Top 10 Most Influential Music Artists in the 21st Century

The global music industry is constantly evolving and there is no doubt that there are millions of talented music artists who helped to enrich the industry. When it comes to the most influential artists in the industry, the list is simply too big and when it comes to the top 10; it is fairly impossible to pick the best among so many talented artists including singers, rappers, bands, and music producers. Let’s check the top 10 most influential music artists in the 21st century who set a mark in the industry while winning millions of hearts.

1. Kendrick Lamar

Well, let’s not “Meet the Grahams” as Kendrick is here to offer you some lessons of life. This menacing rapper is currently the top hip-hop mogul in the scene who is not afraid of spitting the truth. Lamar’s sharp lyricism and highly controversial topics make his bangers even more intriguing for his fans. Drawing inspiration from the social situations, racial discrimination, political rivalry, and the great American history; Lamar’s musical projects are highly important for the Youth to learn. It is not just the lyrical approach but also the musical arrangements that make his tracks so amazing such as ‘Humble’, ‘They Not Like Us’, ‘Money Trees,' and many others.

2. Radiohead

When it comes to the most influential alt-rock bands of all time, Radiohead deserves to be at the top. This band has pushed the boundaries of contemporary rock music and made it closer to mass audiences by creating ethereal compositions. Starting from ‘Creep’, ‘Paranoid Android’, ‘No Surprises’, ‘High & Dry’ to ‘Everything in Its Right Place’, ‘Daydreaming’; Radiohead has offered listeners a huge and captivating musical collection that goes with emotion that you neglected. The main man behind the band, Thom Yorke is a highly talented music artist who is also known for solo works.

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3. Steven Wilson

It is hard to find a music lover who does not like Porcupine Tree and it is all because of Steven’s musical Magic. This man revived the taste of progressive rock music with a perfect dose of alternative elements. While his band gained global recognition in the ‘90s and 2000s; the artist embarked on his solo career in 2008 and offered some of the best album projects like ‘To the Bone’, ‘The Raven That Refused Sing (And Other Stories), ‘The Future Bites’, etc to name some.

4. Amy Winehouse

If there is any woman who can do it all, that would be none other than Amy Winehouse. This versatile singer-songwriter is best known for her genre-bending creations which include the elements of blues, jazz, soul, and hip-hop as well. Other than her ravishing beauty, Amy had ecstatic vocal skills which brought her closer to the listeners’ hearts. One of her greatest milestones is the 2006 project ‘Back To Black’ which helped her reach new heights of success. Revolving around topics like heartbreak and obsession, Amy knew how to resonate with the masses.

5. Arctic Monkeys

‘Do You Wanna Know’ about Arctic Monkeys? Well, they are one of the best bands in the 21st century who know what they are doing.  Songwriter Alex Turner and his pals started their musical endeavor in 2002 and soon they spread their musical aura all over the world from their base in Sheffield, United Kingdom. The Brit Rock band offers a neo-taste of rock that consists of punk, garage rock, and alt-rock flavors. Starting with the album ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not’ in 2006, the band has dropped a total of 7 albums till now which offered listeners some of the most captivating tracks of all time. The band influenced young listeners very much and still doing so!

6. Jeff Buckley

Some music artists live eternally through their music and Jeff Buckley is one of them. This highly talented singer passed away in 1997 through a drowning accident. It was quite unfortunate that the industry had to lose such a remarkable music artist in his prime. Three years after his death, Jeff’s debut album ‘Grace’ emerged in the market and the posthumous release created a major buzz among the fans. It goes without saying that Buckley made the best rendition of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ which still gives goosebumps when listened to.

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7. Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean is one of the most talented alternative R&B artists in the industry who created a genre of his own. Smooth vocal skills, experimental music, and captivating music videos are the main ingredients of his amazing musical collection. Whether it is ‘Pink + White’, ‘Godspeed’, ‘Novocane’ or any other tracks; there is a silky smooth energy and a laid-back vibe in his tracks which sounds highly emotive and comforting at the same time.

8. Sufjan Stevens

Singer, songwriter, and highly talented multi-instrumentalist, Sufjan Stevens is a one-man army who can take care of everything. While he helped everyone solve the ‘Mystery of Love’, his poetic lyricism revolves around the subject matters of existential crisis and clarity, pondering suicide, faith in God, and goodwill, as well as emotional issues related to relations. Starting with ‘A Sun Came’ in 2000; Stevens dropped a total of 9 studio albums and extended his fans’ sob hours with songs like ‘Dear John’, ‘Visions of Gideon’, and many others.

9. Daft Punk

This French electronic music duo has definitely put a big change in the music industry by combining the flavors of disco, techno, funk as well as synth and pop elements. They are considered to be the most influential artists in dance music who offered listeners ‘Get Lucky’, ‘One More Time’, ‘Instant Crush’, and many others.

10. Beyoncé

It is fairly impossible to talk about Beyoncé through a brief description as "Queen Bey" herself is an industry. But she is also one of the most successful businesswomen who has empowered other music artists as well as the black community with her array of musical ventures. Till now, Beyoncé has dropped a total of 8 studio albums and each of them is a successful one.

Evidently, there are many other talented music artists in the industry who influenced and fueled the industry forward. Stay tuned to find out more about the influential music artists.