We've all heard our parents rave about the stellar artists and sounds of their generation. "The Eagles were the best!" "Led Zeppelin was amazing!" "Don't even get me started on The Beatles..." "Stevie Nicks changed my life, I swear." Yes, these artists were monumentally talented and can't be replaced. While I am far too snobby to wholeheartedly support the indoctrination of EDM music in today's world, I would say that we, too, have some incredible talents that represent the music scene of our generation. Here are a few albums and artists that will likely be remembered for years to come.
1. "Songs About Jane" - Maroon 5
Despite the fact that Maroon 5 have since gone too cookie-cutter pop for most listeners to handle, I doubt that anyone would question the genius that was "Songs About Jane." That album will forever be one of my all time favorites. There are hardly words to describe how raw, unique and soulful it is - all while keeping away from the cheesy realm. Adam Levine, you killed it, man.
2. John Mayer
Any girl with a heart will tell you that John Mayer is a straight-up scum bag. Yes, this is true. I won't undermine the heartbreak of Taylor Swift and Katy Perry. However, you'd have to be crazy to deny his obvious talent. Not only can he play guitar and sing like an angel, but his songwriting skills surpass most other artists of our time.
3. Adele
Come on, guys. Do I even need to explain this one?
4. Taylor Swift
While T-Swizzle isn't exactly my preferred genre, I would never dream of denying her absolute stardom. She's taken America by storm for the past six years and continues to kill it with her songwriting abilities. Keep on rocking, girly.
5. Lana Del Rey
It would be a tragedy if Miss. Del Rey wasn't remembered for years to come. Her uniquely soulful vocals and groundbreaking songs are truly unforgettable. Perhaps I'm biased, but I believe that she is one of the defining artists of our generation.
6. The Killers
This awesome group has been killing it (Get it?) for years. Brandon Flowers has truly one of the most incredible voices I've ever heard. Each of their albums seems to be better than the one before - each of their songs are instant classics. Cheers to a new album in 2016, boys!
7. Beyonce
Again, I don't listen to pop music specifically, but I cannot deny Beyonce's power over the human soul. She's a queen, according to every teenage girl. I believe that she will continue to steal hearts for years to come.
8. Kanye West
OK, I'll admit it, Kanye is 100 percent out of my element. I doubt I could name three of his songs - but there has to be a reason why his name pops up in every article when you Google "best artists of our generation."
9. Justin Bieber
Also 100 percent out of my element. I haven't genuinely liked a Biebs album until this year, when he came out with "Purpose" (because "Love Yourself" is too catchy to hate), but I very clearly remember his ability to make teenage girls cry at his concerts with "One Less Lonely Girl."
10. Ed Sheeran
The absolute cutest Brit out there (sorry, One Direction). Not only is he adorable, but he's talented as all get out. He writes songs for quite a few recording artists out there and kills it with his own vocals and guitar solos. I truly hope that my kids will know who Ed Sheeran is.
11. One Direction
There's no argument here - One Direction is huge. Every girl had an identity crisis when Zayn dropped the band, their meet-and-greets go for $5,000 and they're 75 percent of teenage girls' screensavers. If there's a boy band that could rival the Backstreet Boys in popularity, it's One Direction for sure.
