Introduction
Hello, music lovers! Are you a devotee of the classic rock heyday, from the 1970s to the 1980s, in search of some new tracks to add to your repertoire? Then join us for this post, setting you up with a list of fifteen songs, every one of which was released in 2021 or later and tailor-made for you.
Music possesses the incredible power to transport us back in time and reconnect with our past selves in ways that few things can. Generation to generation, music serves as a link, uniting us in our experiences and marking the times in our lives. Regardless of whether you were present during the heyday with live concerts of classic rock bands or simply spun records in the comfort of your room, we’d like to offer you this group of songs.
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The Process
Our team has carefully compiled a list of songs with your love for classic rock in mind and provides you with an opportunity to discover more recent gems. The brief details about each song on the list show you why we selected each song and what makes each one so special. We anticipate that presenting these narratives to you will enhance your listening experience and enable you to relate to the music on a deeper level. To further elevate your experience, we have also included videos of the songs on our list.
So, feel free to dive in and let the songs’ energy and artistry wash over you, as you determine if they have that vibe that you are looking for. We also think you might want to delve more deeply into the albums that these songs were a part of if a tune resonates. Let’s get started!
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The List
Joyous Wolf, “Fearless” a single released in 2021.
It only takes one listen to Joyous Wolf’s single “Fearless” to feel how the Bay Area quartet breathes new life into the hard rock scene. A soulful touch distinguishes an original sound celebrating some of their classic rock idols. “I think one of the dreams we grew up with is this sense of fearlessness,” frontman Nick Reese explains. With Blake Allard’s fiery guitar work in the background, Reese’s dynamic vocal range can send the anthem to an energetic pace. The band finished this fireball of a track, “inspired by the untamed courage of a child.” This song whets the appetite for more, hopefully soon from this energetic and creative band.
Yes, “All Connected”, from the album “Mirror in the Sky” 2023
All Connected is an endearing number from the Mirror to the Sky album by the band Yes. This track is a celestial tapestry of unity, introspection, and shared humanity. Singer Jon Davison keeps our eyes skyward, reminding us that the Sun does not refuse to shine on anyone, no matter our status. With its intricate, shifting arrangement interwoven with Davison’s sky-sweeping vocal, the song’s sheer, electrifying wonder implores us to tear down the invisible barriers that divide. As we listen, we realize that we are never truly disconnected—like satellites passing in the timeless night. This one has the prog-rock characteristic of being over nine minutes long, so give it a bit to get started – it’s worth the wait. Yes’s legacy as part of the early progressive rock monarchy remains on firm footing with “Mirror in the Sky”.
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Porcupine Tree, “Chimera’s Wreck” from the album “CLOSURE/ CONTINUATION” 2022
“Chimera’s Wreck” by Porcupine Tree concludes the album “Closure/Continuation” and is a nearly ten-minute-long, beautiful odyssey. It also represents the essence of the band’s place within the realm of progressive rock. This complex song is a melancholic power-acoustic instrumental, reflecting on the struggle of looking for meaning through growth. The band showcases once again its enormous musical abilities by creating something that is both sad and mighty. This leaves an overwhelmed listener with different feelings and levels of understanding about the story as it progresses. “Chimera’s Wreck” by Porcupine Tree is divided into three parts, and each one plays its role in the story.
Part One
The first part is accompanied by the gentle sound of the brush drums and a Nashville strung acoustic guitar. The instrument was recorded live to preserve the natural tempo fluctuations, which creates an extra level of intimacy and organics. It creates a mood of thoughtfulness, as if the listener is invited to peer into the inner world of the song.
Part Two
The second part, serves as a bit of a segue, is more versatile and reflects the lyrics that speak of the pressure and weight the protagonist feels from the “chimera’s wreck” around their neck —the burdens, fears, and delusions carried through life. Perhaps a bit of a Rush tribute in there?
Part Three
The third and final section conveys a liberating release. Both the music and the verses evoke images of breaking through past traumas and fears. The protagonist appears to be able to move on in these lines: “Wash up on the shore, don’t want you no more, Chimera wreck will slip into the bottleneck”. It seems they have found the strength to abandon the people who hinder their development and regain hope for the future.
This triple structuring enables the track, “Chimera’s Wreck”, to narrate a tale. This enables them to bring the listener through an entire range of sensations, progressing in the chorus to a resolute and favorable outcome. This track is more than just a tune. It’s an experience that demonstrates Porcupine Tree’s potential for writing songs that resonate with the audience.
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Rival Sons, “Darkfighter”, from the album “Lightfighter” 2023
The album “Lightfighter” was released just a few months after the previous album titled “Darkfighter” in 2023. The timing and quality of these releases are prolific and shows a true commitment to their craft. The albums and this song help describe the conflict between light and dark. It also represents an evolution and maturity to their music. “Darkfighter” is an innovative and creative song as it captures several different layers of music found in classic rock. We feel this aspect along provides a great example for our list of songs focused on fresh tracks for vintage tastes. It is not uncommon to find commentary saying this song is their best one to date. We will reserve that for now but this achievement in song making is certainly significant enough to warrant further exploration.
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Larkin Poe, “Bolt Cutters and the Family Name” from the album “Blood Harmony” 2022
Fresh off their 2024 Grammy win for ‘best contemporary blues album’, for “Blood Harmony” Larkin Poe makes our list with “Bolt Cutters and the Family Name”. This tune is an expertly delivered blues-rock rollercoaster that deftly slices through convention like a well – bolt cutter. Eerie vocals open the track, as probing lyrics explore identity, secrets, and the insidious power of family. This is the song’s core idea. Equipped with these metaphorical bolt cutters, the narrator is speeding against time, on the brink of secret self-revelation.
Musically, Bolt Cutters & The Family Name pounds with raw passion. The energy of each striking guitar intertwines with harmonized lines between the sisters. The chorus grows, and we are left wondering – what is this revolting, concealed truth? This album is so good, we could have blindly picked any of its songs for our list, but this is the one that we cannot sit still to so here you go.
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Pearl Jam, “Dark Matter” from the album “Dark Matter” to be released April 2024
“Dark Matter” by Pearl Jam is a single that attracts long-time listeners by making a return to their heavier roots. Off their tenth studio LP, also named “Dark Matter”, this song is on the record that was released on April 19th. Some have described this song as a combination of the group’s best aspects, including a nod to early albums. However, there is also a fresh twist inspired by Soundgarden.
Fans have reacted to the release with enthusiasm, putting the band on top of Billboard’s Rock & Alternative Airplay chart for the first time on March 2, 2024. Part of this popularity is owed to the fantastic and precise guitar work and Eddie Vedder’s singing which sounds fresh and new. The sound of the guitars may remind some listeners of the band’s former music, it is also updated and different. It is therefore easy to hear this bridge from the band’s past to their present in the song. This track solidifies Pearl Jam’s legacy and their ability to produce music that resonates now as in the past.
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The Rolling Stones, “Get Close”, from the album “Hackney Diamonds” 2023
“Get Close,” a great track from The Rolling Stones’ album “Hackney Diamonds,” demonstrates both teamwork and staying power. The song starts with and features a quintessential Keith Richards riff. It is his guitar that underpins the track, creating a bluesy sound throughout, reminiscent of the 1970’s Stones. The saxophone solo near the end adds a rich, cocky vibe.
The interplay between Ron Wood and Keith carries the song as the guitars operate in harmony on “Get Close.” This ability to improve their sound and simultaneously harken back to the roots has kept them on top. No need to grade “Hackney Diamonds” on the bell curve as ‘not bad for a bunch of old guys.’ This comeback effort by the Rolling Stones solidifies their already lofty classic rock status among all-time great bands.
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Crown Lands, “Right Way Back”, released as a single in 2021, now on the album “Fearless” released in 2023.
Crown Lands is an interesting band in that they are only comprised of two members, Cody Bowles and Kevin Comeau. The former is the band’s lead vocalist and drummer. The latter is a multi-tasker that would make Geddy Lee proud, taking on all guitar tones and keyboard duties. The genre of Crown Lands can be generalized as rock, but that’s too easy. Their instrumentation also blends elements of blues, prog, and, yes, Rush- it’s one of the reasons why their music is so dynamic and never repetitive. The song highlighted here, “Right Way Back” was released in 2021, two years prior to the album it is now a part of titled “Fearless”. This song totally captured me in less than ten seconds. The song simply generates an emotional response with a great sound that will stay in your head.
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Jethro Tull, “The Navigators”, from the album “RökFlöte”, 2023
Jethro Tull has been releasing music since 1967. They have won Grammy Awards and sold an estimated 60 million albums worldwide, including 11 Gold and 5 Platinum albums. Their song “The Navigators” has added to their heritage as one of the most innovative and enduring bands in rock history.
“The Navigators” was released in 2023 on Jethro Tull’s studio album, entitled “RökFlöte”. The single comes across as a lively, almost playful, treatment of the people who roved the high seas. The music employs flute and synth movement, simulating the waves as a casual reference to the band’s history. “The Navigators” song and the entire new album are conceptually based on the old Norse paganism.
The song represents a standout exploration of a music concept that Jethro Tull himself has popularized as the “RökFlöte” – rock flute. In Navigators, the lyrics explores the Norse god Nordic Njord, the god of wealth, fertility, the sea, and seafaring. Sonically, “The Navigators” features the rock flute directly associated with the band, mixed with contemporary polish on the famous Tull, classic rock sound. The official video complements the song with its lively, almost playful, and adult presentation. Overall, it is a total package that Tull fans should be very happy with.
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Steve Hackett, “Get Me Out” from the album “The Circus and the Nightwhale”, 2024.
“Get Me Out,” released by Steve Hackett in 2024, is a track from his album “The Circus and The Nightwhale.” Musically, the song has been described as a “dance of death,” blending rock music with elements of fear or pessimism. It also includes hints of the ‘Perry Mason Theme’. This composition is about Hackett’s time with Genesis (1971-1976), characterized by an unsettled feel and bluesy guitar riffs. He talks about that time as feeling caught in a “circus of pain”, with a desire to escape from a confining situation. The song features harsh and aggressive guitar work from Mr. Hackett, reflecting a feeling of panic and being trapped. Hackett’s solos have always been known for their precision and grace amidst a flurry of notes. He has continued that and created another example of that with this one.
The song was written in collaboration with his producer Roger King and wife Jo. The band is the same group he has been touring with for quite some time. The subject matter and the maturity of the band, along with one of Steve Hackett’s best performances puts “The Circus and the Nightwhale” at or near the top of his recordings since leaving Genesis, with “Get Me Out” being a standout effort.
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Mastodon, “Teardrinker” from the album “Hushed and Grim” 2021
Mastodon’s “Teardrinker” explores the regret and pain associated with disappointing others. The song reflects on personal battles with addiction and the pain of letting people down. What makes this song unique is its skillful combination of the catchy and the heavy. The song’s catchiness is reflected in its guitar licks and choruses that remain with the listener. At the same time, the heavy is manifested in the heaviness of the topic and the weight of the band’s sound. The latter kind of mirrors the former, as the band’s lyrics also explore the inner workings of humans and the pain of having to make difficult changes.
In this song, Mastodon demonstrates excellent songwriting, striking an excellent balance between accessibility to a broader audience and depth that keeps the rock and metal fans happy. Those qualities make “Teardrinker” a perfect starter song for introducing the rest of their catalog to potential new fans.
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Graham Nash, “Better Life”, from the album “Now” 2023
The song “Better Life” by Crosby, Stills and Nash alumni Graham Nash, who at 81+ still has his singing voice in great form. He has created an inspiring anthem that begs future generations to be left with a better world. The lyrics and the video remind listeners of the need for unity and planet care. This reflects Nash’s lifelong commitment to several social and environmental issues. The song’s message indeed corresponds to the optimistic and socially aware outreach of many songs in the 1970 s, when self-examination and activism began to characterize pop music of the time.
Back then the genres included rock, disco, soul, and funk, often on the same radio station, reflecting listeners’ enthusiasm for all music. “Better Life,” with its musical melody and inspiring theme of hope, could have been one of those 1970s songs. It would have fit in well on the radio, providing a counterpoint to the decade’s activism and an optimistic view amidst great change. The same is true with the flow of music on our list as this fits in with the heavier, rock-oriented music. “Better Life” offers refreshing break. just as CSN songs “Our House” or “Teach Your Children” would have in the past.
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Dirty Honey, “Don’t Put Out the Fire”, from the album “Can’t Find the Brakes” 2023
“Don’t Put Out the Fire” is by Dirty Honey a band formed in 2017. The band perfectly encapsulates the spirit of rock with its powerful riffs and intense, impassioned singing. Featuring a story about love and separation, it sheds light on the main character who is struggling with the fear of abandonment and the wish to fan the flames of passion. It is a call to a lover to avoid extinguishing the fire that was hot in the past. The band’s ability to combine classic retro vibe with a fresh, innovative sound has long been its calling card. The song’s progression is suited for the intensity of the lyrics, with loud riff alternations and short, vibrant guitar solos in between the choruses and verses. This band provides another perfect example of using inspiration from music in the past to create something fresh and awesome.
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The Warning, “Hell You Call a Dream” from the album “Keep Me Fed” 2024
“Hell You Call a Dream” by The Warning is a powerful track that captures the inner battle and turmoil of the spirit when confined by a cage of suffering and madness. The lyrics express a desire to believe and be free amidst the “chaos that drives me wild like an animal”.
The Warning, formed in 2013 by the Villarreal Vélez sisters, is a Mexican rock band. Their journey in music began at a very young age, trying out numerous instruments. They then achieved fame through their viral cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” on YouTube. After practicing early with the Rock Band video games, the band developed their abilities and eventually released several albums. This established a stable presence within the rock world with their distinctive sound. “Hell You Call a Dream” is a vivid example and a leap forward in their development as artists and their capacity to communicate deep-seated feelings within the structure of a great rock song.
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Greta Van Fleet, “Meeting the Master” from the album “Starcatcher” 2023
Greta Van Fleet’s “Meeting the Master” explores religious fanaticism and illustrates the danger of blind devotion through its lyrics. The band has described the song as a “dark comedy” in hindsight, finding themselves analyzing the effects of extremist ideologies. Musically, Greta is often a subject of comparison to Led Zeppelin, both in their vocal style and use of classic rock traditions. Greta maintains its identity in this song that evokes the style of early Led Zeppelin, which often relied on the mystical narrative.
Greta’s mystical themes innovate based on earlier rock generations and align themselves with the modern perception of music. While this is a nod to classic rock, their intricate compositions and craftmanship demonstrate the band’s commitment to independence.
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Conclusion
Reaching the end of our fifteen-song sonic journey, we find the spirit of classic rock is alive and thriving. The tracks we’ve explored serve as a bridge between the past and the present, offering a fresh take on the sounds that defined a generation. From artists with a classic rock legacy like Yes, Porcupine Tree, Jethro Tull, Steve Hackett, Graham Nash, Mastodon, Pearl Jam and The Rolling Stones, we are left in awe of such creativity after years on top, with many of them making some of their best music in decades for us with their latest efforts.
Then we have the new bands that bring the fresh take on the genre such as Joyous Wolf, Larkin Poe, The Warning, Dirty Honey, Rival Sons, Crown Lands and Greta Van Fleet who make each song a testament to the enduring influence of the classic rock nation. These artists, while paying homage to their roots, push the boundaries of the genre, ensuring that the flame of rock ‘n’ roll continues to burn brightly.
So, whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the scene, there’s never been a better time to discover the ‘fresh tracks for vintage tastes’ that will rekindle your love for the timeless power of classic rock music.
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