Many musicians have been known to suddenly switch genres over the course of their musical careers. Popular artists like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and Gwen Stefani have all made switches. Here are several examples of singers you may not have known joined the trend and jumped genres.
Kate Nash
Kate Nash is a recording artist from London, England. She got her start in the music industry in 2007, with her hit single “Caroline’s a Victim.” The song, which features light drum beats in the background, highlights Nash’s strong voice with a pop-like style. Her most recent jam, “Under-Estimate the Girl” was released in 2013. The hit heavily relies on rock influences, including electric guitars, drums, and screeching vocals. Nash’s change from pop to punk-ish rock has expanded her fan base while also sending her message about empowering females throughout the world.
Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado frequently jumps between hip-hop and pop music styles. Her first single, “Like a Bird” channels Furtado’s pop style through uplifting lyrics and soft background music. Some of Furtado’s other pop hits include “Turn Off the Light” and “All Good Things (Come to an End).” One of her most popular songs, “Promiscuous,” takes a different route. This hit is filled with a conversation-like tone and steady drum beats. Some of Furtado’s other hip-hop hits include “Afraid” and “Say It Right.”
Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker started his musical career as part of famous group Hootie and the Blowfish. The band’s primary genre was considered roots rock. Singles like “Only Wanna be with You,” “Let Her Cry,” and “Hold My Hand” drew attention towards the band during the ‘90s. When Darius Rucker decided to go solo, a new fan base developed. Rucker switched from rock to country. Some of Rucker’s most recent country hits include “Wagon Wheel” and “Homegrown Honey.”
Mumford and Sons
Mumford and Sons rose to fame in 2008 with the release of “Liar” and “Little Lion Man.” Both songs can be classified as folk rock. But as the group gained name recognition, they decided to switch up their sound. The hit “Babel” marks the start of the group’s switch to alternative rock. While the song still contains a folky sound, the beat is much heavier and the sound is more consistent with popular alternative rock singles. Most recently, the band released the album “Wilder Minds.” This album, which contains the songs “Believe,” “Snake Eyes,” and “The Wolf,” features some of the best of the band’s accomplishments in popularity as the songs quickly made their way onto America’s favorite radio stations and Spotify playlists.
I the Mighty
I the Mighty, an up and coming band from California, frequently switches between hardcore rock to soft pop. The group started with a heavy rock sound when two of its members were still in high school. Some of the original songs from the album “We Speak” include “Modern Medicine” and “Technicolor.” These songs have a strong sound similar to Green Day. The band’s most recent album, “Connector,” features more pop songs. The song that epitomizes the switch is “Slow Dancing Forever.” This song, which tells a heartbreaking story of the last time a couple sees each other, dramatizes the switch the band made in early 2016.
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