Just how many ways are there to rock?
The other day during the Big Rock Show, I was playing Sammy Hagar's “There's Only One Way to Rock”. And it occurred to me to ask, is there truly only one way to rock? Sammy believed there was, at least for that song.
It occurred to me that with the advent of AI, we really need to ask the computers what they believe so that's what I did.
I asked ChatGPT, is there only one way to rock?
ChatGPT says,
“No, there is not just one way to rock. "One Way to Rock" is actually the title of a song by Sammy Hagar, but it doesn't imply that there is only a single way to express or enjoy rock music. Rock is a diverse genre with many subgenres and styles, ranging from classic rock and punk to progressive rock and alternative rock. Each subgenre has its own unique characteristics and influences, allowing for a wide variety of expressions within the broader category of rock music. So, whether it's the raw energy of punk rock, the intricate arrangements of progressive rock, or the anthemic nature of classic rock, there are numerous ways to rock.”
Now my thoughts on the subject go something like this.
Sammy’s song is not talking about a type of music, it's talking about an attitude or an expression of the person listening. It could be head banging, it could be giving the devil sign at an AC DC concert, it could be jumping into the mosh pit at a chili peppers show, I'm not convinced that there are an infinite number of ways to “rock”, but there are certainly more ways than I can count.
So I went back to ChatGPT and asked the question, how many ways to rock are there?
ChatGPT’s answer is,
“The number of ways to rock is virtually infinite because rock music is a highly diverse and evolving genre. It encompasses a wide range of styles, subgenres, and influences, allowing for a vast array of musical expressions. Some of the well-known subgenres include classic rock, punk rock, alternative rock, progressive rock, indie rock, hard rock, and many more. Each of these subgenres can further branch out into various styles and fusions."
"Beyond that, individual artists and bands bring their own unique sounds and innovations to the genre, contributing to the constant evolution of rock music. The diversity within rock allows for countless interpretations, experimentations, and creative expressions, making it challenging to quantify the exact number of ways to rock. Ultimately, the richness of rock lies in its ability to adapt and incorporate new influences, ensuring that there will always be new ways to explore and enjoy this genre.”
Again, ChatGPT seems to focus on the music styles rather than the individual experience and expression. Human beings are kind of funny. We like to put things in boxes' the classic rock box, the metal box, The Progressive Rock box, The Punk rock box, and so on. A linguist will tell you that the more important something is to a society, the more names they will give that thing. What is that saying? Eskimos have over 100 words for snow.
At the end of this discussion, I really don't have a definitive answer for you. You're going to have to come up with the answer for yourself. How many ways are there to rock for you?
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Gallery Credit: Allison Rapp