While the pop charts are often dominated by familiar names, there’s a whole world of talented artists flying under the radar, waiting for their moment to shine. What about these hidden gems? Don't they deserve the spotlight, too?
They're constantly making waves with their unique sound and undeniable talent, and their music is full of depth, creativity, and potential that will have you hooked from the first note. However, they haven’t quite reached the recognition they deserve. Now, it’s time you knew their names.
In this article, we shared 13 criminally underrated pop artists that you should be listening to. If you're ready to spice up your playlist, look no further!
Banks
Jillian Rose Banks, otherwise known by her stage name Banks, is an American singer and songwriter. She has been actively involved in her singing career since 2011 and has released four studio albums and three EPs. She creates music that mixes elements of alternative R&B, electronic, pop, and soul. After garnering attention on her 2013 EP London, even more eyes were on her when she dropped her debut studio album Goddess in 2014.
This album received generally positive reviews from music critics and debuted at No. 12 on the US Billboard 200. Banks also has a dedicated and passionate fanbase that is constantly growing. You should definitely join if you haven't already done so! She will be releasing her fifth studio album, Off With Her Head, on Feb. 28, 2025. There will be 12 songs on this album.
Some of Banks' best songs:
- "Change"
- "Goddess"
- "Brain"
- "This Is What It Feels Like"
- "Gimme"
- "Contaminated"
- "F**k with Myself"
- "Gemini Feed"
Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers is another underrated pop artist that people need to stop sleeping on. She first gained attention after a video of Grammy Award-winning musician Pharrell Williams listening to her music was released and went viral. In January 2019, she released her debut album, Heard It in a Past Life, and it debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.
It also received mostly positive reviews from critics. Additionally, this body of work contributed to her earning a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2020. She has two other studio albums, Surrender (2022) and Don't Forget Me (2024). She just wrapped up the "Don't Forget Me" tour in November 2024.
Some of Maggie Rogers' best songs:
- "Say It"
- "Alaska"
- "Light On"
- "Want Want"
- "Overdrive"
- "So Sick Of Dreaming"
- "If Now Was Then"
IDER
IDER is an English musical duo consisting of friends Megan Markwick and Lily Somerville. After releasing their debut EP titled Gut Me Like an Animal in 2017, they finally released their first full-length album in 2019.
Titled Emotional Education, this album consists of many incredible tracks like "Mirror," "You've Got Your Whole Life Ahead of You Baby," and "Wu Baby." Their second album, Shame, was released in 2021 and comprised eight songs. On Feb. 21, 2025, they are set to release their third album, Late to the World. You can expect there to be 12 songs included.
Broods
Broods is a New Zealand musical duo made up of siblings Georgia Nott (lead vocals) and Caleb Nott (multi-instrumentalist, producer, backing vocals). They were formed in 2013 and have released four studio albums so far. Some of their best songs are "Mother & Father," "Bridges," Heartlines," "Free," "Peach," "Heartbreak," "If You Fall In Love," and "Piece Of My Mind." They also have this amazing track with fellow pop artist Troye Sivan called "EASE."
MARINA
MARINA, formerly known by the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, is a Welsh singer and songwriter who gained widespread attention when she dropped her debut studio album, The Family Jewels, in 2010. However, her breakthrough moment came with her second album, Electra Heart (2012). This album not only solidified her place in the pop music landscape but also helped her expand her fanbase. Some of her best songs from the album are "Primadonna," "Lies," "Living Dead," and "How to Be a Heartbreaker."
MARINA also has three more studio albums: Froot (2015), Love + Fear (2019) and Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land (2021). As of December 2024, she's currently working on her sixth album.
Hayley Kiyoko
Most people might know Hayley Kiyoko from her acting work, but this multi-talented artist is also a pop singer, and she deserves way more love and attention than what she has been given. After releasing her second EP This Side of Paradise in 2015, she gained significant attention, especially for her breakout single "Girls Like Girls." Not only did this song become an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community, it was also praised for its positive representation.
Kiyoko would go on to release her debut album, Expectations, in 2018, which received a mostly positive critical reception. Her best tracks on this album are "Sleepover," "Feelings," "What I Need" featuring Kehlani, and "Curious." Her second album, Panorama, was released in 2022 and included amazing songs such as "chance," "for the girls," and "found my friends."
Zara Larsson
Zara Larsson should be way bigger than she is now in global pop music, and that's something I'm still baffled by. She has a powerful voice, a dedicated fanbase, catchy and memorable hits, a captivating stage presence, and she has worked with some big names in the music industry. It just doesn't make sense. She has the talent and charisma, so it's about time she gets the widespread recognition she deserves.
Larsson has released four studio albums: 1 (2014), So Good (2017), Poster Girl (2021) and Venus (2024). To get started on your Zara Larsson journey, we recommend listening to songs like "Rooftop," "Lush Life," Never Forget You" featuring MNEK, "Ain't My Fault," "Ruin My Life," "Can't Tame Her," "You Love Who You Love," and "Venus."
Here are six more underrated pop artists and some of their best songs:
- Shura - "Touch," "What's It Gonna Be?," "Kidz 'n' Stuff," "side effects," "the stage"
- Reneé Rapp - "Snow Angel," "Tummy Hurts," "Tattoos"
- Olivia O'Brien - "Hate U, Love U," "Care Less More," "RIP," "Tequilawine," "F**k Feelings"
- Bülow - "Not a Love Song," "Get Stüpid," "Booty Call," "Something In The Way"
- Vérité - "Somewhere in Between," "Control," "Nothing," "think of me," "Somebody Else," "good for it," "Bigger Picture"
- Låpsley - "Falling Short," "Dial Two Seven," "Smoke and Fire," "Hurt Me," "Tell Me the Truth"