The article selects three rock songs released in 1979 which it argues captured the closing mood of the 1970s while signalling stylistic changes that would shape rock in the following decade. It presents Pink Floyd, The Clash and Supertramp as examples of polished production, synthesisers and darker punk influences becoming more prominent as the 1980s approached.

– “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” by Pink Floyd is described as late-1970s art rock with sophisticated production and synth elements; it reached number one in the US, UK and many European markets.
– “London Calling” by The Clash is framed as a bridge from late-1970s punk to the darker, urgent sound associated with early-1980s punk; it peaked at number 11 in the UK and number 30 on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart.
– “The Logical Song” by Supertramp is highlighted for its use of keyboards, synthesisers and polished rock production, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979.