5 Dad Rock Songs of the Future
In this Audio Ink Radio feature, we have some fun naming five songs that could, and should, be future dad rock songs. – Author: Anne Erickson, Photo via Oswaldo Cepeda
Dad rock means different things to different, but the definition certainly changes over time. At one point, bands such as Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones were considered dad rock, because, well, that’s what dads listened to years ago when it was new and fresh. But, now, dad rock often refers to post-grunge bands of the early-2000s, with bands such as Seether, Nickelback and Stone Sour. These bands broke out in the late-1900s and early-2000s, and now, the guys who were listening to them back then, at least some of them, are dads.
However, new dad rock emerges each year. In fact, a lot of the music that’s popular right now is going to be popular with dads in anywhere from 10 to 20 years. So, what is the father rock of tomorrow? In this Audio Ink Radio feature, we have some fun naming five songs that could, and should, be future dad rock songs.
Future Dad Rock Songs
Bad Omens, “Just Pretend”
Bad Omens, hands down, is one of the biggest bands in modern rock that has emerged over the past few years. Their 2022 opus, “The Death of Peace of Mind,” really served as their breakout album, even though they were already huge in the metalcore world. So, plenty of upcoming dads are likely rocking out to Bad Omens on a daily basis, and that means songs such as “Just Pretend” will eventually be dad rock songs.
Falling in Reverse, “Zombie”
Falling in Reverse vocalist Ronnie Radke is a dad, so it makes sense that his songs would eventually become songs that dads enjoy. Falling in Reverse is another super hot band from the past few years, and “Zombie” is one of their breakout hits that really garnered Radke and company attention. It’s pretty much impossible to turn on modern rock radio without hearing “Zombie,” so it will likely eventually move into popular dad rock territory.
Sleep Token, “The Summoning”
Sleep Token have the look and aura of a scary heavy metal band, but they sound almost like a pop band. Actually, they sound a lot like a pop band. The mysterious group uses lots of pop effects in their vocals, and it’s a bit controversial, but it’s also working, because Sleep Token is one of the most popular metal bands today. Their rock hit “The Summoning” will surely eventually become a great anthem.
Linkin Park, “Up From The Bottom”
Linkin Park already has music that dads enjoy when it comes to their songs off 2000’s “Hybrid Theory” and 2003’s “Meteora.” But, they are still making new music that future dads will enjoy, and their latest single, “Up From the Bottom,” is an example of that. It’s got future dad rock written all over it.
Wage War, “Blur”
Metalcore is really the dad rock genre of the future, because so many metalcore bands are popular in this decade. Wage War is one of them. The band crafts high-octane, raging metalcore with heart and soul. It’s the perfect combination for future dad rock, with their 2025 chart-topper “Blur” being a shining example.
- 5 Dad Rock Songs of the Future - May 9, 2025
- One-Hit Wonders That Are Perfect for Summer - May 2, 2025
- 3 Influential Symphonic Metal Albums That Shaped the Genre - May 1, 2025
