From Retro to Relevant: The New Era of Dad Rock for Father’s Day is Here

Father’s Day is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than blaring out the ultimate dad rock playlist to your children’s dismay on your next road trip? 

The Playlist

Regtransfers, the private number plate company experts, recently created the “Ultimate Dad Rock Driving Playlist for Father’s Day,” a nostalgic yet fresh Spotify playlist that’s sure to surprise many. Before we showcase the new ‘Dad Rock’ tracks that are likely to shock younger Dads out there, let’s take a look at what ‘Dad Rock’ really is.

The term “dad rock” has long been used to refer to the music that older generations, particularly dads, enjoy. Traditionally, it encompasses classic rock music, characterized by guitars, real drums, and a straightforward rock vibe.

Each generation often dismisses the music of the previous one, only to find their own favourites becoming the new “dad rock.” What was once considered edgy and rebellious is now viewed with nostalgia.

Many dads and even grandads have embraced “dad rock” as a badge of honor, signifying music that has enduring appeal. The rise in popularity of dad rock playlists and CDs shows a growing appreciation for this music genre.

However, with a new generation of Dad’s comes a new generation of ‘Dad Rock’ that will make some of the Dads out there feel a little old! Below are some highlights of the shocking tracks that are now classified as ‘Dad Rock’

‘Dad Rock’ Tracks That You Didn’t Realise Are Now ‘Dad Rock’

Limp Bizkit’s “Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)” might seem too modern for dad rock, but it’s over two decades old now. Green Day’s “American Idiot” and Blur’s “Song 2” are also part of the mix, proving that songs from the early 2000s are now dad rock staples.

If you were rocking out to Oasis’s “Morning Glory” or Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Can’t Stop,” it might be a shock to realise these are now considered dad rock. Kaiser Chiefs’ “Oh My God” and Garbage’s “Stupid Girl” are other surprising entries, showing how the boundaries of dad rock have expanded.

The Fratellis’ “Chelsea Dagger” and Blink-182’s “All the Small Things” were anthems of the 2000s, and they’ve found a place in the dad rock hall of fame. Sum 41’s “In Too Deep” and Alien Ant Farm’s “Smooth Criminal” cover are also on the list, making it clear that the early 2000s were a pivotal time for what’s now dad rock.

Even more recent bands like The Killers with “Somebody Told Me” and Foo Fighters’ “Learn to Fly” have made the cut. And don’t forget Fall Out Boy’s “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” or The Offspring’s “Pretty Fly (for a White Guy),” both of which are dad rock anthems now.

Bowling for Soup’s “The Girl All The Bad Guys Want” is a fun addition, while Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” remains an undisputed classic. Linkin Park’s “Numb” rounds out the playlist, showing how nu-metal has also aged into dad rock territory.

Where Did The Term ‘Dad Rock’ Come From?

Initially, “dad rock” was used as a cheeky dig at the music taste of older generations, particularly dads who simply refused to let go of their favourite bands from the ’70s and ’80s. Picture a dad in faded jeans, an old tour t-shirt that’s seen better days, saying the classic line “they just don’t make music like they used to.” to anyone who will listen.

‘Dad Rock’ gained traction in the early 2000s, fueled by internet forums and music critics who used it to describe the classic rock tracks that older men continued to champion. It was a way to poke fun at the idea that once you hit a certain age (Usually around 20), your musical taste freezes in time. In the 2000’s, bands like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Eagles were often at the center of the ‘Dad Rock’ conversation.

However, as the term evolved, so did its connotations. What started as a somewhat derogatory label became a badge of honor for many. Dads began to embrace the term, proudly wearing their “dad rock” status like a medal. After all, these were the songs that defined their youth, provided the soundtrack to their wild years, and later became the comforting background to family life.

The beauty of “dad rock” is its inclusivity. It’s not confined to a specific genre or era. While it might have started with the classic rock of the ’60s and ’70s, it has expanded to include ’80s heavy metal, ’90s grunge, and even early 2000s punk-pop. Basically, if you’re old enough to have kids, the music of your formative years is now considered “dad rock.” It’s a moving target that evolves with each generation.

The Reality of ‘Dad Rock’

Remember that track you use to pound out of the speakers of your Ford Fiesta in the early 2000’s? As much as that feels like a recent memory, it’s now ‘Dad Rock’ which might leave you feeling a little older than you thought you were, but instead what if you embraced it?

This Fathers Day why not use your car time to educate your family on what Dad use to rock out to in his day, and the best bit? For that one day, they can’t complain!