7 новых женских рок-групп для прослушивания прямо сейчас

Alternative Girl Bands 2000s

When you hear the term alternative music, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a bunch of grungy guys with long hair and ripped jeans.

But in the 2000s, a number of alternative girl bands emerged, proving that there was no limit to what women could do in this genre.

From Yeah Yeah Yeahs to Tegan and Sara, these bands paved the way for a new generation of female artists in the alternative scene.

Apart from their musical talent, these groups are also known for their unique fashion sense and edgy aesthetics. In a world of cookie-cutter pop stars, these bands definitely stand out.

So if you’re looking for something a little different, here are some of the best alternative girl bands from the 2000s.

• The Cranberries
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• Warpaint
• Sleater-Kinney
• Paramore
• Metric
• Girlpool
• Daughter
• CHVRCHES
• Florence and the Machine

3. Pixies

From Boston, Massachusetts, the Pixies started in 1986 as a collaboration between lead guitarist Joey Santiago and singer-songwriter Black Francis during their college years in Amherst. Soon after, they recruited Kim Deal on the bass and David Lovering on drums.

Their debut album was Come on Pilgrim in 1987, followed in quick succession by Surfer Rosa (1988), Doolittle (1989), Bossa Nova (1990), and Trompe le Monde (1991). Surfer Rosa and Dolittle achieved Gold and Platinum status. 

Their sound incorporates punk and surf rock as melodic influences, while Francis’ lyrics take inspiration from his strict Christian upbringing.

Some of their songs, “Here Comes Your Man” and “Where Is My Mind,” have been featured in major Hollywood films like Fight Club and 500 Days of Summer.

Patti Smith

Often considered one of the most iconic women of indie rock, Patti Smith has influenced generations of artists including Lorde, The Smiths, and R.E.M. to name a few.  Smith has also been called the “Godmother of Punk.” Her debut album, Horses (1975), is one of the albums that laid the groundwork for the fusion of poetry with rock music. Her most widely known song is perhaps “Because the Night”, which was co-written with Bruce Springsteen in 1978. 

Smith’s unapologetic and poetic lyrics, combined with her powerful stage presence, have made her an enduring figure in indie rock history. She is truly one of the top female indie rock artists in history.

Girl Screamo Bands 2000s

Just as passionate and intense as their male counterparts, girl screamo bands in the 2000s were a force to be reckoned with.

With their high-energy performances and powerful lyrics, these groups proved that women could be just as tough and hardcore as any guy.

And without a doubt they inspired a new generation of female musicians to take up instruments and get in the mosh pit.

Not just a boys club anymore, here are some of the best girl screamo bands of the 2000s.

• I Would Set Myself on Fire for You
• Analena
• In This Moment
• Dazzle Vision
• The Hope and the Failure
• Heart On My Sleeve
• BABYMETAL
• Eyes Set to Kill
• I Hate Sally
• Picture Me Broken

Laurel

Laurel is nothing live you’ve ever heard. She is one of my all time favourites, and for good reason! Her unique voice sounds heavenly and you can feel her artistry and musicality in everything she does and sings. Each of her songs is so well built and produced.

As she entirely composed and recorded her last album Dogviolet in her room, she definitely had a word to say on the whole creation process. Her light shines like no one else and her musicality will feed your heart and spirit.

• Genre : Indie Pop, Chamber Pop
• Favourite tracks : This Must Be the Place, Scream Drive Fast, Adored, Crave, Life Worth Living
• Origin : Southampton, England
• Active Years : 2013 – now

LAUREL – ‘Same Mistakes’ (live for Like A Version)

2. The Smiths

In the UK, it was rock band The Smiths who spearheaded the independent rock movement, which has garnered them a huge following.

The Smiths originated from Manchester in 1982 with its primary band members Morrissey as a singer, Johnny Marr on guitar, Andy Rourke on bass, and Mike Joyce on the drums.

During their short five-year lifespan, The Smiths recorded three albums that were all wildly popular and controversial. Their live performances garnered spots on UK Billboard charts with songs like “Reel Around the Fountain,” “The Charming Man,” and “What Difference Does It Make.”  

They didn’t record an album until the 1984 release of their self-titled debut album. Their 3rd album, The Queen Is Dead was popular enough to draw a major indie following in the US.

Nina Nesbitt

Nina Nesbitt is a pure gold Scottish made talent. Her songwriting and “niightwatch studio” went beyond the borders of the United Kingdom and got her to tour the world, sometimes for her own shows and other times as an opening act for big names of the industry like Ed Sheeran, Example, Jake Bugg.

Her audience is constantly growing and unlike other fanbases, is never too far when Nesbitt releases a new song or comes up with another crazy lockdown song idea. One thing is for sure, she will keep innovating with her songs.

• Genre : Indie Pop, Pop Folk, Acoustic
• Favourite tracks : the Hardest Part, The Moments I’m Missing, Take You to Heaven
• Origin : Livingston, Scotland
• Active Years : 2011 – now

Nina Nesbitt – Somebody Special (Acoustic Live Version)

11. LCD Soundsystem

Originating in Brooklyn in 2002, LCD Soundsystem is the epitome of indie revival and the pioneers of Brooklyn’s hipster culture.

Not only is founder James Murphy, a lead songwriter in LCD Soundsystem, but he’s also an independent record producer. His label, DFA Records, released the band’s singles and hit albums from 2002 through 2010.

Their music is a mix of electronic rock and dance-punk. Its many members utilizes multiple synthesizers, keyboards, and percussions in addition to standard drums, guitar, and bass.

Their 2005 single “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” received a Grammy nomination for the Best Electronic/Dance Album, and their 2008 song “Tonight” won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording.

Dum Dum Girls

Вокалистка и гитаристка Ди Ди Пенни создала группу Dum Dum Girls в своей спальне в Лос-Анджелесе, штат Калифорния, в 2008 году.

То, что начиналось как простой проект записи в спальне, растянулось на восемь лет и двенадцать участников разных составов.

Dum Dum Girls выпустили четыре студийных альбома, последний из которых, «Too True», вышел в 2014 году. Группа гастролировала с такими известными группами, как Black Keys и Raveonettes.

Хотя группа не получила много официальных наград за свою музыку, они исполнили свой хит «Bedroom Eyes» на шоу Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, а их сингл «Lord Knows» получил высокую оценку критиков.

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Возрождение коллектива в новом времени

Запись саундтрека заставила продолжить совместное творчество. В 2000 прошел тур в поддержку Get The Girl. В том же году The Bangles ввели в Зал славы. К 2003 издается лонгплей Doll Revolution с заглавным треком Something That You Said. Ребята сыграли на немецком телешоу Wetten dass, поэтому свежая пластинка стала успешной в Германии. Однако в США, Великобритании и Австралии диск провалился.

В 2005 из проекта ушла Мишель Стил из-за творческих разногласий. Ее сменила басистка Эбби Трэвис для живых концертов. Однако в 2008 ее уволили. В конце 2005 коллектив играл на Times Square. Летом 2007 выпустили дебютный DVD. После этого музыканты гастролировали по США, Германии, Нидерландах и Англии. С весны по 2009 по осень 2011 «банда» трудилась над песенником Sweetheart of the Sun. В поддержку этого альбома исполнительницы вместе с группами-помощниками колесили по Среднему Западу, Восточному и Западному побережью.

К концу 2013 трио отыграло на фестивале в Сан-Франциско и благотворительном концерте в Лос-Анджелесе с другими возродившимися коллективами Rain Parade, The Three O’Clock, Paisley Underground, The Dream Syndicate. В 2014 дамы отметились с лайвом на 50-летнем юбилее The Whisky в Западном Голливуде. В начале 2018 спустя несколько лет музыканты сыграли в Анахайме. Концерт примечателен тем, что произошло воссоединение с Аннет Зилинскас спустя 35 лет.

Sleater-Kinney (Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker)

Sleater-Kinney is a female-fronted indie rock/punk band formed in 1994 by Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker. Their fierce and politically charged lyrics, coupled with their distinctive guitar work, have earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. The band has even drawn comparisons to Patti Smith. 

Albums like Dig Me Out and The Woods continue to be celebrated for their uncompromising approach to both music and feminism. Some standout collaborations include Tucker’s work with Eddie Vedder’s solo album Into the Wild. Her vocals can be heard on the song “Hard Sun”. Other collaborations include The B-52s and Peter Buck of R.E.M. 

Corin Tucker was listed number 155 in Rolling Stone‘s 2023 list of the 200 Best Singers, adding “Punk is full of loud voices, but Corin Tucker’s voice stands out even in that genre”.

13. MGMT

https://youtube.com/watch?v=aVJSMaRcnW4

Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser are the duo behind MGMT, is an electronic pop and psychedelic rock group formed in 2002.

The two members started experimenting with sounds and sharing musical musing during their time as students. They released their first single in 2005, called “Time to Pretend,” followed by “Kids.”

Both singles eventually became part of their full album Oracular Spectacular, which they released in 2007. This album gained widespread acclaim, garnering various Grammy and Brit Award nominations. It was also named by Rolling Stone one of the top 500 albums of all time.

Lesbian Girl Bands of the 2000s

Lesbian girl bands were an important part of the music scene in the 2000s. These groups, which included acts like The Butchies and Team Dresch, helped pave the way for more inclusive and diverse representations of women in music.

They also brought a much-needed feminist perspective to the male-dominated world of rock and roll, challenging traditional ideas about gender roles and sexuality. Not only that, but they also made some great music along the way.

So if you’re looking for some awesome lesbian girl bands of the 2000s, look no further. These groups are sure to please.

• Nina Sky
• Electrelane
• Tegan & Sara
• MUNA
• Hurray for the Riff Raff
• The xx
• WASI
• The Butchies
• Team Dresch
• Hunter Valentine

4. The White Stripes

Modern blues garage-rock duo White Stripes is comprised of singer and guitarist Jack White and his ex-wife and drummer Meg White. The two married and began jamming informally during the late ’90s, performing live for the first time in 1997. 

They released their eponymous debut album in 1999, which would be the first of six albums released between 1999 and 2007. The most popular were White Blood Cells, featuring the song “We’re Going to Be Friends,” and Elephant, containing the hit “Seven Nation Army.”

Both albums received widespread praise both during their release and years later, and both are on Rolling Stone’s Greatest Albums of All Time list.

Japanese Girl Bands of the 2000

As a result of the massive popularity of J-pop in the West, a number of Japanese girl bands achieved success outside of their home country in the 2000s.

And they quickly captured the hearts of music fans around the world with their catchy melodies, cute outfits and adorable personalities.

Although many critics argue that these groups are nothing more than manufactured products, there is no denying the appeal of these Japanese girl bands.

From Morning Musume to Perfume, these bands are sure to put a smile on your face.

• Band-Maid
• Dazzle Vision
• SILENT SIREN
• Wagakki Band
• Tokyo Jihen
• LAZYgunsBRISKY
• STARMARIE
• Angela
• Morning Musume
• Perfume

The Clash

The Clash — What’s My Name (Official Audio)

Formed in 1976, The Clash became a major player in multiple music movements in England. They started out as part of the first wave of punk rock that overtook the isles but dabbled in other movements like reggae, funk, and ska music. Rolling Stone named their third studio album the Best Album of the Eighties. Their release of the Combat Rock album included the release of Rock The Casbah, which would go on to become a Top 10 hit. In more recent years, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and named the number-28 artist on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. 

Cat Power (Chan Marshall)

Chan Marshall, better known as Cat Power has often been called the “queen of sadcore.” However, Marshall herself has called her songs “not sad, but triumphant”.  Her music has elements of blues, rock, folk, and even gospel woven in. She has been a prolific and influential figure in the indie rock scene over the years. 

Her emotionally charged and introspective songwriting, paired with her hauntingly beautiful and vulnerable voice, resonates with audiences worldwide. Albums like Moon Pix and You Are Free are often considered indie rock classics. 

Marshall’s shows are known for their unpolished and often erratic nature. He is known for blending songs, as well as abruptly ending songs halfway through them.  

Maggie Rogers

Maggie is the human version of the word ‘authenticity’, both in the ways she sings and moves. Her voice tone and capacities are gorgeous and remarkable. She perfectly knows how to use them to create bangers like Fallingwater and Light On.

Her live performances are about feeling alive and giving it all, feeling the music living through her veins and dancing like no one is watching. Her energy is insanely communicative and she gives me a Michael Jackson vibe when she’s turning on herself and moving like crazy. Definitely a rising star in the new female indie artists!

• Genre : Indie Pop, Art Pop‎, Folk Pop
• Favourite tracks : Say it, Burning, Give a Little
• Origin : Easton, Maryland, USA
• Active Years : 2012 – now

Maggie Rogers – Alaska (Live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon)

Anna Calvi

Anna Calvi isn’t only an incredible singer, she also owns the stage with her guitar skills. Her haunting performances never fail to take the crowd to a new, uncharted territory every time she steps on the stage with her traditional red outfits.

In her last album Hunted, she offers innovative and experimental rock sounds, whispers and high notes. To resume, she is one of a kind and you just cannot leave this article without checking her live video of Love Won’t Be Leaving.

• Genre : Alternative Rock, Experimental Rock, Indie Rock
• Favourite tracks : Love Won’t Be Leaving, Wish, Strange Weather, Morning Light
• Origin : Twickenham, United Kingdom
• Active Years : 2007 – now

Anna Calvi – Love Won’t Be Leaving (Live in New York) | Moshcam

Men I Trust

All I can say about Men I Trust is how inspired I am everything I put one of their songs on. Especially the ones with unreal guitar solos, like in All Night! The voice of Emmanuelle Proulx is soft like silk and the bass, guitar and keyboard sounds are glassy and intriguing as we like them.

And I’m definitely not the only one to feel this way about their last albums Oncle Jazz and Forever Live Sessions. This upcoming band inspires many others, including Draumr, the new figure of parisian dream pop. The video I chose to share with you is the one who introduced me to the band. Enjoy!

• Genre : Indie Pop, Dream Pop
• Favourite tracks : All Night (Garage Session), Norton Commander (Garage Session)
• Members : Emmanuelle Proulx, Jessy Caron, Dragos Chiriac
• Origin : Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Active Years : 2014 – now

Men I Trust – All Night (garage session)

Black Girl Bands of the 2000s

The mainstream music industry of the early 2000s was still dominated by mostly white male artists.

However, a wave of black girl bands emerged and started to break through into the mainstream. These girls were fearless, talented, and unapologetically themselves.

Some of the top black girl bands of the 2000s include Destiny’s Child, 3LW, Sugababes, and TLC.

These bands showed that there was a place for black girls in the music industry and that they could create music that appealed to a wide audience.

They also helped to redefine what it meant to be a black girl in the music industry.

• 702
• Danity Kane
• Dear Jayne
• SWV
• Cherish
• Before Dark
• Changing Faces
• TLC
• Blaque
• 3LW

Girl Rock Bands of the 2000s

Female-fronted rock bands have been around since the dawn of rock and roll. But in the 2000s, they started to gain more mainstream attention.

A few notable examples include The Donnas, The Distillers, and Paramore.

These bands brought a new sound to the table, mixing garage rock with indie pop and creating a genre all their own.

They also proved that girls don’t have to fit into a certain mold in order to be successful. They could be tough, cool, and sexy while still being feminist and outspoken.

In an industry that is often dominated by men, these girl rock bands showed that women can do just as well, if not better.

• Evanescence
• Sleater-Kinney
• Dum Dum Girls
• Pussy Riot
• The Prettiots
• Paramore
• Ex Hex
• Kittie
• Band-Maid
• The Distillers

Christian Girl Bands of 2000s

The influence of Christian music in 2000s was immense. And girl bands were no exception.

There were a number of groups that effectively combined the sounds of pop, rock and R&B with Christian values and messages.

And while they may have been accused of pandering to the Christian audience, these groups still managed to make some great music. Infact , some of them even achieved crossover success. Not to mention , several of them went on to become global stars.

From Switchfoot to Flyleaf, here are some of the most notable Christian girl bands of the 2000s.

• Flyleaf
• zoegirl
• BarlowGirl
• The Letter Black
• Superchick
• Icon For Hire
• Hillsong UNITED
• Sixpence None The Richer
• We the Kingdom

JJ Wilde

If you like rock n roll and broken voices, you’ll love JJ Wilde! This canadian singer songwriter elevated herself at the top of the charts of her country with her single The Rush. Her success recipe is composed of high notes, rock rhythms, a huge vocal chest and a very lively guitar. There’s absolutely no doubts about her musical genre : she’s 100% rock’n’roll! Her songs are perfect to let off steam and tear your own voice apart.

• Genre : Modern Rock
• Favourite tracks : Cold Shoulder, Best Boy, The Rush
• Origin : Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
• Active Years : 2019 – now

JJ Wilde – The Rush – Session acoustique RFM

Best Indie Rock Female Musicians

The music industry is extremely male-dominated, but there are plenty of talented female musicians making great indie rock music. If you’re looking for some new music to check out, here are some of the best indie rock female musicians you need to know.

Courtney Barnett

From her unique songwriting to her grungy guitar riffs, Courtney Barnett is one of the most exciting indie rock musicians around today. Hailing from Australia, Barnett made a huge splash with her debut album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. She followed that up with her sophomore album, Tell Me How You Really Feel, in 2018. Barnett’s music is witty and introspective, and she’s quickly become one of the most respected songwriters in the indie rock world.

Soccer Mommy

Soccer Mommy, born Sophie Allison, is a 20-year-old musician from Nashville, Tennessee. Allison began writing and recording her own songs at the age of 15, and released her first collection of bedroom recordings, songs from my bedroom, in 2016. Soccer Mommy’s first official release came in the form of the single ” Noah’s Ark” in 2017.

Soccer Mommy’s music has been described as “stripped-down indie rock with a distinctly feminine perspective”, with her lyrics focusing on personal themes such as love, breakups, anxiety, and female adolescence. Allison has cited indie rock musicians such as Liz Phair, Conor Oberst, and Jeff Tweedy as influences on her songwriting.

Japanese Breakfast

Japanese Breakfast is the solo musical project of American musician Michelle Zauner. Her music is often described as “indie rock” or “dream pop.”

Zauner began her musical career as a member of the indie rock band Little Big League. In 2013, she started Japanese Breakfast as a side project while she was still a member of Little Big League. Japanese Breakfast’s first release was a self-titled EP, which was followed by her debut album, Psychopomp, in 2016.

Psychopomp received critical acclaim from music critics, and Japanese Breakfast has since become one of the most acclaimed indie rock female musicians. In 2018, she released her second album, Soft Sounds from Another Planet, to even more acclaim.

Soft Sounds from Another Planet was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards, making Zauner the first Asian American woman to be nominated for that award.

Lucy Dacus

Lucy Dacus is an indie rock singer-songwriter from Richmond, Virginia. Dacus rose to prominence in 2016 with her debut album, No Burden. She has been praised for her poetic lyrics andraw, emotive vocal performances. Her sophomore album, Historian, was released to critical acclaim in 2018. Dacus has toured with indie rock luminaries such as The Decemberists and Matt Berninger of The National. She is currentlysigned to Matador Records.

American Girl Bands of the 2000s

There was a time in the 2000s when American girl bands were all the rage. A few notable examples include The Cheetah Girls, Haim, and Fifth Harmony.

The Cheetah Girls were a Disney Channel girl group who released two albums and starred in their own movie. Haim was an indie rock band from Los Angeles made up of three sisters. Fifth Harmony was formed on the fifth season of The X Factor USA and achieved mainstream success with their singles “Worth It” and “Work from Home”.

What do these bands have in common? Aside from being all-female groups, they each managed to achieve commercial success by appealing to younger audiences. They sang about topics that were relevant to pre-teens and teens, such as friendship, first loves, and self-confidence.

As a result, they each had a huge impact on the music industry and left a lasting impression on their fans.

• All Girl Summer Fun Band
• The Cheetah Girls
• Haim
• Fifth Harmony
• Danity Kane
• Dirty Money
• Electrik Red
• G.R.L. (American- British-Canadian)
• Jen and Kat
• Slumber Party Girls

Безумные живые шоу

Фронтвумен этой дикой группы из Сиэтла чаще всего можно увидеть сложенной пополам на полу, а микрофон собирает её пот и дыхание… Несмотря на то, что жёсткая независимость Thunderpussy долго не позволяла им начать работу над дебютным альбомом, выпущенном лишь в 2018 году, живые выступления группы стали культовыми…

Любое помещение, где играет Thunderpussy, — будь то подвал или солнечная сцена в Sasquatch, — превращается в настоящую рок-арену…

На сцене Молли Сайдс находит дзен в чистом, мускулистом выражении, что само по себе является своего рода манифестом достоинств рок-н-ролла. Она сексуально корчится во всех этих блёстках, воет, ныряет на сцену и вообще теряет рассудок, приглашая публику делать то же самое!

Да, группа Thunderpussy безусловно обязана нескольким очевидным духовным наставникам, из которых наиболее очевидным является Sleater-Kinney. Но свести их к просто наследнику возрождённого глэм-рока будет слишком просто. Они — нечто намного более свежее и новое… «Храм» Thunderpussy сегодня набирает всё больше последователей. И пока они продолжают свой неудержимый рок-н-ролльный взрыв, остаётся только гадать, чем он закончится…

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Источник статьи: «Thunderpussy» – безумная женская инди рок-группа из Сиэтла. Изучаем настоящий «добротный» женский рок.

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Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs)

Karen O is the frontwoman of the iconic indie band Yeah Yeah Yeahs.  The band is known for its unique ability to seamlessly blend punk, pop, and indie rock styles. O’s raw and emotional vocal style can be heard in any number of iconic songs including “Heads Will Roll”, “Y Control”, and “Maps”.

O’s work also extends outside of Yeah Yeah Yeahs. She composed all the songs from the film Where the Wild Things Are alongside Carter Burwell. She’s worked with several brands as well including Microsoft and Adidas. For Addidas, she teamed up with a longtime friend and collaborator Spike Jonze on the commercial “Hello Tomorrow”.  

In 2009, she contributed backing vocals, screaming animal sounds, and noises to the songs “Gemini Syringes”, “I Can Be A Frog”, and “Watching the Planets” on The Flaming Lips album Embryonic. She also assisted with vocals to the song “GO!” on Santigold’s 2012 album Master of My Make-Believe.

Björk

Björk Guðmundsdóttir, known simply as Björk, is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, and producer who has consistently defied categorization throughout her career. While not limited to indie rock, her unique blend of electronic, experimental, and indie elements has made her a standout figure in the genre. 

Albums like Homogenic and Vespertine showcase her willingness to experiment with her sound, much to the delight of her fans. In fact, as of today, 31 of her singles have reached the top 40 on pop charts around the world including songs like “Army of Me” and “It’s Oh So Quiet.” 

Björk’s contributions go way beyond music. Her innovative and award-winning music videos, unconventional fashion, and electric stage performances have set new standards for artistic expression in the industry. Many artists have been influenced by Bjork including Frank Ocean, Kanye West, and Bon Iver, to name just a few. 

Female Indie Country Singers

Let’s kick this section off with Patsy Cline.

Patsy Cline was perhaps one of the first in indie country, as she made several hits that appealed to both country and contemporary pop fans, gaining widespread popularity after “Walking After Midnight” came out in 1961. Her voice is iconic and strong, and yet can possess a captivating fragility. 

Other classic songs are Crazy (1961), I Fall to Pieces (1961), She’s Got You (1962), and Always (1963), and every listen is a transporting experience. Sadly, Cline passed away far too soon at age 30 in 1963 in a plane crash.

Lisa Marie Presley

Though most of her career was not spent anywhere near the realm of country, to me Lisa Marie Presley’s 2012 album Storm and Grace is good enough to peg her as a significant force in country/roots rock. The whole album has a somewhat retro and smoky feel to it, and I always appreciate a darker take on country. 

Presley’s husky voice fits the genre perfectly, unlike her previous attempts in commercial pop.“Over Me” has a classic reverberating, jangly guitar backing, and my favorite, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet”, has an intoxicating melody and rhythm that rocks back and forth, and gives a shadowy, earthy feel.

Bobbie Gentry

Bobbie Gentry is most known for her self-produced, 1967 southern gothic themed hit “Ode to Billie Joe”, a commentary on indifference, and which interestingly knocked the Beatles’ ,“All You Need is Love”, off the number one spot in the music charts. 

Born and raised in Mississippi, Gentry mixes pop, soul, folk, and country, as well as her own somewhat husky and endearingly raspy voice, to create her own sound. From 1970’s Fancy, the title song details a sex worker’s rise out of poverty, and mixes soul and country pop. 

From her final 1971 album, Patchwork, “Beverly” tells the story of a lonely factory worker, and her sad nostalgia. After a succession of albums in the late 60s and early 70s, she accomplished an amazing number of things, including being the first woman to host a variety show on the BBC, DJing on Armed Forces Radio, and spent a decade in Las Vegas starring in her own flamboyant choreographed shows. 

However, in the early 80s, she disappeared from the public eye and remains very private to this day.

Rachel Brooke

Rachel Brooke has been actively releasing music since 2009, but to me her standout records are 2012’s A Killer’s Dream, and 2020’s The Loneliness in Me. She blends country, with 50s style rock/pop and big band sounds to create an intriguing retro experience. 

From the 2012 album, the key song to me is “Late Night Lover” with a distinct sultry atmosphere. From the 2020 album the stand outs are the slow “It Ain’t Over ‘til You’re Crying” and the upbeat “The Loneliness in Me”, both possessing a rockabilly quality.

Karen Elson

English singer and model Karen Elson blends folk, pop, country, and cabaret influences to produce her unique sound, apart from her melodic, clear voice. I consider “Hell and High Water” from the 2017 album Double Roses her best song, a rhythmically marching tune that features beautiful harmonies reminiscent of country. 

From the same album, “A Million Stars” possesses a more clearly country and soft pop sound. Elson also released album The Ghost Who Walks in 2010, which has a heavier folk and country influence, like “Mouths to Feed” and “Lunasa”, about the end of summer. 

In songs “100 Years from Now” and “Stolen Roses”, you can definitely hear a heavy cabaret influence.

Yola

Yola is a female indie singer from the UK, blending country sounds with pop, r&b, and soul. She possesses a powerful voice that adds another layer of depth to all her songs. Her 2019 album Walk Through Fire features a lot of great songs, like “Faraway Look”, which I describe as her version of a power ballad, and definitely has a 60s inspired sound. 

Also from this album, “Rock Me Gently” is a country soul beauty, and “Lonely the Night” features a hint of twang and a 60s inspired chorus that showcases Yola’s soulful vocals. Most recently, she released album Stand for Myself, from which “Dancing Away In Tears” shines, heavily influenced by 70s soul and disco.

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