Very strong lyrics are the strongest feature of this folk quartet. Very basic sound, simple instrumentation and homogeneous compositions make each song fail to distinguish itself from the previous. Kind of like Son Volt but a bit more poppy/clean cut, and less sonically interesting. Most recent album introduces keyboards and richer instrumentation.

Ben Harper is a solid songwriter and performer with his own extensive catalog, and also several albums with The Innocent Criminals. They back him well, adding a sort of New Orleans vibe to Harper's music. One of their big hits was "Steal My Kisses," which is very Jack Johnson-ish, but most of the stuff leans more towards soul. Harper's solo stuff can be in just about any genre as he dabbles in many. Click here for Apple Music playlist

Slow, depressing acoustic folk trying to out-sad Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska (and his voice is pretty similar) but not as musically interesting by a lot

Smooth vocalist maybe trying to rip off John Mayer's poppier stuff. Some catchy grooves. Big choruses.

Claranetist does instrumentals. Somewhat middle eastern vibe.

Jazzy adult contemporary bedroom pop-soul originals.

American Idol finalist who does soul/pop.

Probably great live, but this updated honkey-tonk music is too cleanly produced for our tstes. Needs to be grittier/dirtier. Talented band. We don't love his tinny voice, though he has chops.

Too serious folk, much of it acoustic, but some songs have full band. Layered vocals. Ambitious lyrics only partially successful - a little overdone. Not fun even when she's trying to be funny.

Competent but uncompelling sugar pop band - currently doing a reunion tour.

The guy from the Drake and Josh show! His music is empty sellout pop and his voice is kind of thin.

Like listening to a song-length Guns 'n Roses intro that never kicks in to the rock part. Spotify bio accurately says "Strumming and Yelling"

Elegant alternative pop-rock with just a touch of 1950's torch songs. Good lead vocals. Click here for Apple Music playlist

Well crafted downtempo rap jams, great baritone voice, lots of colabs. Some offensive/explicit material.

Mostly clean raps with groovy backing tracks.

Growling, plodding death metal with very fast drums. Indecipherable gutteral vocals.

Growling death metal with very speedy parts.

Insane screaming speed metal. Indecipherable high pitched vocals.

Frequent collaborator dishes out midtempo rap grooves

Vaguely pronounced rhythmic rap over loop tracks, uniquely from a lesbian POV.