20 successful solo singers over the past 20 years

Over the past decade, the music industry has seen a plethora of solo singers who have risen to fame with their unique styles, powerful voices, and catchy tunes. From soulful ballads to upbeat pop hits, these singers have left a mark on the music world and have become icons for millions of fans around the globe. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best solo singers of the past decade and the impact they have had on the music industry.

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the mid-2000s with her soulful voice and jazz-inspired music. Her debut album, “Frank,” was released in 2003 and received critical acclaim. However, it was her second album, “Back to Black,” that made her an international star. The album, which was released in 2006, featured hits such as “Rehab,” “Back to Black,” and “Tears Dry on Their Own.” Unfortunately, Winehouse passed away in 2011, but her music continues to inspire fans and other artists.

Adele

Adele is another British singer-songwriter who has made a significant impact on the music industry over the past decade. Her debut album, “19,” was released in 2008 and featured hits such as “Chasing Pavements” and “Hometown Glory.” However, it was her second album, “21,” that made her a household name. The album, which was released in 2011, featured hits such as “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Set Fire to the Rain.” Adele’s powerful voice and emotional ballads have won her numerous awards and have made her one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who has been a major force in the music industry for over two decades. Her career began as a member of the girl group Destiny’s Child, but she later branched out into a successful solo career. Her solo debut album, “Dangerously in Love,” was released in 2003 and featured hits such as “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy.” Since then, she has released several successful albums, including “B’Day,” “4,” and “Lemonade.” Beyoncé’s music has been praised for its powerful messages, empowering themes, and catchy beats.

Florence Welch

Florence Welch is a British singer-songwriter who is best known as the lead vocalist of the band Florence + The Machine. The band’s debut album, “Lungs,” was released in 2009 and featured hits such as “Dog Days Are Over” and “You’ve Got the Love.” Since then, the band has released several successful albums, including “Ceremonials” and “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful.” Welch’s unique voice and the band’s ethereal sound have made them one of the most beloved bands of the past decade.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish is an American singer-songwriter who burst onto the music scene in 2015 with her debut single, “Ocean Eyes.” Since then, she has released several successful singles and albums, including her debut album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” The album, which was released in 2019, featured hits such as “Bad Guy,” “When the Party’s Over,” and “Bury a Friend.” Eilish’s music has been praised for its dark and moody themes and her unique style.

Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in 2021 with her debut single, “Drivers License.” The song, which was released in January 2021, quickly became a viral hit and topped charts around the world. Her subsequent singles, “Deja Vu” and “Good 4 U,” also gained immense popularity. Rodrigo’s music has been praised for its raw and relatable lyrics and her ability to capture the emotions of young people.

Harry Styles

Harry Styles is a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction. After the band went on hiatus in 2016, Styles launched a successful solo career. His debut album, “Harry Styles,” was released in 2017 and featured hits such as “Sign of the Times” and “Sweet Creature.” He followed up with his second album, “Fine Line,” in 2019, which included hits such as “Watermelon Sugar” and “Adore You.” Styles’ music has been praised for its retro-inspired sound and his androgynous style.

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter who has been a mainstay in the music industry for the past decade. His debut album, “+,” was released in 2011 and featured hits such as “The A Team” and “Lego House.” Since then, he has released several successful albums, including “x” and “÷,” which included hits such as “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill.” Sheeran’s music has been praised for its catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

Lily Allen

Lily Allen is an English singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the mid-2000s with her quirky and irreverent pop songs. Her debut album, “Alright, Still,” was released in 2006 and featured hits such as “Smile” and “LDN.” She followed up with several successful albums, including “It’s Not Me, It’s You” and “No Shame.” Allen’s music has been praised for its honest and witty lyrics and her ability to comment on social and political issues.

Lizzo

Lizzo is an American singer, rapper, and flutist who has been a major force in the music industry in recent years. Her debut album, “Lizzobangers,” was released in 2013, but it wasn’t until her third album, “Cuz I Love You,” that she gained mainstream success. The album, which was released in 2019, featured hits such as “Juice” and “Truth Hurts.” Lizzo’s music has been praised for its positive messages of self-love and body positivity.

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar is an American rapper and songwriter who has been a major force in the hip-hop industry for the past decade. His debut album, “Section.80,” was released in 2011, but it was his second album, “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” that made him a household name. The album, which was released in 2012, featured hits such as “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe.” Lamar has since released several successful albums, including “To Pimp a Butterfly” and “DAMN.” His music has been praised for its social commentary and his ability to tackle issues such as race, poverty, and inequality.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is an American singer-songwriter who has been a major force in the music industry since the late 2000s. Her debut album, “The Fame,” was released in 2008 and featured hits such as “Just Dance” and “Poker Face.” Since then, she has released several successful albums, including “Born This Way” and “Joanne.”

Elton John

Elton John is one of the most successful and influential musicians in the history of popular music. Throughout his career, he has had a significant impact on the development and evolution of various genres, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, yet was one of the most toured stars of 2022 and a Glastonbury headliner 2022.

Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean is an American singer-songwriter who has been celebrated for his soulful voice and introspective lyrics. He first gained popularity as a member of the hip-hop collective Odd Future, but his debut album, “Channel Orange,” released in 2012, was a critical and commercial success. He followed up with his highly anticipated album, “Blonde,” in 2016, which was praised for its experimental production and poignant storytelling.

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey is an American singer-songwriter who has been known for her unique and dreamy sound that blends pop, rock, and cinematic influences. Her debut album, “Born to Die,” was released in 2012 and featured hits such as “Video Games” and “Summertime Sadness.” Since then, she has released several successful albums, including “Honeymoon” and “Lust for Life.” Del Rey’s music has been praised for its nostalgic and cinematic quality.

Sam Smith

Sam Smith is an English singer-songwriter who has been celebrated for their soulful and emotive voice. Their debut album, “In the Lonely Hour,” was released in 2014 and featured hits such as “Stay With Me” and “I’m Not the Only One.” They followed up with their second album, “The Thrill of It All,” in 2017, which included hits such as “Too Good at Goodbyes” and “Pray.” Smith’s music has been praised for its vulnerability and authenticity.

Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny is a Puerto Rican rapper and singer who has been at the forefront of the Latin music scene in recent years. He first gained popularity with his song “Soy Peor” in 2017 and has since released several successful albums, including “X 100pre” and “YHLQMDLG.” Bad Bunny’s music has been praised for its fusion of Latin and hip-hop influences and its ability to address social and political issues.

Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars is an American singer-songwriter who has been known for his smooth and versatile voice and his ability to blend genres such as pop, funk, and R&B. His debut album, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” was released in 2010 and featured hits such as “Just the Way You Are” and “Grenade.” Since then, he has released several successful albums, including “Unorthodox Jukebox” and “24K Magic.” Mars’ music has been praised for its catchy hooks and retro-inspired sound.

Taylor Swift

Known for her country and pop music, and she has won numerous awards throughout her career, including multiple Grammy Awards. She has released several hit albums, including “Fearless,” “1989,” and “Lover,” and is known for her deeply personal lyrics and catchy melodies.

Taylor Swift is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential musicians of her generation. She first gained fame as a country singer, but over the course of her career she has experimented with various styles and genres, including pop, rock, and indie folk.

Swift’s music is known for its catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and emotional depth. She has won numerous awards for her work, including multiple Grammy Awards, and her albums and singles have topped the charts around the world.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Swift is also known for her philanthropy and activism, including her support for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and education initiatives. She has also been a vocal advocate for the rights of musicians and songwriters, and has been involved in various legal battles over issues like copyright and streaming royalties.

Overall, Taylor Swift’s talent and impact on the music industry cannot be denied, and she continues to be a major force in popular culture today.

Kelly Clarkson

Gained fame as the first winner of the popular television show “American Idol” in 2002. She has since become a successful pop and rock singer, with hit songs like “Since U Been Gone,” “Stronger,” and “Piece by Piece.” She has also won several Grammy Awards and has served as a coach on the TV singing competition “The Voice.”