Many classic songs become a key part of pop culture, and the artists who performed them become known as legacy acts. Yet some of these older artists are still releasing new music over 30 years later.

Bryan Adams, whose first album debuted in 1980 and who is best known for his 1984 hit “Summer of ‘69” and the power ballad “Heaven,” recently released his 15th studio album, So Happy It Hurts. The album has classic Adams vocals and guitar, and like his other albums, focuses on love songs. 

While superfans are always hungry for new music from their favorite artists, other fans just want to hear the classics, because those songs have become nostalgic for most listeners. 

When legacy acts release new music, there is always a risk they will ruin their reputation. Some fans are loyal no matter what. But sometimes, music critics are harsh on great bands if they do not live up to their already set expectations. 

Some bands have previously succeeded in releasing albums after a large time gap. 

For example, Bon Jovi, a longtime classic rock and pop band, released its first album in 1983, Runaway, and it peaked on the Billboard 200 at spot 43. Their second album, Slippery When Wet, debuted at No. 1. Their fourteenth album, released in 2016, also peaked at No. 1. The band’s most recent album, 2020, which addresses responses to social and political events as well as the pandemic, peaked at 19.

Sometimes on newer albums, bands switch genres completely and experiment with new music styles, and they still are successful. But bands often have a set style, and it can be difficult to move away from their comfort zones. 

The ’90s funk-rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers recently released its newest album, Unlimited Love, which sounds remarkably similar to their past albums. Even though the band is aging, the songs still have the ’90s-style charm that they once had. 

Older bands have been releasing music recently for a few reasons: the pandemic, life events, and appealing to younger audiences. 

Many artists had some time to themselves to think about their lives and to write songs, and many albums have been produced from home studios during the pandemic. The artists may need an income, want to appeal to younger generations of listeners, or want to share their ideas with the world again. 

Overall, while some people may only want to listen to a band’s best hits, people should consider listening to the artists’ newer music, because some songs may become new favorites.