Stadium rock
| Arena rock | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | Mid-1970s |
| Typical instruments | |
| Other topics | |
Arena rock (known additionally by various names such as "AOR" or "album-oriented rock", "anthem rock", "corporate rock", "dad rock", "melodic rock", "pomp rock", and "stadium rock") is a style of rock music that originated in the mid-1970s. As hard rock bands and those playing a softer yet strident kind of pop rock became increasingly popular, groups creating material inherently designed for large audiences, arena rock developed from their use of more commercially oriented and radio-friendly sounds. The often highly-produced music, including both upbeat, dramatic songs and slower power ballads, features strong emphasis on melody and frequently employs anthemic choruses. Other major characteristics include prominent guitar effects and the use of keyboard instruments.
Many of the above labels are used pejoratively, and discussions over music criticism often delves into the question of if musicians' focus on rock spectacle and mass appeal results in compromised artistic merit, particularly in terms of the difference between the interests of the "middlebrow" populace versus other listeners. Interest in arena rock is stereotypically associated with working class to middle class white men living in either Canada or the United States (including so-called "Yuppies"), which has been cited as the basis for condescending prejudice over social status in some criticisms. However, the style have music has been popularly successful worldwide, particularly in terms of touring.
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