Throughout the years, musicians come and go, fading in and out of mainstream fame. For most, it happens faster than they can truly show their potential. However, there are always the few who remain, actually live up to the hype and possibly even define a generation. Whether that may be through one song or album or through several doesn't matter. They have made their mark. Here are a few of tb-two*'s picks for the best signature sounds behind the artists:
Nirvana
This trio channeled angst and grittiness into music that embodied the feelings of many '90s teens and has inspired generations since. Defining sound: the intro to Smells Like Teen Spirit
Mary J. Blige
Her tough but feminine image, along with combining R&B with hip-hop on her early records, made her a part of furthering hip-hop soul. Defining sound: Real Love
Michael Jackson
The King of Pop obviously needs no blurb on his accomplishments. The man has done it all. Defining sound: Thriller
OutKast
Taking urban and mainstream radio by storm around the turn of the century, OutKast broke authentic Southern hip-hop first and shook up the world of rapper fashion (Sorry Big Boi, excluding you). Defining sound: early — Player's Ball, late — the hook of Hey Ya!
D'Angelo
He introduced neo soul, an update of '70s and '80s soul, to a wider audience, sparking a short-lived but influential movement. Defining sound: the epic that is Untitled (How Does it Feel)
Arctic Monkeys
You have to love the youthful grittiness of the "foreign" depictions of life in Northern England on their first two albums. Defining sound: the opening of I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
Miguel
Although there are many others in the same boat, Miguel champions new era sensuality just like a contemporary from the heyday of R&B. Defining sound: Adorn
Lady Gaga
Redefining pop, arguably the most widely heard genre, was a huge feat that Gaga successfully completed. Who knew that would come from a former bar singer and NYU dropout. Defining sound: Paparazzi
Calvin Harris
While his earlier works were quirky and novel, Harris is now better known for his superstar collaborations and exotic melodies. Defining sound: early — Acceptable in the 80's, late —Feel So Close
Kendrick Lamar
He brought the storytelling back into hip-hop music and surprised us all. Defining sound: Swimming Pools (Drank)