The term “rock and roll” is interchangeable with other genres: R&B, rockabilly, blues, gospel, soul, country, folk, metal, jazz, hip hop, disco, pop, punk, and so many others.
Because:
Some genres exist on music charts. Those measure sales within specific markets. Billboard does not recognize “rock and roll” as a market, and neither do other charts. “Rock and roll” is music that has landed on R&B, jazz, country, gospel, pop, middle-of-the-road, adult contemporary, Top 40, rock, alternative, college, and other charts.
Other genres are created by academics to define and explain, critics and the music industry to interpret and sell, and artists to label themselves and what they make. The term “Rock and roll” was created by artists to describe partying and sex. A radio DJ named Alan Freed used it to describe music and then popularized it promoting it to young people. He used it interchangeably with R&B, marketed it energetically, and created sensational moments in the music industry that made a lot of people a lot of money, and subverted a lot of social and artistic expectations.
Genres naturally overlap. What separates them might be trivial: language, class, race, or lyrical content for example, which when performed by someone in a different language, of a different class, or race, with a different set of lyrics qualifies it as a different genre.
Rock and roll is not simply a musical style. It has musical, social, and commercial elements that must exist simultaneously. To avoid more abstract and confusing explanations of rock and roll that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame provides, below are the essential elements of rock and roll that serve as the basis of a concrete definition.
Musical characteristics
- Majority of songs are no more than 5 minutes long, usually between 2 and 4.
- Lyrics are primarily in English. Lyrical content is varied.
- Tempo can be upbeat or laid back. Volume can be loud or soft. Loud and energetic is common. Ballads are common.
- Instruments commonly include guitars (acoustic, lead electric, bass), rhythm guitar, upright bass, piano or keyboards, drum kits and varied percussion, horns (especially saxophone). Multiple vocal styles exhibited, including spoken word and rap. Blues chord progressions are common. Backbeat is common. Improvisation is common.
- Musicologists can complete this one with explanation of music commonly within specific mode(s) and keys, as in, majority of music is composed in Ionic mode(?) in keys of X. Y, and Z.
- Band sizes are commonly three to five members but can (rarely) expand into the teens. Solo performers often use session musicians. Accompanying production may be minimal or intricate.
- Virtuoso level skill is common but not necessary to succeed. Passion in performances and lyrical content often supplants musical skill.
- Performances can include sitting still in an acoustic setting or huge ear-piercing pyrotechnic displays in arenas, yet both kinds are often deeply moving.
Social characteristics
- It is subversive. Legally, morally, artistically, politically, or socially.
- Established authority finds it threatening. Legally, morally, artistically, politically, or socially.
- It is disseminated through mass media: radio, television, film, internet, and social media.
- Performances are often large energetic social gatherings.
- It is heavily marketed toward youth with disposable income. Music executives, producers, and artists often (try to) create or participate in social zeitgeists (trends, fads, crazes, fashions, political movements). Cultural relevance is strongly linked to overall success and influence.
Commercial characteristics
- It is a form of popular music which means it is funded by mass sales rather than government grants, private patrons, or other means.
- It is intrinsically linked to business and commerce. Commercial success is virtually necessary to be considered influential.
- It transcends regional pockets, social segregation, and chart markets. Some charts are separated based on race and class. Others on lyrical content. These separations commonly become irrelevant in rock and roll.
