5 Songs From 1969 That Define Rock History
1969 was a pivotal time in the evolution of rock, and songs from bands like the Beatles, CCR, and the Stooges went on to define rock 'n' roll history.
Read MoreArchive for January 2026
Back to Archive Index'60s (2)
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5 Songs From The '60s That Nail The Meaning Of Life
Who among us truly knows the meaning of life? Nonetheless, these songs from the tumultuous '60s certainly touch on some answers that we can all relate to.
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'70s (7)
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5 Neil Diamond Songs From The '70s That Are So Underrated
Even with all of his hits, songs that came off of Neil Diamond's '70s albums like "Moods," "Stones" and "Tap Root Manuscript" didn't get the love they deserved.
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This Upbeat Hit Was The No. 1 Love Song Of 1978
Disco reigned supreme in 1978, but one surprise breakout from a lesser-known and since forgotten star was the longest-running No. 1 love song that year.
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5 Songs From 1977 That Sound Even Cooler Today
For Fleetwood Mac, Heat, David Bowie, and other rock trailblazers, 1977 was a banner year for songs that have only gotten better with time.
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Hit '70s Songs With The Worst Vocals
From bizarre and creepy lyrics to vocal performances straight from dive-bar karaoke, these '70s songs became hits despite the best efforts of their singers.
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'70s Wedding Songs That Will Stir Up Nostalgia In Every Early Boomer
From the evocative lyrics of Elton John to the irresistible beat of Earth, Wind & Fire, these iconic '70s wedding songs will always be a hit with boomers.
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5 Rock Songs From 1974 That Sound Even Cooler Today
There is something special about music considered timeless. While some songs age well, others get even better as the years go on, like these five from 1974.
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Iconic '70s Love Songs That Went Platinum
Whether it be the appeal of enduring love or an exhortation to make up after a breakup, these '70s songs tugged the heartstrings as much as they sold copies.
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'80s (11)
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'80s Songs That Nail What It Means To Be Young And Free
From the excitement of a great night out to a loud and proud expression of being free to be yourself, these '80s tunes captured the essence of youthful energy.
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5 Flop Songs From The '80s We Can't Help But Love
Some '80s songs from iconic acts like Talking Heads and Lindsey Buckingham were flops on their release, but have since become eternally classic tunes.
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Iconic '80s Love Songs That Went Platinum
Music in the 1980s splintered into many directions, but the timeless allure of a love song held strong, with these odes to romantic feelings going platinum.
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The Real Story Behind Stevie Wonder's Iconic 1981 Hit Happy Birthday
Stevie Wonder's iconic 1981 hit "Happy Birthday" came from a dream and it was the catalyst for a federal holiday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Forgotten Smash Hits From 1986 That Turn 40 This Year
From a last-gasp hit from a fading arena rock band to breakout solo acts that flamed out, these chart-toppers from 1986 are now approaching a quiet middle age.
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'80s Song Lyrics That Left Everyone Scratching Their Heads
When a song's lyrics don't make sense, we just roll with it even as we say, huh? Here are a few '80s songs with lyrics that may always be head-scratchers.
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The 5 Most Timeless '80s Love Ballads
Everyone has their favorite '80s love ballad, and everyone is right about whichever one it is, but a few classics have stuck with us like heirlooms.
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Billy Joel Named 59 People In '80s Hit We Didn't Start The Fire — Only 3 Are Still Alive
Billy Joel's hit song "We Didn't Start the Fire" is based on events and people who shaped the 20th century. Only three people named in the song are still alive.
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These '80s Bands Changed Their Fate With One Massive Hit
Many bands that toiled throughout the '80s eventually reached the next level in their careers because of the attention brought to them by one particular tune.
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5 Overplayed Hits From The '80s We Never Want To Hear Again
How is it that a good song becomes bad? Oh yeah, that's right — it gets played, and played a lot, which makes them especially intolerable on repeat listen.
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'80s Music Videos That Defined MTV's Bygone Era
First aired in 1981, MTV transformed the industry and modern culture. With it ending in 2025, we've chosen MTV's most iconic and influential '80s music videos.
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Classic Rock (25)
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Queen's Don't Stop Me Now Was A Modest Hit In 1979 — 25 Years Later, A Zombie Movie Made It A Smash
Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" only made it to No. 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, but new audiences discovered it in a horror-comedy 25 years later.
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Rock Songs Every Boomer Dad Knows By Heart
From songs evoking the call of the open road to anthemic ballads, these rock songs from the '60s and '70s earned a permanent place in boomer dads' hearts.
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Elton John Predicted Queen's Biggest Hit Would Fail. His Diss Is What Made The Song Iconic
Elton John and members of Queen were friends, but John had no faith in their biggest hit. It was iconic for the same reasons John thought it wouldn't work.
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Hit Rock Songs That The Singers Actually Hated
Just because a song makes you famous and rich, it doesn't ensure that you actually want to sing it. These five singers hated their most popular songs.
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5 Rock Songs That Redefine Love Anthems
Many rock songs can capture our feelings about love in a more powerful way. Take a look at five of our favorite love anthems from iconic rock bands.
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If You Know These 5 Under-The-Radar Songs, You're A True Classic Rock Fan
While many classic rock bands continue to enjoy legendary status, even the biggest artists have great tracks that are unfairly overlooked by casual listeners.
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These 5 Songs By The Scorpions Define Rock History
The Scorpions have some of the best songs you still hear on classic rock radio. Songs like "Wind of Change" and "Still Loving You" are definitive of the genre.
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5 Songs From 1973 That Define Rock History
In 1973, flamboyant glam rock, hard-hitting punk, and even electro-rock were muscling aside the cobwebs of '60s rock music, as defined by these iconic songs.
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5 Rock Songs From 1981 That Sound Even Cooler Today
Time is kinder to some songs than others. Looking back to 1981, certain tunes from 1981 seem to crackle with new energy, sounding even better today.
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'90s Rock Songs That Are Painfully Overrated
There are so many songs that are hugely overrated — Lenny Kravitz and Green Day are just two artists we highlight here for too-catchy tunes and awful lyrics.
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Classic Rock Songs That Deserved To Go No. 1, But Never Did
These classic rock songs, from anthemic karaoke favorites to timeless rock history game-changers, were an undeserved swing and miss for the coveted No. 1 spot.
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5 Rock Songs About Love That Aged Terribly
Not every rock song about love has aged well. In fact, given how society has changed, some tracks are pretty creepy and unsettling in retrospect.
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Crossover Rock Songs That Define Music History
Crossover songs introduce music fans to new approaches to familiar genres. These era-defining jams merged rock with folk, hip-hop, country, and symphonic music.
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5 Rock Songs From 1971 That Sound Even Cooler Today
David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and John Lennon are icons for a reason. These songs they released 1971 still resonate today.
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5 Songs From 1972 That Define Rock History
In 1972, these songs from Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Elton John, and Lou Reed broke new ground and went on to define rock history.
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'70s Rock Songs That Are Painfully Overrated
The 1970s was a great era for rock music, but so many songs are way too overrated. Many classic rock bands even had better songs that represented their sound.
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These Are The Grateful Dead's Most Underrated Rock Songs, Hands Down
Bob Weir may have died, but the Grateful Dead will live forever, even their most obscure and underrated songs. These five weren't hits, but they're favorites.
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5 Classic Rock Songs From 1969 We'll Be Blasting On Repeat 'Til The Day We Die
From the Rolling Stones' classic anti-war anthem to Led Zeppelin's sultry mood-setter, here are five classic rock songs that will never lose their appeal.
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5 Songs From 1970 That Define Rock History
With acts like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath stepping up to the plate, these iconic songs from the opening act of the 1970s set the pace for decades to come.
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The 5 Best Grateful Dead Songs Of The '70s
It's not easy to choose a mere five best songs from a band as prolific as the Grateful Dead during their most compelling decade, but we think these stand out.
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Bob Weir's Story Behind The Grateful Dead's 1970 Hit Truckin' Is Just As Iconic As The Song
The Grateful Dead song, Truckin', was based on what Bob Weir described as an "endless cycle" of touring and an incident in which the band members were arrested.
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Bob Weir And Jerry Garcia's Quotes About One Another Prove Their Bond Went Beyond The Grateful Dead
Bob Weir and Jerry Garcia are best known as musicians in the Grateful Dead, but Weir has been clear that his bond with Garcia felt almost cosmic.
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Classic Rock Songs You Didn't Know Were Hidden In Modern Hits
Sampling is a huge part of hip-hop, and you may not know that songs from classic rock artists from Ozzy Osbourne to Elton John were part of these modern hits.
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The Story Of Lynyrd Skynyrd Explained In 12 Songs
From rare demos and deep cuts to rock classics like "Free Bird" and "Gimme Three Steps," the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd unfolds through these essential songs.
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The Story Of Led Zeppelin Explained In 11 Songs
Led Zeppelin was the quintessential rock band of the 1970s, and some songs perfectly capture what the band was all about at certain points in time.
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Country Music (1)
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The 12 Best Johnny Cash Collaborations Of All Time
Country music superstar Johnny Cash worked with numerous iconic musicians over his long career, crossing genres as diverse as funk, rock, and folk music.
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Decades (1)
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'50s Flop Songs That Turned Into Smash Hits
Whether it was a superb cover, a seasonally timed rerelease, or a reimagining of the original, these flop songs from the '50s eventually found chart success.
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Hard Rock (5)
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5 Rock Songs From 1984 That Sound Even Cooler Today
The golden age of classic rock might have ended in the '80s, but the year 1984, specifically, produced some rock songs that have aged very well.
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Covers Of Radiohead's 1992 Megahit Creep That Rival The Original
An ever-changing and experimental Radiohead distanced itself from its breakout pop hit, "Creep," but that hasn't stopped other musicians from covering it.
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Heavy Metal Flop Songs That We Can't Help But Love
Even the biggest heavy metal bands, like Metallica and Black Sabbath, have gone through bland periods, yet we think these duds are actually gems in the rough.
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5 Rock Songs To Get You Through The Pain Of Another Single Valentine's Day
If you find yourself without a partner this Valentine's Day, we have about 80 years of highly varied rock music to choose from.
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No. 1 Songs That Die-Hard Rock Fans Actually Hate
A lot of of songs that made it to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Hits chart didn't age well. Here's a look at five that die-hard rock fans can't stand.
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Music (60)
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If Tom Petty Was Still Alive, We'd Sit Him Down To Ask These Burning Questions About His Music
Tom Petty's hit songs are like the soundtrack to the later decades of the 20th century, and we wish we'd had the chance to ask him about his music.
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'70s Flop Songs That Tanked With Critics But Soared With Rock Fans
In the 1970s, music critics didn't hold back, but they sometimes misjudged rock fans, who adored critically panned songs by legends such as Queen and Bob Dylan.
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This Catchy Love Song Held The No. 1 Spot The Longest In 1981
Kim Carnes isn't a household name, and she didn't have many hits, but a love song she covered stayed at No. 1 for 9 weeks in 1981. We know you'll recognize it.
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The Most Controversial Songs Of 1975
In 1975, Loretta Lynn, Alice Cooper, and Donna Summer released women-focused songs, and Bob Dylan sang of racial injustice. Each caused controversy. Here's why.
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'90s Rock Icons That Tarnished Their Own Legacy
From Dave Grohl's scandal to Liz Phair's self-sabotage, here's how these ’90s rock icons damaged their own legacies and changed how fans remember them.
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5 Songs That Earned Boomers Bragging Rights Over Their Generation's Music
The music created during the decades when the boomers were young is lauded as some of the best in rock, funk, soul, and R&B history. These five songs prove it.
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This '80s Band Deserves A Comeback, Hands Down
This alt-rock college band hit the mainstream in the late '80s, becoming a beloved fixture on rock radio. Though they broke up, we'd love to see a comeback.
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Rock Fans Can't Stop Hating On Yungblud. We're Here To Declare He's A Modern-Day Legend
Lots of musicians who went on to be iconic started out as controversial, and Yungblud is that modern-day legend. Here's why rock fans shouldn't hate on him.
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Barry Manilow Sang The 1976 Grammys' Song Of The Year (& It Was A Cover)
Barry Manilow's iconic, successful song "I Write the Songs" wasn't actually written by him, and the person who did won the 1976 Grammy Song of the Year award.
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Actually, Toto's Africa Isn't A Rock Classic
From pretentious descriptions of an entire continent to humdrum sounds that verge on cultural appropriation, we do not think highly of Toto's "Africa."
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The Best Rock Songs Used In Super Bowl Ads, Ranked
Super Bowl commercials go big. Some even commission iconic rock songs to add nostalgia and the cool factor to their products. These are the best yet.
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5 Classic Rock Songs From 1970 We'll Be Blasting On Repeat 'Til The Day We Die
1970 saw a lot of heavier-rock as the '60s era of flower-power came to an end, including these five bangers from bands like Derek and the Dominoes and Mountain.
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5 Flop Songs From The '70s We Can't Help But Love
Even though they flopped commercially, we think these '70s songs, from anthemic pop toe-tappers to quaint novelty tunes, have a special place in our hearts.
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Hit Covers Of Classic Rock Songs That Fans Actually Hate
Take a hit classic rock song, give it to an A-list musician, and watch the money roll in. Job done? Not according to fans of the original, in these cases.
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5 Love Songs That Will Have Every Gen Xer Crying Into Their Coffee
Gen Xers may seem tough as nails, but an iconic Prince-penned tearjerker or soaring ballad from their formative years will burst the thickest emotional dams.
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This Iconic Ballad Held The No. 1 Spot The Longest In 1968
The Beatles still hold the record for the most No. 1 Billboard hits, but this 1968 classic was also the song that stayed at the top the longest for them.
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These 5 Classic Rock Songs From The '80s Are Worth A Head-Turning Amount Of Money
These hit songs from the '80s from bands like Journey and Toto managed to become even more popular in subsequent decades, generating massive amounts of money.
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5 Country Songs We Know Would Go Hard As Rock Covers
There's a mountain of country songs about heartbreak, love rivalries, and wandering souls, but what if we took the best and added that extra shot of rock?
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These 5 Songs Define '90s Grunge
The grunge era was short lived, but its impact has never gone away. These songs from bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Nirvana still define '90s grunge.
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These Are The 5 Worst No. 1 Hits Of The 1980s
The '80s were a great time for music, but the years were also riddled with duds that make us wonder just what record buyers and radio programmers were thinking.
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5 Love Songs From The '70s That Sound Even More Emotional Today
These five songs from Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, and other artists have only gotten more romantic, moving, or poignant with the passage of time.
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5 Musicians From The '80s You Wouldn't Want To Meet IRL
Inflated egos, money to burn, and a lack of accountability can make famous people insufferable. These '80s musicians embody why you shouldn't meet your heroes.
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This Tongue-In-Cheek Love Song Held The No. 1 Spot The Longest In 1976
Written partly as a response to a scathing diss track, this light-hearted love song spent five weeks at the top of Billboard's Hot 100.
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These Are The 5 Worst No. 1 Hits Of The '70s
The 1970s were a mixed bag. Lots of iconic music came from that decade, but some bad No. 1 hits were spawned too. Here are five of the worst offenders.
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5 Hit Songs From The '80s That Almost Didn't Get Made
These five hit songs from the '80s got so much airplay that they became definitive of the decade, but the artists weren't initially agreeable to recording them.
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Hidden Gem Songs That Appeared On Mediocre '70s Albums
Occasionally, subpar albums conceal a secret treasure swimming in the midst of all the sonic swill, and the '70s has a few examples of such tracks.
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The 5 Biggest Grammys Snubs Of The '80s
From ignoring one of the greatest musicians of all time to treating an entire category as a sideshow, we've curated the biggest '80s Grammy brush-offs.
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5 Songs From 1970 That Nail The Meaning Of Life
From anti-war protests to environmental pleas and cathartic advice that would put any therapist to shame, these acclaimed songs from 1970 cut to life's core.
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9 Banger Rock Songs Made Famous By TV Series
It's hard to imagine certain iconic shows or scenes from them without hearing a specific tune. Some rock songs were made famous for this reason.
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'70s Songs That Flopped But Deserved So Much Better
From epic guitar solos to protest songs and a Black pride song just about everyone knows, these iconic '70s tunes fell short in the charts on their release.
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'80s Rock Songs That Should've Never Won Grammys
Allegedly, the Grammy's award the most deserving artists for their output each year, but we question the institution's voters for these '80s rock song winners.
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These Are The Worst No. 1 Hits Of The 1960s
While acts like The Beatles routinely topped the '60s charts, other artists got to enjoy some time at the top too, and some of these songs are pretty bad.
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'70s & '80s Bands That Have Gone Through The Most Lead Singers
Band lineups can be fluid, but less so with lead singers. However, these iconic bands from the era of classic rock had a revolving door for front men.
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5 Rock Songs From 1973 That Sound Even Cooler Today
The early 1970s was an era in which rock especially made leaps and bounds, and some of the standout songs of the time sound even cooler today.
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5 Cover Songs That Sound Better Than The '80s Original Version
These five covers by Heart, Nine Inch Nails, Metallica, and others took ’80s originals from a variety of genres and somehow made them better than ever.
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Why The Hate Against Grunge Music From Metal Fans Is Totally Unjustified
The evolution of metal since grunge music dominated the ‘90s has given rise to innovative metal subgenres offering bigger, harder, and bolder songs to fans.
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5 Rock Songs From 1983 That Sound Even Cooler Today
From Billy Idol’s rock anthem to the art-pop brilliance of Talking Heads and David Bowie, these five rock songs from 1983 prove great music ages well.
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Iconic '60s Love Songs That Went Gold
The songwriters of the '60s seemed to be particularly favored by the love muse, creating some very well-made tunes of romance and affection.
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'70s Songs That Nail What It Means To Be Young And Free
There is no feeling quite like being young and free, and whether you're in it now, or you just remember it fondly, these '70s songs embody that exuberant time.
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Sorry, Kiss Fans — The Band's Comeback Hit About Rock 'N' Roll Is Actually So Corny
With apologies to the Kiss Army, the band's 1991 comeback hit is an embarrassingly corny addition to the catalog of rock songs about rock.
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Sentimental '60s Songs That Instantly Take Boomers Back To Childhood
From theme songs for beloved childrens shows to cheerful radio hits played in childhood homes, these '60s tunes will take boomers way down memory lane.
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The Most Controversial Songs Of 1969
Society was different in 1969, and so these risqué, awkwardly timed, or expletive-laden songs once riled up listeners and got music executives sweating.
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5 Radio Hits From The '70s That Will Take Younger Boomers Back To Their First Car
Those early days of driving and the independence it offers are exciting times, and for younger boomers, these five radio hits will take you right back.
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The 5 Best Rock Songs For Boomers And Their Kids To Bond Over
Boomers' kids may not have associated their parents with anti-war ballads and screeching guitars, but these songs will forge a common intergenerational bond.
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Barry Manilow Wrote A Jingle In 1971 That Everyone Still Sings Today
Barry Manilow wrote many jingles you would likely recognize, but one that he was paid $500 for in 1971 is still the calling card of a well-known company.
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These 5 Timeless '80s Songs Are Even Better A Cappella
The innovation and creativity of the '80s created countless classic hits we still love today, but some of them are surprisingly better a cappella.
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Every Billy Joel Fan Will Agree That These '70s Songs Are His Best
We thing these five classics, including "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant" and "Captain Jack," are the best songs Billy Joel recorded in the 1970s.
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5 Songs From 1980 That Define Rock History
In the evolution of rock much has changed, and in the '80s, songs from artists like Joy Division, Motörhead, and Kate Bush helped define the genre.
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The 5 Biggest Grammys Snubs Of The '70s
Music was in flux during the '70s, with new genres emerging and established artists breaking new ground, which that decade's Grammy awards seemed oblivious to.
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The Police Songs With Sting's Corniest-Ever Lyrics
Sting is well-respected musician, but he wrote some of the most corny lyrics in rock when he was with the Police. Here are a few examples to prove our point.
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This Classic Rock Band Scored Four No. 1 Albums In 1967
The 1960s were an exciting time for rock music, but in 1967 one manufactured act managed to dominate the album charts, and the band's name may surprise you.
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'60s Rock Songs That Should've Never Won Grammys
The category of best rock & roll recording debuted at the 4th Grammy Awards in 1962, yet many winners of the decade were undeserving of the accolade.
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'70s Grammy Winners Who Fell Victim To The Best New Artist Curse
There were plenty of '70s artists who took home the best new artist award and went on to do great things, but some were apparently hit by the legendary "curse."
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This Tender Love Song Held The No. 1 Spot The Longest In 1980
Kenny Rogers was a silver fox, and nothing drove it home more than his approach to a sappy love song. This one held the top spot for six weeks in 1980.
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5 Rock Songs To Get You Out Of Bed In The Morning
Ask yourself: What is a rock song? It gets you up out of bed and gets your heart pumping, your mind cranking, and your body ready to face the day.
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'80s Grammy Winners Who Fell Victim To The Best New Artist Curse
Legend has it that some '80s musicians who won a Grammy for best new artist were befallen by a curse, which led to a steep decline in their fortunes.
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5 Rock Stars Who Love To Hate Their Own Songs
There are some big rock stars who have found themselves hating their own songs, whether because of artistic maturity, executive pressure, or another reason.
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'70s & '80s Musicians That Walked So Bruno Mars Could Run
Inspired by these '70s and '80s artists, Bruno Mars's approach to entertaining audiences and to song craft is a modern take on R&B, funk, rock, and soul.
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This Heartbreaking Love Song Charted The Longest In 1974
This love song was written and released to accompany a movie whose star also sang the signature ballad. It hit No. 1 and stayed on the charts for 23 weeks.
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5 Classic Banger Songs That Will Give Boomers Instant Party Flash Backs
Boomers grew up in quite a time, and there's no shortage of songs sure to transport them back to the sock hops, groovy parties, and disco nights of their youth.
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Other Genres (3)
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5 Breakup Songs That Will Get Every Boomer Mad All Over Again
These acerbic breakup songs by Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, and others might remind Boomers of their own messy romantic entanglements.
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5 Love Songs That Nearly Broke The Musicians Who Made Them
Love songs connect with audiences, conjuring memories and emotions, but they stir their creators, too. The singers of these five love songs felt them deeply.
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The 5 Most Romantic '70s Songs To Crank Up On Valentine's Day
If you want sincerity in a love song, one decade will especially help: the 1970s. One obvious choice is the unparalleled "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green.
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Tragic Real-Life Stories (1)
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Rock Stars That Hid A Tragic Secret For Years
Many rock stars who went through something horrible will eventually tell the world about what happened. Other times, they take the tragic secret to the grave.
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Unsolved Mysteries (1)
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The Biggest Mysteries In '80s Music Still Unsolved Today
From a murder to an Elvis hoax, the 1980s had a few incidents that we still don't have answers for. It's a short list, but inquiring minds still want to know.
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