Rock music is a large and exciting type of music with a rich history and many different styles. Each style, or subgenre, has its own special features. What makes rock music stand out from its subgenres are things like the instruments used, the themes in the lyrics, the speed of the songs, and the culture around it.

Key Differences:

1. Instruments:

   • Traditional rock mainly uses electric guitars, bass guitar, and drums.
   • Subgenres like progressive rock often add keyboards and synthesizers.
   • Heavy metal has loud, distorted guitar sounds and fast drumming.
   • Alternative rock can mix things up, often using acoustic instruments too.

2. Lyrical Themes:

   • Mainstream rock songs usually talk about love, rebellion, and social issues.
   • Punk rock has a raw and rebellious feel with simple lyrics.
   • Emo, which is part of punk, focuses on personal feelings, often about heartbreak and deep thoughts.

3. Speed and Rhythm:

   • Most rock music has a moderate speed of about 100 to 130 beats per minute (BPM).
   • However, subgenres can change a lot: punk rock can be really fast, hitting 160 BPM or more, while ballads are much slower, around 60 to 80 BPM.

4. Cultural Context:

   • Classic rock started in the 1960s and 1970s and was greatly influenced by blues and folk music.
   • Grunge came about in the 1990s, representing the feelings of young people at the time.
   • Southern rock mixes in country music styles, while indie rock often shows a "do-it-yourself" attitude and a mix of different styles.

Statistics:

• In 2020, rock music made about $1.5 billion, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This was despite fewer album sales overall.
• A study in 2022 found that over 60% of adults aged 18 to 34 still enjoy listening to rock music, showing it is still popular.

In short, rock music is a big genre that includes many different styles. Each subgenre shows unique ways to express feelings and connect with different cultures.