underrated bands
This is my list of some of the most underrated bands in rock, as they somehow flew off the radar of critics and listeners alike. Some of these bands had massive albums and singles, but for some reason, they could never make it over the hump of pure greatness.
*Please note, these are in no particular order because amazing can’t have a numerical sequence.
frankie goes to Hollywood
FGTH started with a BANG immediately as their sophomore album Welcome to the Pleasure Dome was a double-record success. However, despite their controversial over-played song Relax, the rest of the songs on the album never got the recognition they deserved, even with the copious remixes and Trevor Horn’s Art of Noise/Buggles/Yes/Seal production magic.
The band’s second album Liverpool was an undesired work of art, as it was far better than Pleasure Dome, as they proved that they were more than a synth-pop band; they were true musicians that Holly Johnson could sing, and the band knew how to play instruments rather than program a sequencer; Mark O’Toole’s bass licks were top-of-the-class, yet, they were unnoticed by their peers and critics. Liverpool was Produced by Steve Lipson and sitting in the Executives chair, Trevor Horn. Since 1987 there have been several attempts to revive the band. However, lead singer Holly Johnson and guitarist Brian Nash’s egos got in the way of that coming to fruition. However, on May 7, 2023, the band will reunite after a 36-year hiatus, as Holly went to therapy to learn to let go and join his mates on stage again. I know that a backing track was used and was most likely lipsynced. However, it doesn’t change the fact that everyone put aside their differences for this occasion; that is (in my opinion) the true nature of evolving as a human being within the construct of the Pleasure Dome!
chevelle
This hard rock trio formed by brothers Pete and Sam Loeffler is underrated as they reTOOLed TOOL with three dudes. They did this by implementing TOOL influence with their own melodic twist, which is why this band is way underrated with songs like Jars, One Ocean, and Hats Off to the Bull.
rush
Another power trio that was shunned by their peers, RUSH, with their progressive-rock sound and one of the best damn drummers and lyricists in the history of best damn drummers and lyricists, the late Neil Peart. RUSH didn’t give a shit about the critics or peers as they forged their path to secret stardom. One of my favorites is “The Camera Eye” from “Moving Pictures,” which has a profound esoteric meaning that you are living in a movie (Moving Pictures) and being observed (The Camera Eye) by what runs it.
guns and roses
Okay, before you get your shit in a knot, hear me out on this one, as most would say GNR is an overrated band, which is true. However, there are aspects of GNR that are overlooked and far underrated by most, that is, their pseudo ballads like Estranged, Civil War, November Rain, okay, fuck, and everything on Use Your Illusion I & II.
I’m going, to be honest; I fucking hated GNR when I first heard them. However, Appetite ended up being the first CD I purchased. Then Use Your Illusion I & II came out, and I was in hate mode again, that is, until I heard Estranged, which is a musical genius. Put aside Axel’s whiny vocals and focus on the fact that this band is equipped with fucking good musicians, and Axel is a fantastic songwriter. Period.
On a side note: I’m positive the dude touring as Axel Rose isn’t Axel Rose, but an AI clone thing of Axel.
candlebox
This band was cursed with bad timing as plaid-wearing shirt guys swallowed up the metal scene, or so I thought at the time. Candlebox was allegedly one of those bands; confused. Let me explain. Candlebox rode on the same train as Pearl Jam, Alice and Chains, and Soundgarden; hence “Far Behind” was about Mother Love Bones, Andrew Wood. Yet, their sound reflected that of a blues-based hard rock sound. Nevertheless, the Seattle-based band fell short of their Alternative Rock counterparts. Hence the reason why I put Candlebox on this list.
Candlebox is still going strong as they are touring with 3Doors Down in the summer of 2023, and I must say, Kevin’s voice is still intact, and the band sounds great!
the cult
Despite the personnel changes throughout the years, it hasn’t changed the fact that Ian Astbury is an underrated frontman. I went to their Sonic Temple tour back in the day in Seattle, and Ian blew out his voice early in the show; despite that fact, he kept going, as he could have easily got frustrated and walked off the stage, only to leave the fans hanging. Much respect!
The band also had some issues with the BBC as the organization refused to play “Love Removal Machine” as they deemed it “Too Hard.” I’m not sure what they meant, nor do I care. However, it is one of their best, with its driving beat that makes you want to do dirty things with whomever you’re in a relationship with.
Depeche Mode
Despite the fact Depeche Mode was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, it doesn’t change the fact that the band is highly underrated, with Dave Ghan’s baritone throat, flamboyant ballet skills, and writing, production, guitar, and tenor throat of Martin Gore rounds out the perfect synergy for the highly underrated band.
skillet
Okay, hear me out. Skillet started as a Christian Rock Band (Jesus Band) and has evolved into a full-fledged positive-influenced metal band. Meaning John Cooper and Company kicked Jesus out of the band and created a new sound from their sophomore albums. However, the band still is classified as a “Christain Rock Band.” John Cooper sings and plays bass, his wife Korey on rhythm guitar and keys, Jen Ledger on the skins and backing vocals, and Seth Morrison on lead guitar.
The band’s metamorphosis started with their album “Awake” and gradually progressed into full consciousness with their latest work, “Dominion.”
robbie robertson
Although Robbie Robertson isn’t considered a “band.” per see. However, he was once the front-man for the Toronto-based band “The Band,” Although they were considered a country band with a hillbilly-rock sound, and with Bob Dylan’s assistance, rock stations played “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Weight, and my favorite, “Chest Fever,” which had a killer organ intro.
In 1987 Robbie released his first self-titled solo album. I’m not going to lie; the album is the most underrated album in history, as every song on the album is spectacular and features guest appearances from Sting, Peter Gabriel, and U2’s Bono. The album is hands down my favorite album of all time. This reminds me to make a list of my favorite albums. Nevertheless, I put him on this list because I can.
Alabama Shakes
I firmly believe that Brittney Howard is the reincarnation of Janis Joplin. The dates surrounding their lives are uncanny, with Janis passing on October 2, 1970, and Brittney being born on October 4, 1988. The similarity between their voices is remarkable, and Brittney’s band gained recognition before signing on a label. Also, could the distortion on “Hold on” and the lyric “I didn’t think I’d make it to 22 years old.” be a clue, as Janis died at 27. Something to ponder for sure.
TOOL
Although TOOL has released five albums in the past 30 years, TOOL by far is one of the most underrated bands, period. TOOL gets bad grades from the music industry primarily because of Maynard Keenan’s odd behavior, as well as his esoteric beef with fans, which adds to my admiration for the band, as most fans have no fucking clue what Maynard’s esoteric double entendres represent.
TOOL also get bad marks because of their long tracks, and Maynard’s lyrics are difficult to understand and he is known to remain unseen for live shows.
Maynard’s other projects consist of the bands, A Perfect Circle, Pucifer and is a successful winemaker.
breaking benjamin
Named after frontman Benjamin Burnley, Breaking Benjamin has matured like a fine wine; despite numerous personnel changes, it hasn’t stopped the band from evolving into a kick-ass hard rock band—BB has toured extensively with Alice in Chains and Bush. Their most recent collaboration, “Far Away,” with the lead throat for Cold, Scooter Ward (in my opinion), is one of the most underrated ballads a hard rock band has seen since Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers “Islands in the Stream.“
10 Years
10 Years is another band that had flown under the radar by the majority. Perhaps it’s Jesse Hasek’s whiney vocals? However, they seem to work with the rest of the band, not to mention his lyrics are relatable to their fans, like “Shoot it Out” and “Fix Me.”
arcadia
Arcadia was a Duran-Duran side project that featured Simon LaBond, Nick Rhodes, and Roger Taylor on Drums; thus, the missing link was John Taylor. The album was entitled “So Red the Rose.” and I must admit, Arcadia far surpassed Duran Duran musically and lyrically; in fact, my feelings wouldn’t have been hurt if they had decided to hang Duran Duran up and continued with Arcadia, as the band was more refined and sophisticated, which I resonated with especially the tracks; “The Promise,” which featured Sting and David Gilmore, “Election Day,” “Goodbye is Forever,” and “The Flame.”
Imagine Dragons
Even though this band tore out of the gate with their first single, “Its Time,” followed by “Radioactive” and “Demons,” after those massive hits, it seems they fell off the radar. However, lead throat Dan Reynalds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee on bass, and Daniel Platzman on skins and acoustic guitar during their “unplugged segment” during their live shows. Speaking of live shows, if you can watch their Imagine Dragons Live in Las Vegas show, I highly recommend it as it may give you a newfound respect for the band.
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