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Heartland Rock

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Heartland rock is a style of rock music that began to develop in the mid-to-late-1970s in the Midwestern and southern United States. It is characterized by a straightforward, often roots musical style, a concern with farmers, blue-collar workers, and truck drivers of American life, and a conviction that rock music has a social or communal purpose beyond just entertainment. Heartland rock songs often use anthemic stylings to tell stories about life in working-class regions. The genre's major themes include alienation, despair, unemployment, disillusionment, and nostalgia.

It would reach its commercial peak in the 1980s, where the success of the likes of Bruce Springsteen would inspire a new crop of likeminded artists that take their roots influence to music. While it declined after the 1990s, with other Americana sounds emerging in their place, it nonetheless left a profound and diverse influence, including towards alternative and indie bands; The Killers and The War on Drugs are among those continuing to release albums considered to be Heartland Rock.


Bands and artists associated with the genre include:


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