The last "big" year for rock?

When would you say the last year rock was the main genre, or most relevant genre, was? Second, what was the last big year for rock in terms of astounding album releases (for example, 1967 and 1991 are two years I would say were "big years" in terms of great quality records coming out)?

 

I'd probably go with 1991.

 

1984...it's been a downhill slide since then...STEEPLY downhill since 1995.

 

Sometime in the early 90's. I go with 94 myself.
92 was one of the best years for music releases so I disagree with 91.

 

1966

 

Homer Simpson has the answer, and it is a scientific fact.

 

I'd say around 2000/2001.

 

I want to be clear that I think there is still good rock and alternative music coming out today and always has been.

However, if we are talking about the last year when rock was at the height of mainstream popularity and was producing huge mega-selling and innovative releases and was a dominant force in popular culture, then I would say 1994. After that year, rock became one taste on the menu. Prior to that, it dominated.

 

I'll never forget the sad and angry feelings following Cobain's death, with Bush's pathetic 'Glyserine' video playing non stop on MTV. 1994 is my answer.

 

1994

 

1973

 

It's hard to define terms like 'big' and 'outstanding'. Very subjective.

 

All depends what criteria are used. Do you want to factor in concert tour revenues?

 

"I am big!"

 

79

 

1978

 

Probably 1994 or 1997.

New music died in the late 90s.

 

1980, tops. Back in Black, Heaven and Hell, Blizzard of Ozz...

 

Disco came on, and a large amount of the big bands fell apart about this time....Things would stay stale until Back in Black, and Ozzy came back to life...IMHO 78 was when it faded.

 

I'm not sure how anyone could name a year prior to the 90s...Grunge was huge.

 

Ummm, let's see...
What year hasn't been mentioned?

That's my answer....

 

For my money, about 1976 or 1977. Lots of great music after that, of course, but not much I'd call "great rock".

 

I'll go with 1995. You had big records coming out from major artists:

Radiohead -- The Bends
Smashing Pumpkins -- Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Oasis (What's the Story) Morning Glory?

And you had significant records that are still being talked about today in terms of influence even if they didn't move as many units at the time:

Guided By Voices -- Alien Lanes
Pavement -- Wowee Zowee
PJ Harvey -- To Bring You My Love
Emmylou Harris -- Wrecking Ball
Son Volt -- Trace

 

Rock got stale about that time..it wore out....

 

It sure was. No doubt.