Congratulations, adventurer! And welcome to the final article for performers (there’s one last article about non-performer awards), with artists who became eligible last year and this year. Thirty-one artists make up this final article, nineteen of which I gave medium odds or higher for induction, bringing the amount of artists with solid odds of getting in to a final total of 204. That’s 13 less than the 217 I mentioned in the introduction. However, I could have missed a few artists or improperly categorized their odds (for more or less). Once again, I did not add any artists to the Should Be In Already list, since these artist only just became eligible – though I did consider Aaliyah, Oasis, blink-182, and Foo Fighters for that designation. That leaves the final total for artists who Should Be In Already – true snubs! – at 22. This list is full of artists I love and I recommend checking out Hootie & the Blowfish, Nas, Our Lady Peace, Weezer, blink-182, Foo Fighters, Incubus, and Sugar Ray (yeah, their music is better than you remember). And don’t forget to check out the final article!
Eligible 2020
Aaliyah (full name Aaliyah Haughton) Genre(s): R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop Odds of Induction: High
Aaliyah released her first music in 1994. Though her career was cut short by her death, all three of her studio albums are certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in multiple countries. Nicknamed the “Princess of R&B,” she is credited with redefining R&B and pop in the late 1990s through her vocal and production styles. She has influenced many artists including Adele, The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Monica, Chris Brown, Rihanna, J. Cole, Arctic Monkeys, Hayley Williams, Maroon 5, Bebe Rexha, Omarion, and more. Her musicality, success, and influence should carry her to the Rock Hall.
Bush Genre(s): Grunge, Post-Grunge Odds of Induction: Low
Bush released their first album in 1994. Known as one of the first post-grunge bands, the group’s first three albums are all certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in several countries. While there is currently not much support for recognizing or inducting post-grunge bands, ultimately the genre’s popularity should lead to the Rock Hall reevaluating the artists in this genre and recognize that just because their music piggybacked on the popularity of grunge and was more mainstream, it doesn’t mean it’s not good music. The next five or so years see many of these bands become eligible.
Collective Soul Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Post-Grunge Odds of Induction: Medium
Collective Soul released their first music in 1994. Another of the first bands labeled as post-grunge, their music is a bit more unique-sounding, which helps them evade that label a bit. The groups first six albums are all certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in several countries. Consistently charting for a decade, the band’s success and style should get them support for the Rock Hall.
Dave Matthews Band Genre(s): Rock, Folk Rock, Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: High
Dave Matthews Band released their first live album in 1993, though the Rock Hall used their 1994 album and singles as their first releases. Nominated in their first year of eligibility last year, the group’s first eight albums are all certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum (as are their first seven live albums – all the more interesting considering they are one of the most bootlegged artists of all time for their concerts) and they are the first band to ever have seven straight albums debut at number one on the Billboard chart. Known for their eclectic style that mixes jazz, country, folk, rock, and other genres together, the band’s musicality, success, and support for nomination should have them in the Rock Hall soon. (Interestingly, the band received the highest vote total from the fan vote last year and was not inducted, which had never happened since the fan vote was instituted).
The Dismemberment Plan Genre(s): Indie Rock, Experimental Rock, Math Rock Odds of Induction: Slim
The Dismemberment Plan released their first EP in 1994. Known for their eclectic sound and for incorporating R&B and hip-hop into punk music, the band’s most celebrated release is their album Emergency and I. Their musicality and underground popularity could help them gain support for nomination.
Ben Harper Genre(s): Blues Rock, Folk Rock, others Odds of Induction: Medium
Ben Harper released his first music in 1994. Harper has been critically and commercially successful in several countries, including three Grammy wins and multiple albums certified gold or higher. His success and musicality give him a decent case for the Hall.
Hootie & the Blowfish Genre(s): Rock, Folk Rock, Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Hootie & the Blowfish released their first music in 1994. Known for their folk and roots influenced sound, the group’s first three albums are all certified platinum or multi-platinum. Their debut album, Cracked Rear View, is one of the highest-selling albums (and debuts) of all time, and is certified double-diamond. Their musicality and success should help them to the Rock Hall.
Jimmy Eat World Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Punk Pop Odds of Induction: Low
Jimmy Eat World released their first music in 1994. Known for their hit song “The Middle,” the band has released one gold and one platinum album. One of the bands to popularize a punk pop sound, the band’s success and solid discography, verging on longevity could help gain support for nomination.
Korn Genre(s): Nu-Metal, Rap-Rock, Alternative Metal Odds of Induction: High
Korn released their first music in 1994. Known as the originators of nu-metal, the band’s first seven albums are all certified platinum or multi-platinum in several countries. The band has also influenced several artists to make nu-metal music, including Limp Bizkit and Slipknot. Their musicality, success, and influence give them a good shot at Rock Hall induction.
Michael Franti & Spearhead Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Jazz, Reggae, Folk, Rock, Pop, others Odds of Induction: Slim
Michael Franti & Spearhead released their first music in 1994. Known for their use of many styles of music, the band is known for promotion of peace and justice around the world. Their musicality and solid discography could help them gain support for nomination.
Modest Mouse Genre(s): Indie Rock, Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Modest Mouse released their first EP in 1994. The group has released one platinum and two gold albums in their career so far. The band has found modest success, and has a unique sound/musicality, helping their case. They are so far missing out on influence.
Nas (full name Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones) Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Gangsta Rap Odds of Induction: High
Nas released his first music in 1994 (aside from a song for a movie). One of the greatest rappers of all time, Nas’ first ten studio albums are all certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum. His debut album, Illmatic, is considered a seminal hip-hop album and one of the most influential albums of all time, helping to popularize East Coast hip-hop over West Coast or alternative hip-hop. His success and influence should guide him to the Rock Hall.
Brandy (full name Brandy Norwood) Genre(s): R&B, Pop Odds of Induction: High
Brandy released her first music in 1994. Known for her vocal ability and lyrical themes, she is credited with evolving contemporary R&B and establishing alternative R&B. She has influenced many artists, including Erykah Badu, Jessie J, Frank Ocean, Ariana Grande, Red Hot Chili Peppers, H.E.R. , and others. Her musicality, technical ability, success, and influence should lead her to the Rock Hall.
Oasis Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Britpop Odds of Induction: High
Oasis released their first music (aside from a promotional single) in 1994. Known as the face of Britpop, all seven of the band’s studio albums are certified multi-platinum in multiple countries. Aside from massive success, they have influenced artists including Coldplay, Maroon 5, Ryan Adams, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Alvvays. Their success and popularity, musicality, and influence should make them a lock for the Hall.
Our Lady Peace Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Post-Grunge Odds of Induction: Low
Our Lady Peace released their first music (aside from a promotional single) in 1994. Known for lead singer Raine Maida’s vocal style, the band has released several gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums in the U.S. and Canada. Their musicality and success might see them get support for nomination.
P.O.D. Genre(s): Christian Rock, Nu-Metal, Rap-Rock, Alternative Metal Odds of Induction: Low
P.O.D. released their first album in 1994. Known for their hit song “Alive,” the band has released one gold, one platinum, and one multi-platinum album. Known as one of the first nu-metal bands to popularize that subgenre, the group’s success and musicality could see them get support for nomination.
Puddle of Mudd Genre(s): Post-Grunge Odds of Induction: Slim
Puddle of Mudd released their first EP in 1994. One of the bands to popularize post-grunge music, they released one gold and one multi-platinum album. The group has been criticized for lip-syncing, which will hurt an already low case for induction.
Silverchair Genre(s): Grunge, Alternative Rock, Post-Grunge, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Silverchair released their first single in 1994. A band whose style has shifted over time, all five of their studio albums are certified multi-platinum in at least one country. Initially labeled as similar to Nirvana and Pearl Jam, the band evolved their style with each album, so much so that a listener might not believe it’s the same band from the first album compared to the last. Their musicality and success give them a shot at the Rock Hall.
Sleater-Kinney Genre(s): Riot Grrrl, Punk, Indie Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Sleater-Kinney released their first single in 1994. Known for their punk sound and lyrical themes, the band has been critically praised as one of the best rock bands since their debut. Interestingly, the band never had a bass player, but has retained a full, yet stripped-down sound. Their musicality and popularity give them a good shot at induction.
Spoon Genre(s): Indie Rock, Indie Pop Odds of Induction: Slim
Spoon released their first EP in 1994. A popular underground/ indie band, Spoon’s solid discography and musicality could see them get support for nomination.
Usher (full name Usher Raymond IV) Genre(s): R&B, Pop Odds of Induction: High
Usher released his first music (aside from a single for a movie) in 1994. Known for blending and popularizing R&B and pop music, Usher is one of the most recognizable artists in the world. Five of his albums are certified platinum or multi-platinum, including the diamond-certified, seminal R&B/pop album Confessions. Usher has influenced many artists including Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Ne-Yo, Drake, Bryson Tiller, Jason Derulo, Justin Bieber, Miguel, Omarion, Anderson .Paak, Zayn Malik, Sam Hunt, and Leon Bridges, among others. His musicality, success, and influence should carry him to the Rock Hall.
Weezer Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: High
Weezer released their first music in 1994. Known for lead singer Rivers Cuomo’s vocal delivery, the band has released five albums certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in several countries. The group has also influenced artists including blink-182, Fun., Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco, and others. Their musicality, extensive discography, success, and influence give them a good shot at the Rock Hall.
Eligible 2021
Ben Folds Five Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Ben Folds Five released their first album in 1995. Known for their hit song “Brick,” the band has released one gold and one platinum album in several countries. The band’s musicality and success could help them earn support for nomination, and Ben Folds by himself might have a good chance at the Hall for his solo work plus this band.
blink-182 Genre(s): Punk Pop, Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: High
blink-182 released their first music in 1994, though their first studio album came in 1995. Credited with popularizing punk pop music, the band has released six albums certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in several countries, among their international success. Influencing practically every punk pop or indie rock artist to come after them, including Avril Lavigne, Owl City, Best Coast, Good Charlotte, Panic! At the Disco, and more, the band is known for their catchy melodies and lead singer Mark Hoppus’ vocal intonations. Their musicality, success, solid discography, and influence should make them a lock for the Hall.
Foo Fighters Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Post-Grunge Odds of Induction: High
Foo Fighters released their first music in 1995. Known for their melodic, but heavy sound, the band is nominated for the ballot in their first year of eligibility. One of the most successful rock bands of all time, the group had to navigate out of the shadow of Nirvana, but soon proved to be just as great. Look for them to be inducted this year. Update: they were inducted as part of the 2021 class!
Garbage Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Industrial Rock, others Odds of Induction: High
Garbage released their first music in 1995. Known for an almost chaotic amalgamation of rock subgenres and musical styles, the band’s first three albums are all certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in multiple countries. They also produced what might be the best Bond song (“The World Is Not Enough”) among a great list of Bond songs. Their musicality and success should lead them to the Rock Hall.
Incubus Genre(s): Alternative Metal, Alternative Rock, others Odds of Induction: High
Incubus released their first music in 1995. Another band known for their combination of styles and subgenres, Incubus has been a tough band to define for most of their career. Regardless, they have released two gold, one platinum, and two multi-platinum albums among international success. Their musicality and success should bring them to the Rock hall.
Jay-Z (real name Shawn Corey Carter) Genre(s): Hip-Hop Odds of Induction: High
Jay-Z released his first single in 1995. One of the greatest rappers of all time, he is known for his ability to switch pace with ease. All thirteen of his studio albums have been certified platinum or multi-platinum in at least one country. Nominated this year in his first year on the ballot, don’t be surprised if he jumps in ahead of LL Cool J, who’s nominated for a sixth time this year. Update: he was inducted as part of the 2021 class!
Monica (full name Monica Arnold) Genre(s): R&B, Soul Odds of Induction: Low
Monica released her first music in 1995. A successful R&B singer, though not as successful or influential as Aaliyah or Brandy, she has released two gold and two multi-platinum albums. Charting consistently since her debut, her success might help her gain support for nomination.
Natalie Merchant Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Odds of Induction: Low
Natalie Merchant released her first solo music in 1995. Coming off the success of 10,000 Maniacs, she released one gold, one platinum, and one multi-platinum album. Known for her vocal style, her success might help her gain support for nomination. Both she and the band would have a stronger case for the Hall if they had stuck together.
Semisonic Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Slim
Semisonic released their first EP in 1995. Known for their hit song “Closing Time,” the band released one platinum album. Their success could see them get support for nomination.
Sugar Ray Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock , Alternative Metal, Rap-Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Sugar Ray released their first music in 1995. A band that has shifted styles over time, they have released one gold and two multi-platinum albums. Known for international hit song “Every Morning,” the group was a consistent presence on the charts in the 2000s. Their success and musicality could see them get support for nomination.
Wilco Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Alternative Country Odds of Induction: Medium
Wilco released their first music in 1995. The band is known for an extensive and stylistically diverse discography. They have influenced artists including Caedmon’s Call, The National, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. With critical praise, musicality, and influence, Wilco has a good case for the Rock Hall.
Make sure to check out the final article: Rock Hall snubs in two of the non-performer categories!
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