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most underrated music artists

Some of the most underrated music artists have managed to carve out niche fanbases, but haven’t quite achieved mainstream recognition despite their immense talent. These artists often possess unique sounds, storytelling abilities, and emotional depth that stand out, yet they remain overlooked in favor of more commercially popular acts. Their artistry often challenges norms and introduces new ideas, making them influential, yet often relegated to the shadows.

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Jorja Smith’s soulful sound, Banks' darkly emotional electronica, Kehlani's genre-blending R&B, and Kimbra's quirky yet captivating pop melodies showcase their artistic depth. Jorja Smith's lyrics resonate with vulnerability, while Banks creates haunting atmospheres that captivate listeners. Kehlani’s raw, honest approach to life and love shines through her music, resonating deeply with fans. Kimbra’s eclectic approach to pop and experimental elements make her music stand out. Unfortunately, despite their incredible artistry, these artists often do not get the mainstream recognition they deserve. Their work, however, continues to push boundaries, creating spaces for unique, thoughtful music that connects deeply with their audiences.

  • Jorja Smith
    Jorja Smith

    Jorja Smith - Soulful voice with emotional depth.

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  • Banks
    Banks

    Banks - Dark, atmospheric pop with raw emotion.

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  • Kehlani
    Kehlani

    Kehlani - Emotionally charged pop with soulful vocals.

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  • Kimbra
    Kimbra

    Kimbra - Experimental pop with boundary-pushing sound.

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  • Bebe Rexha
    Bebe Rexha

    Bebe Rexha - Pop powerhouse with a versatile voice.

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  • Captain Beefheart
    Captain Beefheart

    Captain Beefheart - Avant-garde genius with unique sound.

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  • Grimes
    Grimes

    Grimes - Futuristic pop with experimental artistry.

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  • Troye Sivan
    Troye Sivan

    Troye Sivan - Thoughtful pop with emotional vulnerability.

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  • Alec Benjamin
    Alec Benjamin

    Alec Benjamin - Lyrically-driven pop with poignant storytelling.

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  • Allie X
    Allie X

    Allie X - Pop perfection with experimental undertones.

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most underrated music artists

1.

Jorja Smith

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Jorja Alice Smith is a British singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and blend of R&B, jazz, and electronic music. Since her debut, Jorja has garnered attention for her emotive storytelling and sophisticated production. Her debut album, Lost & Found (2018), received critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and rich soundscapes. Despite her early success, Jorja Smith remains an underrated figure in the mainstream, with her intricate musicality and powerful vocal delivery often flying under the radar in comparison to her peers.

Pros

  • pros Soulful voice
  • pros Emotional depth
  • pros Great lyricism
  • pros Unique blend
  • pros Versatile

Cons

  • consUnderappreciated
  • cons Low mainstream visibility
  • cons Limited discography
  • cons Needs wider recognition
  • cons Slow mainstream acceptance

2.

Banks

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Banks (Jillian Rose Banks) is an American singer-songwriter whose dark, brooding electro-pop has captivated listeners since her debut in the early 2010s. With her ethereal voice and raw lyrics, Banks blends elements of alternative R&B with electronic production to create deeply emotional and atmospheric music. Her albums, such as Goddess (2014) and The Altar (2016), explore themes of love, pain, and self-reflection, though she often remains underappreciated in pop music circles. Banks’ ability to mix haunting melodies with powerful emotions has made her a standout artist.

Pros

  • pros Strong vocals
  • pros Dark aesthetic
  • pros Emotional lyrics
  • pros Innovative
  • pros Bold sound

Cons

  • consNiche appeal
  • cons Underrated by the mainstream
  • cons Limited radio play
  • cons Not for everyone
  • cons Slow album releases

3.

Kehlani

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Kehlani Ashley Parrish is an American R&B singer whose talent for blending soulful melodies with modern production has earned her a dedicated following. Known for her honest and vulnerable lyrics, Kehlani touches on themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Despite widespread acclaim for her work, including the album SweetSexySavage (2017) and It Was Good Until It Wasn't (2020), Kehlani remains underrated in mainstream pop culture. Her ability to seamlessly mix genres like R&B, pop, and hip-hop sets her apart from many of her contemporaries.

Pros

  • pros Powerful vocals
  • pros Relatable lyrics
  • pros Emotional depth
  • pros Diverse sound
  • pros Authentic

Cons

  • consOften overlooked
  • cons Inconsistent mainstream recognition
  • cons Shorter album releases
  • cons Narrow mainstream appeal
  • cons Not enough collaborations

4.

Kimbra

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Kimbra Lee Johnson is a New Zealand singer-songwriter whose experimental pop sound and eclectic style have earned her a loyal fanbase. Kimbra’s 2011 debut album, Vows, showcased her unique blend of jazz, soul, and electronic influences, but she truly captured international attention with her feature on Gotye’s hit single “Somebody That I Used to Know.” Despite her success, Kimbra remains underrated in mainstream circles. Her creativity and genre-blending have kept her relevant in the alternative music scene, but she has not achieved the mainstream recognition she deserves.

Pros

  • pros Unique sound
  • pros Creative production
  • pros Strong vocals
  • pros Genre-blending
  • pros Artistic approach

Cons

  • consNiche fanbase
  • cons Not widely recognized
  • cons Limited commercial success
  • cons Lack of mainstream radio play
  • cons Sometimes polarizing

5.

Bebe Rexha

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Bebe Rexha (Bleta Rexha) is an American singer-songwriter known for her versatile vocal style and genre-blending hits. She has written and performed across a variety of musical genres, including pop, country, and EDM, with chart-topping singles like “Meant to Be” (with Florida Georgia Line) and “I’m a Mess.” Despite her mainstream success, Bebe Rexha remains underrated in terms of critical recognition. Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres and create catchy, emotional pop songs has solidified her as one of the more talented artists of her generation.

Pros

  • pros Versatile voice
  • pros Hit singles
  • pros Genre flexibility
  • pros Strong stage presence
  • pros Catchy hooks

Cons

  • consUnderappreciated
  • cons Commercial pop image
  • cons Sometimes formulaic
  • cons Limited vocal range appeal
  • cons Not enough critical acclaim

6.

Captain Beefheart

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Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet) was an avant-garde rock musician whose work in the 1960s and 1970s influenced a wide range of genres, including alternative rock, punk, and experimental music. Known for his unconventional vocals and abstract, often surreal lyrics, Captain Beefheart’s music defied categorization. His most famous work, Trout Mask Replica (1969), is considered a cult classic, though it has remained an acquired taste for most listeners. Captain Beefheart’s pioneering sound and boundary-pushing approach to music still resonate in underground music circles, despite his relative obscurity.

Pros

  • pros Groundbreaking sound
  • pros Experimental
  • pros Influential
  • pros Unique style
  • pros Cult following

Cons

  • consHard to digest
  • cons Complex music
  • cons Limited mainstream appeal
  • cons Unconventional style
  • cons Sometimes inaccessible

7.

Grimes

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Claire Elise Boucher, better known by her stage name Grimes, is a Canadian musician and producer known for her genre-defying music that blends electronic, pop, and experimental elements. Her 2012 album Visions catapulted her to fame, earning critical acclaim for its innovative sound and ethereal production. Despite her experimental approach and unique artistry, Grimes remains underrated in mainstream pop music. Her music, which often incorporates themes of dystopia, technology, and personal struggle, has built a dedicated fanbase but has not achieved widespread commercial success, making her a standout yet underappreciated talent.

Pros

  • pros Innovative sound
  • pros Futuristic
  • pros Unique voice
  • pros Experimental production
  • pros Iconoclast

Cons

  • consPolarizing music style
  • cons Inconsistent commercial success
  • cons Niche fanbase
  • cons Underappreciated by mainstream critics
  • cons Often misunderstood

8.

Troye Sivan

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Troye Sivan Mellet is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actor whose heartfelt pop music has captured the attention of a global audience. Known for his introspective lyrics and emotive delivery, Troye rose to fame with hits like “Youth” and his debut album Blue Neighbourhood (2015). Despite his growing success, Troye Sivan has often been considered underrated in the mainstream pop world, overshadowed by bigger names in the genre. His ability to mix personal themes with universal appeal has made him a favorite among fans, though he still deserves broader recognition.

Pros

  • pros Honest lyrics
  • pros Emotional depth
  • pros Catchy tunes
  • pros Great vocal control
  • pros Relatable content

Cons

  • consNot enough mainstream recognition
  • cons Niche audience
  • cons Limited radio play
  • cons Overlooked by pop scene
  • cons Slow album releases

9.

Alec Benjamin

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Alec Benjamin (Alec Shane Benjamin) is an American singer-songwriter known for his distinct voice and storytelling style. His introspective lyrics, paired with minimalist acoustic production, have gained him a dedicated following, especially with tracks like “Let Me Down Slowly” and “If We Have Each Other.” Although Alec has achieved notable success, including viral hits on social media, his depth as a songwriter and his ability to tackle vulnerable, raw emotions in his music often go unnoticed by the mainstream. Alec Benjamin’s sincerity and artistry remain criminally underrated in pop music.

Pros

  • pros Strong storytelling
  • pros Relatable lyrics
  • pros Unique voice
  • pros Catchy hooks
  • pros Vulnerable tone

Cons

  • consNarrow genre appeal
  • cons Limited vocal range
  • cons Lack of radio play
  • cons Underappreciated
  • cons Slow mainstream breakthrough

10.

Allie X

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Allie X (Alexandra Ashley Hughes) is a Canadian pop singer-songwriter whose eclectic and experimental approach to pop music sets her apart from her peers. With a blend of indie, synth-pop, and alternative influences, Allie X’s music often pushes the boundaries of mainstream pop. Her album CollXtion II (2017) garnered attention for its haunting melodies and dark, introspective themes. Despite her innovative music and captivating live performances, Allie X remains an underrated figure in pop music, often overshadowed by more commercial acts, but still considered a cult favorite among discerning listeners.

Pros

  • pros Experimental
  • pros Unique sound
  • pros Great production
  • pros Strong visuals
  • pros Creative songwriting

Cons

  • consNiche appeal
  • cons Limited recognition
  • cons Underappreciated by mainstream media
  • cons Complex music
  • cons Slow album output

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