Rock music has been popular with listeners for decades. One of the reasons this has been the case is because of the sounds that are typically produced.
When a track is first played, listeners will usually be able to instantly categorize a song as rock because they hear certain sound effects. These bits of audio will typically involve guitars, drums, and other percussion instruments. For many enthusiasts of this music genre, these are the key instruments that make rock music what it is and why they create the emotion that songs across various other genres simply do not offer.
Rock music is not simply all about the melody and the lyrics that accompany the song. It is also about its ability to create iconic sound effects that leave a lasting impact on a person’s memory and can send emotions, vibes, and feelings through an individual’s body whenever they hear it. For instance, a guitar solo can leave listeners with goosebumps, while a drum solo may leave some head-banging! Pop songs, as an example, do not always manage to achieve the same kind of feelings.
Guitars and Distortion, Drums and Percussion
One of the most iconic sound effects from rock music that almost everyone will immediately associate with the genre is in regard to guitar distortion. It is one of the most recognizable effects, as it is utilized by almost everybody within this subculture of music.
It is very popular with artists because it can help to create a signature sound that can alternative between various styles. They can appear to be heavy and aggressive, or they can be light and melodic. Distortion helps create a memorable moment, especially when it comes to a guitar solo or a riff, as a sense of urgency and excitement can be achieved.
Famous rock songs that use guitars and distortion tactics include:
- Jimi Hendrix – Foxy Lady
- The Doors – When the Music’s Over
- The Rolling Stones – (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Guitar solos and riffs have become very popular parts of music audio, too. They have been used as sound effects for movies, commercials, and other forms of entertainment because of how memorable and emotive they can be. There have been examples in the past where they have been used as a sample across other tracks, too, with pop artists sometimes using them to enhance their own work further, perhaps to try and engage with fans of rock to try and get them to become a fan of theirs.
Drums and percussion also fit in as iconic sound effects to create memorable music. Phil Collins’ drumming in his “In The Air Tonight” song is known globally and instantly recognized, while Blue Öyster Cult’s use of the cowbell in “Don’t Fear the Reaper” is also known because of how it helps to set the theme.
Ambient Noises
Ambient noises in rock songs have also proven popular with fans, as these can help listeners relax. While this might differ greatly from what traditional rock music may sound like, there have been instances where ambient noises have been used successfully.
Guns N’ Roses track “Riad N’ the Bedouins” stands as an exemplary example despite its controversy. It features relaxed sounds at its opening that help ease listeners into the track’s rest; similarly, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” sets the mood with the sound of a guitar being tuned and played through a delay effect, creating an atmosphere for its entirety.
Vocal Samples
Rock music is not all about the instruments, with artists able to use voice to help create iconic sounds and memorable music. There have been various examples that have proven to be successful in creating a moment within a song, with items such as news reports or even skits from movies having proven to be effective in songs.
Queen were expert at using vocal samples, as witnessed with their “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Flash Gordon” songs. Each uses vocal samples to help create additional layers to each of these tracks. The former used a choir to help create the epic part that helps to build the storyline, while the latter uses various audio clips to help create the story.
Verdict
Iconic sound effects in rock songs are not just sound effects but moments that stay with us forever. They are the little details that make a song stand out from the rest. There are so many other ways that rock music has managed to make its music more memorable, but these are just some of the most effective ways.
