Most Underrated Rock Bands

copkiller Now there's a lot of great rock bands that have so much more talent than others. A lot of bands are not getting the attention that they deserve. Many rock bands made great songs and awesome LP's but still were so underrated. This is a list of the most underrated rock bands.

The Top Ten

1 Deep Purple

Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. They are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical approach changed over the years. Originally formed as a progressive rock band, the band shifted to a heavier sound in 1970. Deep Purple, ...read more.

It pisses me off that everyone knows Smoke on the water and that's it. Although Smoke on the water is a very good song, it's not the only song Deep Purple has and many people don't know deep purple outside from smoke on the water. I think everyone should have smoke on the water, child in time, highway star, soldier of fortune, burn, stormbringer, knockin on your back door, space truckin' and hush on their ipods. Come on Deep Purple is a legendary band...

Everybody talks about meh meh page meh meh bonham meh meh plant!... Plant lost his voice in early 70's page can only goofin' around the theremin, his guitar skill isn't that good anyways, yes his writing is, Bonham is great but common Paice is the first one to use one hand roll in his work even before that Portnoy guy made it famous, and their live is much better than any other band, Zep is better in studio because of studio magic and yes that made them album in all the top charts in number 1 while Purple doesn't want to hassle bout in their studio, only RAW POWER in their live performance, yes that bout sums it up

so influential yet very little recognition

Such good songs

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2 Dream Theater

Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band from Boston, Massachusetts. The band was formed in 1985 under the name of "Majesty", only to change its name to Dream Theater later. ...read more.

They deserve their place at number 1, that's for sure. Do they get any recognition, not much. They should do, because lot's of their music is among the finest I have ever heard. Under my vote for Tool, on another of these lists, I have ranted about how good they are. Please read this, maybe it will inspire you to begin to listen to them and become among the not many people who do. Maybe the fact that one of their songs is 42 minutes, put's them off. It shouldn't do though, it is one of the best pieces of music I have ever heard. If you like complex music and metal and you have not heard them before, please listen to them. If you are like me you will be in seventh heaven when listening to songs like "Endless Sacrifice", "Octavarium", "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence" (42 minutes) and "The Count Of Tuscany".
Oh, and for all those who think they have the best taste in music and nobody else does etc, let me tell you something. Sure I am a huge ...more

Very underrated band. And with a very underrated guitarist as well. John petrucci is one of the best guitarists around here. And also the keyboard player kicks ass. I think that they are not famous because of the long songs, but the variety in those long songs is incredible awesome. So underrated

Such a talented band, jaw dropping music, so beautiful at times. An absolute travesty at the lack of recognition they get, proof that talent does not equal success

Outside of TTT, they’re incredibly underrated.

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3 Thin Lizzy

Thin Lizzy are an Irish rock band formed in Dublin in 1969. Their leader Phil Lynott was composer or co-composer of almost all of the band's songs, and the first black Irishman to achieve commercial success in the field of rock music. Thin Lizzy's most successful songs, "Whiskey in the Jar", "Jailbreak" ...read more.

they are very unknown and underrated, you rarely would find a person who knows them... maybe they are only known because Metallica made a cover from them, "Whiskey in the Jar". They have great songs like "Whiskey in the Jar", "Rocker", "Jailbreak" and "The Boys Are Back in Town". - rock2metal

Not unknown, (I mean come on, they played the Sydney ' Opera House) but definitely underrated. - adfairhurst

U2 say they would not exist if wasn't for Thin Lizzy, yet they get all the adulation. A band that influenced so many others is ignored outside of rock circles. Brilliant story telling lyrics from the start, everything about them screams just how excellent they are. Look beyond "The Boys are back in Town", and you'll find endless rock classics such as vagabonds of the Western World, Still in Love With You, Johnny,. Miss Phil Lynott everyday.

Listen to them, they just draw you in with their awesome guitar play and catchy melody (not to say loads of attitude that just shines through in the true "rock" sense). They make rock seem cool & smooth unlike any other band. A pity that they are not as well known.

Best live band. Would have been huge if cracked the US market. 'Live and Dangerous is consistently regarded as one of, if not the best, live album ever. Melody, power, charisma and very tight musicianship. Real rock.

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4 Dire Straits

Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler, his younger brother David Knopfler, John Illsley, and Pick Withers.

I love this band. Barely anybody knows any songs by them. In Your Library, just a start, I would make sure to have Walk Of Life, Money For Nothing, Sultans Of Swing, Brothers In Arms, Telegraph Road, Lady Writer, Why Worry, Tunnel Of Love, Your Latest Trick, Romeo and Juliet, So Far Away, and Ride Across The River. There are many other great ones but these ones stand out among everything.

These guys are my favorite band of the 70s and 80s. I have their first album and their Brothers in Arms album. Both very different sounding but still really good. After listening a while I actually like some of the tracks that aren't' hits better. I recommend giving them a listen.

So glad to see them on this list. Unknown by many, but more talented than most. Knopfler is the greatest Guitarist/Soloist since Hendrix. At minimal, you need the Brothers in Arms Album, Love Over Gold, Making Movies, Communique, and their opening Album, "Dire Straits". - Beatlesboy9

One of the greatest start to finish debut albums ever.

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5 King Crimson

King Crimson is a British progressive rock band that was formed in 1969. While the band had numerous band member changes, the head of the band has always been Robert Fripp (Guitar). ...read more.

Listening to The Devil's Triangle from In the Wake of the Poseidon. Very clear that this was the influence for Genesis Watcher of the Skies. Agree with others who say that if this lineup had stayed together for ten years, King Crimson would have been better known. This music-and all prog rock-is so creative and layered that it's noteworthy that no American band successfully had a presence in this genre

It should definitely be at number 1. One of the best prog rock bands of all time (right after Pink Floyd), and it is alive for nearly 50 years. Weirdly catchy tunes and improvised instrumentation make this a great band (one of the best, if I may). Very underrated and unpopular for the public, maybe because it is not as usual as other prog rock bands like Rush. It may easily be at #1 - patrickfloyd

Very little airplay and hardly any mainstream recognition despite a very influential and highly regarded debut album (which eventually went gold). Yeah, I'd say they are a very under rated classic rock/progressive rock band.

Holy this band is amazing. All you need to do is listen to the song starless. It is probably the greatest piece of music you have ever heard.

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6 Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival, often shortened to Creedence and abbreviated as CCR, was an American rock band active in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Classic southern rock, greatest band possibly ever. Just listen to there "greatest hits" album and you will believe. Green river is a true legend!

Rollin Stone once said "John Fogerty wrote more classic songs in a three-year stretch than anyone other than the Beatles"

It's a shame they never had a number 1 song. They had like 8 number 2 songs. They were just a fraction away from being the greatest band of all time

Amazing band - jameelSAUCE

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7 UFO

UFO are an English rock band that was formed in 1969. They became a transitional group between early hard rock and heavy metal and the new wave of British heavy metal.

Most of the other bands on this list my 17 year old lead guitarist son has been listening to (and playing songs from) for years. How I forgot to include UFO on his listening list, I'll never know. That will be rectified today.

ZZ Top? Iron Maiden? Queen?! These are not underrated. UFO, Rainbow and Blue Oyster Cult come closest to most underrated rock bands- well rock bands that shockingly didn't get more attention than just for 1 album.

We don't hear much of UFO these days but they are simply awesome!

They had amazing guitarists in the band like Michael Schenker, Vinnie Moore, Tommy McClendon. On most UFO songs the guitar solos were better than guitar solos from more famous bands like:
ACDC, Van Halen, Rolling Stones, Twisted Sisters...

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8 The Moody Blues

The Moody Blues are an English rock band. They first came to prominence playing rhythm and blues music, but their second album, Days of Future Passed, which was released in 1967, was a fusion of rock with classical music and established them as pioneers in the development of art rock and progressive ...read more.

I saw these guys back in 83. Their opening act was Stevie Ray Vaughn. I actually came to see Stevie. He was fantastic of course. Then the Moodies came on stage and completely stole the show. I have seen every possible rock act in their heyday. Including the Stones, Zepplin, The Dead, The Eagles, The Who, Yes, ELP Neil Young and Eric Clapton on a number of occasions. This band was a good as any of these acts. It baffles me to no end why this group is not in the Hall of fame.

The Moody Blues, with their beautiful and atmospheric music, are popular and appreciated by us, their fans... But never get accolades from anyone else. They're the kings of being ignored.

There is no legitimate rational reason to argue that they shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame. - Billyv

First heard them in '75 when I was 15. Loved them ever since. Everything you said is right on. Most talented bunch of muscians/artists in Rock.

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9 Blue Oyster Cult

Blue Öyster Cult is an American rock band from Long Island, New York, whose most successful work includes the hard rock and heavy metal songs "(Don't Fear) The Reaper", "Godzilla" and "Burnin' for You".

Blue Oyster Cult's debut album, Tyranny and Mutation, Secret Treaties, and Agents of Fortune are all some of the best rock albums I've ever heard. They deserve just as much attention as the Rolling Stones. Their stuff is awesome. Some of my favorites include Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll, The Red and the Black, Hot Rails to Hell, Dominance and Submission, and ETI. Whoever is reading this should check those songs (and their albums) out. You're missing out. - dlbk03

When I first heard them I thought immediately that they are a mainstream band but I was very surprised to see that although their truly awesome music they have no fan-base like at all..

Blue Oyster Cult. Great guitarists, fantastic live, best riff of all time in don't fear the reaper, another great song and solo with Godzilla. Kick out the Jams is also good, great harmonies, fantastic solos, one of the most underrated and misunderstood bands of all time.

Excellent band, very distinct sound

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10 Rush Rush

Rush is a Canadian progressive rock band that was formed in 1968. Even though the only founding member still in the band is Alex Lifeson (Guitar), the band is most well-known for their current members Neil Peart (Drums) and Geddy Lee (Bass, Vocals). ...read more.

My first experience with Rush was thinking that they sang The Logical song by Supertramp. I then found out that The Logical song is not by Rush so I decided to see what songs ARE by Rush. I ended up liking basically everything I heard. I think Rush unpopular because their music is not very easy for the public to handle. That being said, if you're willing to keep an open mind, if you appreciate music, and if you know music theory (not required but Rush is so technically great its nice to appreciate their technical greatness), than you will like Rush.

People look at something like 2112 and go EW! 111! ITS OVER 3 MINUTES LONG! 111! 11! ! 1111! AND THE LYRICS R ACTUALLY POETRY THAT TELLS THE STORY OF A DYSTOPIAN SOCIETY VOID OF MUSIC AND THE ARTS WERE LIFE IS DULL AND POINTLESS?! 11!?! I'm WAY TO SHALLOW TO HANDLE SUCH A DEEP, THOUGHT - PROVOKING WORK OF ART! 111! 11! 1 SOMEONE PLAY SOME NIKI MINAJ! 1! 11!

I think if people were willing to keep an open mind and listen to the ...more

Out of all the bands listed on this list, rush is very underappreciated due to its ability to not appeal to the typical rock fan. Out of all the bands listed on this list rush, whether you like it or not is the most talented band on the list period. "The singer sounds like a girl", "The lyrics are so weird". Yeah this may be true but the lead singer "Geddy Lee" isn't a great singer but his voice is unique and up there with Axl Rose (Guns 'n' roses, Bonn Scott (AC/DC, and Joe Elliott (Def Leppard). There strange weird looking and weird sounding lead singer is also the GRATEST BASSIST of all time. When you hear and criticize Rush think about the lead singer. This guy plays bass better than anyone else, plays the bass pedals, and plays the keyboard all in the unison and order the song demands. They're Guitarist Alex Lifeson, also one of the most underrated guitar players of all time, SHREDS the electric guitar and should be on the list of top 20 guitar players of all time. Just like ...more

Rush, making their debut in 1974, were something different from the very beginning. Initially a bare-bones three piece progressive hard rock (almost metal) act, Rush solidified their sound in 1976 with "2112" and perfected it in 1981 with the classic album "Moving Pictures". Known for lyrics that included themes such as fantasy and mythology (written by drummer Neil Peart), Alex Lifeson's chaotically crafted melodic, lead, and even classical guitar work, Geddy Lee's unique ability to combine speed and power into staggering baselines and unmistakable high pitched voice, and Neil Peart's technically profound, incredibly complex, and seemingly incomprehensible kit work, Rush proved to beone of the most technically advanced acts of all time. Rush is truly a band for the musical intellectual, and never compromised their, at times considered uncool, brand of rock and roll. For this I am proud to call Rush my favorite band.

Easily the most talented band of all time. Having the best drummer and bassist and most underrated guitarist all in the same band is insane.

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The Newcomers

? Franz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand are a Scottish rock band, formed in 2002 and based in Glasgow. The band's original lineup was composed of Alex Kapranos, Nick McCarthy, Bob Hardy, and Paul Thomson.

The Contenders

11 Rainbow Rainbow

Rainbow are a British rock band led by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore from 1975 to 1984 and 1993 to 1997. They were originally established with Ronnie James Dio as the lead singer and lyricist. Rainbow were ranked No. 90 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. The band has sold over 28 million albums ...read more.

Yeah they are the most underrated... With line up made of Dio and ritchie Blackmore, Why are they so underrated.. I think their song Stargazer is a pure epic and it doesn't even come at any list as a great song - amitcornelius1

Dio made Rainbow so good, one of my all time favourite bands. It has a great diversity of songs ranging from rock and roll to pre power metal like sound

They are not popular man. I mean even among rock fans. Every rock listener knows something about deep Purple or iron maiden but rainbow is underrated even by those "rock fans"... Ah man, I really would like to see this group listened.

Dio + Ritchie Blackmore

Recipe for wonders, yet nobody knows them

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12 ZZ Top ZZ Top

ZZ Top is an American rock band that formed in 1969 in Houston, Texas. The band is composed of bassist and lead vocalist Dusty Hill, guitarist and lead vocalist Billy Gibbons, and drummer Frank Beard.

Just (the same) 3 guys playing a unique brand of bluesy rock and roll for over 40 years. Go see them live and try not to be impressed by what comes out of those 3 instruments. Still.

They're great, but not really underrated. They sold 50 million albums worldwide and always got much praise.

Hello, Gimme all your loving, sharp dressed man, legs, tush, viva las vegas, la grange and many many more. They are most underrated.

ZZ Top is overrated not underrated.

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13 The Guess Who

The Guess Who was a Canadian rock band formed in 1962. The band was formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba and is mostly known for their hit "American Woman".

This band is extremely underrated, they are by far the best Canadian band and should be higher on this list.

Pretty underrated. One of their underrated songs even for an underrated band is "No Time," great classic high energy song.

Very very good band. Great vocals and so many memorable songs.

Extremely underrated! - Fullwalking2

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14 Spirit

The Creators of the song titled Taurus, an inspiration to Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. - malamJONES

The creator of Taurus, the best intro in the rock song ever

Not many people know spirit. Listen to fresh garbage and get back to me.

Should have been at least 10 spots higher on this list. - marmalade_skies

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15 The Pretty Things

MOST IGNORED BAND OF ALL TIME PERIOD

16 Scorpions

Scorpions are a German rock band formed in 1965 in Hanover by Rudolf Schenker. Since the band's inception, its musical style has ranged from hard rock to heavy metal.

Certainly one of the most underrated rock bands; with the impressive combination of tremendously popular songs produced by this German European group, ranking should be at least "Top Ten;" but as time flies by, along with all of us, they will also fade into the wind of change...

23? That's crazy. These guys never seem to get mentioned when people spout off great rock bands. Honestly, other than their 2 biggest hits, I never hear anything else from them on the radio and they deserve so much more airplay. Songs like "The Zoo" and "China White" are just as deserving as "Someone Like You".

The most underrated band indeed. They are one of the best bands of all time. Many rock bands 2day have been inspired by dem

Love at First Sting is one of those albums that everyone should own - dlbk03

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17 Love

I love love, their first three albums are fantastic and some of the latter work of Arthur Lee is fantastic, though not up to par with the others albums.

Love wielded serious influence during the most important years in the mid-1960s.

I dunno if they're that underrated. They usually appear on "100 beställningar lbums lists" with Forever changes, but of course not at top 30, often like number 57... Great band and really beautiful songs. - ChatonNoir

18 Focus Focus

Breaking Benjamin are not underrated. -_-

19 Annihilator

Annihilator is a Canadian thrash metal band founded in 1984 by vocalist, guitarist, bassist, songwriter, engineer, producer, mixer and mastering engineer Jeff Waters and former vocalist John Bates.

Better Than Metallica,No One Cares Again.And Kreator,Destruction,Sadus The Real Big Four Thrash Bands.

20 Big Star

More of a "power pop" band, but nonetheless very talented, very underrated, and very influential. My dad introduced me to their music about eight years ago. He, my mom, and some of their friends have had some great memories with this band and now they have passed on to me. I'm only 17 years old and I can tell you that this is a real quality band right here

Check them out - they're from the 70's. Never got famous because of poor management and decisions made. Big influence on groups like REM and Placebo

When I was living in Chicago, I polished up on the history of popular music. Guitarist Chris Bell is an honorable mention for the 27 club.

I love their beautiful songs like "thirteen" and "September gurls" - ChatonNoir

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21 Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band best known for popularizing the Southern rock genre during the 1970s They are known for songs like "Free Bird", "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Tuesdays Gone" .

free bird, sweet home alabama, simple man, and much more but so little credit - thefrozenlemon

One of their songs has become an anthem. Free bird is a genius song, and they have others that are excellent. They are so underrated and very talented.

They are known for "Free Bird", and "Sweet Home Alabama" but that's it. - hype

This band has had more good songs then anyone out there, free bird, simple man, sweet home Alabama, gimme three steps, ballad of Curtis Loew, I need you, four walls of raiford, that smell, gimme back my bullets, Saturday night special, swamp music, what's your name,don't ask me no questions, I ain't the one,and the list goes on. God knows what they had done if it wasn't known for that plane crash

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22 The Who The Who

The Who is an English rock band formed in London, England in 1964 . The members are Roger Daltrey (lead singer), Pete Townshend (guitarist), John Entwistle (bassist), and Keith Moon (drums). They are best known for their live performances and hit songs Baba O'Riley, My Generation, and Won't Get Fooled ...read more.

They are completely underrated! Each member is so talented and they're aren't appreciated enough for their talent. Everyone forgets that Pete Townshend's lyric writing is out of this world, and that Keith Moon's drumming in "Cousin Kevin" happened to be ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE! Also, John Entwistle had an impressive vocal range for a bassist. (He sings all the high notes in A Quick One, While He's Away). And Roger Daltrey is such an amazing singer! His vocals are so passionate and clean! Also, they made 3 ROCK OPERAS! One being a song, and two being albums! How impressive is that?! Ugh. Overall, these guys are so amazing but they're so under appreciated. - MontyPython

Even if I was not a huge fan of The Who, I could easily tell how underrated they are. Led Zeppelin and The Beatles get constant praise but I never see or hear anybody praising The Who for their incredible contribution to rock music. It's so sad as they are one of the best bands ever to have been.

The Who's music had everything. From great vocals to awesome guitar riff. But what really made the band was Keith Moons thundering drums and John Entwistle amazing Bass along with Pete's great writing. The Who are so underrated and The Who's Who's next album is one of the greatest albums ever made. So made great songs Like Baba o'riley, Wont Get Fooled again and Behind Blue eyes. Such a great band that more people need to know about.

Everyone seems to know Queen, but the Who are 10 times better.

Roger Daltrey>Freddie Mercury
Pete Townshend>Brian May
John Entwistle>John Deacon
Keith Moon>Roger Taylor
Baba O’Riley>Bohemian Rhapsody
Who’s next>A Night at the Opera - InsertCleverName

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23 Galactic Cowboys

Excellent band. I don't understand why nobody knows them!...

Very underrated!

24 The Animals

The Animals were an English band of the 1960s, formed in Newcastle upon Tyne, during the early part of the decade.

Truly an underrated band. - naFrovivuS

Led Zeppelin already had too much attention, and the animals are underrated. - Fullwalking2

25 Breaking Benjamin

Breaking Benjamin is a American post-grunge/alternative metal band formed in 1998. The bands members all changed in the time between 2010 to 2014, with the exception of Ben Burnley (Vocals). The Ex-Members included Chad Szeliga (Drums), Aaron Fink (Guitar) and Mark Klepaspi (Bass). ...read more.

I'm not sure why queen and iron maiden are even on this list. But Breaking Benjamin is my favorite band and they're very underrated. I'm not saying they should be number one but they should be higher than this.

Among the best 21 century's bands I wish I could see seether and three days grace on this list also.. To bad those bands are really underrated

The opposite is true, Benjamin, Grace, and Seether are overrated. Still good bands, bit not nearly as good as people claim - Alpha101

EVERY DAMN SONG IS FANTASTIC. Seriously, I haven't heard a song from them that I didn't love. Just listen to Diary of Jane, Breath, Polyamorous, So Cold, Dear Agony, or any song from the entirety of their discography

Not underrated at all. - naFrovivuS

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26 Sparks Sparks

I heard about them in a book. - Pony

Just brilliant

27 Incubus Incubus

Incubus is an American rock band from Calabasas, California. The band was formed in 1991 by vocalist Brandon Boyd, lead guitarist Mike Einziger, and drummer Jose Pasillas while enrolled in Calabasas High School and later expanded to include bassist Alex "Dirk Lance" Katunich, and Gavin "DJ Lyfe" Koppell; ...read more.

This band has some of the most jovial and haunting melodies. As stated before all the members are great at what they do and their music can really sends a message. All their albums are great but I really enjoyed, Morning View and A Crow Left of the Murder. They have many different sounds and styles, and their music can be very atmospheric. A lot of people will say their newer stuff is poppy, but after listening to If Not Now, When? Finally I fell in love. Still making music that's makes you think and feel. Probably my favorite band. Want to see them live soon watched their concerts many times via YouTube. AMAZING.

Dude this band is so underratted; they are never on the top 100 anything. All the members rock at what they do, are one of the only bands that can pull off having a dj, and have a vast array of styles. They put on a hell of a performance and every song is a new "favorite song".

Incubus is one of a kind. Matching rock with funk metal and alternative metal they created a unique music style that defined them in the early 00s.. They deserve more credit since they made awesome songs.

Should have been the top 10 alternative band in the 2000's

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28 ABBA ABBA

ABBA were a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1972 by members Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

They are pop not rock

One of the best bands out there! People should really listen to them more.

They aren't rock. - hype

29 Red Red

Red is an American rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2002. The band's lineup consists of singer Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong, and bassist Randy Armstrong.

I cannot believe that most people don't know this band! All the media ever focuses on these days are people with no talent, but with pretty faces (If you call Justin Beiber, Lady Gaga and Nikki Minaj pretty, that is). A great band who writes more than meaningful lyrics... They're simply amazing!

red is a very underrated band

people with a tiny amount of talent like justin bieber get all the attention

but theres bands out there like red who can actualy write meaningful songs and actualy can make music!

One of the best bands. Not only in Christian rock, but overall. But dang these guys are so underrated. They REALLY deserve more recognition and appreciation. They have really deep and meaningful lyrics, awesome music and an amazing vocalist who can scream powerfully and sing so beautifully at the same time. I love RED!

Very underrated band. Please give them a listen if you can. Their album "Of Beauty and Rage" is a powerful and moving piece of art. It is beautiful yet a force to be reckoned with. I wish I had gotten into them earlier.

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30 Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper was an American rock band formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 1964. The band consisted of lead singer Vince Furnier, Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith.

To me, Alice seems to be really underrated. He doesn't get all the recognition he deserves. If you type in top ten greatest rock bands, he's always over 50. Not Acceptable.

A living legend with a deep catalog!

Aw I love this guy but not wildly underrated

Amazing to see live - Beautifulsound

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31 The Kinks

The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, in 1963 by brothers Dave and Ray Davies.

A very special band and one that seems to be overlooked. They were at the forefront of the British Invasion with The Beatles, The Stones and The Who, yet they seem so unique. The singer/songwriter (Ray Davies) is a great humored genius with an addicting voice. The drummer is always solid and well timed. The bass is (maybe a bit shy) soft when you want and strong when needed. Finally, the guitarist is very talented and is obvious in their more complex compositions. Just start with their first album, if you aren't into 60s Pop Rock n Roll then skip to Village Green Preservation Society (easily one of the best albums ever). You'll be hooked.

The Kinks is the most criminally underrated band ever. One of the most unknowingly influential band in the 60s. Each of their songs are unique and memorable, easily to get hooked with. Not only that, Ray Davies is a lyrical genius too. Dave Davies is a very great guitarist. Lola, You Really Got Me are just the top of a huge underwater mountain of awesome music to find out. Their album like The Kinks are the Village Green, Arthur, The Kink Kontroversy, Something Else by The Kinks and many more are masterpieces, I recommend hearing them and not missing out another band that are truly up there with the Stones, the who, or even the Beatles.

The fact that a band as great as The Kinks are so low on this list just proves how underrated they are. Despite Ray Davis being one of the best songwriters of the 60's and producing a bucket load of great songs, The Kinks had very little commercial success and recognition beyond music critics. The only songs their really remembered for are You Really Got Me and Lola, and the latter is only really known among the Rock crowd.

Bangers al day

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32 Supertramp

I always ask people what are your favorite rock bands and I've never heard anyone say Supertramp, which is crazy because The Logical Song is one of the best songs of all time. Definitely in my top 10. - NvGNick

No-one I know has heard of Supertramp and I can't understand why. I can't stop listening to them, love the use of saxophone, very rare in a lot of music. They are just overall awesome.

Normally the only song I ever hear by them on the radio is "Give a Little Bit". Yeah, it's a great song, but they have so many other classics as well. They aren't normally recognized as having as much depth as they do. - Knucklewood

Goodbye stranger is one of the greatest songs ever

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33 Thousand Foot Krutch

They really should get more recognition. - LarkwingFlight

They are quite good, better than even some of old linkin park.

Such a great band.

TFK is amazing! Very underrated

34 Tool Tool

Tool is an American progressive metal/alternative metal band, that was formed in 1990. ...read more.

They are terrible rock band on history other then morn and slipknot

Awesome music.. Creativity.. Lyrics... This band should b in the top 10...

There music makes you think out side the box. Shows how. ignorant people are in the present and past.

35 Camel Camel

Such an amazing prog rock band. Creates a spiritual atmosphere through their music. - RalphSaad

Worldly Instrumentals. A band that is beloved for musical intricacies and composition.

Rajaz and stationary traveler, amazing songs equal to hotel california high hopes comfortably numb wish you were here

36 Anthrax Anthrax

Anthrax is an American thrash metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker.

Anthrax is awesome. Megadeth is very over rated and if they sold near as much as Metallica then they would be the most over rated band of all time. Megadeth fans are idiots that are easily amused by a average band. Anthrax had then beat - Sabbath

Anthrax is awesome. Megadeth is over rated

Shame that metal heads mostly look at Slayer and Metallica and forget about this more talented group from the Thrash Era

Anthrax- Real Thrash
Metallica/Megadeth- Real Trash - sweetbeef

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37 Alice In Chains

Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley.

Why the heck is Queen, Rush, STP, and Boston up there? All of their albums pale in comparison with Dirt, and yet are more popular. AIC is synonymous with underrated band. Nirvana's shadow cast over them, and by the time the majority of the Seattle Scene dissolved, Layne slipped up (RIP Layne, greatest voice). So, how is the Riff God's band not up in the top ten? The one of the most dynamic voices in Rock history not up there? Sean Kinney's drumming is superb, as well as Mike Inez & the late great Mike Starr's bass guitar's skill. Not to mention amazing harmonies between Jerry and DuVall/Staley. WAY underrated. Heck, they're underrated on an underrated list, who's more underrated than that? - Laughitupfuzzball

Most underrated band in my opinion. The music is band created in the 90's is still the best in 2012. I only wish Layne would have stayed with us longer, the music they made with him is the best. I enjoy what they are doing now with a different singer, but my music heart belongs with Layne. RIP

Alice in Chains took me by surprise when I first heard their music.. ALways thought of them as a heavy metal band but honestly they are nothing but perfect melodies and groovy solos.. some of the purest rock out there in my opinion. If you wanna consider them grunge then consider them the best

Pearl Jam and Nirvana get a lot of the pub. but AIC may be the best of the Seattle Sound. They are often dark but oh so cool. So many great songs.

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38 Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth was an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1981. Founding members Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon and Lee Ranaldo remained together for the entire history of the band, while Steve Shelley followed a series of short-term drummers in 1985, and rounded out the core line-up.

Sonic Youth isn't for everyone, but they are without doubt extremely underrated - papervinnie

Underrated on an underrated list, how ironic - Mowberg

So underrated that I only found out about them by scrolling through the bottom half punk top ten lists when I'm board.

So underrated they're not even on the list

39 Styx

It is a shame that the world refuses to hear Styx for what they are. They would be knighted if they were British. They are the most original band ever. They would be a tough act for anyone to follow even today. It wasn't about the sex appeal of rock and roll for them, it was about the music. Better than every British band, hands down.

Everyone seems to hate this band. That's partly because, mostly, only their later, not-so-great songs got popular. Their really phenomenal songs (almost all from the 70s), like "Castle Walls", "Clair de Lune/Ballerina", "A Day" and "Boat on the River" are mostly unknown. - Raa396

They should be at he number one position suite madame blue is one of the greatest songs of all time!

Man In The Wilderness, Castle Walls - get away from the "big pop hits" and they did some GREAT music.
VERY underrated.

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40 Adema Adema

Adema is a nu metal band from Bakersfield, California. The band formed in 2000 with members lead vocalist Mark Chavez, vocalist/guitarist Tim Fluckey, guitarist Mike Ransom, bassist Dave DeRoo, and drummer Kris Kohls.

41 Stone Temple Pilots

Stone Temple Pilots was formed in San Diego, CA in 1989. ...read more.

My username is dedicated to these guys! The Stone Temple Pilots totally rock! They are very underrated. Just listen to their song Plush. It's EPIC! - StoneTemplePilots87

I was scrolling past all these and wondered were they were. I really like the Stone Temple Pilots and I think they are very underrated.

everyone thinks of them and pearl jam wannabes but are really just as good. - thefrozenlemon

Beast grunge band

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42 Blind Guardian

Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in the mid-1980s in West Germany. They are often credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres. Heavily influenced by Queen, they use the technique of overdubbing. They also incorporate large ...read more.

43 Cinderella

Cinderella is an American glam metal and hard rock band from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band emerged in the mid-1980s with a series of multi-platinum albums and hit singles whose music videos received heavy MTV rotation.

Cinderella is one of the greatest bands of all-time. Tom Keifer's vocals were unique, few could emulate it. This band will always be labeled as a "hair-glam band" but in reality these guys were so versatile, playing bluesy tunes mixed with rock and a touch of western. They flat out ROCK! With songs like Bad Seamstress to Dead Man's Road to Night Songs, etc. The Heartbreak Station album really shows off Cinderella's versatility. I've seen them live twice and they are the best live band I've ever heard. Front man Tom Keifer still tours with a solo band today. He's still worth going to see if you have the chance.

This band is so underrated. I don't understand what happened, they opened important shows, they had grate music and yet they are not very known, unless you really like glam. Rock

A great band that is not to well known, deserves much more recognition. Songs like Coming Home, Don't Know What You Got, Gypsey Road, etc. Are great!

44 Electric Light Orchestra

The Electric Light Orchestra are an English rock band from Birmingham. They were formed in 1970 by songwriters/multi-instrumentalists Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne with drummer Bev Bevan.

I love ELO! They have awesome lyrics, catchy melodies, and great talent! I have to say, 'Livin Thing' probably my favorite along with 'Telephone Line' and 'Evil Woman'. It is so sad that not a lot of people listen to them these days. And one last thing, if you like The Beatles, you will probably like ELO because they are similar, but still very different in their own good way!

ELO basically invented their own style of rock n roll and nobody recognizes it. They are legends and always will be. It is sad that people listen to rap when bands like ELO basically use the same instruments and are lot better.

Probably (in my opinion) the most underrated acts of the 1970s and of all time. Do I like other bands more than them, Of course. But ELO is definitely high up there. Their melodies, mixture of pop rock and classical, and their versatility, makes them one of the most massive and sophisticated acts in all of classic rock. They've had tons of hits, but barely any of them get radio play. A definite reccomendation (also "Big Wheels" may be one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard)

П��It's so sad if that's the way it's over🎶

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45 Def Leppard

Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield as part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement.

Never get discussed. Great guitarists and one of the top 20 voices in rock of all time in Joe Elliot.

The Best. The sound undeniably unique.

46 Automatic Loveletter

47 Uriah Heep

Uriah Heep are an English rock band formed in London in 1969 that was one of the top rock bands in the early 1970s. Twelve of the band's albums have made it to the UK Albums Chart (Return to Fantasy reached No. 7 in 1975). Uriah Heep's distinctive features include a massive keyboard sound, strong vocal ...read more.

Very underrated band. Love the earlier stuff. Saw them is Australia 2011 fantastic.

One of my favorite top 5 bands

Rivals any band in terms of pure musical talent. David Byron is the most underrated singer ever as well.

Most underrated band of all time, no doubt at all in my mind. Salisbury, backed by a philharmonic orchestra, is a masterpiece.

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48 Giant Squid

Better than ACDC or Iron Maiden.

49 Barclay James Harvest

Perhaps THE most under-rated prog rock band - at least in the UK. Much appreciated however in most of Europe, particularly in Germany, where they are revered, have played massive concerts and hold the number 3 spot for best album of all time.

Why am I having to add this immensely successful, though under-rated in their home country (the UK), band to a list that includes so many unheard-of bands? At the height of their success, they played a free concert in front of the Reichstag in West Berlin, with an estimated attendance of 250,000 people (30 August 1980). They were also the first Western rock band to play an open-air concert in pre-Glasnost East Germany, playing in Treptower Park, East Berlin on 14 July 1987 to a 170,000+ audience. In 2011 official German chart company Media Control has named BJH's Gone To Earth the third most successful chart album ever in Germany - the largest music market in Europe! Their chart is based on points given for the number of weeks spent on the official chart and the positions reached. Number one is Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here (the new remastered edition of which recently re-entered the German album chart at No. 4), and second was German schlager singer Andrea Berg's Best Of. "

Thank goodness that the rest of Europe latched on to this insanely under-rated Lancashire prog band and took them to their hearts, otherwise they might not have created all those wonderful albums for their many devoted fans to play over and over again. I never tire of listening to their exquisite music.

In a list of underrated bands, it's ridiculous to vote for highly-rated (not just by their ardent fans) and universally recognised bands, such as Dire Straits, Queen and ELO. On the other hand, BJH are 'famous' for being criminally UNDERRATED for over 40 years in their home country, though very successful in Europe.

50 Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge is an American rock band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 2004. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Myles Kennedy, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips.

Myles Kennedy easily has one of my favorite voices in rock in my opinion. Just listen to the intro to Calm the Fire and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Or just listen to the entirety of Fortress. Truly a fantastic album that really demonstrates what Mark Tremonti is capable of writing as a guitarist, supported by Myles' great use of texture on rhythm guitar.

In my opinion, the best rock band in the last 10 years, and sadly, one of the most underrated. They have so much variety and a lot of their songs are just beautiful and badass. Myles Kennedy's great voice and Mark Tremonti's awesome guitar solos worth it.

This needs to be in the top 10. Alter Bridge is terribly underrated. Songs like Metalingus, Blackbird, Isolation, Find The Real, Come to life, and In Loving Memory prove just that.

Alter Bridge is beyond underrated. They have really great music. My top 10 are:

1. Isolation
2. Wayward One
3. Find The Real
4. Metalingus
5. Broken Wings
6. Breathe Again
7. In Loving Memory
8. Come to Life
9. Zero
10. Coming Home

Those are some of their best songs. Alter Bridge is another one of those underrated bands from the 2000's, along with Saliva, Three Days Grace, Disturbed, Godsmack, and others.

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