The most influential bands of the last 20 years

Over the past two decades, there has been an emergence of numerous bands across various genres, each achieving notable success. From rock to pop to heavy metal, many bands have risen to prominence, making their mark on the music industry with their distinct sounds. In this article, we assess nine of the most influential bands of the last 20 years.

Imagine Dragons 

For over a decade, Imagine Dragons has been delivering anthem-like songs that connect with audiences across the globe, from their hometown in Idaho to international stages like Italy. Whether described as arena rock, power pop, or critiqued for being formulaic, their music undeniably strikes an emotional chord with listeners, consistently resonating across albums.

The Las Vegas-based trio—Dan Reynolds, Ben McKee, and Wayne Sermon—has encountered mixed reviews from critics and fellow musicians. However, their ability to craft unforgettable tracks is undeniable. With a GRAMMY win, 74 million album equivalents sold, 65 million digital song sales, and over 160 billion global streams, their success is impressive.

Formed in 2008, the band released their debut album in 2012, which became the best-selling debut since 2006. Known for their alternative rock style, they not only dominate the airwaves but also boast successful tours and high record sales.

Their “Loom World Tour” was launched to promote their sixth studio album, with the band headlining shows across North America.

Fans often draw comparisons between Imagine Dragons and acts like Coldplay or U2, as the band’s softer rock style, laced with pop elements, appeals to a broad audience. Notably, their 2013 single “Radioactive” sold nearly 8 million copies, cementing their place in music history.

Coldplay 

Formed in 1996, Coldplay, led by Chris Martin, quickly became a global sensation, melding rock and pop to create a sound that resonated worldwide. Their early success began with their 1998 EP, “Safety,” which sold only 500 copies, but their breakout single, “Yellow,” from Parachutes in 2000 launched them into the mainstream.

Since then, Coldplay has amassed multiple accolades, including three Grammy nominations for their most recent album, Music of the Spheres. Their ability to blend intimate ballads with anthemic rockers, supported by Chris Martin’s powerful vocals, has garnered them global acclaim, with their concerts now drawing massive ticket sales.

Alongside the Rolling Stones, Coldplay made history in the Billboard Boxscore, becoming one of only two artists to surpass half a billion dollars in earnings from the top 10 highest-grossing tours of all time. By the first quarter of 2024, they topped Pollstar’s Worldwide Top 100 chart with $100.5 million from just thirteen shows. Their Music of the Spheres tour, the fourth-highest-grossing of 2023, is quickly approaching the $1 billion mark, a feat only achieved by Taylor Swift.

Coldplay has also achieved significant environmental milestones, being named among Time’s 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders for reducing CO2 emissions by 47% during their tours. With over nine million Coldplay tickets sold, their Music of the Spheres World Tour surpassed $500 million in earnings, further cementing their place in history as one of the highest-grossing acts of all time.

alt-J

The British indie rock band alt-J, stylised as the symbol ∆, draws its name from the keyboard shortcut for the triangle symbol on Apple computers. Since forming in 2007, the group has built a reputation for their unique sound, blending minimalistic guitar riffs, distinctive indie vocals, and electronic elements. Despite having only two albums in their discography, their music has reached millions of fans, with their videos amassing tens of millions of views on YouTube and their songs featured in various films and TV series.

Their sophomore album, This Is All Yours, topped the UK album charts and garnered critical acclaim. Alongside its release, alt-J introduced a mobile application that enabled fans to listen to the album in select locations, showcasing their innovative approach to engaging with their audience.

The band’s members met at the University of Leeds, where they began recording tracks in empty school corridors before being discovered by a record label in 2011. Their debut album, An Awesome Wave, marked their entry into the music world and set the tone for their genre-defying sound. Fans often liken alt-J to a modern-day Radiohead, appreciating their experimental and boundary-pushing approach to music.

Them Crooked Vultures

Them Crooked Vultures, formed in 2009, is a supergroup that brought together an almost unbelievable lineup of rock legends: Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and Nirvana fame, Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, and the legendary Led Zeppelin bassist, John Paul Jones. This powerhouse trio released a single album, performed a handful of live shows, and left fans eagerly awaiting more.

Their music combines hard rock with elements of blues and psychedelia, showcasing intricate rhythms, searing guitar solos, and the full range of keyboard mastery by Jones. The self-titled album received acclaim from critics and hard rock enthusiasts, praised for its raw energy and musicianship. While some have noted its stylistic resemblance to Queens of the Stone Age, the record stands as a testament to the extraordinary collaboration of these three iconic artists.

Tame Impala 

Tame Impala, an Australian band that debuted with Innerspeaker in 2010, quickly rose from obscurity to global acclaim. Their blend of psychedelic rock and modern sensibilities captured audiences worldwide, solidifying their place in the music scene. The release of their second album, Lonerism, proved that guitar-driven rock still had a future, as evidenced by their growing fanbase and impressive record sales.

Kevin Parker, the band’s creative force, takes on the roles of songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, crafting their distinctive sound. One of their standout tracks, “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards,” highlights their signature style—a fusion of vintage synthesisers, ’70s-inspired drum solos, and ethereal vocals. Parker’s unique sound has even earned him comparisons to John Lennon, with some dubbing him the “long-lost son” of the Beatles legend.

Brògeal

Falkirk-based five-piece Brògeal emerged as one of the standout live acts of 2024, blending a folk-rock sound deeply rooted in their Scottish heritage. Tracks like “Witchy Emerald Eyes” evoke the raw energy of The Pogues, while “Girl from NYC” reflects the influence of the Noughties indie music that shaped the band’s members. Their December shows supporting fellow Scots The View at Barrowlands highlighted their ability to captivate audiences with their energetic yet polished performances.

Brògeal’s music combines ramshackle charm with catchy melodies and storytelling lyrics that delve into the nuances of small-town life or explore eccentric characters. With just a couple of EPs to their name so far, fans are eagerly anticipating a full-length album shortly.

The Roots

Philadelphia-based band, the Roots, weren’t the first hip-hop group to incorporate live musicians into their sound, but they certainly perfected it. Fusing organic funk with deep, obscure samples, the band, led by drummer and bandleader Amir “Questlove” Thompson and fronted by the often-underrated emcee Black Thought, created a unique vibe. They transformed the typical hip-hop performance into a dynamic jam session, making their live shows some of the most captivating in the world. Unafraid to experiment, The Roots have had a few varied releases since Things Fall

Apart, yet their willingness to push boundaries has largely led to successful ventures. Despite their late-night gig on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon slowing down their release schedule, their ability to innovate remains one of their greatest strengths.

Baroness

Baroness, hailing from Savannah, Georgia, has been a fixture in the local sludge metal scene since 2003. Led by guitarist and vocalist John Baizley, the band brought a unique and refreshing perspective to a genre that’s often dominated by heavier, murkier tones—much like their Atlanta counterparts, Mastodon. Over the past 15 years, Baroness has focused on consistency and quality rather than quantity, which has contributed to their continued success. Their albums, each marked by distinct colours, represent a visionary approach to rock and metal. From the early Red Album and Blue Record to the ambitious double album Yellow and Green in 2012 and the most recent Purple, Baroness’ work manages to extract raw emotions while still evoking the powerful energy that makes metal so captivating.

One Direction 

One Direction quickly became one of the world’s most adored pop boy bands after being formed on The X Factor in 2010. Comprised of Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik (who left in 2015), the group captured hearts worldwide. By 2014, they made history as the first band to have their first four albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Over their six-year run, they sold more than 50 million records before their hiatus in 2016.

It’s astonishing to think that One Direction was only active for six years, yet they’ve now been on hiatus for almost a decade. Fortunately for fans, that time has proven rewarding for each member, with Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry, and Louis all releasing solo albums and venturing into various industries, such as fashion and mentoring. Zayn recently added his fourth solo album, Room Under the Stairs, to the mix.

One Direction’s legacy continues to thrive. During their time together, the band sold approximately 70 million records, and their solo careers have only enhanced their star power. From GRAMMY Awards to sold-out tours and more chart-topping hits, One Direction’s impact remains undeniable.