EP.12 Rock and Roll for GrownUps

Rock’n’Roll for Grownups #12: A Celebration of Classic Rock

By Denny Somach

Welcome back to Rock’n’Roll for Grownups, the show where we bring you the music that shaped our lives—the songs that were there during the best of times and the moments we’ll never forget. In episode #12, we dive deep into a carefully curated selection of rock classics from artists like David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Queen, and many more. Join me, Denny Somach, as we take a nostalgic journey through timeless tunes, uncovering the stories behind the music and the memories they evoke.

Classic Songs, Legendary Stories

We kick off the episode with David Bowie’s Starman. Released in 1972, this song became one of Bowie’s signature hits, helping to define his legacy as the enigmatic Ziggy Stardust. Bowie’s unique sound and persona challenged conventional music norms, and Starman still holds a special place in rock history.

Next, we take a detour with the gritty, soulful voice of Joe Cocker performing Feelin’ Alright. This live version comes straight from The Ed Sullivan Show, which, as many of you remember, was the ultimate stage for musicians in the late 60s and early 70s. The Beatles made their iconic American debut there, and if you got a spot on the show, you knew you’d made it. Following that, we have Eric Clapton’s After Midnight—a classic track from his first solo album, showcasing his unparalleled guitar skills and bluesy vocals.

Controversial Tracks and Chart-topping Hits

The Rolling Stones, never far from controversy, continue the ride with their 1966 hit Under My Thumb, a song that stirred up backlash from feminist groups at the time. As always, though, Mick Jagger and the Stones thrived on pushing boundaries, making this track a key part of their rebellious image.

In contrast, Bad Company’s Ready for Love brings a more introspective mood, with Simon Kirke setting the stage before the soulful vocals and rich instrumentation take over. From there, we transition to John Cougar Mellencamp’s Ain’t Even Done with the Night, a song that blends rock with Americana storytelling, reminding us of simpler times.

Iconic Rock Bands and the MTV Era

Few rock bands have been able to create as much impact as Foreigner. Founded by Mick Jones after leaving the Leslie West Band, Foreigner made waves with hits like Long, Long Way from Home. By the time Lou Gramm joined the band, the pieces fell perfectly into place, and the rest is rock history.

And speaking of history, who can forget Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust? This track, released in 1980, became an instant classic with its iconic bassline and Freddie Mercury’s electric vocal delivery. It’s a track that still rocks arenas and airwaves worldwide.

Following that, John Waite’s Missing You takes a softer turn, as he blends raw emotion with powerful lyrics about heartbreak and longing, making it one of the defining tracks of the 80s rock ballad genre.

From MTV Glory Days to Classic Folk-Rock

No discussion of rock in the MTV era would be complete without mentioning Robert Palmer. His hit Addicted to Love remains unforgettable, in part due to its famous music video featuring Palmer performing with a band of glamorous female models. This song defined the look and sound of MTV in the 80s and became an anthem of the decade.

Following that, we feature the melodic Crowded House with Don’t Dream It’s Over. Neil Finn, a New Zealand native, brought this song to international fame, and later, he joined Fleetwood Mac from 2018 to 2022, temporarily stepping into the shoes of Lindsey Buckingham. Finn’s contribution to rock is substantial, and this song remains a poignant example of his talent.

Closing with Rock Anthems and Crowd Favorites

Wrapping up the show, we feature some powerful rock anthems, beginning with Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer. Released in 1986, this funky, soulful track became a huge hit, bolstered by its groundbreaking music video, which revolutionized animation and special effects in the MTV era. Gabriel’s influence on both music and visual storytelling is still felt today.

Following that, we dive into Heart’s Magic Man, a track that perfectly exemplifies Ann and Nancy Wilson’s prowess as one of the most powerful female duos in rock history. With its hypnotic guitar riff and dramatic vocals, Magic Man remains a fan favorite at live shows.

Finally, to close out the episode, I leave you with the Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). Released in 1983, this synth-heavy hit featuring Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart brought new wave and electronic music into the mainstream. Its haunting melody and iconic lyrics make it the perfect track to end our journey.