Rock and Alternative Rock are two different types of music. Rock music is based on electric guitar and drums. Alternative rock, as the name suggests, is an alternative to rock music, often incorporating elements of punk, pop, and hip-hop into its sound. Although the two genres share some similarities, they have distinct differences that set them apart from each other. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at those differences and explore why they matter. Stay tuned!
What is Rock?
Rock music is a genre of popular music that originated in the 1950s. Rock songs are typically built around a central melody and chord progression, with a strong backbeat and an emphasis on guitars. Rock music has been influenced by blues, country, and other genres, but it has also developed its own distinctive sound. Alternative rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. Alternative rock songs typically have more complex arrangements than traditional rock songs, and they often make use of unconventional instrumentation. In addition, alternative rock bands often explore lyrical themes that are different from those found in mainstream rock music.
What is Alternative Rock?
Alternative rock, also known as “alt-rock” or simply “alternative”, is a genre of rock music that emerged in the 1980s and became increasingly popular in the 1990s. Alt-rock is characterized by a rejection of traditional rock values, such as structure, melody, and dictation. Instead, alternative rock musicians typically express themselves through unconventional songwriting, extended improvisation, and an overall DIY ethic. While alt-rock’s exact origins are unclear, its roots can be traced back to punk rock and new wave movements of the 1970s. In the 1980s, alternative rock bands such as R.E.M., The Smiths, and The Cure began to find mainstream success, while more underground acts like Sonic Youth and Pixies gained a cult following. By the 1990s, alternative rock had become one of the most popular genres in the world, with artists like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Radiohead achieving global stardom. Today, alternative rock continues to be hugely popular, with new bands such as The Strokes and The White Stripes finding success both critically and commercially.
Difference between Rock and Alternative Rock
Rock music is a genre of popular music that originated in the 1950s. Rock songs are typically built around a central melody and chord progression, with a strong backbeat and an emphasis on guitars. Rock music has been influenced by blues, country, and other genres, but it has also developed its own distinctive sound. Alternative rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. Alternative rock songs typically have more complex arrangements than traditional rock songs, and they often make use of unconventional instrumentation. In addition, alternative rock bands often explore lyrical themes that are different from those found in mainstream rock music.
Conclusion
Despite their shared name, the genres of rock and alternative rock are quite different. Alternative rock is a newer genre that borrows from punk, metal, and indie music to create its own unique sound. Rock music has been around for decades and is characterized by classic instruments like the electric guitar and drums.
