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Heartland rock is a genre of rock music characterized by a straightforward, often roots musical style, often with a focus on blue-collar workers, and a conviction that rock music has a social or communal purpose beyond just entertainment.
At its core, heartland rock was straightforward rock & roll infused with Americana -- more streamlined than garage rock, but not as traditionalist as roots rock. Ironically for a style so distinctly American, the Rolling Stones was a clear influence on most of the rough & tumble rockers.
- “Jack & Diane” (John Mellencamp) Despite having a number of hits to his name, “Jack & Diane” remains John Mellencamp’s sole chart-topper. According to Mellencamp, the song was originally based on the 1966 Tennessee Williams film Sweet Bird of Youth, but when record executives were hesitant to release a song about interracial love, Mellencamp changed the song to be about two typical midwestern teenagers coming of age— a familiar story that a wide span of the country can relate to.
- “Rock and Roll Never Forgets” (Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band) So now sweet sixteen’s turned thirty-one / You get to feelin’ weary when the work day’s done / Well all you got to do is get up and into your kicks / If you’re in a fix / Come back baby / Rock and roll never forgets, Seger sings on this Night Moves track.
- “American Girl” (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) Allegedly written about a student who jumped from the University of Florida bell tower in Petty’s hometown, the song follows one girl’s dream of finding a little more life somewhere else.
- “Hold On Loosely” (38 Special) “Hold On Loosely” enters the conversation with the Eagles’ “Life in the Fast Lane” with a clever comparison between love and a treacherous drive out on the highway – Just hold on loosely / But don’t let go / If you cling too tightly / You’re gonna lose control.
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Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, and Bob Seger epitomized heartland, but they were hardly the only heartland rockers. There were critically-acclaimed rockers of the late '70s and early '90s, like Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes and Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers.
Listen to the Heartland Rock Essentials playlist on Apple Music. 100 Songs. Duration: 6 hours, 44 minutes.
Mar 12, 2024 · Heartland rock combined elements from country, folk, rockabilly, and rhythm and blues. Across the Rust Belt and the Midwest, America’s “heartland,” this music discussed blue-collar life and became the soundtrack of working-class America. The stories were sincere and straightforward with tales of struggle and trying times.
Heartland Rock is a music genre that's all about real life. It's a unique blend of rock and roll with a touch of country, and a dash of folk. This music style was big in the 70s and 80s, with artists like Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp leading the way. Heartland Rock songs often tell stories about everyday people and their lives.
