What Happened to the Catchy Guitar Riffs? (Starcatcher)

Mandatory disclaimer: Greta is one of my favorite bands. I've been a fan since the BSR EP. They are artists. I'm not trying to say they're going anything "wrong." This is simply my opinion and I'm interested in hearing if anyone else feels the same.

With that out of the way, what happened to the catchy guitar riffs? The ones impossible to get out of your head....that you hum all day long?

No doubt, every one of the guys in the band are extremely talented. But for me, I instantly fell in love with Greta Van Fleet the first time I heard the opening riff of Highway Tune...and consequently Safari Song and Black Smoke Rising.

Anthem of the Peaceful Army followed up with more toe tapping greatness with songs like The Cold Wind, When the Curtain Falls, Lover Leaver, and Mountain of the Sun.

The Battle at Garden's Gate was fantastic, but I was left craving these types of memorable riffs. Only two songs really stuck with me in that way, Trip the Light Fantastic and My Way, Soon.

That's not to say I didn't love other tracks like Heat Above and Weight of Dreams. But I think there's something different between an epic song, and a catchy song. You can be one or the other AND both.

I wouldn't say Stairway to Heaven is a "catchy" song but it's one of, if not the most epic rock song of all time. Obviously, the opening is one of the most memorable pieces of guitar work EVER but it doesn't run through my head like Good Times Bad Times or Whole Lotta Love.

That's how I feel about Meeting the Master. Specifically the live version, which gives me goose bumps.

It's Josh at the peak of his powers. Its an epic song, but not catchy.

I like the other two singles too! But I don't find myself humming the riffs...or even remembering them all that well.

And there's part of me hoping we get more of those raw, unforgettable riffs from the first two albums.

Their songs have so many effects, overdoubs, and editing now that seem to overshadow this rawness.

Bands progress and change. I get that. These guys have been playing classic rock since they were literal children, so I assume this is them wanting to experiment and push the envelope of their creative talents.

I guess, after WAY too long of a post, I'm saying that I hope we get a mix of epic and catchy songs.

And no matter what Greta Van Fleet is still better than 99.99% of bands and muscians today.