Rock Music in the Last 20 Years

Arctic Monkeys
Photo by radio1interactive

Over the last two decades or so, rock music has undergone significant changes, but some elements have remained unchanged as well. The main aspect that has shifted is the emergence of new genres, along with the reinterpretation of older genres with unique branding. This is partly driven by genuine sentimentality and partly influenced by record companies playing it safe by re-releasing music styles that align with general fashion resurgences. Perhaps the dominant factor in these occurrences is the attitude of record labels.

The rock music scene at the end of the 1980s was not a happy one. The departure from the blues-rock roots that had initially grounded early heavy metal had led to a more manufactured and theatrical approach. Hair metal had run its course and quickly became uncool, resulting in the decline of guitar solos and the overall appreciation for a heavy sound.

In the void left by this shift, there was a move towards a sound that still maintained a raw edge but lacked the self-conscious flamboyance of the previous decade. This gave rise to the grunge scene of the early 1990s, with Kurt Cobain becoming a prominent figure within this movement. Unfortunately, with his untimely death, the grunge scene faded away as well. The Pixies, who were the precursors of this sound, managed to maintain a certain level of underground recognition throughout the past two decades.

During the 1990s, there was also a Brit Pop scene that saw the resurgence of soft rock bands. However, due to a lack of innovation among the participating bands, the sound of the scene quickly became outdated. What remains of that era has evolved into the more club-friendly bands we see today, such as Vampire Weekend and Arctic Monkeys.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME