Most Underrated Rock Bands

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.

1. Deep Purple

   

   Deep Purple is an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. They are regarded as pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical style has changed over the years. They originally played progressive rock, but shifted to a heavier sound around 1970.... 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...

   No way are the hard rock pioneers appreciated enough. Consistently good music with the exception of 2-3 records, mega-musicians have passed through their ranks. Real, no BS, good rock music. Inspiration for generations of musicians ever since. Some unnecessary drama and changes that may have actually affected their image negatively. The magnitude of genius even in their most "basic" song, smoke on the water, is in-conceivable by any other rock musician to-date.

2. 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. The band is known for its clean sound, literate lyrics, and hit songs like Sultans of Swing and Money for Nothing. Dire Straits disbanded in 1995 but remain influential... read more

   Considering most people only know Dire Straits for two or three songs at best ("Sultans of Swing", "Money for Nothing", and maybe "Brothers In Arms"), if even that many, they deserve to be more recognized. All of the Brothers In Arms album is really good. The self titled album and Making Movies are also pretty good, with "Sultans of Swing" and "Romeo and Juliet" being two of the coolest songs on each album, and in the entirety of their catalogue. Also, as far as musicianship goes, Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest guitarists of all time with the absolute weirdest/coolest fingerstyle picking techniques ever. That coupled with his unique singing style of talking casually more than really singing is pretty nice. Everything in the band just comes together to form a tight sound every second of every album.

3. Blue Oyster Cult

   

   Blue Öyster Cult is an American rock band from Long Island, New York, known for blending hard rock and heavy metal with science fiction and occult themes. Their most successful songs include "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," "Godzilla," and "Burnin' for You." The band has maintained a cult following since the... read more

   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.

   Deep Purple does deserve to be high on this list, I'll admit. But many people have at least HEARD of Purple. If you talk about Blue Oyster Cult in front of someone, they will likely have no idea what you are talking about. People know them from the SNL skit, and it was funny and all, but I can't believe they don't have a much bigger fanbase.

4. King Crimson

   

   King Crimson was a British progressive rock band formed in 1969. The group underwent numerous lineup changes, but guitarist Robert Fripp remained the consistent driving force. Their most notable lineup from 1972 to 1975 included Fripp, John Wetton, Bill Bruford, and David Cross. The band is best known... 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

   These guys are a brilliant band, their style has not been replicated since they first came out. Their rampant combination of jazz, classical, and rock is absolutely brilliant in my opinion. People who are into anything really should give them a listen, and then a second listen, their music can be very addictive after a while.

   Certainly one of my favorite bands of all time.

5. The Moody Blues

   

   The Moody Blues were an English rock band known for their influence on art rock and progressive rock. They began by playing rhythm and blues, but their second album, Days of Future Passed, released in 1967, merged rock with orchestral music. The band remained active for many years and was inducted into... read more

   This is coming from a (currently) 16 year old girl who has no nostalgic connection to this band whatsoever. With that said, I feel this strange sort of warmth to The Moody Blues that, admittedly, I don't really feel really often with any other bands. It's such a shame that this band doesn't get the recognition they truly deserve, and tend to go on noticed by the average rock fan. Their music is truly beautiful, and I feel so many strong emotions towards many of their albums. It baffles me by how criminally underrated they are, and how I've only just heard about their existence recently (thanks to the wonderful Jojo's Bizarre Adventure). Please give them a listen if you have some free time! I HIGHLY recommend Days Of Future Passed (it's definitely my favorite album of all time).

6. 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 was the first black Irishman to achieve commercial success in the field of rock music.... read more

   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.

7. Creedence Clearwater Revival

   

   Creedence Clearwater Revival, commonly abbreviated as CCR or simply Creedence, was an American rock band formed in El Cerrito, California. The band consisted of lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter John Fogerty. His brother, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty. Bassist Stu Cook. And drummer... read more

   People are gonna know three (Fortunate Son, Bad Moon Rising, Down On the Corner), maybe four (Have You Ever Seen the Rain, a very overrated song) of their songs but we fans, not even hardcore consider nearly all of their discography as classics, as any sensible person should. Usually don't even make the top 50 on best music bands/artists, or even rock bands, but I'd personally rank them #6 or #7. I believe they deserve a top 15 spot for anyone who considers themselves a rock fan, these guys are truly underrated to the general public. Now, are they the most underrated? No, I'd put Nickelback, Ashes Remain, Falconer, Dream Theater, Evans Blue, Third Day and Ashbury as more underrated, but this band is one where there's much to be said, but not too much to fit in a comment.Either way, if you haven't listened to much of these guys, then please do so. I was lucky enough to be raised listening to their songs, and they're among my favorite from that era of music.

8. Rainbow

   

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

   The first three albums were amazing to say the least. If only ritchie blackmore was not such an arrogant prick, maybe dio would not have left. They seriously were at the level of led zepplin during the dio years, maybe they could have been even better if dio stayed, they would have been the most legendary band.

   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.

9. Dream Theater

   

   Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band from Boston, Massachusetts. The band was formed in 1985 under the name "Majesty," later changing it to Dream Theater. The original lineup consisted of John Petrucci (guitar), John Myung (bass), and Mike Portnoy (drums).... 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 Evanescence fan. Does that mean I can't love more complex bands like Dream Theater? No it doesn't! I love classical, jazz, some pop, all types of rock and even some rap when I'm in the mood. We all need to value other people's opinions in taste of music. I'm sick and tired of all my chart listening friends saying I don't have taste. Because I do, just like them and everyone else. People who don't realize this, really should do, because this is what leads to arguments and arguments lead to wars! I for one do not want a world war I to break out, thank you very much.

10. Rush

    

    Rush is a Canadian progressive rock band that was formed in 1968. The band's most iconic lineup consisted of guitarist Alex Lifeson, bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee, and drummer Neil Peart, who joined in 1974. Following Peart's death from brain cancer on January 7, 2020, Lee and Lifeson announced in October... read 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 bands with great unique guitar sounds causing their fame like Van Halen (Great Band), Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Guns 'n' Roses, Rush's Alex Lifeson is without a doubt in that category. Alex lifeson brings the sound of rush to life with his unique style of sounds his playing has to offer. Its also one of the better sounding guitars in concert. Last but not least is the greatest drummer of all time period. I don't care what you say about John Bonham (from Led Zeppelin) he died too early, or Keith Moon (the Who), NEIL PEART the man, the myth, the legend, is the greatest drummer to live in the history of anyone who drummed. His unique style of drumming rivals anyone. His drum set surrounds him 360 degrees in concert full of basically every percussion instrument imaginable for the use of beautiful rock music. Rush although the most underrated band ever, deserves to be thought through. Rush's lyrics also weird and strange are original and extremely creative. Rush has the greatest Bassist and drummer... read more

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Killradio

    

    Feeding The Rich is an incredible song I highly recommend it.

12. ?

    Pierce the Veil

    

    Pierce the Veil is an American post-hardcore band from San Diego, California. The group was founded in 2006 by brothers Vic and Mike Fuentes following the breakup of their previous band, Before Today, which emerged from the San Diego punk scene. In 2007, they were joined by Jaime Preciado and Tony Perry... read more

    Super underrated band, listen to "Emergency Contact" if you don't believe me

The Contenders

13. ZZ Top

    

    ZZ Top is an American rock band that formed in 1969 in Houston, Texas. The band's classic lineup consisted of bassist and lead vocalist Dusty Hill, guitarist and lead vocalist Billy Gibbons, and drummer Frank Beard. Known for their blues-infused rock and signature beards, ZZ Top achieved commercial success... read more

    Another example of a great underrated Southern rock group: 38 Special. They were kind of more affiliated with the arena rock scene at the time along with groups like Journey, Styx, Boston, etc, as well as AM rock like Jefferson Starship, the Eagles and Little River Band, but their sound itself dared to be unique, even if their songs were similar to each other ("Caught Up In You" sounds a lot like "Hold On Loosely"). Songs like "If I'd Been The One", my favorite one from the group, give off wild, adventurous vibes, while others give off the impression of being alone in a dimly-lit countryside bar. It's dad rock at its finest, and it's perfect feel-good music. What else is there to say?

14. UFO

    

    UFO is an English rock band that was formed in 1969. They played a significant role in bridging early hard rock and heavy metal. The band also influenced the development of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and inspired many later artists in the genre.

    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.

    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...

15. Scorpions

    

    Scorpions are a German rock band formed in 1965 in Hanover by guitarist Rudolf Schenker. Early members included vocalist Klaus Meine and guitarist Michael Schenker, later replaced by Matthias Jabs. The band first gained international attention in the late 1970s, and has since explored styles ranging... read more

    Still Loving You is the biggest selling single of all time in London. Hurricane is a true rock anthem known throughout the world. The Zoo, Loving You Sunday Morning, Sails of Charon and MANY others were both hits and trendsetting in the 70's. The several 80's albums were all deep and rich. The ballads are classics and the hits are classics but the deep cuts are why Scorpions fans are so passionate about the music. Regardless of where they land on this or any other list, The Scorps are a band that rockers need to dig into. Crazy World is likely the best album that's never mentioned that epitomizes my point.

    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".

16. 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.

17. The Guess Who

    

    The Guess Who is a Canadian rock band that was formed in 1962 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They achieved international fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like "American Woman," "These Eyes," and "No Time." The band's classic lineup included Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman, and their music blended... read more

    With their longevity, great rock songs and ballads, Burton Cummings voice and creativity, Randy Bachman's (also of BTO fame) guitar, it is a total disgrace they are NOT in the R&R HOF. Best Canadian band by far

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

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

18. The Pretty Things

    

    I can't believe how amazing the music this band created is. They made the very first rock opera album and arguably have some of the first known metal riffs in some of their songs. Definitely a band worth checking out if you haven't heard of them.

    Magical, inspiring underground band with interesting evolution. R.I.P. Phil

19. Spirit

    

    Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus is one of my favorite albums. Their original stuff is great. They also did interesting and original covers. Check out their version of Hendrix' "Hey Joe" and Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" on their live Spirit of 76 album. Spirit (the core of which was Randy California and Ed Cassidy) is definitely one of the most underrated bands of all time.

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

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

20. The Who

    

    The Who is an English rock band formed in London, England, in 1964. The most recognizable lineup consisted of Roger Daltrey (lead vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar), John Entwistle (bass guitar), and Keith Moon (drums). They are best known for their live performances and hit songs "Baba O'Riley," "My Generation... read more

    Yes they are frequently ranked as being amongst the greatest bands but the truth is they were the single greatest. Pete Townshend was possibly the greatest songwriter of the 20th century, he basically invented the rock opera. He was also one of the greatest guitarist and pretty much invented rock star stage antics like smashing guitars on stage. Roger Daltrey was a great singer. John Entwistle was probably the greatest bassist of all time, and Keith Moon was the greatest drummer of all time.

    They released the two greatest rock operas of all time, one of the greatest concept albums of all time, the greatest live album of all time and seven of the greatest albums of all time.

21. Breaking Benjamin

    

    Breaking Benjamin is an American alternative metal band formed in 1999. Vocalist Benjamin Burnley has remained the only constant member of the group. The band's former lineup included musicians such as Chad Szeliga on drums, Aaron Fink on guitar, and Mark Klepaski on bass.... read more

    One of the best bands I've ever heard, they make good music and Benjamin's voice is HEAVENLY... I really don't understand why some new boy bands and stupid artist are respected and produced more than BB.. That really sucks.. Best song's are " dear agony, What Lies Beneath, Anthem Of The Angels, well all of their songs are good to be honest

    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.

22. The Kinks

    

    The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, in 1964 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. They are regarded as one of the most important and influential rock bands of the 1960s. Their music was integral to the development of British rock, with hits like You Really Got Me and... read more

    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.

23. Focus

    

    Focus is a Dutch rock band that was formed in Amsterdam in 1969 by Thijs van Leer, who serves as the band's keyboardist, vocalist, and flautist. The group has gone through many lineup changes throughout its history. Since December 2016, the band has included van Leer, drummer Pierre van der Linden, guitarist... read more

24. 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

    In a class of its own as far as underrated goes. They were way ahead of their time when they released 3 albums in the 70s. Turbulence, drugs poor marketing and poor management all contributed significantly to this amazing band being so underrated

25. Alice In Chains

    

    Alice in Chains is an American grunge/alternative metal band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley. The band's most notable hits include "Man in the Box," "Down in a Hole," "Heaven Beside You," "No Excuses," "What the... read more

    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?

26. Sparks

    

    Sparks is an American pop and rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1972 by brothers Ron and Russell Mael. The duo originally started performing under the name Halfnelson in 1968 before changing their name. They have released more than 25 albums and are known for their theatrical performances and unique... read more

27. Supertramp

    

    Supertramp were an English progressive rock band formed in 1969 in London, United Kingdom. The founding members included Roger Hodgson, Frank Farrell, Rick Davies, Kevin Currie, and Dave Winthrop. The band reached its commercial peak with the 1979 album "Breakfast in America," which sold over 20 million... read more

    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.

    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.

    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.