Music

K-Pop

Although <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-kpop-groups-2023/taylor-park">idol groups</a> dominate the K-pop industry, there are plenty of talented K-pop soloists who are topping the charts. Let's shine the spotlight on some of the best solo artists in K-pop right now!It's impossible to have a list of the top <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-kpop-solo-artists/ranker-music?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Korean solo artists</a> without mentioning singer-songwriter IU. Other popular solo artists include group members with their own solo careers like Suga from BTS or Hwasa from Mamamoo. Meanwhile, singers like Blackpink's Jisoo are making their much-anticipated solo debut in 2023.Who are the best K-pop solo artists of 2023? Vote up your faves, and check back throughout the year as we add new solo artists and 2023 music releases to the list.

The Best K-pop Solo Artists Of 2023

Band/Musician

Taylor Park

So you think you know everything about music? Study up to make sure you pull through for your team on Trivia Night.

Music Trivia You Should Know

Musician/Band Trivia

When a group of people start a band, they usually set out with a simple mission to play shows and put out some great tunes. While many bands have <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-rock-bands-right-now/ranker-music">garnered loads of success</a>, sometimes it's without the folks who originally started the whole thing. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/band-member-changes/lauren-glen">Some bands may let a member</a> go in favor of a replacement who brings more passion. Sometimes a musician may leave a band to pursue other endeavors. Other times, one member may be the sole remaining founder with a rotating roster of musicians playing music with them.In many instances, however, some bands have no original members left. Despite the lack of founding members, many of these bands have found fame with charting albums and packed venues.&nbsp;Vote up the bands below that still rock the house without any original members.

Bands That Currently Have No Original Members Left

General

These bands are currently comprised of completely different members than when the band started out.

Terrance W. Pryor

2023 Music

In the world of K-pop, it's easy for lesser-known groups to get lost among the presence of popular K-pop sensations like Blackpink, BTS, Stray Kids, or Twice. But there are so many K-pop groups out there who deserve just as much fame and success. Let's give some of these smaller K-pop groups the recognition they deserve. Who are the most underrated K-pop groups of 2023?&nbsp;If you're a fan of Mamamoo, you should definitely stan their hoobaes (or juniors) Purple Kiss. They give off the same bold and mature vibes - plus their songs are ridiculously catchy. Need a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/kpop-boy-groups-2023/taylor-park">boy group</a> to obsess over? Try TEMPEST. They're a newer group from Yuehua Entertainment known for their impressive dance skills and charismatic stage presence. Other underrated K-pop groups include PIXY, TRI.BE, E'LAST, VERIVERY, and more.Whether they come from smaller labels or they're rookies who <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/new-kpop-groups-2023/taylor-park">recently debuted</a>, these “nugu” groups are worth paying attention to. Vote up the underrated K-pop groups you wish were more popular!

The Most Underrated K-pop Groups Of 2023

Unscripted

When it comes to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-singers-right-now/celebrity-lists?ref=browse_carousel&amp;l=1&amp;pos=4">uber-famous musicians</a>, you're either hearing or seeing them virtually everywhere. They're on your For You pages; they're playing in Starbucks while you wait to find out <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-starbucks-spelling-fails-of-all-time/ariel-kana">how the barista butchered your name</a> this time; and even your parents are asking, “Have you heard [song] by [artist]?” as if you've been living under a rock.But sometimes, you're so sick of hearing about these stars and seeing their faces plastered everywhere, that living under a rock actually sounds pretty nice. Because whether they're breaking records with album sales or touring, making headlines with their new relationship, or even just being a genuinely <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/heartwarming-acts-of-celebrity-charity/celebrity-lists">good person who did a charitable thing</a>, you're at the point that you couldn't care less and you'd be perfectly content never seeing or hearing them again.So, with that in mind, here's your chance to make your feelings known. Vote up the famous singers below who you're tired of being bombarded with everywhere you turn. Feel free to vote down the artists who you still find tolerable to the senses.

Which Famous Singers Are You Tired Of Hearing And Seeing On Your Timeline?

Person

Ranker Music

Play That Song

Weird History

Have you ever sung along or danced to a song thinking it's fun and happy, and then gone back to read the lyrics and realized they were<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/upbeat-songs-dark-lyrics/elle-tharp"> really dark</a>? If so, you're far from alone. Many songs have <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/songs-we-didnt-know-were-about-sex/will-morgan-1">been misunderstood</a>, from “romantic ballads” that actually have to do with stalking, to supposedly patriotic anthems that in reality are criticizing life in the US.&nbsp;Let's take a dive into the meanings behind the lyrics of some of the most misunderstood hits of the past 50 years. These seemingly normal songs have subversive lyrics, oddball lyrical meanings, surreal lyrical concepts, or just plain weird lyrics - disguised in an otherwise straightforward pop song. Vote up the ones that hit differently after learning about the intentions of the songwriter/s.

16 Normal-Sounding Songs With Not-So-Normal Lyrics

Song

16 Unexpected Lyrics In Normal-Sounding Songs

TGWrites

Whoa Facts

Whether written with the intent to uplift, inspire, comfort, or draw awareness, musical lyrics have the power to conjure deep emotions and a sense of connection among listeners. If written well, even <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/english-songs-with-foreign-languages/jason-f-collins">song lyrics in other languages </a>can get stuck in our heads for days at a time.&nbsp;And while we may know every word of our favorite songs, we often don't realize that there are surprisingly <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/stories-behind-song-lyrics/lauren-glen">unexpected stories</a> behind the lyrics we so easily recognize. Whether it's an upbeat tune or a dramatically somber melody, songwriters often draw on historical references to inspire the themes of the ballads they write. Historical references in songs from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/historical-references-in-beatles-songs/gordon-cameron">The Beatles</a> to The Beastie Boys, here are some of the most notable nods to history in famous songs we didn't catch before.&nbsp;

Historical References In Famous Songs We Didn’t Catch Before

Real History References In Famous Pop Songs

Lauren Glen

Who do you think are the most famous people and groups in the whole wide world? Vote up the flesh & blood human beings whose names we will chant into the infinite—who, sealed in the collective consciousness, will prove to be immortal.

Fame: I'm Gonna Live Forever

When it comes to 2021&#39;s most popular music&nbsp;artists, who do you think takes the cake as the most famous singer in the world? While we all have our own idea&nbsp;of who the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/20-greatest-singers" target="_blank">best singers of all time</a> are, the most famous takes a little more into account. Sure, many of these popular singers could also be considered the best ever or&nbsp;the best of their time, but talent isn&#39;t the only factor in determining the most famous singers in the world right now. In determining who&#39;s number one, you might also consider who often makes the headlines in 2021, who releases the most chart-topping songs, or even who has the best image.

With all of this in mind, <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/artists-like-billie-eilish/jared-baly?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">singers like Billie Eilish</a>, Ariana Grande, and The Weeknd&nbsp;could all top the list of popular singers out right now. However, these big names are just a few of the world&#39;s most famous current singers. You also have Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-new-female-artists/ranker-music" target="_blank">top female vocalists</a>&nbsp;Demi Lovato, Dua Lipa, and so many more. From American and English celebrity vocalists, to the biggest international heavyweights&nbsp;it&#39;s up to you to decide just which of these people are the most famous star singers today.

Take a look at the list of top singers below and vote up those who you think are the most famous right now.

Who Is The Most Famous Singer In The World Right Now?

The Most Famous Singer In The World Right Now, Ranked By Fans

Celebrity Lists

For decades, album cover artwork was one of the most popular visual media that reached millions of people. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.udiscovermusic.com/in-depth-features/history-album-artwork/">The earliest album covers</a> date to the 1930's, when the advent of 33⅓ rpm records required new packaging in the form of folded-over sleeves, which doubled as a space to advertise the contents of the album. One of the first albums with an abstract cover design was 1945's The Nat King Cole Trio, and album cover artwork has become more and more creative since.&nbsp;There's no shortage of bands that push the envelope artistically or politically. Naturally, these same bands use their album cover as yet another opportunity to make a bold statement--and sometimes they push things too far. Every decade has its examples, but here are a few particularly shocking ones from the naughty 90's.&nbsp;

15 Most Controversial Album Covers Of The '90s

Musical Album

Jim Rowley

A closer listen to the decade that brought us everything from Run-DMC to Mötley Crüe to Rick Astley.

Oh Yeah, It's '80s Night

Popular songs are often about something going on in an artist's life, but every so often, a musician or band will lay down a track that references a historical person, place, or event from the past. The artist might want to make a statement of some sort, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/songs-about-real-people/christina-chilin">honor (or diss) a famous person</a>, remind us of where we've come from, or let us interpret the song however we want, with our without historical context. &nbsp;This list features <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/greatest-80s-pop-songs/ranker-music">'80s songs</a> that reference history, and some of them might surprise you.

Historical References In '80s Songs

Historical References In 80s Songs

Jonathan H. Kantor

Popular songs are often about something going on in an artist's life, but every so often, a musician or band will lay down a track that references a historical person, place, or event from the past. The artist might want to make a statement of some sort, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/songs-about-real-people/christina-chilin">honor (or dis) a famous person</a>, remind us of where we've come from, or let us interpret the song however we want, with or without historical context. &nbsp;This list features <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/greatest-songs-by-60s-one-hit-wonders/ranker-music">'60s</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/greatest-songs-by-70s-one-hit-wonders/ranker-music">'70s songs</a> that reference history, and some of them might surprise you.

Historical References In '60s And '70s Songs

Lists of the craziest, most memorable things that ever happened on stage during music concerts and performances.

Live Music or Bust

Music History

Attending a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-concert-ever/blue-velvet">great live music performance</a> can be a truly transportive experience. There's a sense of collective ecstasy and oneness as audience members witness artists performing at the peak of their powers. Not surprisingly, stories about the best concerts live on long afterward.&nbsp;Even centuries ago, before the advent of recording, there were concerts so memorable that they've come down to us in the history books. More recently, classic live performances have been preserved on tape or digital media for future generations to enjoy. Here's a sampling of some of the most memorable concerts ever - from J.S. Bach to Elton John.

The Real Stories Behind Some Of The Most Memorable Live Music Performances

Gordon Cameron

Songs

For as long as there’s been popular music, there have been story songs chronicling <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/suspicious-musician-deaths/sean-kelly">lost love and tragic fates</a>. Audiences eat these up, especially when those who perish are young and innocent. Teenagers (bonus points when they’re in love) are perfect victims that become lessons to future teenagers about what happens when they let their guards down.&nbsp;From hot rods and drag races to train wrecks and the real life Dead Man’s Curve, here are the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/sad-losses-in-teen-dramas/anncasano">teen tragedy</a> car crash songs with the most gruesome and depressing lyrics. Vote up the songs whose lyrics you feel are the most tragic and depressing.

Songs About Tragic Teenage Car Crashes, Ranked By How Depressing The Lyrics Are

These tragic songs detail teen wrecks with depressing lyrics and delivery.

Kelly Carlin

Music Videos

It's that time of year. The days are getting shorter. The air is starting to chill. The dead are creeping closer.There's only one way to deal: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/scariest-horror-movies-ever-made">curl up with the scariest movies</a>, the most disturbing TikToks, and the freakiest, nastiest, spookiest horror-themed music videos on the internet. Ever since <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/list-of-michael-jackson-music-video-releases/music-videos">Michael Jackson's Thriller</a> popularized the idea that horror and music videos could co-exist, artists have mashed the two together in terrifyingly effective ways.This list takes a look at some of the best of the best. They run the gamut, from seemingly pastoral <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/scariest-found-footage-movies/ranker-horror">found footage that hints at something much darker</a>, to some of the most blood-soaked imagery in music. So dim the lights, pour a glass of fresh blood, and vote up your favorites.Which ones chill you to the bone? Which ones wouldn't scare a child?&nbsp;

The Spookiest Horror-Themed Music Videos That Will Give You The Creeps

These music videos bring horror to the medium for extra spooky vibes.

Chris Cullari

Olivia Rodrigo's highly anticipated follow-up to Sour is upon us. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/disney-channel-supporting-actors-where-are-they-now/elle-tharp">former Disney star's</a> second full-length album, titled Guts, is a ferocious roller coaster of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/pop-punk-bands-and-musicians/reference">teen angst and raucous pop-punk</a> catchiness mixed with surprisingly mature pop sensibilities. The 12 tracks on Guts essentially serve as audible versions of adolescent diary entries sure to transport any elder millennial listener (and those of older generations) back into the throes of high school hysterics and heartbreaks.Which of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/olivia-rodrigo-guts-every-song-ranked/brian-hauntly">the songs on Guts</a> most make you feel like a teen again? Vote up the songs that have you feeling like you're racing to class, getting over an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/on-again-off-again-celebrity-couples/jessica-lawshe">on-again, off-again</a> breakup, or missing your BFFs. Vote down the songs that you just don't quite connect with at an older age.

Songs On Olivia Rodrigo's 'Guts' That Make You Feel Like A Teen Again

Sometimes, you just want to put on sweatpants, wrap yourself in a blanket burrito, and listen to sad music. Here are the gloomy jams for your sadsack playlist.

Sad Songs You Love Anyway

Have you ever found yourself standing half-naked in a department store fitting room, surrounded by an army of uncooperative zippers and unforgiving mirrors? Of course you have - we've all been there. But what sets the true connoisseurs of dressing room despair apart is their impeccable taste in fitting room anthems.Your reflection is your harshest critic, and those dreaded fluorescent lights aren't doing you any favors. But fear not, dear shopaholics; below you can vote on the best songs to accompany your tearful <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-worst-fashion-trends-in-history">fashion triumphs and defeats</a>.

Songs You've Likely Cried To In A Department Store Fitting Room

These songs are department store staples and have certainly had an emotional effect on you in the privacy of a fitting room.

Michelle Moscuzza

Are you the "TV Person" on your Zoom Trivia team? Well, study up, pal. We've got some lists for you.

TV for TV Nerds

TV Trivia

TV shows have featured opening (and closing) theme music <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/music/songs-about/television-theme-songs/">since the 1940s</a>. Although some are as forgettable as the shows they introduce, many are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-tv-theme-songs-of-all-time">catchy earworms </a>people remember and randomly whistle or hum decades after a show has gone off the air.A lot of work goes into making a television series, and much of the creative process revolves around choosing the right music. Choose poorly, and your show may languish in obscurity. Choose something like the Friends theme song, and people will randomly belt out, “I'll be there for you” for the rest of their lives.Theme music is essential, and because people put so much work into composing, writing, and performing them, there are tons of interesting <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/stories-behind-disney-songs/anna-lindwasser">behind-the-scenes stories</a> about how they were made.

Behind-The-Scenes Stories About Popular TV Show Theme Songs

TV Program

Stories About Popular TV Show Theme Songs

Music lists at Ranker -  the ultimate source for top 10, best of, funny, or factual lists of any kind - see how everything ranks.

Music lists on Ranker

Top Music List: Top 10 Music Lists and Entertaining Rankings

food

Kanye West

Kendrick Lamar

Eminem

Travis Scott

Madison Beer

Astrid S

Rich Brian

Lil Xan

Lists that rank the best rappers and hip hop artists from every time and place.

Hip Hop Wars

A close inspection of the elements that draw us to certain hip hop artists, from their consistently sick beats to their impressive commands of language and their own public image.

Ranking Rappers

Live Music

Sounding good on stage is one thing, but putting on the greatest live show is another—and there's&nbsp;quite a few rappers who offer the best of both worlds. While there's always room for debate, as well as biased opinions, we can all agree some hip hop artists know how to put on a show. Without much room for argument, Kanye&nbsp;West has long been considered one of the greatest rap performers of his time, with Kendrick Lamar high up on that list as well. However, in a world where <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/the-best-young-rappers/ranker-hip-hop" target="_blank">new and young rappers</a> pop up every day and really make a name for themselves, there's plenty other rappers with good live shows.You don't want only a good show, though; you want to hear the rappers with the best live shows out—including artists both old and new. From established artists&nbsp;to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-soundcloud-rappers/ranker-music" target="_blank">famed SoundCloud&nbsp;rappers</a>, some rappers just have "it". So, who are the best rappers to see live? Some might say Travis Scott, while others are quick to argue that. Well, now you all have the opportunity to cast your vote for the best live performing rappers—right here, right now.&nbsp;Check out the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-rappers-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">list of rappers</a> below and vote up the ones you think deserve the top spots for best concerts, whether they know how to hype up a crowd, sound great on stage, or even better, do both. See someone missing? Feel free to add them to the list.&nbsp;

Rappers Who Put on the Greatest Live Shows, Ranked

The 25+ Rappers with the Best Concerts | Best Rappers to See Live

Ranker Hip Hop

The best new artists, albums, and hits for your 2023 playlists, ranked by over 1 million votes. Click to make your opinion heard.

You Gotta Hear This

Singers

New male singers come from a wide variety of platforms in terms of genre, background, and style. These famous, young singers are making big waves in the entertainment industry. You can also find new rappers and DJs here. Wondering what <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-new-male-artists-2019/ranker-music" target="_blank">male artists to watch</a>? Browse this list to find out. If you haven't already&nbsp;heard of these artists, you're likely to soon.&nbsp;How do these musicians compare&nbsp;to the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-new-female-artists/ranker-music" target="_blank">best new female artists</a>?Some up-and-coming male singers have accomplished a lot at a relatively young age, ranging from countless Billboard charting debuts to various Grammy Awards.&nbsp;Some&nbsp;new male artists&nbsp;to watch include Kane Brown, Lil Nas X and Rag'n'Bone Man. For hip-hop heads, trending new&nbsp;rappers&nbsp;like iann dior and Lil Mosey&nbsp;are also featured on this list. Young actors who balance their Hollywood careers with music are also featured, such as the In the Heights&nbsp;star&nbsp;Anthony Ramos. Don't forget about new country singers Devin Dawson and Morgan Evans.Who are the hottest&nbsp;new male singers and musicians of 2021? Which rising male music stars are the best? Vote below to help decide!

The Best New Male Artists

The 25+ Best New Male Artists | List of New Rappers, Singers & Musicians

Pop Music

Rising female stars represent a diverse range of voices in the current music industry. From country and pop to hip-hop and alternative,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/new-female-artists/akansha-kakkad?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">new female artists</a>&nbsp;are continuously shattering glass ceilings,&nbsp;impressing both critics and fans with their powerful songs and overall musicianship. How do these ladies compare&nbsp;to the <a href="/list/best-new-male-artists/ranker-music" target="_blank">best new male artists</a>?Some of these musicians will surprise you with how much they've achieved at such a young age. In&nbsp;fact, many of these girls are under 25&nbsp;or still in their teenage years!&nbsp;The 18-year-old Olivia Rodrigo, for example, currently has the longest-running number one debut single of any artist in fifteen years. Rising to fame through starring in the Disney+ original High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, she's constantly breaking records with her studio album SOUR and&nbsp;mega-hit song&nbsp;"drivers license." Other female singers to watch include Tate McRae, Ava Max, Doja Cat, Madison Beer, Arlo Parks, and Celeste. New female rappers, such as&nbsp;Rico Nasty, CHIKA,&nbsp;and Yung Baby Tate,&nbsp;are also featured on this list.&nbsp;Out of all of these talented young female artists, which ones are&nbsp;the best, and who's had the most impressive climb to stardom since 2020? Vote for your favorite boss lady vocalists and rappers below!

The Best New Female Artists

The 30+ Best New Female Artists, Ranked

Coley Reed

Hip-Hop / Rap

Hip hop heads, it's time to rank rap artists&nbsp;with the best albums. The best rapper discographies are based on singles, composition, songs, lyrics, beats, and even hype.&nbsp;This list of rappers with the best albums only includes studio albums, but you can vote for <a href="/list/rappers-with-best-mixtapes/ranker-hip-hop" target="_blank">rappers with the best mixtapes here</a>. Which rapper has the best discography?When it comes to voting for the best rapper discography, Kanye West, 50 Cent, and Eminem are usually the first rappers mentioned. Hip hop fans all agree that My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, To Pimp a Butterfly, and The Marshall Mathers LP are some of the best rap <a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-albums-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">albums of all time</a>.&nbsp;Vote for who you think are the&nbsp;rappers with the best albums. Feel free to add any rappers missing from the list as well, and when you're finished, head on over and vote on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-rappers-lyricist-of-all-time" target="_blank">best</a><a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-rappers-lyricist-of-all-time" target="_blank"> rap lyricists of all time</a>.