As the music landscape continually evolves, it’s easy for remarkable artists to get lost in the shuffle. However, the world is brimming with musicians who are pushing boundaries, creating innovative sounds, and delivering poignant messages through their work. For Gen X and Boomers who think great music stopped being made decades ago, it’s time for a wakeup call. Here are 10 underrated musicians from various genres you should be listening to, regardless of what generation you identify with.
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1. Jon Batiste
Beyond being the musical director for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jon Batiste is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with a unique blend of jazz, soul, and R&B that can capture the hearts of listeners across generations. With infectious hits like “I Need You,” he’s proven that he can create commercial tracks without losing his unique flair. He’s a multi-genre, multi-instrumentalist virtuoso that deserves to be on every playlist, whether you’re Gen X, a Boomer, or anyone who appreciates good music.
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2. Feist
If you think Feist is just the “1234” girl from the Apple commercial, you’re missing out on one of the most nuanced artists of our time. Leslie Feist, known mononymously as Feist, has a discography that is a masterclass in musical evolution. From her indie rock beginnings with Broken Social Scene to her introspective solo work like “The Reminder,” she’s proven her depth and versatility. Hits like “Mushaboom” and “How Come You Never Go There” showcase her knack for poetic lyrics and complex melodies. She’s the kind of artist who can be both radio-friendly and a deep cut favorite. So, whether you’re a Boomer or part of Gen X, Feist’s music offers a timeless quality that appeals to listeners of all ages. She deserves far more acclaim for her consistent innovation and artistic integrity.
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3. Boygenius
If the term “super-group” brings to mind outdated ’80s bands, let’s update that lexicon with Boygenius. Comprising indie stalwarts Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, Boygenius is the epitome of young, soulful talent pooling their collective energies into something remarkable. Each of these women has a successful solo career, but together they create an ethereal atmosphere that transcends their individual works. Their self-titled EP was an instant classic, packed with emotional ballads like “Me & My Dog” and the haunting “Salt in the Wound.” This trio captures the complexities of friendship, heartbreak, and the existential dread of young adulthood in a way that feels both intimate and universally relatable.
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4. Big Thief
Big Thief is the kind of band that makes you wonder, “Why aren’t these folks headlining every festival yet?” Comprising Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek, Max Oleartchik, and James Krivchenia, this Brooklyn-based band has carved a unique niche in indie folk-rock. Their 2019 albums, “U.F.O.F.” and “Two Hands,” were critically acclaimed for their intricate storytelling and atmospheric melodies. Adrianne Lenker’s songwriting is the emotional core of the group, touching on themes of vulnerability, nature, and existential curiosity with a poetic finesse that’s rarely found in contemporary music. They manage to blend melancholy with an earthy realism that could make a fan out of anyone who appreciates emotionally charged, lyrically complex music.
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5. St. Vincent
If you’re in the mood for a blend of rock, pop, and a touch of eclectic artistry, then St. Vincent should be on your playlist. Real name Annie Clark, St. Vincent is a multi-instrumentalist and singer who has been shaking up the music world since her debut album “Marry Me” in 2007. Clark has the ability to zig when you think she’s going to zag, keeping her music fresh, unpredictable, and yet oddly addictive. Her 2014 self-titled album won her a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album, making her only the second solo female to win in that category since its inception. And let’s not forget her collaborative album with David Byrne of Talking Heads fame, which was the perfect union of experimental rock and avant-garde pop.
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6. Courtney Barnett
Courtney Barnett is an Australian singer-songwriter who stormed onto the music scene with a wit and lyrical cleverness that caught critics and fans alike off guard—in the best possible way. She garnered international acclaim for her 2015 debut album, “Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit,” and if that album title doesn’t give you a sense of her lyrical prowess, nothing will. Barnett’s music is a delightful cocktail of indie rock, folk, and even grunge, all set to a background of catchy melodies and musical authenticity.
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7. Brittany Howard
Brittany Howard is the powerhouse voice you might recognize from the American blues-rock band Alabama Shakes, but don’t mistake her as just the band’s frontwoman. She’s a musical force of her own, unafraid to venture out and explore a variety of musical genres. Howard released her debut solo album, “Jaime,” in 2019, an ambitious project named after her late sister. The album blends elements of funk, soul, R&B, and rock into a complex musical journey that tackles themes ranging from identity to social issues.
Songs like “History Repeats” and “Stay High” exemplify her range not just as a vocalist but also as a songwriter. Her voice is a musical instrument of its own, capable of the softest, most intimate whispers and the loudest, most earth-shattering roars. And let’s be honest, any voice that can make you feel the song in your bones deserves every bit of your attention.
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8. Kevin Morby
Kevin Morby is a name that perhaps isn’t on everyone’s lips, but it should be, especially if you have an appetite for indie folk and rock with poetic leanings. Originating from the musical hotbed that is Kansas City, Morby embarked on his solo career in 2013 after performing in bands like Woods and The Babies. His discography is akin to a treasure trove of intricate storytelling, rich instrumentation, and vocals that envelop you like a warm blanket.
Albums like “City Music” and “Oh My God” delve into complex themes like urban life and existentialism, but they’re never a drag. On the contrary, Morby’s music often has an invigorating effect, like a shot of espresso for your soul. His songwriting is both profound and relatable, the kind of tunes that make you ponder life’s mysteries while tapping your foot.
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9. Moses Sumney
Moses Sumney should be on your musical radar, particularly if you have an appreciation for boundary-pushing artistry. Starting off in Los Angeles, Sumney initially garnered attention for his ethereal voice and self-taught skills on the guitar. His music resists easy categorization; it’s a sumptuous blend of soul, folk, electronic, and rock influences that somehow manages to be both otherworldly and deeply human.
His debut album, “Aromanticism,” received wide acclaim for its exploration of lovelessness and solitude, capturing the nuances of modern relationships with delicate lyricism and intricate musicianship.
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10. Sharon Van Etten
Sharon Van Etten is an artist who seamlessly blends emotive lyrics with indie rock, folk, and electronic influences. She hails from New Jersey and started her music career in the indie circuits of New York City. Van Etten’s music provides a therapeutic exploration of complex relationships, self-discovery, and emotional vulnerabilities.
Her breakthrough came with the 2012 album “Tramp,” which solidified her position as a force in the indie music world. The album showcases her compelling storytelling and distinct vocal delivery. Fast forward to her 2019 release, “Remind Me Tomorrow,” and you’ll see an artist unafraid to evolve, infusing her raw, confessional songwriting with electronic textures and expansive instrumentation.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
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