There are so many talented musicians that it is impossible to have heard them all. Each musician has so many songs, that even your favorite artist has some amazing songs that are being forgotten about. I have compiled a list of a few songs you most likely have not heard by artists who are completely underrated. While a number of these suggestions are alternative, there is a little bit of everything mixed in and represented, so check them out, find some new music, and give these underappreciated artists some love.
"Cocoon" by Catfish and the Bottlemen
Catfish and the Bottlemen is a personal favorite which I had to include first on the list. The British Indie rock band has released two full-length albums on which every single song is incredible. Picking a favorite is extremely difficult, but Cocoon was go-to the choice because it was the first single they released off their first album and I think it gives an accurate showcase of their sound. However, the second album is equally as phenomenal and includes one of my all-time favorite songs, "Emily" (I may or maybe not be prejudice to this song because the title is my name).
More by Artist: "Oxygen," "26," and "Emily"
"Without the Lights" by Elliot Moss
I am a sucker for songs with a minimalistic backtrack and emotional vocals, which is exactly what Elliot Moss brings to his music. This alternative electric sound is interesting to listen to and unmatched by any other artist. "Without the Lights" has a very dynamic progression making it a song you will want to listen to on repeat. The music video for the song also touches on a darker theme and has cool visuals and dancing that enhance the song.
More by Artist: "Slip" and "Closedloop"
"Everytime" by Broods
I do not have too much to say on Broods other than you should go listen to them. The duo has a unique sound that I have yet to find comparable to anyone else. Lyrically and musically the group does a number on all their songs, so I highly recommend giving them a listen to starting with my favorite and wildly underappreciated song, "Everytime."
More by Artist: "Bridges," "Free," and "Recovery"
"Take Shelter" by Years & Years
Years & Years is an electro-pop group that produces many fantastic songs. A lot of their songs, like "Take Shelter," are fun songs that you cannot help but dance to, but they also have some more emotional and dynamic songs, like "Foundation," that show off the lead singer’s vocals. "Take Shelter" is my favorite song off their album and no matter what kind of day I am having, immediately puts me in a better mood.
More by Artist: "Desire," "Worship," and "Foundation"
"Shivers" by JMR
I randomly found the song "Shivers" one day after falling into the YouTube black hole, and then could not find the song again for like a year. I remembered the song and searched for it for so long. One day it randomly showed up as a suggestion on Spotify and I remembered why I loved it so much. As mentioned before, I really like low-key songs with emotional vocals. If you listen to it you will see why it was worth searching for.
More by Artist: "Closer," "Found My Religion," and "Gravity" (by Jai Wolf, feat. JMR)
"90210" by Blackbear
Blackbear is what I would call a compromise for someone who does not like rap. Blackbear fits into the genre of rap and R&B, but I would also argue that he fits in the alternative category. Within the rapping, Blackbear has chill vocals that you can jam to. The rapping itself is less intense and might even be something you can convince your dad to listen to.
More by Artist: "Idfc," "Dirty Laundry," and "Nervous"
"Haunt" by Banks
Banks is the definition of a stereotypical alternative female vocalist, but she is the absolute best at it. "Haunt" is just one the many alternative pop songs that will get stuck in your head. With her second album drop and opening for The Weeknd, Banks is gaining traction, but not enough for what she deserves.
More by Artist: "Gemini Feed," "Goddess," and "Beggin For Thread"
"My Song 5" by HAIM
HAIM is a trio of empowering female musicians. They got a bit of name recognition while opening for Taylor Swift’s tour, however that was more for the fact they were in Swift’s squad, and not for their unique sound. "My Song 5" is a weird song, which combines a lot of interesting elements that end up working really well together. The trio only has one album out, but every song has a different alternative sound, guaranteeing you will find at least one song you will enjoy.
More by Artist: "Honey & I," "The Wire," and "Send Me Down"
"The Winds of Change" by St. Lucia
St. Lucia’s sound gives off 80’s vibes that make every song a bop. "The Winds of Change" is one of many songs that are just enjoyable to listen to and you cannot help but jam out to. The band has released a few albums, but their most recent, "Matter," is full of great songs that deserve more attention. Also if you get the chance to see St. Lucia live, please do. I saw them at ACL in 2016, and they were one of my favorite acts because not only were vocals on point, but they were a lot of fun to watch.
More by Artist: "Elevate," "Love Somebody," and "Dancing On Glass"
"Kids" by Mikky Ekko
I’m not even going to lie; I love this song because it is in my favorite scene of Teen Wolf. But that fact aside, it is an exceptional song, with appropriate and accurate lyrics. Mikky Ekko gained some name recognition for his feature on Rihanna’s song Stay. His vocals on that track are a great pair to Rihanna’s, but they are equally fantastic on their own and result in a handful of great songs.
More by Artist: "Smile," "Time," and "Love You Crazy"
"Say So" by Terror Jr
Terror Jr is an electo-pop group that is new to the music scene. The group currently has only one album out, named "Bop City" which is both very appropriate and iconic title. The sound of the group is very distinctive and overall a good time to listen to.
More by Artist: "3 Strikes," "Sugar," and "Super Powers"
"Warming Sun" by Dirty Heads
Dirty Heads is a band from California and you can hear the “Cali Vibes” in each song. They have a hip-hop, reggae, alternative mash up sound that blends perfectly. Overall they have a super laid-back sound that makes you just want to chill on the beach. The album "Home | Phantoms of Summer: The Acoustic Session" is one of my favorite albums, and can give summer vibes even in the dead of winter.
More by Artist: "My Sweet Summer," "Burn Slow," and "Garland"
"Bad, Bad, Bad" by LANY
LANY is another band that gives off 80’s vibes. LANY is also a huge tease! I adore all their songs and they refuse to release a full album of all this goodness. Instead they release EPs and singles randomly. Even though you do not get an hour of uninterrupted bliss by LANY, you are always surprised by new music when you follow LANY. Their music is the kind you can chill and do homework to or jam out in your car to. LANY is gaining a following a bit more quickly now that they are touring with some other big alternative names, but Bad, Bad, Bad is a jam song that is over looked and deserves a little extra love.
More by Artist: "ILYSB," "Good Girls," and "Yea, Babe, No Way"
