Iconic '70s and '80s Rock Acts Still Dominate Airwaves

Music writer Paul Rees explores the enduring appeal of 'corporate rock' in new book 'Raised on Radio'

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Music writer Paul Rees' new book 'Raised on Radio' is an oral history that examines the lasting popularity of classic rock acts like Bon Jovi, Journey, Boston, and Heart, who were once critically derided as 'corporate rock' but continue to dominate radio airwaves decades later. Rees conducted over 50 interviews to uncover the backstories and 'happy accidents' behind some of the era's biggest hits, while also exploring why these tremendously popular artists still face a lack of critical respect.

Why it matters

The enduring popularity of 1970s and 1980s rock acts on radio highlights how their polished, hook-filled songs continue to resonate with listeners, even as they were often dismissed by critics at the time as 'corporate rock.' Rees' book provides insight into why this music has stood the test of time and remained a fixture on the airwaves.

The details

Rees' book 'Raised on Radio' is an oral history that examines the 'Album-Oriented Rock' (AOR) genre, exemplified by chart-topping acts who crafted polished rock songs with memorable hooks and technical prowess. Through over 50 interviews, Rees uncovered the backstories and 'happy accidents' behind some of the era's biggest hits, while also exploring why these commercially successful artists still face a lack of critical respect despite their enduring popularity.

  • Rees conducted the interviews for the book over about 18 months.

The players

Paul Rees

A music writer who coauthored a memoir with guitarist Steve Lukather and assembled the oral history 'Raised on Radio' about the 'Album-Oriented Rock' genre of the 1970s and 1980s.

Steve Lukather

A guitar hero who collaborated with Rees on a memoir.

Nancy Wilson

The guitarist and singer of the rock band Heart, who shared stories in the book about the sexism and record label headaches the band faced.

Jim Vallance

The longtime writing partner of musician Bryan Adams, who recalled how they wrote the hit song 'Summer of '69' by volleying lines about their memories.

David Paich

The singer and keyboardist of the band Toto, who Rees cited as one of his favorite interview subjects for the book.

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What they’re saying

“It was the title right from the word go. It's music that, whatever the dopamine receptor is in the brain, this hits it. It's happy music, and we could all do with a bit of that at the moment.”

— Paul Rees, Author

“I was kind of the Farrah Fawcett of rock for a minute there.”

— Nancy Wilson, Guitarist and singer, Heart

“If you liked one, it didn't preclude you from liking the other. But that's why these songs have endured: they were brilliantly written.”

— Paul Rees, Author

What’s next

Rees plans to continue exploring the enduring popularity of classic rock acts through further research and writing projects.

The takeaway

Rees' book 'Raised on Radio' provides valuable insight into why the polished, hook-filled songs of 1970s and 1980s rock acts continue to resonate with listeners, even as they were often dismissed by critics at the time as 'corporate rock.' The book underscores how this music has stood the test of time and remained a fixture on the airwaves.