Comparing Classic Rock with Modern Rock. Which One is More Popular Today?

Classic rock and modern rock are two very different genres. Which one is more popular today and why? Comparing Classic Rock with Modern Rock. Which One is More Popular Today?

There seem to be many elements to modern rock. While some music-lovers would argue that rock – as we knew it – is dead, all you have to do is turn on the radio, and you’ll hear rock in its modern form. That form involves elements of classic rock, grunge, alternative, punk, electronic music, and even pop. Characterised by digital production and shorter, more radio-friendly song lengths, modern rock is a versatile mutant that is continually changing. Classic rock, on the other hand, was very one note – if you’ll excuse the pun. 

We don’t mean this in a bad way. Throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the genre was characterised by the iconic sounds of bands like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones, and despite their obvious differences, the music was generally similar. There weren’t many arms to it, and in a way, that’s what made it so special and ‘classic’. But it does beg the question: which is the most popular today? Is it still the comforting, recognisable sound of the twentieth century, or is it the new wave of modern rock, stylised by multiple styles? 

Classic Rock in Modern Culture

A lot of people listen to music. That’s a given. So it’s hard to gauge exactly which of these genres is the most popular. It’s interesting to note, however, that classic rock remains a mainstay in popular culture. In the gaming industry, for example, classic rock is often used in soundtracks or in-game radio stations, with bands like Queen, AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses appearing in classics found online –  as well as AAA games that can afford the licence! 

Classic rock songs are also used as marketing music to appeal to a wide audience. While modern rock is undoubtedly popular, it can be a little like marmite – you either love it, or you hate it – while classic rock is almost universally appreciated. 

Modern Rock Doing the Rounds 

Having said that, modern rock is obviously more current. Over the last ten years, bands like The Arctic Monkeys, Alt J, Foo Fighters, and The Black Keys have been consistently active on the global music scene, winning numerous accolades – including Brit awards, Grammy’s, and even Mercury Prizes. 

The presence of these bands on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music is also significant, with The Arctic Monkeys, specifically, ranking as the 116th most-listened-to artist on Spotify in 2024, with over 54 million monthly listeners. Complete with new technologies being brought into the music industry, music right now seems to be catchier, bouncier, and more engaging than ever.

The Battle Between Modern Rock and Classic Rock

Both classic rock and modern rock seem evenly balanced when it comes to their popularity, but there is something that should be said for longevity. While bands like The Arctic Monkeys and The Black Keys are popular right now, we can’t know for sure whether their impact will remain in ten, twenty, or even thirty years. 

Classic rock bands like The Beatles, however, have been popular for over sixty years now. Earlier this year, for instance, the George Harrison-penned track, “Here Comes the Sun”, became the 406th song to join ‘Spotify’s Billions Club’, and even outside of a single song, The Beatles have over 30 million monthly listeners on the platform. 

Considering that the older the track, the tougher it is to rack up big streaming numbers – the reason so many modern artists achieve this can be largely put down to social media trends – milestones like this can only be attributed to musical merit, and perhaps that gives us a clear answer when it comes to popularity. But, of course, we’re not going to say it out loud. As ever, music is wonderfully subjective.

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