Long Live Rock 'N' Roll

The Kinks’ breakthrough single “You Really Got Me” marked a turning point in rock history. Driven by Dave Davies’ gritty, distorted guitar riff and Ray Davies’ energetic vocals, the song introduced a raw, riff based sound that would later shape genres like hard rock, heavy metal and punk. With its use of power chords and no-nonsense delivery, “You Really Got Me” stood apart from the polished pop o...

Following the modest reception to his debut, James Taylor released ‘Sweet Baby James’ - an album that would not only define his career but also ignite the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s. Blending elements of folk, country, blues, and soft rock, Taylor crafted a deeply personal soundscape that resonated with a generation searching for authenticity. Against all odds, 'Sweet Baby James' beca...

Following rising pressure to reach mainstream rock audiences, Yngwie Malmsteen returned with a vengeance — and an album that would forever reshape the landscape of shred guitar and neoclassical metal. Released in 1988, Odyssey is a masterclass in technical brilliance, melodic hooks, and bold ambition. Featuring the soaring vocals of former Rainbow singer Joe Lynn Turner, this album fused lightning...

When “Creep” hit the airwaves in the early '90s, it both launched and haunted Radiohead. What began as a raw, angsty ballad about alienation and obsession became a global anthem for outsiders, misfits, and anyone who ever felt like they didn’t belong. But behind the success lies a story of surprise, sabotage and a band that despised the song that made them famous. From its iconic guitar crunch, to...

In the aftermath of The Beatles' earth-shattering split, George Harrison stepped into his own spotlight with the monumental 'All Things Must Pass'. Though initially conceived with perhaps less fanfare than his former band's releases, this ambitious triple LP would unexpectedly solidify Harrison's status as a formidable solo artist. It magnificently showcases his long-gestating songwriting prowess,...

Fresh from the success of their debut album, Led Zeppelin unleashed the iconic “Whole Lotta Love” onto the world. Little did they know, this experimental, almost chaotic journey would become a cornerstone of rock history – what began as a blues-inspired riff, transformed into an explosive rock journey that would put the name Led Zeppelin and their groundbreaking sound on every music fan’s lips. Wi...

In 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival were unstoppable — and ‘Green River’ proved why. Hot off the success of ‘Bayou Country’, CCR delivered a masterclass in American rock, blending swampy grooves, bluesy riffs, and excellent storytelling. Tracks like “Bad Moon Rising” and “Green River” became instant classics, while the poignant “Lodi” showed a more reflective side of the band. Despite its short,...

As the Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll Podcast reaches 100 episodes, Laz & Felipe look back on their favourite moments and best discoveries from their time podcasting together!  * Follow Long Live Rock 'N' Roll online: https://linktr.ee/longlivernrpod * Get in touch and/or leave us a review: longliverocknrollpodcast@gmail.com * Listen & Review us on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcas...

Following the success of ‘The River’, Bruce Springsteen took a bold step forward with ‘Born in the U.S.A .’ , a rock n roll evolution that would change the course of his career forever. With its powerful, synth-heavy sound and deeply resonant storytelling, the album broke new ground in 1980s rock, blending Springsteen’s classic heartland roots with mainstream 80s production. Fueled by the unstoppa...

In 1970, Elton John released his self-titled second album - a pivotal record that catapulted him into the global spotlight. Featuring the iconic ‘Your Song’, this album blended heartfelt ballads with dramatic orchestral arrangements, showcasing Elton’s remarkable vocal and piano talents alongside Bernie Taupin’s emotionally poetic lyrics. Despite the duo’s early struggles and uncertainty, ‘Elton J...

Following the critical acclaim and commercial triumph of 'Dirt',  Alice In Chains unleashed their self-titled 1995 album, a dark and introspective masterpiece. Recorded during a period of personal turmoil and creative exploration, this collection of songs further solidified their place as grunge icons. Often called the 'Tripod' album due to its iconic three-legged dog cover art, Alice In Chai...

Ozzy Osbourne's ‘Ozzmosis’ was a triumphant return to form. Following a period of personal struggles and musical experimentation, the legendary Prince of Darkness roared back with ‘Ozzmosis’. This 1995 album showcases a star-studded lineup, including guitar virtuoso Zakk Wylde, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, and songwriting contributions from Steve Vai. ‘Ozzmosis’ delivers a powerful blend o...

After years of redefining shock rock and cementing his legacy as one of Rock’s most theatrical and influential performers, Alice Cooper made a triumphant return in 1989 with ‘Trash’. This bold, chart-topping album marked a polished reinvention, blending glam metal and hard rock with infectious hooks and unforgettable anthems. Featuring iconic collaborations, the album delivered hit singles like “P...

Following the triumphant reception of ‘Machine Head’ in Japan, Deep Purple embarked on a tour, culminating in performances at Osaka and Tokyo. Though initially recorded with casual disregard for its potential, the resulting live album, ‘Made In Japan’, would cement the band's legendary Rock status. It perfectly captures the raw energy of their live performances and brought fans closer to the band...

Collating and organising some of Chuck Berry’s most iconic previously released singles into one legendary release, ‘Berry Is On Top’ stands as a milestone in rock ‘n’ roll history. Released in 1959, this third studio album by Chuck Berry essentially functions as a mini greatest hits compilation, showcasing the raw energy, revolutionary guitar riffs, and lyrical genius that defined his career. Pack...

In the first episode of 2025, Laz & Felipe take a casual look at one of the most impressive and renowned live albums of all time and a staple show of the 60s. James Brown and The Famous Flames place energy, funk and, most importantly, soul into their 1962 performance at the Apollo. Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/74Oo8Txd3oJDvWyazNxohd?si=a58aca97100a418a Follow the Podcast...

At the height of Grunge's mainstream popularity, Stone Temple Pilots sought to transcend and expand on the perfected formula - adding in elements of psychedelia, blues and classic rock to bridge the gap from Grunge to Post-Grunge. Their second album, ‘Purple’, focussed on higher production value, a more melodic approach and a groove-oriented sound to elevate Grunge to the next level of mainstream...

In 1966, through a chance meeting in an LA traffic jam, Stephen Stills and Neil Young discovered they shared a similar musical ambition and formed Buffalo Springfield. Filled with differing personalities and varied musical characteristics, the 5 members of Buffalo Springfield headed to the studio to record an album that would play an integral part in bridging the gap between 60s Pop and 70s Folk-R...

In 1970, Free pushed the boundaries of Rock by incorporating vast amounts of Groove and Soul into their breakthrough album ‘Fire And Water’. Departing from the heavy use of modern technology in favour of a raw album and focussing on tight musicianship as opposed to virtuoso passages, ‘Fire And Water’ would become Free’s breakthrough album whilst boasting one of the most famous rock songs of all ti...

In 1966, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker left their previous projects to form Cream, rock’s first supergroup and a defining force in Britain’s ‘Electric Blues Rock’ movement. Their debut album, ‘Fresh Cream’, was the starting point for this power trio - revolutionising British Blues by elevating the electric guitar’s role, blending Hard Rock, Psychedelia, and Jazz and setting a high sta...

In 1975, legally required to record 3 songs for borrowing lyrics, John Lennon set out on a cathartic project to put his own spin on a collection of rock ‘n’ roll classics from the 50s and 60s. In a chaotic studio environment, these 13 cover songs were produced by Phil Spector and represented a nostalgic trip down memory lane for Lennon in what would be his final solo studio album - recounting and...

From pioneering guitar effects like fuzz, distortion, and feedback to groundbreaking studio techniques, Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Purple Haze’ crafted sounds that redefined the guitar’s role in rock music. The song’s iconic opening chord and layered production pushed boundaries, while its sci-fi-inspired lyrics and spacey feel turned it into a psychedelic anthem. ‘Purple Haze’ pushed rock into experimental...

Yes’ ‘Close To The Edge’ was a bold, innovative leap that transformed how rock albums could be constructed - both musically and thematically. Its long compositions, technical prowess and depth of concept pushed the boundaries of rock music and inspired a generation of musicians to explore the more progressive aspects of Rock music. To this day, the album remains a pinnacle of what progressive rock...

Nazareth's iconic 1975 album ‘Hair Of The Dog’ cemented their legacy in the Rock annals. The album became a commercial breakthrough, propelled by the timeless hits singles ‘Hair of the Dog’ and ‘Love Hurts’. The album's impact on hard rock and heavy metal, influenced bands like Guns N' Roses and Twisted Sister as well as popularising the power ballad. The album’s no-nonsense production and gritty,...

Jerry Lee Lewis revolutionised Rock 'n' Roll. He made the piano a lead instrument, fused genres, delivered high-energy performances and defied social norms with his image. Having influenced future artists and genres to such an extent, we take a look at his iconic ‘Great Balls Of Fire’ and a handful of his other hits which undoubtedly helped shape, innovate and pioneer the rebellious spirit of Rock...