What is soft rock? Masterpieces with captivating, soothing melodies
Soft rock soothes the soul with gentle melodies and a pop-infused sound.
Since the 1970s, this genre has softly colored the music scene, retaining rock’s power while offering mellow, approachable melodic lines.
Many listeners are surely captivated by its lyrics that, though easy on the ears, resonate deeply in the heart.
Here, we introduce a selection of gems that let you fully savor the charm of soft rock.
Enjoy discovering a wonderful new track.
What Is Soft Rock? Masterpieces with Irresistibly Smooth Melodies (1–10)
A Horse With No NameAmerica
A song released in 1971 by the band America, which was formed in the UK by the sons of American servicemen.
It was written by lead singer Dewey Bunnell when he was 19, inspired by the desert landscapes of Santa Barbara County, California, where his father was stationed.
In this song, he plays a six-string acoustic guitar.
Hard To Say I’m SorryCHICAGO
Chicago was active from the 1960s through the 1970s and is known for softer songs that incorporated keyboard-based sounds in the 1980s.
This song was released in 1982 and reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States, Switzerland, and Canada.
Another Day In ParadisePhil Collins
A song released in 1989 by Phil Collins.
It sings about the consequences of ignoring people who are poor or homeless.
The track won both a Grammy Award and a Brit Award, and it was covered in 2001 by R&B singer Brandy.
Biggest Part of MeAmbrosia
A song by the American soft rock band Ambrosia, released as a single in 1980 from their breakout album One Eighty.
It reached No.
2 on the U.S.
charts and was also a hit in Canada.
The song was written by band member David Pack.
I Want to Know What Love IsForeigner
It’s a dramatic power ballad that rises from a quiet, prayer-like beginning into a majestic gospel climax.
One of the signature works by the British-American rock band Foreigner, it was released as a single in November 1984 and was also included on the classic album Agent Provocateur.
Lou Gramm’s soulful vocals and the rich harmonies of the choir shake the listener to the core.
The song is infused with a piercing cry to know what love is, vividly portraying a protagonist who seeks true warmth after overcoming past pain.
Topping both the U.S.
and U.K.
charts, this piece seeps deeply into the heart when listened to on a night you want to quietly face yourself.
Open ArmsJourney
A power ballad about a couple who realize they truly love each other.
It was released as a single in 1982 by the American rock band Journey and reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts.
It was covered by Mariah Carey in 1995.
Higher LoveSteve Winwood
Steve Winwood, the British musician known as a leading figure of blue-eyed soul.
Though he found success in various bands, this solo-era track is one I’d recommend as a soft rock classic.
It’s included on the album “Back in the High Life,” and it reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts in August 1986.
Riding an exhilarating sound, the song delivers a powerful message about overcoming the emptiness of everyday life and seeking a higher, more spiritual form of love.
With sleek, quintessentially ’80s production and Chaka Khan’s powerful backing vocals shining through, it has a soulful atmosphere.
It’s a great pick-me-up—perfect for mornings when you want a boost to tackle the day.