Classic Rock Songs That Were Surprisingly Pop
Some classic rock songs are surprisingly pop. – Author: Anne Erickson, Bon Jovi photo via Mark Seliger
Classic rock is a genre known for its guitars and almost anti-pop aesthetics. But, if you listen to a lot of classic rock hits from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, they were surprisingly pop. It might be a stretch to call these bona fide pop songs, because unlike most pop songs, they all have real instruments and rock instrumentation. But, they certainly had those big pop hooks and catchy choruses and melodies, so these classic rock songs were certainly pop. Plus, many of these classic rock songs made it onto the Top 40 chart, making them as mainstream as it gets. We’re honoring these classic rock songs that were surprisingly pop.
Pop-Influenced Classic Rock Songs
Bon Jovi, “Livin’ on a Prayer’
Bon Jovi has always been a band that’s equally influenced by pop than it is rock, and that was very apparent on the group’s 1986 hit, “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Off their groundbreaking “Slipper When Wet” album, this track made Bon Jovi one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. Call it glam metal, arena rock or whatever other moniker, but there’s no denying that there’s a lot of pop in here.
Def Leppard, “Pour Some Sugar on Me”
It’s really difficult to find anyone who hasn’t heard the Def Leppard hit “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” The 1987 blockbuster hit is the band’s most recognizable song and really put them on the map in the state. Even though they were successful before “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” this track made them a household name. With it’s catchy, anthemic chorus and flirty lyrics, it’s certainly pop inspired.
Kiss, “Rock and Roll All Nite”
Sure, Kiss are talking about rocking and rolling in their 1975 hit “Rock and Roll All Nite,” but this song is very pop. Actually, a lot of Kiss’ music is pop, with fun hooks, party-happy lyrics and a very shiny, radio-friendly production quality. “Rock and Roll All Nite,” is the kind of song that everyone from headbangers to pop fans know and adore.
Nirvana, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Kurt Cobain was very much anti-pop, and the entire grunge movement was about going against the norm. But, the Nirvana classic “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” off their seminal 1991 “Nevermind” album, went No. 1 in the U.S. on the Top 40 chart, making it very mainstream and, yes, pop. It’s a super catchy song with massive hooks, so it’s not wild to call this a pop hit.
U2, “Beautiful Day”
U2 is another band that has always worked a lot of pop sensibilities into their music, so any of their big hits could have made this roster of classic rock songs that were surprisingly pop. But, 2000’s “Beautiful Day” stands above the rest in terms of the genre, because it’s such a positive song. Lot’s up pop music is upbeat, and “Beautiful Day” is certainly that, with a shining melody and Bono singing about it being, well, a beautiful day. It’s a beautiful song, too.
While these are all big names, check out Audio Ink Radio’s selection of classic rock bands that flew under the radar.
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