwell and Lonergan 46).
My parents at times, were not comfortable with my music. Sometimes, they would think am crazy when I would be extremely emotional. However, I was not alone my brother was a fun of hard rock. It was terrific when we would discuss the bands we liked and exchanged gifts. My best friend was my greatest influence we would spend hours listening to music together. Hard rock was a reflection of the tough times people were going through especially in their lives. The teen felt that their parents did not understand them, while parents were trying to be protective. The fact that the world was chaotic in one way or another while everyone was trying to adjust to the new order from the internet to politics needed a relief. Hard rock being loud and aggressive rock music offered such a relief. Some of the musical characteristics common in hard rock include an emphasized electric guitar. A solo lead instrument is accompanied by drumming which is characteristically aimed at driving the rhythm. A bass drum, as well as, a backbeat is used. Cymbals are sometimes used for emphasis (Books, LLC 62).
I am still an ardent listener of rock music. Much has changed years after my teenage years, but rock has been part of me now. However, I find enjoying popular rock bands of the yesteryears even before I was born including those of the seventies and early eighties. In my collection bands like The Rolling Stones, Rush, as well as Aerosmith are common. One thing that am sure is that this is not about to change and rock music never dies (Alice in Chains).
Album Dirt by Alike in Chains has been real to me since I was a teen. For sure, drugs were in control of the situation and nothing was concealed. The band brought out the reality of the dark power but later they paid the price. The album can be emotional when the reality is revealed. Angry chair is the song that leaves a flood of thoughts about how one can live with a big mistake.
Works cited
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