Rock music still rocks: Some may not appreciate it, but it endures.
be available on Nov. 30. Her first solo album “Petals For Armor” won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album.
Greetings! Welcome to the inauguration of The South Dakota Standard! Together, Tom Lawrence and I aim to illuminate current topics relevant to our political culture’s health and prosperity. We invite you to share your thoughts and ideas with us.
Over the past decade, countless articles have lamented the absence of quality rock ‘n’ roll music. A recent survey focusing on Gen Alpha, individuals born after 2010, reveals a decline in their interest in rock music and hip hop. Instead, genres like pop and K-Pop have taken precedence, capturing 56% of the participants’ preferences. As a music enthusiast, I anticipated that rock music might not resonate with Gen Alpha or, as I like to call them, the TikTok generation. Rock songs tend to be lengthier, usually spanning 3 to 5 minutes, unlike the brief 2 ½ to 3-minute TikTok hits. Additionally, rock music often builds up slowly, a feature that may not engage listeners who form their opinions within the first 5 seconds of a song.
Although the survey implies evolving tastes and acknowledges the influence of parental rebellion, proponents of rock music, past and present, and legendary artists deserve recognition. Let us hope that just as previous generations embraced the musical legacy of iconic figures like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Beatles, and Chuck Berry, Gen Alpha will also develop an appreciation for timeless rock melodies.
In the spirit of celebrating enduring music, I present New Music That Doesn’t Suck, a testament to the evolving landscape of rock and beyond.
Billie Marten’s “Planets” showcases the talents of a 26-year-old British artist who first ventured into the music world at the tender age of 12. Laufey’s “Snow White” from her chart-topping album “A Matter of Time” marks her as an Icelandic sensation praised across music circles. Go Go Penguin’s “Luminous Giants” echoes the genre-defying spirit of the Esbjorn Svensson Trio, and their album “Necessary Fictions” is an instant classic on my playlist. Madison McFerrin, with her impressive familial ties to musical greatness, dazzles with her album “Scorpio.” Steve Riley and The Rolling Stones pay homage to the legendary Clifton Chenier with the captivating “Zydeco Sont Pas Sales.”
Intriguingly, Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band’s “Better If You Make Me” is lauded for its lyrical depth and enchanting indie-rock/Americana sound. The Ndlovu Youth Choir’s interpretation of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” in Zulu breathes new life into a beloved classic, celebrating its 50th anniversary in grand style. Suede’s “Trance State” from their latest critically acclaimed album “Antidepressants” places them back in the limelight as pioneers of Britpop. Finally, the incomparable Hayley Williams continues to captivate music enthusiasts with her latest solo endeavor “Glum,” following her Grammy-winning debut album.
In conclusion, music, much like the human experience, evolves and adapts to suit the present while honoring its roots. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, we continue to uncover gems that transcend time and captivate listeners across generations. Let the melodies of New Music That Doesn’t Suck inspire, uplift, and bring joy to all who listen.