Rocking in the Free World: Popular Music and the Politics of Freedom in Postwar America

Rock music has a wide range of political labels due to its progressive, libertarian, anti-Communist, and revolutionary nature. It became enmeshed with different ideas about freedom shaped by Cold War anxieties, countercultural revolutions, and end-of-history triumphalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Rock music, a vibrant and diverse genre, has been deeply intertwined with political ideologies throughout its history. From its progressive and libertarian roots to its anti-Communist and revolutionary sentiments, it has encompassed a wide range of political perspectives. While quintessentially American, rock music has also resonated globally, appealing to people from all walks of life.

By the late 1980s, rock music had accumulated an impressive array of political labels, reflecting its growing political significance. These claims emphasized the music's ability to liberate individuals and challenge the status quo. However, the diverse range of political interpretations within rock music raised questions about its ability to unite people behind a common cause.

Rocking in the Free World delves into the complex history of how Americans came to embrace rock music as a symbol of freedom. It explores the influence of Cold War anxieties, countercultural revolutions, and the triumphalism of the Reagan era on the perception of rock music as a political force. The book examines how rock music became entangled with various competing ideas about freedom, including individualism, freedom of expression, and political activism.

Through its detailed analysis, Rocking in the Free World sheds light on the promise and limitations of rock music as a political force in postwar America. It challenges the notion that rock music is solely a form of entertainment and highlights its potential to inspire social change and challenge dominant narratives. The book also explores the ways in which rock music has been used as a tool for propaganda and political manipulation, as well as the ways in which artists have resisted these pressures to create meaningful and impactful music.

In conclusion, Rocking in the Free World is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the political significance of rock music. It provides a comprehensive account of how Americans came to embrace rock music as a symbol of freedom and how it has evolved over time. The book offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between music, politics, and society, and its relevance to contemporary debates about freedom, identity, and social change.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197566510