The Good Ones: The Heartland Rock Revivalists

The Good Ones are an American heartland rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, celebrated for their authentic blue-collar anthems and powerful live performances. Their major-label debut album, 2018's "Midwestern Blood," became a surprise commercial success, charting on the Billboard 200 and achieving gold certification for over 500,000 units sold in the United States.

Early career

The band formed in 2012 around the songwriting partnership of vocalist/guitarist Mike Sullivan and bassist Kara Vance. After years of honing their sound in Midwestern clubs and self-releasing two EPs, they caught the attention of independent label Rustbelt Records, which released their first full-length album, "Steel Town Echoes," in 2015.

Breakthrough

The Good Ones' breakthrough arrived in 2018 following their signing to Capitol Records. The lead single "Rust and Revival" from their album "Midwestern Blood" gained massive traction on rock radio, propelling the album to number 42 on the Billboard 200 and establishing the band as a new force in the rock scene.

Key tracks

Rust and Revival — This chart-topping rock radio hit defined their heartland rock sound and served as the breakthrough single from "Midwestern Blood."

Steel Town Echoes — The title track from their indie debut remains a fan favorite and a staple of their live set, encapsulating their early lyrical themes.

Hard Way Home — A later single that showcased a more mature, ballad-driven side of the band, receiving significant adult alternative radio play.

Midwestern Blood — The anthemic title track became an album-oriented rock radio mainstay and a signature song for the band.

Following their breakthrough, The Good Ones toured extensively and released their follow-up, "Proof of Life," in 2021. The album debuted in the Top 30 and featured a notable collaboration with singer-songwriter Margo Price on the track "Burning the Hayloft." Their music continues to resonate for its straightforward, earnest approach to the heartland rock genre.

Fans of The Good Ones' brand of earnest, guitar-driven heartland rock should also explore The Gaslight Anthem, who share a similar foundation in American rock storytelling. The working-class anthems of The Menzingers also parallel The Good Ones' lyrical focus. For a more country-tinged influence, listen to Lucero, and for the heartland rock foundation, check out John Cougar Mellencamp.

The music of The Good Ones maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on classic rock FM stations updating their playlists and on dedicated alternative rock radio stations seeking authentic guitar-driven music. Their hits are staples on online rock radio streams that champion modern rock acts with a classic sensibility.

You can hear the powerful anthems of The Good Ones regularly across the network of independent music radio stations and rock formats featured right here. Discover and listen to The Good Ones through the variety of radio stations available on onairium.com.