April Wine – “I Like to Rock”: A Thunderous Anthem of Pure Rock Energy
With the release of “I Like to Rock” in 1980, April Wine delivered a hard-rocking statement that roared through the airwaves and became an enduring classic. Featured on their eighth studio album, Harder… Faster, the track perfectly captured the band’s signature fusion of bluesy grit and pure rock power, led by Myles Goodwyn’s raw, electrifying vocals.
The song bursts open with a jagged guitar riff, a gritty call to arms that pulls you into April Wine’s sonic universe. Goodwyn’s voice, rough and relentless, rides the wave of crashing drums and blistering guitar licks. The dual-guitar attack from Goodwyn and Brian Greenway becomes a battle cry of distortion and swagger, blending hard rock muscle with blues-rock soul. It’s not just a song—it’s a statement of passion for the unfiltered power of rock ‘n’ roll.
Despite peaking modestly at #75 in Canada and #86 on the Billboard Hot 100, “I Like to Rock” refused to be confined to charts. Its true legacy lies in its immortality on album-oriented rock stations and live stages, where its power resonates the loudest. The song’s iconic breakdown—featuring a thrilling mashup of Day Tripper and Satisfaction—cements April Wine’s deep-rooted love for rock history, merging past and present into a sonic tribute.
Over time, “I Like to Rock” has transcended its chart performance, becoming a pillar of April Wine’s legacy and an enduring anthem in the classic rock pantheon. It remains a visceral reminder of what rock is meant to be—raw, loud, and alive.