Soft rock is a subgenre of rock music that emphasizes melody and accessibility over harder-edged sounds. It emerged in the 1970s as a reaction to the growing popularity of heavy metal and progressive rock. Soft rock songs are typically characterized by their gentle tempos, simple chord progressions, and heartfelt lyrics. Some of the most popular soft rock songs of the 1980s and 1990s include “Africa” by Toto, “Every Breath You Take” by The Police, and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses.
Soft rock was a major force in popular music during the 1980s and 1990s. Its accessibility and emotional appeal made it a favorite of radio programmers and music fans alike. Soft rock songs were also frequently used in film and television soundtracks. Today, soft rock continues to be a popular genre, with many contemporary artists incorporating its elements into their music.