1. Glam Rock: This flamboyant style with catchy melodies continued to dominate the charts. Bands like Queen and David Bowie flourished, characterized by elaborate costumes and theatrical performances.
2. Protopunk and Punk Rock: 1975 marked the emergence of punk rock, led by bands such as the Ramones and the Sex Pistols. This raw, rebellious sound challenged the mainstream music landscape.
3. Hard Rock and Heavy Metal: Hard rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple pushed the boundaries with complex guitar riffs and powerful vocals, paving the way for heavy metal's rise.
4. Progressive Rock: Bands like Yes, Pink Floyd, and Genesis continued their exploration of complex song structures, experimenting with intricate instrumental passages and concept albums.
5. Southern Rock: The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and other Southern rock bands blended country-influenced sounds with blues and rock.
6. Folk Rock and Singer-Songwriters: Artists such as Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan continued to craft introspective and politically-charged songs.
7. Disco: While not strictly a rock genre, disco had a profound impact on pop music and crossed over into rock with acts like the Bee Gees and Donna Summer.
8. Art Rock: Bands like Roxy Music and Ultravox experimented with unconventional sounds, blending electronic and rock elements.
9. Pub Rock: A movement of bands performing in small venues emerged in the UK, including acts like Dr. Feelgood and the Stranglers.
10. Reggae and Reggae Rock: Bob Marley and the Wailers popularized reggae globally, influencing rock musicians through collaborations and shared musical ideas.
Overall, 1975 showcased a diverse range of rock styles, from the mainstream glam and hard rock to the emerging sounds of punk and alternative music. It was a significant year in shaping rock music's evolution and setting the stage for future developments.