Top 10 Best Music Artists of the 21st Century

The Top Ten

K.S. Chithra

Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra, often credited as K. S. Chithra or simply Chithra, is an Indian playback singer from Kerala. She also sings Indian classical, devotional, and popular music. Chithra has recorded over 25,000 songs in various languages and is a recipient of six National Film Awards.

K.S. Chithra is the greatest singer in the world. She is the greatest singer of all time. She has an amazing and versatile voice quality. She can sing in many languages equally well. She is also a good mentor.
She can sing all kinds of songs. She was a very good judge on programs in India. I think she has broken all records for award-winning as the best singer. I love her very much.

She has been doing it for 40 years now and is still one of the best vocalists of this decade. We have seen new girls on the scene come and go, but Chithra is always here showing why she is QUEEN!
Linkin Park

Linkin Park is an American alternative rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The current members include Mike Shinoda (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (DJ), Emily Armstrong (vocals), and Colin Brittain (drums). Linkin Park... read more

Despite coming from the nu-metal genre, one of the worst things to come out of the early 2000s, Linkin Park has proven time and time again that they can really make some music. And when they do, it's fantastic.
Whether you're a fan of their older, more nu-metal influenced stuff like "Hybrid Theory" or "Meteora," or their newer, more alt-rock/electronic rock inspired albums like "Minutes to Midnight" or "Living Things," you simply can't deny these guys have talent to spare.
Chester Bennington is a great singer, and unlike most metal bands, when he screams, it lends actual power and emotion to the song. Mike Shinoda is an extremely skilled rapper and has even proven to be a good singer at points.
While most people hate more experimental albums like "A Thousand Suns," I actually enjoy and respect that Linkin Park is willing to experiment and go outside their comfort zone.
And the music. Oh boy, the music.
They have so many good songs: "In the End," "Papercut," "Numb," "Breaking the Habit," "Faint," "What I've Done," "Leave Out All the Rest," "Shadow of the Day," "Given Up," "Waiting for the End," "The Catalyst," "Burn It Down," "Castle of Glass," "Powerless," "Final Masquerade"... it's all so good!
But hands down, my favorite Linkin Park song is "New Divide."
I don't care that the Transformers movies were awful. "New Divide" is one of the most powerful, explosive, and downright incredible rock songs I've ever heard. It's greatly overlooked as far as Linkin Park songs go, so I implore you to go listen to it right now. It's simply incredible.
Look, guys, whether you prefer old LP, new LP, or all of LP's work, there's no denying they are one of the most talented, defining rock bands of the past century. And it's a damn good thing that they exist, because without them, we'd have something seriously missing in the music industry.
Eminem

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor, and music producer born on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eminem has sold over 220 million records, making him the best-selling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he was a member of D12 and (with... read more

He's not considered one of the greatest rappers of all time for nothing. Eminem not only broke racial barriers in the hip-hop genre but managed to make some incredible and iconic music in the process.
There's no other way to say it: Eminem (and Slim Shady, of course) is just a fantastic rapper. His voice, his flow, the beats, the lyrics - all perfect, all the time. (Just pretend that whole Encore thing didn't happen.)
But what's my favorite Eminem song?
Well, honorable mentions go out to Stan, one of the darkest and saddest stories ever told through music; Not Afraid, which is inspiring and powerful and brought him back from a major career slump. And, of course, the classic Lose Yourself.
My favorite Eminem song is Rap God. Just listen to it, and you'll probably know why.
30 Seconds to Mars

Thirty Seconds to Mars (stylized as 30 Seconds to Mars) is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1998. The band currently consists of brothers Jared and Shannon Leto.
They released their first album, 30 Seconds to Mars, in 2002. It was a self-titled album with... read more

MARS owns the 21st century. They released their second album, A Beautiful Lie, containing hits such as The Kill, and their third album, This Is War, with hits like Kings and Queens and Closer to the Edge. They've more than proven why they are the best.

Their second album, A Beautiful Lie, consists of rock hits. Songs like The Story, The Kill, The Fantasy, Attack, A Beautiful Lie, Was It a Dream, R-Evolve, and others like A Brand New Name and Hurricane. I'm not surprised they're voted the best rock band.
Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is a hard rock and pop rock band formed in 1983. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora (who left in 2013), bassist Alec John Such (who left in 1994), keyboardist David Bryan, and drummer Tico Torres.... read more

I know they would qualify mostly as a 20th-century band, but they had a huge comeback with the album Crush in the 21st century, winning over a new generation of fans.
Green Day

Green Day are an American pop punk and punk rock band formed in East Bay, California, in 1987. The core members are Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals, guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass), and Tré Cool (drums), with Jason White often performing live on guitar. They blend punk rock, pop punk, and alternative rock, drawing... read more

First off, let me address something: I am well aware of Green Day's output in the '90s. Yes, Dookie was a good album. Yes, they had lots of success before the turn of the millennium.
But in my opinion, Green Day really hit their stride in 2004 with the American Idiot album, which to this day remains one of my all-time favorite albums. Oh yeah, 21st Century Breakdown was pretty good too.
Green Day is probably one of the most iconic punk-rock/alt-rock bands in the world, and with good reason. Billie Joe Armstrong is a great singer, and they have essentially perfected punk-rock music. Who doesn't love rocking out to these guys?
Honorable mentions for best song from the 21st century go to the tragic, heartbreaking Wake Me Up When September Ends, the explosive, politically charged Holiday, and the amazing 21 Guns.
But I would have to say their best song is, undoubtedly, Boulevard of Broken Dreams. I've been in love with that song since it first came out, and to this day, it remains one of my all-time favorite songs.
Muse

Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The members are Matt Bellamy (lead vocals, lead guitar, piano, keyboards), Dom Howard (drums, percussion), and Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals). They have won numerous awards, including five MTV Europe Music Awards... read more

How many bands today can compete with these guys? How many of you can look cool when wearing Matthew Bellamy's bling jackets without being called suck? Haha.

I'm sorry, why is Muse 6th on the list? They are the best band overall on this list and deserve more respect.

The first band to ever sell out the new Wembley Stadium? In my opinion, the best band since The Beatles!
Coldplay

Coldplay is a British rock band formed in 1996. The group includes Chris Martin (lead vocals, piano), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass), and Will Champion (drums, backing vocals). Their manager, Phil Harvey, is often referred to as the unofficial fifth member.... read more

It could be no other. Coldplay is my all-time favorite band. I've never heard a group of musicians capable of producing such incredible music in my life.
Chris Martin has one of the most amazing voices in musical history, and the rest of the band's musical skills all culminate in something truly admirable. I've never heard a bad Coldplay song. They're an example of a band that does everything right. Even the Beatles had a few failures here or there, but Coldplay? Never. Not once.
Some great Coldplay songs include:
Fix You - Their signature song. A heartbreaking breakup ballad that deserves a listen.
Clocks - A Grammy-winning piece of art that keeps you captivated in the music all the way through.
Violet Hill - An impressive rock tune with great lyrics and a powerful message. A must-listen.
Yellow - An honest, beautiful love song with fantastic lyrics.
Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall - An upbeat tune that will put you in a good mood instantly.
A Sky Full of Stars - An electronica-fueled masterpiece, made with the help of Avicii.
There's also The Scientist, Speed of Sound, Lost!, Paradise, In My Place, Shiver, Talk, Magic... too many great songs to count.
But of all of them, their greatest work has to be their timeless masterpiece Viva La Vida, which may very well be the greatest song ever written. There is no denying it. The song is simply a masterpiece. A beautifully crafted, amazingly performed musical masterpiece.
Coldplay has been continuously recording for 15 years now, and thankfully, they show no sign of stopping. Coldplay has always been a part of my life, and a big one. They have been responsible for some of the greatest music in history.
Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

Michael Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records. His contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. I love you, Michael!

There is no current artist that even comes close to his genius and progress in modern music. #1
Rihanna

Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a Barbadian-American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, Barbados. She began her music career in 2003 by recording demo tapes with producer Evan Rogers and eventually signed with Def Jam Records after an audition for Jay-Z. Rihanna... read more

Rihanna is the best pop singer of this generation. She has over 14 number one hits and some of the best-selling songs of all time.
She has done every genre under the sun: pop, rock, reggae, dancehall, new wave, indie, electronica, dubstep, RnB, hip hop, rap, trap, jazz, EDM, and more.
No artist has changed her look and sound so many times yet released smash hit after smash hit like Rihanna. Her album ANTI is one of the best albums I've ever heard and proves Rihanna is an artist, not just a manufactured pop star like many people think.
Her music is incredible. Songs like Diamonds, Stay, Love on the Brain, Umbrella, Rehab, We Found Love, Where Have You Been, Needed Me, and Kiss It Better are just a few examples.

The Newcomers

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Melody Hope
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Lillix

Lillix is a Canadian pop rock band from Cranbrook, British Columbia. The band was originally formed under the name Tigerlily in 1997 while the founding members were still in high school. They changed their name to Lillix before releasing their debut album, Falling Uphill, in 2003.

The Contenders

Kanye West

Ye (born Kanye Omari West. June 8, 1977) is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer. He is regarded as one of the most influential and controversial artists of the 21st century.
Born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, West initially gained fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella... read more

The best for me because of his sheer consistency in making incredible, original music. Eminem hasn't been great for over 10 years, whereas Kanye has adapted his style time and time again, and it's always brought us greatness.

Kanye is the GOAT in any century! Go back and listen to his massive discography. You can't compare him to people who make one or two decent albums. Redo the entire list.

Listen to his catalog. It shows the growth of the modern-day 21st-century young adult on his quest to take over the world. What an artist.
Adele

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, born May 5, 1988, is an English singer and songwriter. She graduated from the BRIT School in 2006 and signed with XL Recordings after a demo posted on Myspace gained attention. She's best known for emotional ballads like Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, Hello, and Easy... read more

Best-selling artist of the 21st century.
Drake

Aubrey Drake Graham (born October 24, 1986) is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor from Toronto. He first gained public attention as an actor on the Canadian series Degrassi: The Next Generation before launching a music career. Drake's become one of the world's best-selling... read more

Amazing. Honestly underrated. So underrated. Drake's album went platinum before it even dropped. He's not getting the credit he deserves.
Blink-182

Blink‑182 is an American pop‑punk band formed in 1992. The original lineup featured Mark Hoppus (bass, vocals), Tom DeLonge (guitar, vocals), and Scott Raynor (drums). Raynor was replaced in 1998 by Travis Barker. The band rose to mainstream success with the album Enema of the State and has released... read more
Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (born June 17, 1987) is an American rapper and songwriter from Compton, California. He began his career under the stage name K-Dot, releasing mixtapes that gained local recognition and led to his signing with Top Dawg Entertainment. Lamar has become one of the most critically... read more
Maroon 5

Maroon 5 is an American pop and pop‑rock band formed in Los Angeles, California. The group originally came together in 1994 under the name Kara's Flowers, when Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden, and Ryan Dusick were still in high school. They self‑released a demo and a studio album before... read more

I love Maroon 5, especially Adam. Great band. (And admit it, Adam is hot.)

I love Maroon 5 a whole lot, even sexy Adam Levine. You guys are the best at pop. I think they are better than One Direction. You rock, Maroon 5.
Sugar Ray
Bruno Mars

Peter Gene Hernandez, professionally known as Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and choreographer.
Mars rose to fame in 2010 through his collaborations on the hits "Nothin' on You" by B.o.B and "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy, both of which featured... read more

The man is a genius. People forget how good he is. Modern Michael Jackson.
Metallica

Metallica is an American heavy and thrash metal band formed in 1981. The original lineup included James Hetfield (vocals and rhythm guitar), Dave Mustaine (lead guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), and Ron McGovney (bass). They first gained mainstream fame with their 1991 self-titled album (The Black Album... read more

Metallica has been the best from the start of its career. I never knew a band named 30 Seconds to Mars before TopTens. Slipknot should also be on the list.

What's amazing is how much this band has not changed. Look at Guns N' Roses and many other bands. If they are still releasing albums, they have changed a lot. Metallica has not changed much at all.
Shaggy

Orville Richard Burrell CD, known mostly by his stage name Shaggy, is a Jamaican-American singer, songwriter, and deejay. He is best known for hits such as Boombastic, It Wasn't Me, and Angel. Shaggy has received two Grammy Awards and was awarded the Jamaican Order of Distinction.
Shakira

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian-Spanish singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, choreographer, and model. She rose to international fame in the late 1990s with Latin pop hits and has sold over 85 million records worldwide. Shakira is also known for her philanthropic work through her... read more
Beyonce Knowles

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who began her career as lead singer of Destiny's Child. The group scored multiple Billboard No. 1 hits including "Say My Name," "Bills, Bills, Bills," "Survivor," "Independent Women," and "Bootylicious." After their split,... read more

She has been doing it for 15 years now and is still one of the top performers and best vocalists of this decade. We have seen new girls on the scene come and go, but Bey is always here showing why she is QUEEN!

Beyonce has dominated music for almost 15 years. She has had hit after hit and remained humble, kind, and generous. She's the greatest of my generation, hands down. THE QUEEN!

With a cartload of awards accomplished within this period and counting, Beyonce always keeps herself at the top of her game. She's irreplaceable.
Jay-Z

Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as JAY-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and investor born December 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York. He's best known for influential albums like Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, and The Black Album and is widely regarded as one of the greatest... read more
Arctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys, also known by the pseudonym Death Ramps, are a British indie rock band formed in 2002 in Sheffield, England. The lineup includes Alex Turner (lead vocalist, songwriter, electric and rhythm guitarist), Jamie Cook (electric and rhythm guitarist, songwriter), Matt Helders (drummer, backing... read more

If you want raw talent, stick with bands like Arctic Monkeys, Muse, and Kasabian.

"Brian... top marks for not trying!" They deserve top 3 for the accents alone! Haha.

This is the band that seems to have won more Brit Awards than anyone in the 21st century so far, with 5.
Chris Brown

Christopher Maurice "Chris" Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born in Tappahannock, Virginia, he participated in his church choir and several local talent shows from a young age. He gained international notoriety in 2009 for his physical assault of singer... read more