Top 10 Bands – A Must Listen

Every so often we try to compile some sort of list for people to check out new bands. This article focuses on the long list) of about 10 “must hear” bands for everyone to check out. The list below is opinion based, so don’t get butthurt if your favorite band is not included. You can try wreiting an article yourself and we’ll think about posting it.

1. Aerosmith

With Steven Tyler as lead singer and Joe Perry as lead guitarist, no wonder this band is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. Formed in early 1970s, Aerosmith is sometimes referred to as “The Bad Boys from Boston”, as well as “America’s Greatest Rock N Roll Band”. Aerosmith found a great success in the 70s with several Top 100 singles, but the 80s looked to be a little deeming when drugs came into the picture. This forced Perry to leave the band in 1979, as well as band mate, Brad Whitford, in 1981. Though their album, “Rock in a Hard Place” went gold, it failed to match the band’s previous success. Perry and Whitford returned in 1984. But Aerosmith did not gain the success the once had until 1987, when they released “Permanent Vacation”.

As of 2012, after 42 years together, Aerosmith are still together, despite the ups and downs they once had. They have sold over 150 million albums worldwide, including 66.5 million albums in the United States alone. They also hold the record for the most gold and multi-platinum albums by an American group. The band has scored 21 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, nine number-one Mainstream Rock hits, four Grammy Awards, and ten MTV Video Music Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, and were included among both Rolling Stone’s and VH1’s lists of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

2. Queen

Queen was formed in 1971, with the legendary Freddie Mercury as lead singer, Brian May as guitarist, John Deacon as guitarist, who was also considered to be the quiet one in the group, and Roger Taylor, as the drummer. Before Queen was formed, Brian May and Roger Taylor were in a group called Smile. Freddie Mercury was a fan of the band, and encouraged the two to collaborate together, when band member, Tim Staffell departed. The two agreed, and changed the name from “Smile” to “Queen”. Before recording their debut album, the trio recruited John Deacon to be a foursome.

Queen found great success in the 1970s and 1980s, with hits such as “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “We Will Rock You”, and “We Are The Champions”. But as the 80s came to a close, rumors began swirling that Freddie Mercury had AIDS. Mercury kept denying that fact, until November 23, 1991. He died the next day. On April 20, 1992, the remaining members of Queen prepared a tribute concert for Mercury, whih included performances by artists like Elton John, Def Leppard, and George Michael. Everyone performed hits by Queen. In 1997, the band released a tribute to Mercury, releasing the single, “Only The Good Die Young”. That was the last time John Deacon was part of the band.

Since then, Brian May and Roger Taylor collaborated with Paul Rodgers. The trio was named Queen + Paul Rodgers. Their collaboration lasted 5 years, from 2004 to 2009. But Brian May and Roger Taylor still continue to perform together. The band has released a total of 18 number one albums, 18 number one singles, and 10 number one DVDs, and have sold over 150 million albums, with some estimates in excess of 300 million albums, making them one of the world’s best-selling music artists. They have been honored with seven Ivor Novello awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

3. The Beatles

Formed in England in 1960, the Beatles included talents by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison. The band was both a commercial success and critically acclaimed in the history of popular music. The band started out as a five piece, with Stuart Sutcliff, though he left in 1961. Before Ringo Starr was a band member, Pete Best was part of the five piece, until Starr replaced him. Before gaining their initial success, it took The Beatles 3 years to initiate popularity by playing in clubs in Liverpool. Their enormous popularity first emerged as “Beatlemania”.

After the band broke up in 1970, each of the four members found success as solo artists, though McCartney and Lennon became to be the more successful ones. Sadly, John Lennon died in 1980 after being murdered by a fan, as well as George Harrison in 2001, due to cancer. McCartney and Starr still continue to contribute their musical talents to this day.

4. INXS

An Australian rock band first formed as “The Farriss Brothers” in 1977. Band members included Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, and Tim Farriss, as well as the lead singer, who made the band what it has been for many years, Michael Hutchence. Their singles include “Need You Tonight”, “Never Tear Us Apart”, and “Suicidal Blonde”. INXS found their biggest success in the 1980s and 1990s, but 1997, Hutchence committed suicide after a long battle with depression.

After Hutchence’s death, INXS did not perform for a year. They then performed with guest lead singers such as Jimmy Barnes, Terence Trent D’Arby, and Jon Stevens. Stevens formally joined the band in 2002 for a tour and recording session. In 2005, INXS decided to participate in a reality show to search for their new permanent lead singer. They chose J.D Fortune as the winner, and together, they recorded hits like “Pretty Vegas” and “After Glow”. They ended up recording a whole album together called “Switch”. INCS decided to let go of Fortune in 2010.

In 2010, INXS recorded an album, “Original Sin” as a tribute to Michael Hutchence. The tracks included guest lead vocals by well known Australian singers, and the tracks included previous INXS hits such as “Beautiful Girl”. In 2011, INXS found a new permanent lead singer, Ciaran Gribbin, and announced plans to go on tour in November and December 2011.

INXS has won six Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awards including three for ‘Best Group’ in 1987, 1989 and 1992, and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001. To date INXS have sold more than 30 million records.

5. Nirvana

Nirvana is an American rock band founded by Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic, lead singer and bassist respectively, in 1987. Drummer, Dave Grohl, joined the band in 1990. The band was known for their grunge sound, and found great, surprising success with their biggest hit, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. It all ended in a tragedy when Kurt Cobain died in April 1994. The band never released new material since Cobain’s death, though they released some posthumous materials were released. Since Nirvana’s debut, the band has sold over 27 million albums in the United States alone, and over 50 million worldwide.

6. The Doors 

The Doors is another American rock band, founded in 1965, with band members, Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, andRobby Krieger. The band came up with the name of the band from the book, “The Doors of Perception”, which was written by Aldous Huxley. The title of the book was a reference from a quote by William Blake: “If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite.”

The Doors was the most controversial band of the 1960s due to Morrison’s wild, poetic lyrics and charismatic but unpredictable stage persona. Jim Morrison died of a drug overdose in 1971, but the remaining trio continued to be “The Doors” until they disbanded in 1973. Despite this, their popularity never faded. he band has sold 100 million albums worldwide, and three of the band’s studio albums, The Doors (1967), Strange Days (1967), and L.A. Woman (1971), were featured in the Rolling Stone list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, at positions 42, 407 and 362 respectively. In 1993, The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

7. The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones is a English rock band founded in 1962, with current band members, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Woods. Past members include Brian Jones and Ian Stewart, who died in 1969 and 1985 respectively, as well as Tony Chapman and Mick Taylor.

The Rolling Stones first gained popularity in Europe, but also became successful in North America during the British Invasion in the 1960s. Together, the band released 22 studio albums in the UK, 24 studio albums in the US, 11 live albums, and numerous compilations. Their worldwide sales is estimated to be over $200 million.

In 1989, the Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2004, they ranked number 4 in Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. In 2008, Billboard magazine ranked the Rolling Stones at number ten on “The Billboard Hot 100 Top All-Time Artists”, and as the second most successful group in the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

8. Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is an American Rock band founded in 1983. Band members are Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan, and Tico Torres. Their biggest success came in 1986, with the release of their third album, “Slippery When Wet.” After a widespread popularity gain in the late 80s, Bon Jovi decided to take a break from each other. During that time, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora released their own solo albums, both successful. The band came back in 1992 when they released another album, “Keep The Faith”, and in 2000, after they released their single “It’s My Life”, Bon Jovi went on another hiatus. “It’s My Life” introduced the band to the younger generation.

Throughout the years, Bon Jovi released eleven studio albums, three compilations, and one live album. They have sold 130 million records worldwide, and have performed more than 2,600 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 34 million fans, and were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

9. Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd is an English rock band originally consisting of students, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, Richard Wright, and Syd Barrett. The band was founded in 165. They first gained popularity when they played in London’s ungrounded scene in the 1960s. With Barrett’s leadership, the band debuted 2 top charting singles, “Arnold Layne” and “See Emily Play”, as well as a successful first album, “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn”. The band is known for their use of philosophical lyrics, innovative album art, and live shows. They have sold over 230 million albums worldwide, including 74.5 million certified units in the United States, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Since then they have continued to enjoy worldwide success.

10. Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 consisted of the Jackson brothers. Though 5 members were in the group, all 6 brothers were in the band. The brothers were Michael Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, and Jackie Jackson. The Jackson 5 was also known as “The Jackson Five”,” Jackson 5ive”, and

The Jackson Brothers” through their active years, which were between 1964 and 1990. They were known for their R&B and pop music culture. Their hits include “A, B, C”, “I’ll Be There”, and “I Want You Back”. Though they disbanded in 1990, The Jackson 5 reunited for several performances in 2001 on two tribute concerts for Michael Jackson. Michael died in 2009 at age 50.