Argent: The British Hard Rock and Progressive Rock Pioneers

Argent was a British rock band formed in 1969, best known for their sophisticated blend of hard rock, progressive structures, and pop melodies. The group achieved international success in the early 1970s, most notably with their multi-million selling single "Hold Your Head Up".

Early career

The band was founded in London by keyboardist and vocalist Rod Argent, following the dissolution of his previous group, The Zombies. He recruited his cousin, guitarist Russ Ballard, alongside bassist Jim Rodford and drummer Bob Henrit, creating a powerful and technically proficient lineup focused on Rod Argent's distinctive keyboard work.

Breakthrough

Argent's commercial breakthrough arrived in 1972 with the release of their third studio album, All Together Now. The album's lead single, "Hold Your Head Up", became a global smash, reaching No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning a gold certification. This success cemented the band's reputation and defined their signature sound.

Key tracks

Hold Your Head Up - This anthem is the band's definitive hit, built around a monumental organ riff and a commanding vocal hook that dominated airwaves in 1972.

God Gave Rock and Roll to You - Originally written by Russ Ballard for Argent, this song became a hard rock standard, later famously covered by Kiss.

Liar - A powerful, early track written by Ballard that showcased the band's harder rock edge and became another fan favorite, though Three Dog Night's version found greater chart success.

Dance in the Smoke - A prime example of the band's progressive rock explorations, featuring complex arrangements and Rod Argent's expansive keyboard solos.

It's Only Money, Part 1 & 2 - This epic track from Nexus encapsulates the band's ambitious, album-oriented approach in their later period.

Following their peak, the band continued to record and tour, releasing albums like In Deep (1973) and Nexus (1974). Russ Ballard departed for a solo career after 1974's Circus, and the band eventually dissolved in 1976, with Rod Argent focusing on production and other musical projects.

Fans of Argent's intricate keyboard-driven rock may also enjoy the sophisticated pop of The Zombies, Rod Argent's earlier band. The progressive flair of Procol Harum shares a similar blend of classical influence and rock power. For the melodic hard rock side, listen to Uriah Heep. The organ-heavy sound can also be found in the work of Deep Purple, though with a heavier emphasis on guitar.

Argent's music, particularly their classic rock radio staple "Hold Your Head Up", remains a fixture on classic rock FM stations and album-oriented rock channels. Their catalog of inventive 1970s rock continues to attract new listeners exploring the era's diverse sounds.

The music of Argent can be discovered and enjoyed through various radio stations featured on our platform, offering a direct connection to their enduring hard rock and progressive rock legacy.