In no particular order, here are my 10 favourite musical artists with honourable mentions at the bottom. I mostly like funk, soul, soft rock, pop and R&B; hence most of the artists I enjoy come under this musical category.
Prince. One of the most incredibly gifted musicians of the 20th and 21st century, and a legend sure to be missed. Prince was a superb talent – player of all instruments, writer of all lyrics, master of all production. He had the outfits, the dancing, and the style. He blended funk, R&B, rock, soul, electronic and pop sounds all together to create his iconic sound. The man was a prodigy, authentic to his love for music and his vision. He had a band full of men and women of different ethnicities and sexualities, bringing together unity at a time when social change was booming. My favourite Prince songs are "When Doves Cry", "I Wanna be your Lover", and "Diamonds and Pearls".
Alicia Keys. I fell in love with this woman’s music from a young age. She blends soul, Hip-Hop and R&B beautifully with a deep sense of passion and emotion in her voice, particularly in her newest album "Here". Few contemporary pop artists write their own lyrics and music and produce. Not only is she a great singer but a wonderful pianist, with piano intros on all her albums. She has a classical and Jazz background which is heard clearly in her songs. She also has a published book of poetry named Tears for Water and has acted in some films, showing her as an all-rounded artist. Some of my favourite Alicia songs are "I Need You", "Diary" and "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart".
Michael Jackson. I don't think there's a single bad MJ song. His music is catchy, enjoyable and appeals to everyone young and old. Michael’s unique voice and dance moves have captured the souls of millions, to the point where people would cry at his concerts. He was a phenomenal performer and very humanitarian with a lot of his music e.g. Earth Song, They don't care about us, Black or White. Sadly he is no longer with us, but that won’t stop his musical legacy. Fav songs: "Billie Jean", "Human Nature" and "Smooth Criminal".
Beyoncé. She strikes a powerful impact as being very pro-women with an all-female band and lots of songs about female empowerment, such as ‘Run the World’, ‘Single Ladies’ and ‘Independent Women pt.1’ Beyoncé has a great voice and moves, and fun songs with catchy hooks and riffs that make you feel good. (I do think she is over-revered as a 'queen'; you can be a fan of someone without acting like they're perfect. None of the artists on this list have the same level of 'perfection' that she claims to emit. I've always enjoyed her music but she isn't on the talent level of someone like Alicia Keys who writes her own songs and plays an instrument well.) Fav songs: "Me Myself and I", "Deja Vu", and "End of Time".
Terence Trent D’arby. Now known as Sananda Maitreya, Trent was a big R&B singer in the 80s, with his album "Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’arby." Sort of a one-album wonder, the guy seems to have disappeared after that album, but what an awesome album it was. His voice is full of soul, and the songs are authentic and well crafted. Fav songs: "Wishing Well", "Dance Little Sister" and "Sign Your Name".
Stevie Wonder. My dad’s always said that nobody dislikes Stevie Wonder. I reckon he’s right. Stevie is just classic. Timeless soulful music, beautifully arranged, songs that make you happy, sad and excited; this man is the package. A blind pianist like Ray Charles; his blindness being the price to pay for being one of the most talented musicians alive. Fav songs: "For Once in My Life", "As", and "Part-Time Lover".
Fishbone. Recently got into this band from the 80s, blending together funk, punk and ska. They sang about social issues affecting people at the time, such as war, family break up and racial issues. A lively, upbeat band that toured alongside the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Fishbone are freaking awesome so you should totally check em out. Fav songs: "Ma and Pa", "When Problems Arise", and "Sunless Saturday".
ABBA. They’re just fun. Great pop band, again timeless music that pretty much everyone enjoys and can sing along too. I used to love dancing to ‘Dancing Queen’ as a kid. And if you haven’t seen Mamma Mia go watch it – man that movie puts a smile on your face. Fav songs: "Knowing me Knowing you", "Money Money Money", and "Gimme Gimme Gimme".
Eminem. The best frickin' rapper of our modern times in my opinion. What really drives people towards Eminem is his incredible lyricism; he plays on words, and writes about topics other than money and bitches. These include; his daughter, his relationships, his alcoholism and drug abuse, his struggling to grow up in a ghetto neighbourhood and get by on little. There is such a rawness and truthfulness in his music, with such clear authenticity. Even if you’re not a major fan of rap, Eminem can still appeal to you. Fav songs: "Mockingbird", "Lose Yourself", and "Without Me".
Aaliyah. The woman that paved the way for contemporary R&B singers like Beyoncé, Ciara, Rihanna and Shontelle, Aaliyah is still missed today. She had a class and style that seems to have disappeared from the current female musical artists (ahem; Miley Cyrus). Sweet voice, good dance moves and great catchy songs. It’s pretty sad when you think about the state of music today really. Fav songs: "Rock the Boat", "Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number", and "Back and Forth".
Honourable mentions: Rihanna, Neyo, Jimi Hendrix, Kanye West, Caro Emerald, Lauryn Hill, Destiny’s Child, TLC, KT Tunstall, Bob Marley, Lily Allen, Kool and The Gang, Earth Wind and Fire, Motown, Whitney Houston, Rick Astley, Lady Gaga, Jefferson Airplane, Taylor Swift, N-Dubz, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Simon and Garfunkel, Tracy Chapman, Bebel Gilberto, Jessie J, Bruno Mars, Chic, Sade, Sean Paul, The Last Poets, George Benson, James Brown, Miles Davis, Joy Denalane.
Who are your favourite musicians or singers? Leave a comment saying who you like!