Tracing the ever-present lines existing between artists, bands, musicians, and inspirations has become a source of fascination for many people. Now and then in music history, an artist performs something that’s indeed exciting. However, they scarcely get recognized for it; on rare occasions, this continues throughout an artist’s career, as they continue to produce excellent music that, for some odd reason, gets overlooked by the general public. Here are the top 7 underrated artists around the world who have been overlooked by music history.
1. The Kinks: Pioneers of Rock and Roll
It’s always a shame when a truly exceptional band is defined by one or two terrific songs. The Kinks’ impact on rock and roll history cannot be overstated. How many people know that Ray Davies had a massive effect on John Lennon? These individuals impacted the Beatles, who then influenced the rest of the world. Only a tiny part of their vast musical catalog has contributed to their success.
“You Really Got Me,” “All Day and All of the Night,” and “Lola” are three Kinks songs that even casual listeners will recognize. It’s disappointing that the band isn’t rated as highly as The Beatles. Some of their best works are “Waterloo Sunset,” “Tired of Waiting,” and “Well Respected Man.”
2. Steve Earle: The Unseen Legend
Steve Earle, a long-time veteran of the Nashville music industry, should be far more well-known than he is, but he chose anonymity above stardom. This singer-songwriter has worked with musicians like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Emmylou Harris. For more than 30 years, he has performed and produced a distinctive combination of folk, rock, and country music on stage and in the studio.
Earle’s discography is vast and varied, with standout albums like “Guitar Town,” “Copperhead Road,” and “I Feel Alright.” His songwriting is revered by his peers, but he remains a hidden gem to many music lovers.
3. MC5: The Unsung Heroes of Punk Rock
This Michigan-based band was instrumental in popularising and spreading punk rock and garage rock. MC5’s debut album, “Kick Out the Jams” (1969), sowed the seeds of a great musical movement. Their stripped-down instrumentals, anti-establishment ideology, and ridiculously energetic on-stage performances set the tone for much of the punk craze that would sweep the country throughout the 1970s.
MC5 is considered one of the most essential bands in alternative rock development, although they only released three albums. The band broke up just three years after forming, and their discography is considered wildly significant to the trajectory of music history in America.
4. Captain Beefheart: The Avant-Garde Maestro
Captain Beefheart, a.k.a. Don Van Vliet, has been captivating young revolutionaries with the help of his devoted Magic Band for years. He’s influenced bands as diverse as The White Stripes, LCD Soundsystem, Beck, and many more. His influence is there in today’s mainstream music, although few are aware of who he is.
His music is a strange blend of jazz, blues, rock, and soul that takes a few listens to really comprehend. But it’s definitely worth the journey once you do – his 1969 record “Trout Mask Replica” is possibly the best thing to ever penetrate the public consciousness.
5. T-Rex: The Glam Rock Innovators
In the late 1960s, Marc Bolan fronted the psychedelic folk band, Tyrannosaurus Rex. The T-Rex craze swept across Bolan’s native Britain with a fervor unmatched since the Beatles. He failed to score another hit in America after 1971’s “Bang a Gong (Get It On).” At the end of the decade, Bolan found a new career. He became the host of a teen music show.
Early Rex’s albums are tribal-rock freakouts, such as “Electric Warrior” and “The Slider.” However, in 1977 due to a terrible car accident, all of this was lost. His most recent album, “Dandy in the Underworld,” suggests he was rediscovering his mojo. It makes his death, two weeks before his 30th birthday, all the more tragic.
6. Sasha Sloan: The Hidden Gem of Pop Music
Sasha Sloan is the stage name of Alexandra Artourovna Yatchenko, an American artist. After years of appearing on one-off singles and co-writing songs for big names like Katy Perry, Camila Cabello, and Idina Menzel, she released her first album, “Only Child,” in 2019.
Her road to the music industry is even more bizarre. She found her way thanks to a Reddit article that went viral. Her songs are typically mellow and deep, with a sense of calm. “Only Child,” “Is it just me?”, “I’ll Wait” and “Dancing with Your Ghost” are some of her songs that you can listen to.
7. Hozier: The Modern-Day Bard
Andrew John Hozier-Byrne is an Irish musician known by his stage name, “Hozier.” He is the epitome of a bibliophile who enjoys gloomy academic subjects and ancient cultural styles of music, drawing his lyrics from folk, soul, and blues genres with a combination of religious and intellectual themes.
He became a global sensation with his wonderful song “Take Me to Church.” His voice, which is both haunting and soulful, is truly unrivaled. “Take Me to Church,” “No Plan,” “Like Real People Do,” and “Almost (Sweet Music)” are some of his songs that you can listen to.
Honorable Mentions: More Underrated Artists Around the World
While the above artists are truly noteworthy, there are many more underrated artists around the world who deserve recognition:
8. St. Vincent: The Multifaceted Musician
St. Vincent, the stage name of Annie Clark, has been creating innovative music for over a decade. Her blend of indie rock, pop, and electronic music is both experimental and accessible. Albums like “Strange Mercy” and “Masseduction” showcase her unique sound and lyrical prowess. Despite critical acclaim, she remains somewhat underappreciated by the mainstream audience.
9. Mitski: The Voice of a Generation
Mitski Miyawaki, known simply as Mitski, has been hailed as one of the most talented songwriters of her generation. Her music, which combines indie rock, folk, and pop, delves deep into themes of identity, loneliness, and love. Albums like “Be the Cowboy” and “Puberty 2” have garnered a dedicated fan base, yet she remains on the fringes of mainstream success.
10. FKA twigs: The Avant-Pop Innovator
FKA twigs, the stage name of Tahliah Barnett, has been pushing the boundaries of pop and R&B since her debut. Her music is a blend of ethereal vocals, intricate production, and provocative visuals. Albums like “LP1” and “Magdalene” have been critically acclaimed, yet she remains underrated in the broader music landscape.
11. Khruangbin: The Global Fusion Trio
Khruangbin, a trio from Texas, creates music that fuses global sounds, from Thai funk to Middle Eastern surf rock. Their instrumental tracks are hypnotic and groove-heavy, making them a unique presence in today’s music scene. Albums like “The Universe Smiles Upon You” and “Mordechai” are must-listens for any music lover.
12. Angel Olsen: The Indie Rock Poet
Angel Olsen’s music blends indie rock, folk, and country, with haunting vocals and poignant lyrics. Her albums, including “Burn Your Fire for No Witness” and “All Mirrors,” have received critical praise, yet she remains somewhat under the radar in the mainstream music world.
13. Leon Bridges: The Modern Soul Maestro
Leon Bridges burst onto the scene with his debut album “Coming Home,” which paid homage to classic soul and R&B. His follow-up albums, “Good Thing” and “Gold-Diggers Sound,” have continued to showcase his smooth vocals and heartfelt songwriting. Despite his talent, he hasn’t achieved the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries.
Conclusion
In this article, Deliver My Tune pays tribute to these unfortunate musical artists who made amazing songs but remain underrated. These underrated artists around the world have contributed significantly to the music industry, yet they don’t receive the recognition they deserve. By exploring their music, we can appreciate the diversity and richness of the global music landscape.
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