5 new dad-rock tracks the kids are alright with

by

Let me lay it out: I’m a father and a fan of rock music. However, the assumption that I listen to “dad rock” might be premature, unless my musical tastes have undergone a recent transformation.

Because of YouTube Shorts’ ADD algorithm for musical playlists, my kids are enjoying a blast from the past with classic rock tunes from earlier times, which seem to fit perfectly into the modern genre of “dad rock,” making me feel nostalgic.

Alright, keep your spirits high, me! It turns out that some of those old tunes we’ve always loved aren’t just our personal favorites; they’re gaining recognition on platforms like YouTube Shorts and Spotify. Who would have thought?

Strolling down dad’s memory lane

The Rolling Stones – Paint it Black 

Let’s start by discussing a classic, even grandfather-like, scene featuring The Rolling Stones. This particular atmosphere can be found in the end credits of “The Devil’s Advocate” or Kevin Bacon’s “Stir of Echoes.” There’s an undeniably eerie allure to their songs, especially when they explore the haunting void of darkness.

Additionally, the unique tribal rhythm blended with Bryan Jones’ haunting sitar melodies leaves you on the edge of being offered to the ancient rock deities. Essentially, this song is their darkest, and it packs a powerful punch, making it truly captivating.

Since its debut in 1966, the poignant melody of the sitar and Mick Jagger’s lamenting have continued to resonate deeply. Now, it’s up to Generation Z to create their own versions, though they might not know the band who originally played this song.

Weezer – Buddy Holly 

If you were unfamiliar with Weezer or the 1990s, you’d likely perceive their Blue Album as a casual, understated creation from a group of friendly-looking individuals who seemed to put little effort into their music.

There’s nothing more untrue than that statement. To this author, every song is a success, but the single “Buddy Holly” was particularly noteworthy with its catchy, distortion-filled sound, offering a glimpse into frontman River Cuomo’s nerdy, retro imagination. This track, in turn, was beautifully captured by Spike Jonze in his equally nostalgic music video.

For today’s kids, the song has been edited to focus on the moments right before the grand climax, where Cuomo performs his famous bendable riff, followed by a return to the main chorus. This is a clever move because it encapsulates Weezer’s early style and lasts just long enough to hold their interest.

Tears for Fears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World 

1985 was a significant year not only due to events like Back to the Future’s release (and my birth), but also because of its impressive musical landscape. The year saw the release of albums such as Kate Bush’s “Hounds of Love,” The Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Psychocandy,” Tom Waits’ “Rain Dogs,” and, naturally, Tears for Fears’ “Songs from the Big Chair.

Overflowing with their most popular songs, it’s their defining work – an album every fan should have. Leaping ahead nearly four decades, it unexpectedly reappeared in the bizarre online sphere known as Skibidi Toilet’s viral realm.

In a creative idea by a Turkish animator, an army of toilets with human heads (Skibidi Toilets) is engaged in conflict against large figures dressed in suits and having speakers for their heads (Speakermen). Got it? Interestingly enough, the tune selected to herald the arrival of the Speakermen was Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Be The King.

Initially, my encounter was a blend of enthusiasm and disgust. At first blush, it was like, “I really enjoy this tune!” but that quickly shifted to “What on earth is this?” Nonetheless, one of the top hits from the 1980s has now become an earworm for billions globally.

Pavement – Harness Your Hopes 

It’s amazing how a ’90s band once known for falling short of expectations has made a comeback into the limelight! With a documentary in production and new music on the horizon, it feels like the rock deities have granted my wishes. I could go on forever about Pavement, and I often do, but what’s truly astounding is their fierce resurgence, as well as the hit song that’s been selected to welcome them back.

As reported by Spotify, the band’s most frequently played track is the B-side “Harness Your Hopes” from the album Brighten the Corners. Interestingly, it was this specific song that the band performed on The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert recently.

Streaming services often choose songs without a clear reasoning, leading to an unexpected playlist. There are countless other great tracks they could have selected instead, but it’s all good in the end. As long as my children can groove to lyrics like “Heartbreaking, earthquaking, Kiwis, there is home baking,” I’m perfectly fine with that.

This version maintains the original meaning while using simpler language and a more conversational tone.

MF DOOM – Vomitspit

Stepping off the beaten track, I must say, today’s rap scene feels like a distant land from the golden era of sampling, grooving beats, and intricate rhymes that dominated the mid to late ’90s. Legends such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, and Biggie Smalls set the bar high, but independent hip hop is still a hidden gem for most, with one notable exception – the Villain stands out.

Following the tragic death of MF DOOM in 2020 from an adverse reaction to blood pressure medication, tracks from his remarkable concept album “Mm..Food” have recently attracted a new, younger fan base.

DOOM’s link to the Marvel universe (as evidenced by many of his songs featuring samples from 80s Marvel cartoons), combined with lyrics that smoothly transition from pop culture references to seemingly unrelated statements, might explain why people find his tracks appealing. It may also be because the tracks are powerful on their own, without any autotune or trap beat enhancements.

No matter the cause, it always astounds me that only my children’s peers remark on my stylish DOOM t-shirt when I wear it outside. “Vomitspit is amazing!” they exclaim. In truth, for a brief moment, I feel like Father of the Year. Thanks to DOOM for that boost!

Music analyst and dedicated Communist Karl Marx once remarked, “History tends to reoccur; initially as a tragedy, later as a comedy.” Indeed, Karl, the intriguing resurfacing of these old tunes that slipped past contemporary culture and mainstream playlists gives me optimism for today’s youth. If only we could bring back compact disc players!

Read More

2025-06-06 21:00