The SMR chart, for all its flaws and biases, occasionally offers a glimmer of hope amidst the manufactured pop landscape. This week, that glimmer comes in the form of not one, but two rock albums cracking the top 10.
Now, before we get carried away, let's acknowledge the obvious: these aren't exactly underground bands storming the Bastille. We're talking about established acts with major label backing and significant radio play. But still, in a world where auto-tuned vocals and TikTok trends reign supreme, seeing rock music represented in the upper echelons of the charts is a welcome sight.
Tyler Childers' Rustin' in the Rain and Greta Van Fleet's Starcatcher both debuted in the top 10 this week, proving that there's still an appetite for guitar-driven music with a bit of grit and soul. Childers' blend of bluegrass, country, and folk resonates with a wide audience, while Greta Van Fleet's Zeppelin-esque sound taps into a nostalgic yearning for classic rock.
Of course, the cynics among us will argue that these are mere anomalies, exceptions to the rule. They'll point to the countless rock bands languishing in obscurity, the shrinking number of rock radio stations, the dominance of pop and hip-hop on streaming platforms. And they're not wrong. The challenges facing rock music are real and significant.
But let's not underestimate the power of visibility. Having rock albums on the SMR chart, even if it's just for a week or two, sends a message to the industry: rock isn't dead, it's just waiting for its moment to reemerge. It inspires young musicians to pick up guitars and form bands. It reminds listeners that there's more to music than catchy hooks and danceable beats.
So, while the SMR chart remains a flawed and imperfect metric, let's celebrate this small victory for rock music. Let's hope it's a sign of things to come, a harbinger of a rock revival that's been brewing beneath the surface. And let's continue to support the countless underground rock bands who are keeping the spirit alive, even if they never crack the top 10.
Think for yourself, support the underground, and demand better.
Kat "The Contrarian" Black is a music business graduate disillusioned with the mainstream music industry. Fiercely independent, she supports DIY ethics and artist-friendly platforms. Black's writing is critical, insightful, and challenges the status quo. She questions industry norms, champions independent artists, and explores the intersection of music and social issues. Her work encourages readers to think critically, support the underground music scene, and demand better from the industry.
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