10 70s Rock Bands That Became Overly Commercial Too Fast

The 1970s saw rock music evolve rapidly, with many bands shifting their styles to appeal to broader audiences. While this move brought commercial success, some fans felt these bands lost their original essence. Here are ten rock bands from the ’70s that transitioned quickly into the commercial spotlight, sparking debates among their early supporters.

1. KISS

KISS, known for their theatrical performances, ventured into a more mainstream sound with their 1979 album Dynasty. The track “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” blended hard rock with disco, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. While the song was a commercial hit, it marked a departure from their earlier hard rock style. Some fans felt this shift prioritized chart success over their original sound.

2. Journey

Originally a progressive rock band, Journey’s sound transformed after Steve Perry joined in 1977. Their 1981 album Escape featured hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” showcasing a move towards arena rock. This change brought massive popularity but also led to criticism that the band had become too commercially oriented, moving away from their experimental roots.

3. Boston

Boston’s self-titled debut album in 1976 was a massive success, selling over 17 million copies in the U.S. The album’s polished production and melodic hooks appealed to a wide audience. However, some critics argued that the band’s sound was overly produced, lacking the raw energy typical of rock music, leading to perceptions of being too commercially driven.

4. Styx

Styx blended progressive rock with pop elements, achieving mainstream success with songs like “Lady” and “Come Sail Away.” Their theatrical style and ballads resonated with top-40 audiences. However, this approach led to critiques that the band had shifted focus from their rock origins to cater to commercial tastes.

5. Foreigner

Formed in 1976, Foreigner quickly gained popularity with hits like “Cold As Ice.” Their accessible sound and catchy melodies made them a staple of arena rock. Despite their success, some felt their music lacked depth compared to other rock bands, suggesting a formulaic approach aimed at commercial appeal.

6. REO Speedwagon

REO Speedwagon’s 1980 album Hi Infidelity marked a shift from hard rock to a more pop-oriented sound. The album featured the chart-topping “Keep On Loving You” and sold over ten million copies. While commercially successful, this transition led to criticism that the band had moved away from their rock roots in favor of mainstream popularity.

7. Eagles

The Eagles achieved massive success with their 1976 album Hotel California. The album’s polished production and smooth sound appealed to a broad audience. However, some critics argued that the band had shifted from their earlier, grittier rock style to a more commercially viable soft rock approach, prioritizing mainstream appeal.

8. Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

ELO combined rock with orchestral elements, creating a unique sound that garnered widespread attention. Their hits like “Evil Woman” and “Telephone Line” showcased this fusion. Over time, the band’s music became increasingly radio-friendly, leading to critiques that they had sacrificed innovation for commercial success.

9. Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s transformation began with the addition of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks in 1975. Their 1977 album Rumours became a cultural phenomenon, blending pop and rock elements. While the album’s success was undeniable, some longtime fans missed the band’s earlier blues-based sound, feeling the new direction was tailored for mass appeal.

10. Chicago

Chicago started as a jazz-rock band, known for their brass-infused sound. In the mid-to-late ’70s, they shifted towards pop ballads, achieving hits like “If You Leave Me Now.” This change brought commercial success but also led to criticism from fans who preferred their original, more complex musical arrangements.