Dave's Side One

These bands worked hard, wrote great songs, and gave fans what they wanted — big melodies, emotional choruses, and exciting live shows. The jealousy came from seeing “commercial” success labeled as a sin. In reality, these bands kept rock alive for the mainstream in a way that mattered

The sound of so-called “corporate rock” was actually spectacular. Foreigner perfected the big, anthemic rock song with killer hooks and strong guitar work. Boston created that massive, layered guitar sound that felt like a wall of melody. Toto brought incredible musicianship, smooth grooves, and sophisticated pop-rock

These records had ambition, strong songwriting, and emotional honesty. They weren’t shallow — they were accessible on purpose, and that made them powerful

Critics often rolled their eyes at Styx’s theatrical concept albums and REO’s big power ballads, calling them formulaic and overproduced. Fans, on the other hand, couldn’t get enough

To the critics, the Corporate Rock label meant music that was too polished, too accessible, and too successful. It meant bands that worked with top producers, spent serious money in the studio, and aimed for radio play and arena tours instead of staying in small clubs

“Corporate Rock.” Critics loved to slap that tag on any band that had polished production, big choruses, and actual radio success.

Let’s remember Karen not just for her struggles, but for the incredible gift she gave us — a voice that still comforts millions decades later. Her music remains a gentle reminder to be kind to ourselves and to others

Calling anyone “the greatest” turns music into a competition instead of an art form. Drumming is about feel, groove, power, creativity, and serving the song — and different players excel at different things

The 70s gave us so many players who redefined what a drummer could be — not just keeping time, but driving the song, adding texture, and becoming stars in their own right

Their short lifespan made their legend even stronger. They burned bright and fast, broke up at their peak, and left behind a body of work that influenced everyone from Led Zeppelin to Rush to the entire hard rock scene that followed