5 Most Underrated Bands of All Time
Music is a subjective art form, and everyone has their own preferences and opinions on what makes a good band. However, some bands seem to get more recognition and praise than others, while some bands remain underappreciated and overlooked by the mainstream audience and critics. In this article, we will explore five of the most underrated bands of all time, based on their musical talent, influence, and legacy.
1. UFO
UFO is a British hard rock band that formed in 1969 and is still active today. UFO is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the heavy metal genre, along with bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. UFO's peak period was in the mid-1970s, when they featured the guitar virtuoso Michael Schenker, who left the Scorpions to join the band.
UFO's albums from this era, such as Phenomenon, Force It, Lights Out, and Obsession, are considered classics of the genre, and influenced many bands that followed, such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Megadeth. UFO also had a strong live presence, and their 1979 live album Strangers in the Night is widely regarded as one of the best live albums of all time.
Despite their musical excellence and influence, UFO never achieved the same level of popularity and success as their peers, and are often overlooked by the mainstream media and the general public.
2. Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band that formed in 1973 and is still active today. Cheap Trick is known for their catchy and melodic songs, their energetic and humorous live shows, and their diverse and eclectic musical style, which incorporates elements of pop, rock, punk, metal, and power pop.
Cheap Trick's breakthrough came in 1978, when they released their live album Cheap Trick at Budokan, which was recorded in Japan, where they had a huge fan base. The album spawned the hit singles "I Want You to Want Me" and "Surrender", and catapulted the band to international fame.
Cheap Trick's other notable albums include Heaven Tonight, Dream Police, All Shook Up, and Lap of Luxury, which featured the power ballad "The Flame". Cheap Trick has been praised by critics and musicians alike, and has influenced many bands, such as Nirvana, Green Day, Foo Fighters, and Weezer. However, Cheap Trick has never received the same recognition and respect as other classic rock bands, and is often dismissed as a one-hit wonder or a novelty act.
3. Saxon
Saxon is a British heavy metal band that formed in 1977 and is still active today. Saxon is one of the leaders of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, a movement that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and revitalized the genre with a more aggressive and energetic sound.
Saxon's albums from this era, such as Wheels of Steel, Strong Arm of the Law, Denim and Leather, and Power and the Glory, are considered milestones of the genre, and feature anthemic and powerful songs, such as "747 (Strangers in the Night)", "Princess of the Night", "And the Bands Played On", and "Crusader". Saxon has been a major influence on many bands, such as Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Pantera. However, Saxon has never achieved the same level of popularity and success as their contemporaries, such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, and is often overshadowed by them.
4. The Kinks
The Kinks are a British rock band that formed in 1964 and disbanded in 1996. The Kinks are one of the most influential and important bands of the 1960s British Invasion, along with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.
The Kinks are known for their distinctive and innovative sound, which incorporates elements of rock, pop, folk, blues, and music hall. The Kinks' songs are also known for their witty and satirical lyrics, which comment on various aspects of British society and culture.
The Kinks' most famous songs include "You Really Got Me", "All Day and All of the Night", "Waterloo Sunset", "Lola", and "Sunny Afternoon". The Kinks have influenced many bands, such as The Clash, The Jam, The Pretenders, The Smiths, and Oasis. However, The Kinks have never received the same acclaim and recognition as their peers, and are often underrated and underappreciated by the mainstream audience and critics.
5. The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American rock band that formed in 1961 and is still active today. The Beach Boys are one of the most successful and influential bands of all time, and are widely regarded as the pioneers of the surf rock and pop rock genres.
The Beach Boys are known for their harmonious and melodic songs, which evoke the themes of youth, fun, and romance. The Beach Boys' most famous songs include "Surfin' USA", "I Get Around", "California Girls", "Good Vibrations", and "Wouldn't It Be Nice". The Beach Boys' masterpiece is their 1966 album Pet Sounds, which is considered one of the greatest albums of all time, and a landmark of musical innovation and experimentation.
The Beach Boys have influenced many bands, such as The Beatles, The Who, The Byrds, and The Ramones. However, The Beach Boys have never received the same respect and admiration as other classic rock bands, and are often stereotyped as a lightweight and superficial band, or a nostalgia act.
These are just some of the many underrated bands of all time, who deserve more attention and appreciation for their musical contributions and legacy. If you are looking for some new music to listen to, or some old music to rediscover, you should definitely check out these bands and their albums. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy them.
