When you think of the genre of classic rock music, what comes to mind? Well, let’s take a guess. Is it speakers exploding? Guitars smashing? Songs that reach 11 on the dial? Lead singers who are breathing pyrotechnics into their microphones? Well, yes. Of course it’s all that. Because classic rock music more often than not is loud.
Videos by American Songwriter
But sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes the songs boast touch and tone, nuance and restraint. That’s what we wanted to explore here below. A trio of tracks that are quite than most listeners may expect. Indeed, these are three classic rock songs that are shockingly quiet.
[RELATED: No Skips: 4 Classic Rock Albums You’ll Never Have to Fast-Forward]
“Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix (Single, 1967)
The name Jimi Hendrix evokes ideas of bombastic rock music. The greatest guitar player ever is known for big songs like “Foxy Lady” and “Purple Haze.” But when it comes to the 1967 single “Wind Cries Mary,” Hendrix is restrained, somber, and mellow. He could at any minute turn the tune into a torrential downpour of music. But instead he keeps it quiet and as a result the audience leans in to hear it. Suddenly, he has you in the palm of his talented hand.
“Take It Easy” by the Eagles from Eagles (1972)
If you listen to this song’s advice, you’ll be just fine. You can’t write a track like this without wanting things to be a little bit more docile. Life isn’t just for backyard brawls and 4th of July firework explosions. No, you can take it easy. You can kick back and relax. And while the Los Angeles-born classic rock band can pack a room and get it rollicking, this track from the Eagles offers a way of doing things differently. Just chill!
“Patience” by Guns N’ Roses from G N’ R Lies (1989)
When you think of Guns N’ Roses, it’s likely you think about being welcomed to the jungle. Axl Rose is singing lightning bolts and guitar player Slash is leveling buildings with his chords and solos. But then there’s this song, “Patience.” An acoustic-driven song that sounds like a lullaby more than it sounds like a rock offering. It’s almost a glitch in the Guns N’ Roses system—well, it would be if the band wasn’t comprised of such talents.
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.