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TABLE OF CONTENTS Top Dad-Rock Bands Top Dad-Rock Songs Walter Becker and Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, 1977 (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage) Dad-rock is this fascinating label in pop culture that’s often used to describe older rock music – a meme that’s become a genre. The definition of dad-rock is pretty straightforward but also quite broad. It usually refers to rock music that’s popular among modern dads (like classic rock, ‘80s rock and more recently ‘90s and early 2000s rock). Every decade of rock music will inevitably have bands and songs that fall into the dad-rock category; although not all old rock music is dad-rock, lots of dad-rock is in fact older rock music. Top Dad-Rock Bands The origins of the term dad-rock can be directly traced to Pitchfork music critic Rob Mitchum, who introduced the term in his review of Wilco’s 2007 LP Sky Blue Sky. At the time, Mitchum used the term dad-rock to criticize music for sounding too straightforward and derivative of classic rock, but its negative connotation has faded over time. Today, classic rock titans like AC/DC, Creed, Bruce Springsteen and more are hailed as dad-rock heroes. These artists have produced some of the most recognizable rock hits from the last 30-plus years and toed the line of writing straightforward song structures and approachable melodies that many dads - and moms - can get behind. Here’s a rundown of some of the most successful and iconic dad-rock acts and celebrated dad-rock anthems of the last 50-plus years. Adam Clayton (far left), The Edge (second from left), Bono (second from right) and Larry Mullen, Jr. (far right) form the rock band U2. (Photo by © Aaron Rapoport/CORBIS OUTLINE/Corbis via Getty Images) Corbis via Getty Images MORE FOR YOU The emotive uplifting rock of U2 has made a lasting impact on Baby Boomer and Generation X dads. You’d be hard-pressed to find a dad from these generations whose breath wasn’t taken away by The Edge’s jarringly simple guitar playing or Bono’s whimsical howls heard on hits “With or Without You” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” both off the The Joshua Tree album. However, part of U2’s brilliance is that it can turn fairly plain song structures and instrumentals into something more memorable than the average commercialized rock band can. UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 01: CAMDEN Photo of VAN HALEN and Eddie VAN HALEN and Alex VAN HALEN and Michael ANTHONY and David LEE ROTH, L-R: Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, Eddie Van Halen - posed, studio group shot (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns) 9. Van Halen Shred guitar and dad-rock seldom go hand in hand, but the opposite is true for Van Halen. The band not only helped pioneer shred guitar music that would reverberate through the 1980s, but it also produced anthems like “Panama” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” that dripped with the band’s sonic swagger. Original members David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony flipped hard-rock music on its head by making it more flamboyant and enjoyable for mainstream audiences. CLEVELAND, USA - 17th DECEMBER: Bassist Geddy Lee, Guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart from Canadian progressive rock band Rush posed in Cleveland, Ohio on 17th December 1977. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns) In some respects Rush is the antithesis of dad-rock music for its more complex and progressive approach to songwriting. However, the Canadian prog-rock outfit has become synonymous with air drumming - many dads can’t help themselves when they hear drummer Neil Peart on hits “YYZ,” “Tom Sawyer” and “The Spirit of Radio.” Rush isn’t every dad’s first pick on the dad-rock playlist, but old-school progressive rock is most certainly a staple of dad-rock, and Rush happens to be the prog rock king. NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 16: Photo of NICKELBACK; 16-2-2002 Tilburg,O13, Nickelback (Photo by Paul Bergen/Redferns) 7. Nickelback The Canadian hard-rock band Nickelback went through a vicious phase as one of the most hated bands in rock music for nearly two decades, due to its music being perceived and criticized by many as being overly commercial, generic and overall lacking originality. Despite the hate campaign, Nickelback was one of the highest-selling rock bands in the early 2000s with hits like “How You Remind Me,” “Photograph” and “Burn It Down,” turning its musical legacy into a celebration. Many Gen X and Gen Z fans who grew up with Nickelback are now climbing aboard the early 2000s nostalgia train with Nickelback and Creed riding first class. 1979: Australian rock band AC/DC pose for an Atlantic Records publicity Photo for the cover session for the album Highway to Hell in 1979. (Photo by Atlantic Records/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Between the gritty timbre of vocalists Brian Johnson and the late Bon Scott, along with the macho energy that oozes out of Angus Young’s guitar riffs, it’s easy to understand why AC/DC has long been one of the most beloved rock bands for more than 40 years. You won’t find AC/DC writing a ballad or changing up its tried and true songwriting formula. The straightforward rock approach is what has kept the band so relevant for generations of dads. Scott Stapp of Creed performs the tour opener at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. October 14, 1999. (Photo by James Crump/WireImage) Creed has gone from being one of the most celebrated and popular rock acts of the 90s, to becoming a glorified meme in the early 2000s. That journey is one of the most fascinating stories in modern rock. The band has seen a huge resurgence after reuniting in 2023, and they’re once again well integrated within the rock music scene. Much of that is thanks to the Gen X and Gen Z fans, many of them dads now reliving the glory days of Scott Stapp’s soothing “yarling” and Mark Tremonti’s hooky guitar leads on mega-hits “Higher,” “My Sacrifice” and “With Arms Wide Open.” Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Randy Meisner, Glenn Frey and Don Felder of the rock band "Eagles" pose for a portrait in 1977. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) 4. The Eagles Merging folk, country and good ol’ rock ’n’ roll, The Eagles helped popularize rock guitar music in the early ‘70s and became one of the defining classic rock bands. As is often the case for classic rock bands, dads are among the target audience for The Eagles and the band’s approachable soft-rock hits. Anthems like “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy” and “Life in the Fast Lane” all showcase the band’s dad-rock energy and pleasantly plain and direct approach to songwriting. LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Eric Clapton performs at Royal Albert Hall on May 14, 2015 in London, United Kingdom (Photo by Neil Lupin/Redferns via Getty Images) Redferns via Getty Images 3. Eric Clapton The deep musical discography of the legendary guitarist and songwriter Eric Clapton is something that dads cherish. Clapton played a tremendous role in helping shape early hard-rock and blues-rock music in the late 60s and early 70s with The Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos. Clapton’s solo career, which kicked off in the ‘70s, includes hits such as “Wonderful Tonight,” “Tears in Heaven” and an iconic rendition of J.J. Cale’s “Cocaine.” Whether it’s his early work with Cream and The Yardbirds or his solo career, Clapton’s music is celebrated by old-school rock and blues enthusiasts. NEW YORK, NY - CIRCA 1984: Bruce Springsteen in concert circa 1984 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Platzer/IMAGES/Getty Images) Getty Images 2. Bruce Springsteen The Boss - otherwise known as Bruce Springsteen - has produced chart-topping and widely acclaimed albums over five decades, starting in the ‘70s. Springsteen’s Born In The U.S.A. might just be the quintessential dad-rock album with uplifting anthems like “Glory Days” and “Dancing In The Dark.” Springsteen’s revered status has aged like fine wine and dads continue to turn up to his packed stadium gigs and crank up his hits at the outdoor BBQs. 1973: (L-R) Jim Hodder, Walter Becker, Denny Dias, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and Donald Fagen of the rock and roll band "Steely Dan" pose for a portrait in 1973. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) 1. Steely Dan The effect Steely Dan’s amalgamative rock music has on dads is something that should be studied for centuries. Yacht rock, soft rock, Jazz-rock, whatever Steely Dan plays, it’s most certainly also dad-rock. Hits like “Reelin’ In The Years,” “Do It Again” and “Peg” have kept dads moving and grooving for decades. There is a litany of ‘70s rock bands that sit atop the dad-rock Mount Olympus, but there really isn’t another dad band that writes instrumentally sophisticated and melodically straightforward tunes like Steely Dan. Top Dad-Rock Songs These songs are routinely found on dad-rock playlists. These beloved rock anthems have long been cornerstones of the dad-rock genre, or they are gaining recognition for their superb dad-rock qualities. 20. “Hold The Line” (1978) by TOTO So many of Toto’s songs are loved by fans and have the ability to connect deeply with people, especially dads. “Hold The Line” blends vocal power and an electric guitar driven groove, which gives the song an edge over other Toto anthems, but its endlessly catchy chorus and lyrics about love’s unpredictability keep it resonating with dads of all generations. 19. “Aqualung” (1971) by Jethro Tull Nearly every kid who had a dad with an eclectic musical taste was at some point either tortured and bewildered by the progressive folk rock of Jethro Tull. Whichever side of the aisle you come down on regarding Jethro Tull, you remember “Aqualung,” the British band’s most notable song. Its cut-and-dry production and whimsical performances have made it an enduring dad-rock anthem. 18. “Kryptonite” (2000) by 3 Doors Down There’s something about the angsty atmosphere in 3 Doors Down’s massive hit “Kryptonite” that has it carved into the Mount Rushmore of divorced-dad-rock anthems, due to the its underlying themes of loyalty and emotional support. Its powerful chorus and melancholic instrumentals scratch the dad-rock brain, and Brad Darnold’s vocals manage to quell the pain of anxiety and heartache. 17. “Ace of Spades” (1980) by Motörhead Heavy metal dads were a rarity back in the ’80s, but Motörhead was always one of the tried and true bands that the average hard-rock and metal enthusiasts could agree on. Between its call and response vocal hooks and Lemmy Kilmister’s gritty delivery, there’s a lot about “Ace of Spades” that makes it appealing to dads swimming in or dipping their toes in heavy metal. 16. “It’s Been Awhile” (2001) by Staind The melancholic atmosphere and powerful chorus heard on Staind’s multi-platinum hit “It’s Been Awhile” have carved out a special place in dads’ hearts. Between the lyrics and the way the song ebbs and flows from its somber verses to uplifting choruses, this song has helped many dads get over painful break-ups and heartbreaking sporting defeats. 15. “Sweet Emotion” (1975) by Aerosmith For decades, Aerosmith has swelled the hearts of many with Joe Perry’s alluring groovy guitar lines and Steven Tyler’s seductive vocal hooks. Dads of the Gen X and Baby Boomer generations have gravitated to the band for its songwriting; “Sweet Emotion” is a prime example. That song’s psychedelic infused bass melody, coupled with the distant gang vocals, hit like a hot plate of ‘70s nostalgia. 14. “Sad But True” (1991) by Metallica Pretty much anything by Metallica after 1991 can be considered dad-rock, given the band’s more commercial direction during this period. However, if there’s one tune off Metallica’s seminal self-titled LP that is a dad-rock smasher it has to be “Sad But True.” It’s a meat-and-potatoes riff with a groove and chorus that’ll have even the most PG-dad’s thinking heavy metal is better than they thought. 13. “Sharp Dressed Man” (1983) by ZZ Top The sonic swagger and blues rock bounce of ZZ-Top’s masculine anthem “Sharp Dressed Man” has a profound effect on 35 to 75-year-old men. Whether it’s the charmingly corny lyrics of suiting up for an eventful night out, or just the incredible guitar work of Billy Gibbons, “Sharp Dressed Man” effortlessly appeals to dad-rock enthusiasts. 12. “Uptown Girl” (1983) by Billy Joel Its marching up-tempo groove, combined with Billy Joel’s jolly singing, has made “Uptown Girl” a beloved pop-rock anthem for decades. It’s as safe as dad-rock can get: straightforward song structure, squeaky-clean vocal melody, optimistic theme. It’s routinely cherished by dads who are just looking to kick back and fire up the grill on a hot summer day. 11. “Higher” (1999) by Creed In recent years, Creed has risen to the highest tier of Gen X and Millennial dad-rock in large part because of the band’s meme-able qualities but also its catchy songwriting, as heard on their 1999 anthem “Higher.” Prior to Creed, it was rare for bands to combine heavy grunge-driven guitars with uplifting vocal melodies. Fast forward 25 years, songs like “Higher” have turned into the staple of Gen X and Millennial dad-rock. 10. “Money for Nothing” (1985) by Dire Straits Opening riffs as monolithic and sharp as the ones by Dire Straits “Money for Nothing” are rare. Mark Knopfler’s unique finger-style electric guitar playing has piqued the ears of rock-guitar enthusiasts for decades. The sheer power of “Money for Nothing’s” simple but effective main riff is an unstoppable force, and it’s one of the reasons Dire Straits rank in the upper echelons of dad-rock. 9. “Cocaine” (1977) by Eric Clapton There’s something about the vanilla blues-rock of Eric Clapton that captures the old-school rock ’n’ roll that dads love. Clapton’s revered hit “Cocaine” checks every box, with its bluesy riffs and twangy pentatonic guitar solo. While the song’s lyrics might also resonate with dads who enjoyed the ’70s a little too much, “Cocaine” remains a prime example of Clapton’s simple yet highly effective guitar. 8. “How You Remind Me” (2001) by Nickelback Divorced dad-rock wouldn’t exist without Nickelback’s magnum opus, “How You Remind Me.” Most rock fans would claim they’re still a part of the Nickelback hate-bandwagon, but you’ll never see haters flip so quickly as when they hear Chad Kroeger’s utter the words, “Never made it as a wise man.” In fact, Nickelback didn’t become part of the dad-rock pantheon just because of their candid approach to hooky hard-rock songwriting, but in large part, it was because the younger crowds rejected them. 7. “Tom Sawyer” (1981) by Rush The intensity and focus that dads will maintain while air-drumming to Rush’s all-time great “Tom Sawyer” has made the song a dad-rock favorite. Progressive rock isn’t always a welcome sub-genre of dad-rock, but Rush’s ingenious ability to write memorable choruses and instrumental parts as heard on “Tom Sawyer,” is among the many reasons why Rush remains an essential dad-rock band. 6. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (1976) by AC/DC There is a litany of AC/DC songs that could be considered all-time dad-rock tracks, however, there’s just something about “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” and its zany lyrics that make it the perfect AC/DC dad-rock anthem. The vocal hook and Angus Young’s powerfully simple guitar riffs make “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” the ultimate soundtrack for a dad’s night out. 5. “Born in the U.S.A.” (1984) by Bruce Springsteen Two types of dads enjoy Bruce Springsteen’s mega-hit “Born in the U.S.A.,” one who admires the irony Springsteen injects in his lyrics, and the other who couldn’t care less about the song’s lyrical themes but enjoys chanting the song’s seemingly ‘patriotic’ chorus. Regardless of how carefully one pays attention to Springsteen’s lyrics, “Born in the U.S.A.” is a catchy title for a dad-rock anthem. 4. “Ain’t Talkin’ 'Bout Love” (1976) by Van Halen Van Halen is another one of those bands where nearly every one of its albums has tracks that a dad can get behind. There’s just something about the band’s infectious swagger and Eddie Van Halen’s ingenious guitar playing that seduces fans. “Ain’t Talkin’ 'Bout Love” showcases these qualities, with chanting choruses and an alluring main guitar riff that’ll have dads shredding on their finest air-guitars. 3. “The Boys Are Back In Town” (1976) by Thin Lizzy An entourage of dads cranking Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back In Town” might have the ultimate dad aura. With a song as self-explanatory as this classic, there really isn’t much analysis needed. Simply, it’s an easy rocking tune with a to-the-point chorus that all dads can claim as their own. 2. “Life in the Fast Lane” (1976) by The Eagles “Life in the Fast Lane” has the swagger and edge that many dads think they have when driving a couple of miles over the speed limit. It’s as plain as butter on toast as far as rock goes, but Joe Walsh’s boomer bends and chunky riffs never cease to appease the classic-rock dad brain. 1. “Do It Again” (1972) - Steely Dan The ruling dad-rock band wouldn’t be so highly regarded if it weren’t for the masterpiece album Can’t Buy A Thrill, which opens with the enchanting psychedelic rocker, “Do It Again.” Between the song’s keyboard solo and its quirky chorus, Steely Dan’s “Do It Again” can turn the casual dad sipping a margarita into a party animal. It’s another mysteriously effective dad-rock anthem that will instantly lock in its talons after its groove settles. Bottom Line Dad-rock can be a very subjective and nuanced genre, and it’s often used as a blanket term to just describe rock music of yesteryear. However, modern dad-rock has come to be defined by its obviously appealing qualities. While not all of the bands and songs listed above meet all of the criteria of dad-rock, they all manage to appeal to the dads and others who fancy a good rock tune. Is Grandpa Rock A Real Thing? Grandpa Rock isn’t a term that’s as commonly used as dad-rock, and it’s only recently starting to emerge as generations like the Baby Boomers grow older. Rock music throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s is generally what’s considered to be grandpa-rock, as fans who grew up during these decades are mostly within the grandpa age-bracket by now. It’s only different from dad-rock in that it’s older than most music that’s considered to be dad-rock. Bands like The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Animals all fall within the grandpa-rock genre. Of course, many of these bands have massive audiences that extend beyond just Baby Boomers and grandpas. However, they were prominent throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s thanks to the teen and young adult fans, many of whom are grandparents now. What Are Examples Of Divorced Dad-Rock? Divorced-Dad-rock is a sub-genre of dad-rock, and it’s often used to categorize hard-rock anthems of the 90s and early 2000s that deal with romantic affairs and heartache. The key word being ‘divorced’ is what distinguishes these dad-rock tunes, specifically songs that evoke an over-the-top melancholy in their lyrical themes and hard-hitting choruses. Grunge music played a big role in popularizing hard-rock songwriting with depressive and melancholic lyrical themes, though it was often more poignantly delivered by these acts. Bands that grew out of the post-grunge scene in the late ‘90s and early 2000s (like Staind, Creed, and Nickelback) are routinely categorized as Divorced dad-rock for their hyperbolic approach to these songwriting tropes. What Are Great Dad-Rock Albums? Great dad-rock albums are produced by only the best dad-rock bands – i.e., Steely Dan, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles and others. In 1972 Steely Dan released their debut studio album Can’t Buy a Thrill, which has since produced some of their biggest hits including “Do It Again,” “Dirty Work” and “Reelin’ In The Years.” With Steely Dan’s revered status among dads who like to rock, Can’t Buy a Thrill is up there with the greatest and most complete dad-rock LPs. Bruce Springsteen can be viewed in a similar fashion to Steely Dan, in the sense that he has a number of well-rounded albums that feature some of his biggest hits. His 1984 opus Born In The U.S.A., is largely considered his best album, as it features some of his greatest hits like “Dancing In the Dark,” “I’m On Fire” and “Born in the U.S.A.” In the case of The Eagles, Hotel California is one of the highest-selling rock albums of all time, and for good reason. With hits “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Hotel California” and “New Kid in Town” the Eagles made themselves a household name in rock music, and they’ve since been riding atop the Mount Olympus of dad-rock thanks to their multi-generational fanbase. What Are Great 2000s Dad-Rock Songs? One must only look at the great dad-rock bands of the early 2000s to find great dad-rock songs. As mentioned previously, Nickelback remains one of the essential dad-rock bands that blew up at the turn of the millennium. Their monumental hits “How You Remind Me” and “Rockstar” are routinely in rotation at dad karaoke nights and backyard barbecues. The same can be said about other like-minded 2000s rock anthems like 3 Doors Down’s “Kryptonite,” as well as Creed’s “One Last Breath.” Both songs continue to garner hundreds of millions of streams and are highly regarded amongst Gen X and Millennial dad-rock enthusiasts. What Are Great '90s Dad-Rock Songs? Gen X reaped the benefits of getting a plethora of timeless rock anthems. In the early '90s, bands Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers produced revered rock staples “Evenflow” and “Under the Bridge,” which have become cornerstones of Gen X dad-rock. Other like-minded acts Foo Fighters and Incubus produced a similar share of dad-rock essentials throughout the 90s including “My Hero” and “Drive.” In general, the '90s had tons of rock music that was deemed fit for radio, which is most often a prerequisite for fantastic dad-rock. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
