Art rock facts for kids

Art rock is a type of rock music. People sometimes call it progressive rock or classical rock. It's known for being experimental, meaning it tries new things. It aims to make rock music more like serious art, not just something to listen to for fun.

Songs are often longer than typical rock songs. It uses ideas from classical music and other styles. It's usually music you sit and listen to carefully, not music for dancing. It began in the 1960s. Early musicians like Phil Spector (a music producer) and Brian Wilson from The Beach Boys helped create this style. It became very popular with British bands in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Art Rock and Progressive Rock

Art rock and progressive rock are very similar. Many people use the terms to mean the same thing, especially for bands from the 1970s.

AllMusic says that both terms describe rock music that is more artistic and creative. The name "progressive rock" became more common to describe this type of music. "Art rock" is often used for bands that are harder to put into one specific category.

Princeton University's dictionary says that "progressive rock, art rock" is a style of rock music from the 1970s. It describes music that mixes rock with jazz and other styles. It also says this music is "for listening and not dancing."

Examples of Art Rock Bands

Some famous art rock bands and artists include:

• Queen
• King Crimson
• The Who
• Led Zeppelin
• Pink Floyd
• David Bowie
• The Velvet Underground
• The Beatles
• Genesis
• 10cc
• Yes

Images for kids

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  The Velvet Underground, 1968

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  Pink Floyd performing their concept album The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)

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  Phil Spector (center) in the studio with folk rock band Modern Folk Quartet, 1966

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  Brian Wilson in the studio, 1976

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  Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, 1971

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  David Bowie photographed in 1974

See also

In Spanish: Art rock para niños