Best of soft rock Songs

Soft Rock: A History of Smooth Sounds and Hilarious Happenings

Soft rock, the mellower cousin of rock and roll, emerged in the late 1960s and blossomed throughout the 1970s. It’s a genre that often gets pigeonholed as “easy listening,” but its roots run deeper than just catchy melodies and smooth harmonies.

From Folk to Pop: Soft rock’s origins can be traced back to the folk revival of the early 1960s. Artists like Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell, with their introspective lyrics and acoustic instruments, laid the groundwork for a more gentle approach to rock music.

The Electric Touch: The 1970s saw the introduction of electric instruments and the emergence of a distinct soft rock sound. Bands like Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, and the Doobie Brothers blended rock’s energy with pop sensibilities, crafting hits like “Go Your Own Way,” “Hotel California,” and “Black Water,” respectively.

Funny Factoids:

Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” was initially rejected by the New York Yankees because they thought it was too “saccharine.” Talk about a bad call!**
Carole King’s “Tapestry” is the best-selling album of a female artist in the US, and it was actually written while she was still married to Gerry Goffin, who helped write many of the hits she covered on the album. Talk about a complicated love story!**
The Doobie Brothers’ Michael McDonald is known for his smooth, soulful vocals, but he also played the electric bass on the band’s iconic hit, “Listen to the Music.” Turns out, he’s a multi-talented musician!**

Beyond the 70s: Soft rock continued to evolve throughout the 80s and 90s, with artists like Kenny Loggins, Michael Bolton, and John Mellencamp carrying the torch. While the genre may not have the same mainstream dominance it enjoyed in its heyday, its influence on music is undeniable.

So, the next time you’re listening to “Sailing” or “You’re the Inspiration,” remember the rich history and quirky personalities behind these iconic tunes. Soft rock may be mellow, but its story is anything but.