The Best Rock Songs with Heavy Orchestral Backing
Rock music often has a raw, punchy energy that can stand alone on guitars, drums, and vocals. However, some songs take that energy to new heights by incorporating a rich, heavy orchestral backing. These lyrics and descriptions will explore some of the best rock songs that feature heavy orchestrical elements, showcasing their unique and powerful characteristics.
Introduction to Orchestral Rock
Orchestral rock, a subgenre that blends traditional rock with symphonic elements, has been captivating audiences for decades. It combines the visceral power of rock with the grandeur of orchestras, creating a sound that is both dynamic and expansive. This type of music often features complex arrangements, intricate melodies, and a wide range of instruments, providing a fuller, more immersive listening experience.
Top Picks in Orchestral Rock
Hoppípolla - Sigur Rós
Hoppípolla by Sigur Rós is an excellent example of orchestral rock. This song provides an almost 90 percent orchestral backing, making it one of the most striking uses of orchestration in rock music. The heavy orchestral elements contribute to its ethereal and haunting sound, making it stand out from other rock tracks.
Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
Russian rivers flow through Ottoman lands with Living Thing by Electric Light Orchestra. This track comes from a highly regarded album and stands out for the seamless integration of orchestral elements. It is a prime example of how rock bands can enhance their sound with heavy orchestration.
Uriah Heep
The 1970 album by Uriah Heep is notable for its heavy orchestral backing, where the orchestra is not just a supportive element but an integral part of the song. This approach elevates the track, giving it a more epic and powerful sound.
Queen and Kazakhstan - Led Zeppelin
Most Likely Any Song by Queen is renowned for its iconic and legendary status. Bands like Queen and Leeds Zeppelin have incorporated fantastic orchestral backing into their music, making their songs highly memorable and influential in the rock genre. 'Kashmir' by Led Zeppelin is a standout, with the symphonic elements adding depth and atmosphere to the song.
SepticFlesh and Rus
SepticFlesh is often cited as the masters of orchestral rock, adding an 80-piece orchestra and a 32-person choir to their tracks. This level of orchestration is truly grand and showcases the genre's potential to achieve epic and dynamic compositions.
Rush and Clockwork Angels
Rush, a band known for their evolution and continuous experimentation, released 'Clockwork Angels' in 2012. This album featured 12 songs with an eight-piece string ensemble added to the original three-piece lineup. The track Title or any song from this album exemplifies Rush's ability to blend rock energy with orchestral complexity.
Additional Recommendations
Amazon
Angus Young's High Hopes by Pink Floyd, and other songs by bands like INXS and INXS - Hoppípolla, are also noteworthy for their use of heavy orchestral backing. These tracks offer a blend of raw rock energy and sophisticated orchestral arrangements, creating an engaging and dynamic listening experience.
Including Timing and Structure
In some cases, the orchestral elements are layered to enhance the structure and timing of the songs. For instance, Uriah Heep's use of the orchestra is not just a background component but an integral part of the song's construction. This approach ensures that the orchestral parts complement the rock elements, creating a cohesive and powerful overall experience.
Conclusions and Bias
When it comes to choosing the best rock songs with heavy orchestral backing, my opinion is often biased by my love for Rush. However, any of the songs mentioned above are worthy contenders. They represent the artistry and potential of combining rock's intensity with orchestral grandeur, making them some of the most impressive and enduring tracks in rock history.