Dad rock for Generation X encompasses a variety of classic albums, showcasing different styles and influences.
This genre could include a band from the 1970s that gained popularity in the early 1980s or a hard rock group whose debut album transformed the perception of the L.A. music scene.
Generation X includes individuals born between 1965 and 1980, meaning these bands were at their peak during the teenage years of this generation, even if it involved a band’s resurgence.
READ MORE: The Best Albums by 5 Big Millennial Dad Rock Bands
It might also feature an Irish band that balanced impactful music with serious lyrical messages.
Here is a look at the best album from five significant Gen X dad rock bands.
AC/DC
acdc back in black
Best album: Back in Black
Hit after hit defines this classic album.
AC/DC’s Back in Black, released in 1980, exceeded expectations upon its arrival.
This album is the seventh in the band’s discography and the first featuring Brian Johnson as the new lead singer, following Bon Scott’s tragic passing.
Despite the challenges, AC/DC delivered their finest work, featuring tracks that resonate with audiences of all ages, often heard at family gatherings.
The album’s impact is immediate with the iconic opening of “Hell’s Bells,” maintaining momentum throughout.
Listeners enjoy heavy-hitting tracks like “Shoot to Thrill,” “Back in Black,” and the playful “Given the Dog a Bone” before reaching one of their most famous songs.
“You Shook Me All Night Long” arrives just in time to catch our breath with its opening guitar chords before diving back into the rock experience.
The odds were against AC/DC in 1980, yet they crafted a powerful album that delivers across ten tracks without losing energy.
Aerosmith
aerosmith, toys in the attic
Best album: Toys in the Attic
Aerosmith spans multiple generations of dad rock, with each era offering a unique experience with the band.
However, Toys in the Attic represents Aerosmith at their peak as a true rock band.
The 1974 release retains some rawness from their earlier albums while developing a more cohesive sound.
This evolution produced some of Aerosmith’s biggest hits, including “Sweet Emotion” and “Walk This Way.”
The album surprises listeners with an unexpected yet delightful cover of “Big Ten Inch Record,” closing side one on a high note.
Side B begins with “Sweet Emotion,” showcasing Joe Perry’s exceptional guitar work that drives the song forward. Steven Tyler’s vocals harmonize beautifully with the instrumentation as Perry’s sound takes center stage.
Toys in the Attic presents a focused yet not overly polished version of Aerosmith that would emerge later in their career.
Guns N’ Roses
guns n roses appetite for destruction
Best album: Appetite for Destruction
This album is undeniably one of the greatest debut albums ever released by any rock band.
The opening notes are among the most memorable across all music genres. It’s impossible not to feel excitement when “Welcome to the Jungle” begins.
This marked Guns N’ Roses’ entry into pop culture, presenting a gritty Los Angeles lifestyle that stood apart from surrounding glam metal influences.
Appetite for Destruction established a new equilibrium between hard rock and metal without succumbing to glam aesthetics. It offered raw energy through Axl Rose’s urgent vocals and Slash’s precise guitar work.
“Mr. Brownstone” narrates stories of heroin addiction to a broader audience, while “Night Train” introduces listeners to their favorite budget-friendly beverage.
This portrayal of L.A. was not commonly depicted in mainstream music at that time. While many songs focused on women and excess, this album presented a grittier reality.
No other Guns N’ Roses album has surpassed Appetite for Destruction, nor has it needed to. It stands as one of rock history’s greatest albums while embodying chaos and energy.
U2
u2, the joshua tree
Best album: The Joshua Tree
The fifth studio album from Irish rock band U2 earns recognition as their best true rock record (after all, we are discussing “dad ROCK”).
On The Joshua Tree, U2 elevates their sound, albeit subtly at first. The album opens with “With or Without You,” which flows gently as Bono’s powerful voice carries it forward.
The rest of the band shines throughout other tracks on the album.
“Bullet the Blue Sky” features The Edge unleashing his guitar skills while Bono steps back vocally. Instead, his impactful lyrics address political issues directly.
This exemplifies how The Joshua Tree‘s themes can sometimes present a somber perspective. However, this does not detract from its overall enjoyment as an album.
The production team of Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno collaborated with U2 to create an engaging dynamic that encourages listeners to pay attention to deeper lyrical meanings.
This duo also worked with U2 on 1991’s Achtung Baby, which is impressive but doesn’t fulfill all criteria for being a pure rock record like The Joshua Tree.
Van Halen
Van Halen debut album
Best album: Van Halen
If we previously discussed how Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction ranks among the greatest debuts ever, Van Halen’s self-titled debut stands equally tall alongside it.
The first half of this album may very well contain one of rock music’s finest side As across all albums.
“Runnin’ With the Devil” sets an electrifying tone right from the start as David Lee Roth’s dynamic vocals intertwine with Eddie Van Halen’s guitar mastery. Roth delivers every lyric with fervor while Eddie’s guitar riffs propel forward until he launches into an exhilarating solo.
“Eruption” follows suit, placing Eddie Van Halen firmly in the spotlight before transitioning seamlessly into The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me.” This smooth transition makes listeners forget they just heard a cover song just three tracks into their debut release.
No time is wasted as “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” comes barreling through at full speed before Eddie blows out your speakers with his explosive opening notes on “I’m the One.”
This excitement continues throughout side one.
The second half eases off slightly with “Jamie’s Cryin’,” allowing Roth to take a breather during a cover of the blues classic “Ice Cream Man.”
The joy Roth exudes throughout this entire album is infectious and matches Eddie’s intense guitar work perfectly.
While Van Halen’s 1984 ranks among their best albums, it falls short on fun compared to their self-titled debut.
The ‘Big 4’ Bands of Gen Z Dad Rock
The following bands are considered the ‘Big 4’ of Gen Z dad rock, popular among teens between 2010 and 2025.
Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner
The ‘Big 4’ Bands of Gen X Dad Rock
If four bands were to represent Dad Rock for Generation X, they would be these.
Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner
The ‘Big 4’ of Boomer Dad Rock Bands
For children of the ’60s and early ’70s, these bands guided them through their teenage years and remain timeless icons!
Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
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