Art-rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by its experimental and avant-garde approach to rock music, incorporating elements from various genres such as classical, jazz, and electronic music. In this article, we will explore the definitions, origins, and meanings of art-rock, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Art-rock is a term used to describe a type of rock music that emphasizes artistic expression and experimentation over commercial success. It is often associated with bands that incorporate elements of other genres, such as classical or jazz, into their music. Art-rock is also characterized by its use of unconventional song structures, complex arrangements, and sophisticated lyrics.
Origin
The origins of art-rock can be traced back to the late 1960s, when bands such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Rolling Stones began experimenting with new sounds and styles. This led to the emergence of progressive rock, a genre that combined rock music with elements of classical music, jazz, and other genres. Art-rock evolved from progressive rock, with bands such as Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and Yes pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in rock music.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of art-rock can vary depending on the dictionary consulted. The Oxford English Dictionary defines art-rock as “a style of rock music characterized by a high degree of musical sophistication and experimentation, often incorporating elements of classical and jazz music.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a subgenre of rock music that emphasizes creativity and artistic expression over commercial success.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a type of rock music that is experimental and often combines elements of other musical styles.”
Associations
Art-rock is often associated with bands that are known for their experimental and avant-garde approach to music. Some of the most well-known art-rock bands include Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Yes, Genesis, and Rush. Art-rock is also associated with the progressive rock movement of the 1970s, as well as the New Wave and post-punk movements of the 1980s.
Synonyms
Synonyms for art-rock include progressive rock, experimental rock, avant-garde rock, and art-pop. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe music that emphasizes artistic expression and experimentation over commercial success.
Antonyms
Antonyms for art-rock include mainstream rock, commercial rock, and pop rock. These terms are used to describe music that is more focused on commercial success and mass appeal than artistic expression and experimentation.
The same root words
The same root words as art-rock include art-pop, art-punk, and art-metal. These genres share a similar emphasis on artistic expression and experimentation, incorporating elements from various genres to create a unique sound.
Example Sentences
- Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” is considered a classic example of art-rock, with its complex arrangements and sophisticated lyrics.
- King Crimson’s “In the Court of the Crimson King” is a landmark album in the history of art-rock, blending elements of jazz, classical, and rock music.
- The Talking Heads were known for their experimental approach to rock music, incorporating elements of funk, world music, and avant-garde into their sound. They are often considered pioneers of art-rock.