Unheard Rock Music: The Untold Story Of Lizzo, SZA, And A Third Artist

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

4.9

Share

Lizzo's Unexpected Rock Edge

Lizzo, known for her infectious pop and R&B hits, possesses a surprising rock edge that many overlook. Her music seamlessly incorporates powerful rock instrumentation and lyrical themes of empowerment, creating a unique and compelling sound.

Instrumentation and Production Techniques

Lizzo’s music frequently utilizes powerful brass instrumentation, driving basslines, and anthemic choruses, all hallmarks of classic rock. The potent horn sections in tracks like "Truth Hurts" and "Good as Hell" add a layer of intensity and grandeur reminiscent of stadium rock anthems. The driving basslines provide the rhythmic backbone, giving her songs the energy and momentum typically found in rock music. Her collaborations, while not explicitly with rock artists, often feature producers who understand the power of these rock-inspired production techniques, furthering the rock influences in her music.

• Powerful Horns: A consistent feature adding depth and power.
• Driving Basslines: Providing the rhythmic core and energy.
• Anthemic Choruses: Designed for audience participation and a powerful emotional impact.

Lyrical Themes of Empowerment and Rebellion

Lizzo's lyrics consistently champion self-acceptance, body positivity, and defiance – themes deeply rooted in the rebellious spirit of rock music. Songs like "Juice" and "About Damn Time" embody this defiant energy, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality and challenge societal norms. This echoes the counter-cultural messages found in many rock anthems throughout history.

• Self-Acceptance: A core theme running through much of her work.
• Body Positivity: A powerful message challenging beauty standards.
• Defiance: A rebellious spirit challenging expectations.

SZA's Raw and Emotional Rock Undercurrents

SZA, a prominent figure in contemporary R&B, subtly incorporates raw, emotional rock undercurrents into her music. Her distinctive vocal style and confessional lyrics resonate with the vulnerability and intensity often associated with alternative and grunge rock.

Grunge and Alternative Rock Inspirations

SZA's vocal delivery often echoes the raw, emotionally charged vocals of grunge and alternative rock icons like Alanis Morissette or Courtney Love of Hole. The vulnerability and intensity in her voice, coupled with confessional lyrics in songs like "Drew Barrymore" and "Kill Bill," create a powerful emotional connection with the listener, mirroring the emotional depth found in many alternative rock anthems. While not always explicit, the use of distorted guitars or other rock-inspired instrumentation adds texture and depth, enhancing this rock-influenced sound.

• Raw Vocals: Mirroring the unfiltered emotionality of grunge and alternative rock.
• Confessional Lyrics: Sharing personal experiences with raw honesty.
• Distorted Guitars (subtle use): Adding a layer of grit and texture.

The Integration of R&B and Soul with Rock Elements

SZA masterfully blends her R&B and soul foundation with elements of rock, creating a uniquely captivating sound. This genre-bending approach has significantly impacted contemporary music, showing the potential for innovative combinations of seemingly disparate styles. Her ability to seamlessly weave together these contrasting influences highlights the power of musical fusion and the unexpected beauty that can arise from it.

• R&B/Soul Base: The foundation upon which rock elements are layered.
• Rock Instrumentation: Adding texture, depth, and intensity.
• Genre-bending Approach: Creating a unique and influential sound.

Florence Welch's Rock-Inspired Soundscapes

Florence Welch, the powerhouse vocalist of Florence + the Machine, crafts epic and dramatic soundscapes heavily influenced by rock music. Her operatic vocals and large-scale orchestral arrangements evoke a sense of classic rock grandeur.

Florence Welch's Operatic Vocals and Epic Arrangements

Florence + the Machine's music is characterized by Welch's powerful, operatic vocals and sweeping orchestral arrangements that create a cinematic and dramatic listening experience. The soaring strings, dramatic percussion, and powerful guitar riffs in songs like "Dog Days Are Over" and "Shake It Out" all contribute to the epic, anthemic quality reminiscent of classic rock.

• Operatic Vocals: Providing a powerful and dramatic vocal presence.
• Soaring Strings: Creating a sense of grandeur and epic scale.
• Dramatic Percussion: Adding rhythmic intensity and driving force.
• Powerful Guitar Riffs: Adding a rock edge to the orchestral arrangements.

Lyrical Themes of Mythology and Nature

Welch's lyrics often delve into mythology and nature, creating a rich tapestry of imagery and symbolism. These themes, also prevalent in progressive and folk rock, contribute to the depth and complexity of her music, adding another layer to her rock-influenced soundscapes. The combination of these lyrical themes with her powerful rock-influenced instrumentation creates a unique and captivating listening experience.

• Mythological Themes: Adding layers of symbolism and depth.
• Nature-Inspired Lyrics: Creating a sense of wonder and awe.
• Progressive/Folk Rock Influences: Adding complexity and depth to the songwriting.

Conclusion: Discovering the Unexpected Power of Unheard Rock Music

This exploration of Lizzo, SZA, and Florence Welch's music reveals the surprising prevalence of rock influences in genres often considered distinct. These artists demonstrate the power of genre-bending, seamlessly integrating elements of rock music into their unique styles. Their ability to incorporate rock instrumentation, lyrical themes, and performance styles illustrates the pervasive and enduring influence of rock music on contemporary soundscapes. Delve deeper into the world of unheard rock music and discover the unexpected power of genre-bending artists like Lizzo, SZA, and Florence Welch. Their music proves that rock's influence extends far beyond its traditional boundaries. Share this article with others who appreciate the intersection of musical genres and the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) rock influences shaping popular music today!