The Best Rock Sub-Genres of the 1970s–and the Bands That Helped Make Them Popular

The rock scene in the 1970s was rife with experimentation. The psychedelic sounds of the 1960s were beginning to wane and, as a result, opened up room for new sub-genres to stake their claim. Several fought for the pervasive sound of the 1970s, but the three below became clear standouts. Revisit some of the best rock sub-genres of the 1970s–and the bands that helped make them popular–below.

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Arena Rock

Though arena rock would experience its heyday in the 1980s, the groundwork for this sub-genre was laid the decade before. The late 1970s saw an increase in polished rock performers, which stood in stark contrast to the dazed rockers of the 1960s. Bands like Queen, Boston, and more started to scale up their shows, leaning into pop-level showmanship. Though not every rock fan appreciated this trend, it certainly kept rock in the mainstream. It likely even earned it new ears.

Top Artists: Queen, Boston, Foreigner

Southern Rock

Those who rejected the polished perfection of arena rock opted for something a little looser. Enter southern rock. This sub-genre saw rockers adopt elements of country music, blending the two genres together for a down-to-earth sound. Some of the biggest songs of the 1970s came from southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Marshall Tucker Band. This sub-genre blurred the lines of what is considered rock n’ roll. Some could consider these bands country artists–especially by modern standards. However, there is just enough electrified instrumentation in their songs to earn them the “rock star” banner.

Top Artists: Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, The Marshall Tucker Band

Glam Rock

Similar to arena rock, glam rock lost a lot of the grunge present in the 1960s. Artists like David Bowie paved the way for rockers who weren’t shy of a little glitz. Dressed in outlandish outfits and equally as vibrant personas, these rockers were the definition of “artists.” They nearly transcended the rock genre, creating something entirely new. However, their reliance on familiar melodies and instrumentation kept them in the sub-genre category. Many rockers of the modern age might be considered glam rockers. There is certainly an enviable level of dramatics that not every musician could shoulder.

Top Artists: David Bowie, KISS, Mott The Hoople

(Photo by Paul Natkin/WireImage)