Heartland Rock is a genre of music closely associated with the Midwestern states of the USA, representing themes of the working class, survival, and local culture. It developed in the 1970s and 1980s and is characterized by the use of strong guitars, simple sounds, and lyrics with substantial social content. Artists like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and John Mellencamp are representatives of the genre, offering songs that celebrate the everyday experiences and struggles of the average American. It emphasizes the power of the community and the fruitful relationships between people, singing about love, loss, and hope.