What is Soft Rock?
Soft rock emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a subgenre of rock music with a smoother, more melodic sound and introspective, emotionally vulnerable lyrics. In contrast to harder rock genres like classic rock, punk, and metal, soft rock is defined by its mellower, more romantic vibe.
The instrumentation and production of soft rock is characterized by several key elements:
- Prominent vocal melodies and harmonies
- Acoustic and electric guitars for melodic riffs and solos
- Piano and keyboards providing lush textures
- Saxophone, strings, and other instruments creating rich arrangements
- Smooth, polished production with reverb creating a lush wall of sound
Lyrically, soft rock deals with themes like love, heartbreak, longing, and emotional sensitivity. The vocals are often yearning and convey a vulnerable romanticism.
Soft rock originated as a blend of the melodic songcraft of folk rock artists like James Taylor and Carole King with the electric instrumentation of pop rock bands like The Rascals and The Lovin’ Spoonful. Through the 70s, it incorporated jazz, R&B, and pop influences while maintaining its signature smooth, heartfelt sound.
In the 80s, soft rock evolved with the times, adopting synthesizers and glossy, radio-friendly production. The 90s saw it blend with adult contemporary and pop influences. But across the decades, the core musical and lyrical essence of soft rock has endured, continuing to resonate with listeners.
Unlike harder rock genres which emphasize volume and aggression, soft rock aims for subtlety, nuance, and emotional resonance. The soft rock sound invites listeners into a smooth, intimate sonic world perfect for reflecting on love and relationships. For over fifty years, it has provided the soundtrack for romance, heartbreak, and getting in touch with one’s tender side.
Top Soft Rock Artists of the 70s
The 1970s was a golden era for soft rock music, producing some of the most beloved artists and timeless hits. Three musicians who topped the charts and helped define the soft rock sound were Elton John, Air Supply, and Lionel Richie.
Elton John became a global superstar in the 70s known for his flamboyant performances and catchy piano melodies. Songs like "Your Song," "Rocket Man," and "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me" showcased his knack for crafting heartfelt ballads and uptempo pop/rock. His style blended pop, rock and soul with lush orchestrations and emotional vocals. Elton established himself as one of the decade’s preeminent singer-songwriters and a dynamic force on stage.
The Australian duo Air Supply was one of the most distinctive soft rock acts of the decade. With breathy vocals, sweeping strings and layered harmonies, Air Supply perfected the love ballad. "Lost in Love," "All Out of Love" and "Every Woman in the World" captured the euphoria and heartbreak of romance. Their sentimental lyrics, layered production and soaring melodies defined the soft rock aesthetic. Air Supply’s live shows spotlighted their vocal chemistry and polished musicianship.
After rising to fame with R&B group the Commodores, Lionel Richie launched a massively successful solo career in the late 70s. With soulful songs like "Easy," "Three Times a Lady" and "Still," Richie smoothly transitioned into soft rock stardom. His breakout album Can’t Slow Down sold over 10 million copies and featured the classics "Hello" and "All Night Long." Richie’s honeyed voice and ability to convey emotion connected with audiences worldwide. From uptempo dance songs to heart-wrenching ballads, Lionel Richie was soft rock personified.
Essential Soft Rock Songs of the 80s
The 1980s saw soft rock evolve with the emergence of synth-pop and adult contemporary influences. While bands like The Police started off as new wave and post-punk, they soon shifted to a more melodic, emotional sound. Scorpions blended their hard rock roots with sweeping ballads, while pop rockers Foreigner found massive success with soaring love songs. Here are some of the essential soft rock songs that defined the decade:
"Every Breath You Take" by The Police
This 1983 hit exemplifies The Police’s transition to a softer, more introspective sound. Built around Sting’s melancholy vocals and a simple piano riff, "Every Breath You Take" is a brooding love song with dark, obsessive undertones. The sparse arrangement, punctuated by Andy Summers’ guitar textures, creates a hypnotic, melancholy feel. The accompanying music video visualized the obsessive lyrics through dim lighting and rain-streaked imagery. With its blend of pop, rock and jazz, "Every Breath You Take" showed The Police seamlessly merging New Wave cool with the emotional intimacy of soft rock.
Scorpions’ Soft Rock Evolution
The German hard rock band demonstrated their soft side with ballads like "Still Loving You" and "Wind of Change." Songs like "Still Loving You" combined Scorpions’ powerful vocals and guitar work with sweeping strings and lyrics about heartbreak and undying love. "Wind of Change," their ode to the fall of the Berlin Wall, showed their more philosophical side with introspective lyrics about political change. Scorpions blended their heavy metal foundations with soft rock elements like piano, strings and impassioned vocals to create some of the most memorable power ballads of the decade.
Foreigner’s Vocal Prowess
Fronted by vocal powerhouse Lou Gramm, Foreigner successfully transitioned from being an arena rock band to soft rock hit machine. Songs like "I Want to Know What Love Is" and "I Don’t Want to Live Without You" highlighted Gramm’s incredible range, from a raspy rock growl to smooth, soulful crooning. Foreigner paired driving rock energy with lush production, sweeping strings and heart-on-sleeve lyrics to create emotional soft rock anthems. Gramm’s passionate vocals gave Foreigner’s love songs an authenticity and intimacy that struck a chord with listeners.
Soft Rock in the 90s
Soft rock continued to evolve in the 1990s, incorporating more contemporary pop and adult contemporary influences. While the lush ballads and smooth sounds of classic soft rock still remained, the 90s brought a slightly more modern sheen to the genre. New artists emerged that took the melodic songwriting and introspective lyrics of soft rock and blended it with the edgier alternative rock that was popular at the time.
Some of the top soft rock artists of the 1990s included bands like Matchbox Twenty, Third Eye Blind, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Counting Crows. These groups crafted emotional, hook-driven songs that dominated both pop and rock radio. Matchbox Twenty scored major soft rock hits like "3 A.M." and "Push," led by Rob Thomas’ distinctive vocals. Hootie & the Blowfish mixed folk and pop influences into soft rock jams like "Hold My Hand" and "Let Her Cry." Counting Crows found fame with their breakout single "Mr. Jones," which captured the angst and imagery of 90s soft rock.
While the music itself was evolving, the visual aesthetics of soft rock also changed in the 90s. Music videos showcased the updated fashions and youth culture associated with these new artists. Concerts and promotional photos leaned into the post-grunge look popularized by alternative bands of the decade. But underneath the flannel shirts and goatees were the same wistful melodies and vulnerable themes that have defined soft rock across the decades. The core emotional power of the genre continued to resonate with listeners looking for relatable, cathartic music.
The Best Soft Rock Playlists
Soft rock music has an enduring appeal that transcends decades, making it the perfect genre for creating playlists. Whether you’re nostalgic for the smooth sounds of the 70s and 80s or discovering more recent soft rock hits, there are many great playlists available.
On YouTube, you can find playlists that span the entire history of soft rock. Some excellent options include Soft Rock Hits of the 70s, 80s & 90s, The Very Best Soft Rock Albums, and Ultimate Soft Rock Love Songs. These playlists run for hours and contain all the classics, from Elton John to Scorpions.
Decade-focused playlists allow you to immerse yourself completely in the soft rock sound of the 70s, 80s, or 90s. The Soft Rock Songs Of The 80s playlist features stellar hits like "Every Breath You Take" and "I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight." For essential 90s soft rock, the Soft Rock Hits Of The 90s playlist has you covered.
If you’re looking for playlists based on mood, Soft Rock for Relaxation offers hours of mellow favorites perfect for unwinding. Upbeat Soft Rock Hits provides more energetic melodies. For timeless romantic ballads, Soft Rock Love Songs delivers with classics like "I Want To Know What Love Is" and "Truly."
You can also find playlists built around specific soft rock legends. The Best of Air Supply, Lionel Richie’s All Night Long, and Elton John’s Greatest Soft Rock Hits let you appreciate their artistry. Even genres like yacht rock have their own playlists, such as Yacht Rock Smooth Hits.
Beyond playlists, soft rock radio stations provide a great way to discover both vintage hits and today’s new soft rock tunes. SiriusXM has a dedicated Yacht Rock Radio channel. iHeartRadio offers soft rock stations like Sunny 106.5 and 94.7 The Wave that blend old and new. With all these streaming options, the smooth, soulful sounds of soft rock can be enjoyed 24/7.
Soft Rock vs Other Genres
Soft rock shares similarities with other mellow rock genres like yacht rock, easy listening, and adult contemporary, but has some key distinctions:
Comparison to Yacht Rock
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Yacht rock also emerged in the 1970s/1980s and has a smooth, mellow sound, sometimes blending with soft rock.
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Yacht rock is defined by its sophisticated, "yuppie" lyrical themes and nautical references. Artists like Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, and Kenny Loggins are exemplars of the yacht rock style.
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While yacht rock and soft rock overlap, soft rock is generally more introspective and emotional in its lyrics and themes. The productions are often more stripped back and reliant on piano and acoustic guitar.
Comparison to Easy Listening
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Easy listening music is designed to be unobtrusive, inoffensive background music. It’s characterized by lush string arrangements and an emphasis on melody over rhythm.
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Soft rock is still considered a form of rock music, whereas easy listening eschews rock elements like drums and electric guitars. Easy listening is purely designed for relaxation or mood setting.
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Artists like Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, and Celine Dion typify the easy listening style. Soft rockers use more dynamic rock instrumentation and emotional vocal deliveries.
Comparison to Adult Contemporary
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Adult contemporary emerged in the 1960s/1970s as radio format playing softer pop, rock, and R&B music, targeting mature audiences.
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It’s since evolved to become more of a catch-all format for pop, folk and soft rock hits. Many soft rock artists get airplay on adult contemporary stations.
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But soft rock has its own distinct ’70s/’80s sound, while adult contemporary casts a wider net across pop music eras. Artists like Phil Collins straddle both.
So while related, soft rock stands apart from these other mellow genres in its lyricism and balance of rock musicality with an emotional, introspective sound. It resonates with listeners in a unique way.
Legacy of Soft Rock
Soft rock has left an indelible mark on the musical landscape, influencing modern music and retaining its popularity across generations. Its smooth, melodic sound and introspective songwriting set the stage for many of today’s mainstream pop and rock artists.
The musical and production techniques of soft rock are apparent in much of contemporary pop music. The focus on strong vocal melodies and harmonies, prominent piano and acoustic guitar arrangements, and emotional balladry are hallmarks of the soft rock style that artists continue to emulate. From Ed Sheeran to Adele, the soft rock influence can be heard in their introspective lyrics and sweeping melodies.
While soft rock originated in the 70s, it remains a staple of adult contemporary and oldies radio formats. Songs like "Your Song" by Elton John or "Every Breath You Take" by The Police are still in heavy rotation decades after their release. The enduring popularity of soft rock classics speaks to the timeless, universal appeal of well-crafted songs and emotive performances.
Part of soft rock’s longevity is its resonance across generations. While baby boomers may have grown up with bands like Air Supply and Lionel Richie, their songs continue to strike a chord with younger listeners as well. The combination of smooth sounds and vulnerable lyrics creates an intimacy that defies age or era. Whether it’s a song from the 70s or a new track today, soft rock tugs at the heartstrings.
Though styles and trends have come and gone, the emotional directness of soft rock continues to find an audience. In a music landscape filled with production tricks and vocal histrionics, the simplicity and authenticity of soft rock endures. It speaks to listeners in a sincere, comforting way that stands the test of time.