In 2024, there are multiple genres of music that people seem to can’t get enough of. There’s hip-hop, country, pop, R&B and many more. 

But around late last year, there has been a movement, as mainly with the help of social media, that has been rediscovered and has given a certain type of music new life.

That would be late 1990s to early-to-mid 2000s  rock-and-roll. A.K.A. “Dad Rock.”

Between middle-aged men finding themselves back in their younger years looking to reminisce, or members of Generation Z just discovering this wave of music, “Dad Rock” has made a comeback to the mainstream media.

So who are some of its heavy hitters? Let’s dive deeper into who led this genre.

Nickelback

If “Dad Rock” was The Louvre, then you could say that Nickelback could be its Mona Lisa.

The Canadian group has been in the business since 1995, and with hit songs such as “How You Remind Me,” “Photograph” and “Rockstar,” they earned the title from Billboard of the most successful rock group of the 2000s, and the group is inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

The group’s biggest name is lead singer Chad Kroeger, and his California blond locks and growly rugged voice were nearly synonymous with the tunes themselves. And they’re still going strong. Nickelback is going overseas this summer on tour, as their latest appearance was with country music artist HARDY on CMT Crossroads singing the group’s and HARDY’s biggest hits.

About ten years ago, it was a trend across the internet to hate Nickelback. The criticism comes from folks saying their music is “boring” and “lacking genuine substance,” per The Daily Dot. And I know that art is subjective, but if you were to have an open mind going into it, my guess is that you could be rocking out to the group with their up-beat tempo and fun lyrics.

Creed

Another group that really packs a punch in this genre is Creed. Reigning from Tallahassee, Florida, the band has three consecutive multi-platinum albums. Their second, 1999’s Human Clay, went diamond from the Recording Industry Association of America. 

Scott Stabb, the group’s lead singer, also has a growly voice, but his is a unique one. The best way I can put it is that it sounds like he’s only singing vowels. But it’s a powerful sound, and effective when you’re listening to a Creed record.

Some of their hits are “Higher,” “With Arms Wide Open” and “My Sacrifice.”

The band is arguably relevant now more than ever. Whenever “Higher” comes on in an establishment during a night on the town, the place erupts in perfect, off-pitch harmony. 

They performed for the first time together in 12 years on April 18 as part of the “Summer of ‘99” tour, as it started on a cruise. A whole cruise with acts dedicated to this genre. Think of it as Coachella, but “Dad Rock” and in the water.  The other two headliners are artists that will be highlighted in this piece.

If you like what you hear from Creed, they will be touring with those acts this year. They’ll stop at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on Nov. 22.

Daughtry

Ah yes, my personal favorite. And I think a big reason why is because of Chris Daughtry’s story. He was always singing and playing in bands growing up, but Daughtry never got his big break. 

He was working as a service advisor at a car dealership in his home state of North Carolina, where at the age of 27, he decided to audition for season 5 of American Idol. And Daughtry was good. Really good. He made it all the way to the final four before being eliminated. It was a big shock that made national headlines as many thought he was a shoe-in to win it all.

But Daughtry didn’t let the elimination discourage him.

Some of their biggest hits include “No Surprise,” “Home” and “It’s Not Over.” Daughtry’s vocals range anywhere on the scale, and his variety in his catalog is one to admire.

The band will be a part of Creed’s “Summer of ‘99” tour this year, with their closest stop to Kent being in Rogers, Arkansas, on Sept. 16.

3 Doors Down

Rounding out this core four of acts that your dad probably has on repeat, is 3 Doors Down.

The group hails from Escatawpa, Mississippi, and two albums of theirs reached the top 15 in the Billboard charts in the early 2000s.

Some of their biggest hits include “Not My Time,” “When I’m Gone” and “Here Without You.”

This is a group that is very rock-and-roll, but not too much where it’s jarring. Just the right amount for you to enjoy and still bang your head to.

3 Doors Down will also be a part of the “Summer of ‘99” Tour, and will open for Creed in Cleveland this November.

Matt Kiraly is an opinion writer. Contact him at [email protected].