underrated
what it is
Tracks or artists that some listeners feel deserve more widespread recognition than they actually have. Often applied to artists that are perceived as historically more influential or more innovative than more commercially successful artists in the same category, or to contemporary artists that are seen as highly innovative despite being generally unknown. May also be applied to individual tracks or albums that do not receive as much recognition or playtime as other tracks or albums from the same artist.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make underrated a playlist
turn these 25 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is underrated?
Tracks or artists that some listeners feel deserve more widespread recognition than they actually have. Often applied to artists that are perceived as historically more influential or more innovative than more commercially successful artists in the same category, or to contemporary artists that are seen as highly innovative despite being generally unknown. May also be applied to individual tracks or albums that do not receive as much recognition or playtime as other tracks or albums from the same artist.
What are good underrated albums to start with?
Try Cerulean Verge by Wendy, Love Options by BESTie, Southpaw Grammar by Morrissey, and Cyberpunk by Billy Idol.
Who are some women making underrated?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/underrated/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making underrated, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-21