Ava Rodriguez
The time between the 1960s and the 1980s was a transformative period for music, marked by the rise of iconic bands that shaped the sound of rock. However, according to Reddit and Quora users, not all these groups deserve the adulation they receive. Here’s a closer look at 30 bands from these periods that many consider overrated. Fair warning—this list will ruffle some feathers!
KISS
KISS amazed audiences worldwide with their legendary face paint and thrilling stage performances. Their music may have received criticism for being too simple, but the rock and roll community was never the same after their legendary live performances and charismatic personas.
Led Zeppelin
Even though Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” is still a timeless masterpiece, their body of work goes well beyond this single. Many musicians have been influenced by the band’s inventive fusion of blues, rock, and folk. Yet, there has been discussion about how they handled mixing blues tradition aspects.
Queen
Fans were entranced by Queen’s innovative fusion of rock, opera, and theatrical elements and Freddie Mercury’s incredible vocal range. Even though Queen’s varied musical taste occasionally led to disjointed albums, their revolutionary approach to music helped inspire other musicians, too.
Television
The impact of punk pioneers Television was considerably greater than their financial success. Many indie rockers were electrified by the intricate guitar work on “Marquee Moon,” but let’s face it, how many people outside of music enthusiasts and Brooklyn hipsters have ever listened to a whole Television album?
Journey
Don’t stop believin’? Maybe we should. Steve Perry’s mesmerizing voice on Journey’s soaring ballads ruled the airwaves. Sadly, their songwriting was criticized by several critics for being shallow and repetitive, even if their music was well-liked by the masses.
The Eagles
Hotel California may be checking out anytime you like, but The Eagles’ overplayed hits never seem to leave. Don Henley’s distinctive vocal delivery and the band’s harmonies created undeniably catchy tunes. Still, some listeners argue that their laid-back California rock has no substance.
Fleetwood Mac
The talent of Stevie Nicks and the rest of the group is clear, as shown in the drama-fueled masterpiece “Rumours.” But Fleetwood Mac’s melodic soft rock frequently veered into easy-listening territory. Additionally, internal conflicts and personal struggles within the band have periodically eclipsed their artistic production.
Foreigner
Radio listeners were accustomed to hearing Foreigner’s arena hits, although others allege their sound was repetitive and unoriginal. Their triumphs have raised questions about their artistic integrity, as many supporters feel that their music lacked the grit and authenticity that defined the rock genre.
The Police
They say music is preferential, so one can’t really question why some listeners believe The Police aren’t all that. Their fusion of rock, reggae, and punk was innovative, but music lovers lamented that Sting’s ostentatious lyrics and domineering presence overshadowed the band’s musicianship.
Aerosmith
Though detractors claim their blues-rock technique was monotonous, the Boston Bad Boys provided some impressive riffs. Fortunately, they experienced a renaissance in the 80s, cleaning up their act and delivering monster hits. Their comeback proved that sometimes, a band can actually improve with age.
Bad Company
Straightforward rock from Bad Company was a radio mainstay, even if some say their songs had little creativity as voiced by some critics. A wave of generic arena rock bands was also inspired by Bad Company. Yet, Paul Rodgers’s strong voice nonetheless impacted several vocalists.
Rush
Many musicians across the globe were influenced by Rush’s intricate compositions and Neil Peart’s famous drumming, while others contend that their music was occasionally pretentious and unapproachable. However, the unmistakable high-pitched tone of Geddy Lee might give you a migraine if you’re not used to it.
Ramones
Punk rock was transformed by The Ramones’ simple, fast-paced method, although others assert their formula got boring. As expected, many young rebels were drawn in by their ripped jeans and leather jackets, but punk fashion became more conventional.
Steely Dan
They’re jazz rock for people who think they’re too cool for pop. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker’s complex compositions and slick production wowed critics but left many listeners cold. Their cerebral lyrics and pristine musicianship affected a generation of music school aficionados.
Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
Jeff Lynne’s ambitious blend of rock and classical music may have aspired to greatness, but it did not necessarily achieve it. Reviewers agreed that ELO’s extravagant productions and memorable melodies brought us hits like “Mr. Blue Sky,” yet their excessive arrangements sometimes bordered on cheesy.
U2
The Edge’s guitar work and Bono’s political grandstanding made U2 stadium staples. However, critics still argue their earnest arena rock often lacked subtlety. For a band that sang about the troubles in Northern Ireland, their music tended to be heavy-handed and painfully self-important. They’re still relevant today, which is quite impressive.
Duran Duran
Glossy music videos and impeccable fashion sense were a Duran Duran staple that epitomized 80s excess. If you look past the synth-driven hooks and Simon Le Bon’s smoldering gaze, their songwriting was frequently tagged as undistinguished, according to some people, even if they did kickstart a new romantic revolution.
Bon Jovi
Sure, “Livin’ on a Prayer” is an unmistakable anthem, but Bon Jovi’s catalog is filled with power ballads and paint-by-numbers arena rock. Jon Bon Jovi’s flowing locks and chest-baring stage antics may have won over the MTV generation, but select music fans beg to differ and say their songs were short of substance and relied too heavily on marketing and image.
Wham!
Wham!’s saccharine pop confections were sadly ridiculed as hollow and disposable amidst George Michael’s relatively successful solo career, which elevated him to a pop icon status. Their infectious lines and neon-colored music videos were the peak of 80s maximalists. However, their music rarely transcended its era.
Huey Lewis and the News
The blue-eyed soul sound of Huey Lewis and the News became associated with the 1980s and was included on the soundtracks of many iconic movies. Their simple approach to songwriting has sometimes drawn criticism, but fans all around the country still like their lively and catchy tunes.
REO Speedwagon
With power ballads like “Keep On Loving You,” REO Speedwagon embodied the rawness and sentimentality of 80s rock. Somehow, behind the syrupy chorus and Kevin Cronin’s dynamic delivery, their music was generally criticized as predictable and standard. Interestingly, they did release many lighter-waving anthems throughout their career.
Twisted Sister
Dee Snider’s outrageous stage presence and the band’s over-the-top music videos made Twisted Sister an MTV sensation. But beneath the thick makeup and spandex, their glam metal sound was commonly derided as simplistic and pandering. They symbolized the rebellious spirit of 80s youth to back up their anarchic façade.
Mr. Mister
Synth-heavy ballads like “Broken Wings” propelled Mr. Mister to the charts. They exemplified the slick, radio-friendly sound that dominated 80s pop rock. However, their music was often called bland and said it lacked emotional profundity. Sadly, their legacy ultimately faded as quickly as their keyboard-driven hooks.
Survivor
While “Eye of the Tiger” remains an undeniable sports anthem throughout generations, Survivor’s catalog was recurrently lambasted as basic and derivative. They are most known for providing the soundtrack for Rocky’s training montages with their patriotic AOR rock sound, but they seldom ever deviated from well-worn music trends.
The Outfield
The Outfield’s 1985 hit “Your Love” perfectly captured the spirit of the 80s power ballad, a genre characterized by soaring vocals and dramatic instrumentation done by their contemporaries of the decade. Their tracks also provided the theme for numerous high school dances and remain a nostalgic touchstone for many.
The Monkees
Manufactured for TV, The Monkees rode the wave of Beatlemania straight to the bank. “I’m a Believer” still gets toes tapping, but let’s face it—their bubblegum pop was about as authentic as a three-dollar bill. Though they eventually wrestled for creative control, the shadow of their made-for-TV origins lingered.
Jefferson Airplane
Lifelong fans contend that experimentation and psychedelic substances greatly affected Jefferson Airplane’s style. Unfortunately, their albums did not match the quality of their early work, which was seen by other artists such as Pink Floyd or The Beatles. Regardless, this group still has a dedicated following that adores their collection.
The Doors
The Doors were a popular band back in the day, but their music was often overshadowed by Jim Morrison’s charisma. Amidst their popularity, the group still faced some backlash for being repetitive, inconsistent, and staying within their comfort zone.
The Mamas & The Papas
Lovely harmonies characterized The Mamas & The Papas’ music, which aptly encapsulated the bright optimism of the folk revival of the 1960s. But their music was in dire need of depth. On the flip side, the group has largely contributed to the candied, kumbaya depiction of 60s folk that punk would later rebel against.
Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” can be unofficially hailed as the ultimate biker anthem with a clumsy approach to rock. Though they pioneered the merger of hard rock with social criticism, many reviewers claim that much of their discography is forgettable. Steppenwolf also reportedly first coined the term “heavy metal.”
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