Country Rock and Singer Songwriters

Country Rock

apolitical, personal folk rock. An exploration of country roots, trying to revive country. Melancholy tones with energy of rock. An extension of folk rock

examples: Bob Dylan, The Byrds

Gram Parsons

joins the Byrds, country rock’s principle architect

The Byrds (country rock)

band with counterculture sentiments, melancholy tones with the energy of rock. “Cosmic American music”

The Eagles

popularized country rock and dominated the genre. Influenced by Gram Parsons, used lush vocal harmonies, distorted lead guitar and an acoustic rhythm guitar.

The Eagles, Hotel California

The Band

Canadian group inspired by Bob Dylan. Natural sound with no studio tricks or overdubs. Restrained, nostalgic feel, a response to psychedelic rock.

Music from the Big Pink, The Band

themes in singer/songwriter songs (70s folk)

Divorce becomes extremely popular, people choosing to live alone. Lost love, loneliness, divorce

Singer/Songwriters (Folk rock)

Acoustic songs with a simpler band and limited instruments. The focus was vocals. Usually a ‘confessional’ telling a personal tale about loneliness or love

James Taylor

Jazz inspired harmonies using a light, restrained, soft voice. Lullaby/ballad-esque

Sweet Baby James

Carole King

Songwriter with Don Kirshner who reemerged in the 70s as a soloist. Carefully crafted lyrics, sophisticated piano, soft and introspective.

Tapestry album

Joni Mitchell

Canadian artist who moved to NYC. Eloquent lyrics with a rhythmically interesting acoustic sound. Heavy jazz influence that moved away from traditional song structure

Hissing of Summer Lawns - critique of middle class America

Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

band with albums about social commentary and counterculture ideals. Serious lyrics.

Deja Vu album: Woodstock and Ohio

Neil Young

Considered the granddaddy of grunge. Poly-stylistic experimentation with vivid lyrics and social commentaries. Strained voice with a high fragile sound. Jagged lead guitar. Personal and political lyrics/ Defying expectations.

Southern Man, Harvest album, Rust Never Sleeps album, Rocking in the Free World