13 Artists We Should Be Thankful For
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Thanksgiving is just around the corner, meaning it’ll be another night of stuffing our faces with turkey and pie, sharing stories around the table, and making it clear what we are thankful for.
As college students, there are definitely a lot of people we should be thankful for, such as the music artists and bands whose instrumentals and lyrics blast into our earlobes as we study for an upcoming final or write a research paper we’ve been putting off for the past couple of weeks. We may not think about it too often, but we seriously should appreciate the musicians who have helped us, even if it’s just by giving us a great workout song.
Here are thirteen artists/bands that most people probably couldn’t live without:
13. Spice Girls
To every woman who identifies this group as the originators of "girl power," as well as acknowledging that "Spice World" is the best/worst/best/worst (it's an inner conflict) movie of all time – this is for you.
12. Justin Bieber
Admit it – he may be a bad boy with a reputation as long as his tattoo sleeve, but one would be a fool to deny the unbelievable talent that Justin Bieber has shown to the world since he came onto the scene in 2009. His vocals are undeniably great, his lyrics are strong, his dancing skills are always top notch, and his songs are great. His new album, "Purpose," has to be some of his best work yet and has taken #1 on iTunes and Billboard 200.
READ MORE: 25 Reasons We've Missed Adele
11. Britney Spears
America’s Pop Princess will always be a staple in the music industry, from her incredibly creative music videos to her catchy songs. In recent years, Brit has established her musical residency in Las Vegas and is taking care of her two adorable sons, but don’t expect her to slow down anytime soon.
Is there really anything to say after his incredible fifteen-minute 2013 VMA performance? This man is unstoppable.
9. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey has definitely been the queen of pop at one point or another. Her classic lyrics and incredible vocals have produced some of the greatest love songs, such as “Always Be My Baby” and “We Belong Together,” as well as so many more. Her talent is one for the record.
8. Kanye West
Kanye West will most likely always be remembered as one of the more controversial rappers of this time. He’s known for being a sore loser when he and other artists (i.e., Beyoncé) have been “wronged” by not receiving certain awards, marrying reality-starlet Kim Kardashian, and always speaking his mind. But it’s without a doubt that Yeezy himself is a creative and musical genius – his vocals are always strong and focused, his lyrics are powerful, and his music videos are a work of art.
7. John Legend
Because who wouldn’t want all of John Legend? From elegantly belting out song lyrics to gracefully playing the piano, this man has it all.
The Compton rapper is considered as one of the few rappers of the current time to actually rap around real issues going on in the world and not getting laid all the time. He is an inspiration. Keep killing it, Kendrick.
5. Drake
While he may get into some knockout (i.e., Diddy), drag-out fights with several other artists, Drake is the man. Every song of his, whether it be a diss track or a love song, turns into a hit and the lyrics you’ll be texting your significant other when you miss them.
4. Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre’s resume is pretty darn long: original member of pivotal rap-group N.W.A., former co-owner of Death Row Records, founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats-By-Dre. In addition, he is known for crafting some of the biggest names that are be heard in the music industry: Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent. He is beyond legendary. Dre's first album in 16 years, "Compton," was released to rave reviews in August.
3. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift has evolved so much in the past ten years. The young girl who sat on the stage in cowboy boots and a simple dress, strumming a guitar and singing about Tim McGraw, is now a lovely woman with a powerhouse career, billions of views for her music videos, a squad of many famous friends, and a mass array of awards to prove herself. She is one of the most popular artists of this time, and while it may be 2015, "1989" has been an amazing year for Swift.
2. Beyoncé
It’s hard to say where we would be without the one and only Queen B. Not only did she front one of the greatest girl groups of all-time, Destiny’s Child, but she has taken over our hearts, minds, and souls since she went solo in 2003. Every album that Beyoncé has released is a carefully crafted work of art, especially her self-titled, out-of-this world album that she released with no promotion two years ago. Beyoncé is an anomaly, style guru, powerhouse, icon, and more importantly, the greatest female performer of our time.
Michael Jackson is three things: the King of Pop, a legend, and lastly, the greatest performer to have ever lived. *mic drop*
Reach Staff Reporter Adrianne Ramsey here.
