Classic rock has changed over the years. At first, it referred to the rock and roll from the 1960s, but more commonly the phrase has been used to refer to the legends of the 70s and 80s rock scene. Rather depressingly, I’ve also seen some people referring to noughties rock as classic rock, which makes me feel far older than it should! Nevertheless, most of the tracks within this round-up review fit the more common definition of the genre – check out the full playlist at the end to see what you think!
Review by Jane Howkins
Photo of Tatum Quinn
Tatum Quinn – Back In Time
First up we have the amazing Tatum Quinn with her new single release, Back In Time. The Canadian rocker has captured the classic rock sound perfectly, whilst also adding her own unique spin into the mix. It’s a song that simply bursts out of the seams with energy, erupting with some awesome guitar licks at the very start. The guitars are equally matched by Tatum’s soaring vocal range, able to captivate the listener on the very first spin of this record! This is an all round awesome tune, so don’t miss out!
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The Muster Point Project – Now We’re Successful
The Muster Point Project have produced something a little different in Now We’re Successful, which has more of a 70s rock sound than anything else. However, the percussion and horns add a unique flavour to the tune, creating a Latin-infused sound that is unlike anything else I’ve heard before! It’s undeniably catchy, getting straight underneath your skin on the first listen, beckoning you to put the track on repeat many times over! The vocals also have a cool vibe, crooning through the music in a cool manner that suits the tone surprisingly well.
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Said Sara – Then There You Are
Said Sara is the project of David Benson, a singer-songwriter who describes his music under the ‘dark/pop/folk/prog solo acoustic’ banner. On Then There You Are, he manages to include all those elements, making for another distinctive sounding piece of music. It’s an entirely acoustic track, featuring just David’s vocals and his guitar playing, which is really impressive, playing some lovely little melodies that change constantly throughout the tune. He’s got a nice vocal range too, rising up to some surprisingly high heights at times!
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Powers of the Monk – It’s Your Voodoo Working
Detroit act Powers of the Monk have a psychedelic 60s rock sound, also integrating other elements of the 60s scene to make something utterly delicious to behold on It’s Your Voodoo Working. The rhythm is fast and drives the song forward in lovely style, as the prominent bassline works its way through the music underneath. The guitar licks absolutely ooze cool here, yet they never take over the track, allowing the sultry vocals to really shine through. This might just be my favourite song on this entire list!
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BlueMelt – Running With The Fool
It’s been a while since we last shared BlueMelt’s music, so it’s great to be able to share Running With The Fool with you all! It’s quite different to the other songs listed here, as it’s an entirely instrumental piece of music, but the music is so good that you really shouldn’t let that put you off! BlueMelt is a multi-instrumentalist and he performs all the instruments here. However, the guitarwork is really impressive, with the artist performing some awesome solos throughout the tune, really capturing your emotions whilst he does it!
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Bakersongs – This Old Town (Pt 1)
Bakersongs is the musical pseudonym of musician and singer-songwriter Ruud Bakker, with This Old Town (Pt 1) mixing elements of classic rock with Americana, folk and country music. The Dutch musician also introduces a poppy sensibility into the tune, making for something that will hook you in on the very first listen! It’s expertly produced too, with the piano and guitars sounding like perfection, underpinning Ruud’s strong vocals well. There’s certainly a lot of heart here, stirring up a powerful sense of nostalgia on the very first listen!
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Kings Of Decay – Turning Upside Down
Turning Upside Down sounds amazing from the very start, kicking off with a cool guitar lick that will draw you in straight away! Kings Of Decay manage to mix melody and heaviness together in equal parts here, appealing to rock and roll fans across the board, making their music seem very versatile! The production is a little raw, but this factor actually adds more to the track, adding a sense of sincerity and honesty into the track. There’s no doubt you’ll be headbanging along to this tune when you first hear it!
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Emma Forgette – It’s A Good Day
Emma Forgette describes herself as a country singer-songwriter, but I also feel like there is a decent dose of classic rock in her sound too! It’s A Good Day is about moving on from a broken relationship, putting a positive spin on what would otherwise be a depressing situation. Emma’s vocals are strong from the very start, simply soaring over the spaghetti western style guitar licks and the organ – the latter of which is a gorgeous touch to this tune! There’s a real strength to Emma’s voice that is reflected in the powerful lyrics, making this a must listen from me!
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Cliff & Susan – Into the Mystic
Last, but by no means least, are Cliff & Susan, a married couple who produce wonderful pieces of music together, such as new release Into the Mystic. It’s another rock song that is also heavily influenced by the country and Americana scenes, adding their own touch to the classic Van Morrison tune. It’s slow and steady, with some gorgeous little guitar motifs underpinning the vocals, as they drift through the music in blinding style. You can really feel the emotion in Cliff’s vocals – the organ is a lovely touch in the background too.
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Old School Cool – playlist by York Calling | Spotify