3 Rock Songs From the 1970s That Could Have Been Considered Grunge
late-80s in the Pacific Northwest, the sound would go on to change the world in a matter of years, birthing giant, marquee names like Kurt Cobain and Nirvana, Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam, and Chris Cornell and Soundgarden.
However, although the term was first used in the ’80s and ’90s, the dark, sludgy, and depressive sound that defined grunge might have existed in some form years earlier. If you were to travel back to the ’70s, you could easily find rock songs that would fit into the grunge category today.
Three such examples are highlighted here, all from the ’70s, that could have been considered grunge in the ’80s and ’90s.
Black Sabbath’s “Black Sabbath” from the self-titled album released in 1970 is a song that feels like a gloomy Sunday morning. Seattle rock legend Nancy Wilson has even compared the similar grey, rainy climates of Seattle and Liverpool, England, potentially explaining why both regions produced songs with a somber mood. Black Sabbath, a British band, was instrumental in popularizing brooding tunes that easily slot into today’s grunge genre.
“Barracuda” by Heart from the 1977 album “Little Queen” stands out due to Nancy Wilson’s guitar riffs and sister Anne’s vocals. While Heart’s music may have a bit too much melody to be fully considered grunge, tracks like “Barracuda” paved the way for the genre with their energy and powerful guitar riffs.
Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” from the 1972 album “School’s Out” showcases the dark and dramatic character of the singer. While the lyrics may be playful, the music and delivery have qualities reminiscent of grunge. The raw emotion and weighty heft of the song capture the essence of what defined the grunge culture in its heyday.
These ’70s rock songs demonstrate the early presence of elements that would later define grunge music. While officially labeled in the late ’80s and ’90s, the sound had roots that can be traced back to earlier eras, providing a glimpse into the evolution of the genre.