Four ridiculously underrated rock songs that deserve more love

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As a lifelong rock enthusiast who’s spent countless hours headbanging to the beats of some legendary bands, I can confidently say that these four songs are hidden gems that deserve more recognition. They might not get the same level of airplay as “Stairway to Heaven” or “Hotel California,” but they certainly hold their own in terms of raw energy, creativity, and musicality.

If these four tunes are familiar to you, it suggests a strong affinity for authentic rock music – not the soft rock style like Fleetwood Mac. Instead, it’s about letting loose and expressing those bottled-up feelings, which is part of the essence of this genre.

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice that most ‘best-of’ rock playlists often overlook some truly exceptional tracks. These tunes belong on such lists, no doubt about it. Unfortunately, they tend to get overshadowed by classics like “Stairway to Heaven” or “Hotel California.” It seems like many of these lists lack originality and diversity.

I want to make it clear that my remark doesn’t imply criticism towards those who compiled the lists; in fact, I admire them. “Stairway to Heaven” and the subsequent four tracks on the list are all excellent pieces of music.

Four fantastic rock songs that deserve more attention

“Backwater” – Meat Puppets

The song starts fast and just keeps going. The lyrics almost seem to strain to keep up, but what gloriously fun words they are. Like this: “And when I shoulda been gone a long time/Laughs and says, I find ways/Just when we’re sheltered under paper/The rockets come at us sideways.” What does that even mean? Who cares, though?

This tune is bound to carry you off on a whim, making it the most delightful track you might encounter daily. It’s quite boisterous, but not overwhelmingly so. It carries an alternative vibe, yet it’s easy to grasp. In essence, it’s remarkably good.

“Lateralus” – Tool

Tool’s actions are never hasty; they require careful consideration. This is why there’s often a considerable gap between their albums. The ideas behind their tracks might take several months to fully develop. Moreover, they incorporate a lot of mathematical concepts, which gives their music an intriguing blend of structure and interpretation.

The tune was initially intended to be named “987” due to the fact that its chorus time signatures shift from 9/8, 8/8, to 7/8. Few rock bands manage this complexity effortlessly, but Tool is one of them, and this song that transitions from quiet to extremely loud showcases their unique abilities perfectly.

“Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)” – Cracker

Cracker is a group known for their sharp, sarcastic lyrics, often delivered in a deadpan manner which could initially seem arrogant to new listeners. However, this tune kicks off with “I’m not sure what the world might require/But I’m certain it begins with me,” hiding a large dose of sarcasm that fuels the song’s relentless momentum.

Cracker incorporated various elements of country and Americana into their tunes, making their music appealing to diverse audiences. When singer David Lowery sings, “Because what the world needs now is another folk singer/Like I need a hole in my head,” both rock enthusiasts and those with a literary bent might find something intriguing about it. The former may enjoy it for its raw emotion, while the latter may appreciate the witty irony hidden within the lyrics.

“Knights of Cydonia” – Muse

Muse is skilled at composing solid foundational rock tracks, yet they’ve ventured into a more abstract musical style, somewhat departing from their initial approach. While they continue to produce high-quality music, their tunes may not be as infectiously catchy as songs like “Stockholm Syndrome.

The greatness of “Knights of Cydonia” lies in its gradual build-up for the first four minutes, followed by a powerful climax in the final two. Every segment of this track is delightful to listen to, but when the break occurs, it’s almost impossible not to jump out of your seat and enthusiastically pump your fists with joy. It’s incredibly releaseing.

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2024-09-16 17:30