Cameron Castelli, Contributing Writer
Rock has fed the fast and feisty American spirit from The Rolling Stones to Queen.
Rock is still progressing today, and more inspiring artists are cutting the incredible Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Some may find the new inductees controversial as others find the artists well-deserving of their spot. Some new 2023 inductees are Rage Against the Machine, Kate Bush, and George Michael.
George Michael, popularized by his song Careless Whispers, was the first to be taken into question.
“I’m not all too familiar with his music, but from what I do know, it seems odd that he would be under Rock and Roll when his style seems more pop,” said Julian Ortega, a freshman majoring in psychology at Saint Leo University.
Most of George Micheal’s discography is centered more on pop, but Sophia Bohto, a junior majoring in business, had a different take.
“Yes, it’s true that [George Micheal’s] music caters more toward the pop genre, but his early aesthetic is strongly focused on the rock and roll machismo appearance. He focuses on pretty women, leather jackets, and fast cars, all representative of the rock and roll genre.”
A recent resurgence of an underground artist from the 80s, Kate Bush, also earned her place amongst the great rockers this year.
“Oh, the singer from Stranger Things, she’s great. I love her, glad to hear she’s been inducted,” said Trinity Rawald, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice.
Kate Bush, described by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was a “genre-defying” and “profoundly feminine glory.” Her experimental sound confused the rock community when she made her debut in 1978, and a revival of her incredible talent was brought to light by the hit show Stranger Things in 2022 with her song Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God).
Changing the scene and entering a new age, Rage Against the Machine brings a rebellious punk timbre to the rock community. Their heavy style and political messages brought a ferocious seriousness to the Rock and Roll genre when described by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“They have an experimental sound; a mixture of metal, punk, hip-hop, and a 60s groove. They definitely deserve their spot in the Hall of Fame,” said Ortega.
“It’s no secret that this band has an in-your-face aggressiveness about them, but that’s what makes them stand out,” stated Rawald. Rage Against the Machine took the risk and played with the genres, and their experimentation was greatly rewarded.
This year’s 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees have an experimental twist to their sound that put them on the map. Hand-selected by rock historians and loved by their audiences, these new members will live on through their music, perhaps inspiring the next generation of rockers to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
