This book investigates the historical development and cultural significance of rock music as a distinct art form. Carl Belz, an art historian, applies the analytical rigor of his field to the evolution of rock, arguing that the genre possesses a legitimate aesthetic structure. He examines the progression of rock from its early roots to its maturation, utilizing a framework that treats popular music as a serious subject of critical study.

Critics and music historians frequently cite this work as a foundational text for the academic study of rock music. Readers often note the scholarly tone of the prose, which distinguishes it from more casual journalistic accounts of the genre.