Underrated:

1) The Head and the Heart

The Head and the Heart, an indie folk-rock band from Seattle, was formed in the summer of 2009. The group consists of six members, the lead vocalists being Jonathan Russell and Charity Rose Thielen. While everyone gushes over the Lumineers, this band is not far from and receives little recognition. Charity Rose Thielen gives the band a unique tone with her vocals in many of the songs and the group altogether has a distinct sound that could draw ears from coast to coast. No matter what type of music you are into, their songs could catch anyone’s appeal. Sadly, they haven’t had a hit on the charts.

2) OAR

OAR (Of A Revolution) features reggae-style rock. Many know them for their hit song “Shattered” that came out in 2008. However, they have tons of other songs that have yet to be recognized. Ranging from pure alt-rock to jam-band reggae. The past few years they have been known to appear at Northerly Island for an annual concert. Pleasingly, the band’s concerts aren’t the typical concerts where the band plays their set list and that’s that. Even though OAR has a set list, they make you think that there was no pre-concert planning whatsoever. Being there makes the audience feel like it’s just their typical jam session and they are playing whatever makes the crowd happy.

3) Jack’s Mannequin

This group is made of Andrew McMahon, Bobby “Raw” Anderson, Jay McMilla and Mikey “The Kid” Wagner. One of their more well known songs is titled “Dark Blue”. The band has a unique alternative sound somewhat relating to bands such as Panic! At the Disco or Fall Out Boy. However, they haven’t received nearly as much fame as the other bands. Fame that they well deserve. Unfortunately, the band is no longer but their songs can still be enjoyed and bought on iTunes.

Overrated:

1) Imagine Dragons

This band has gone from nothing to everything in a matter of months. Their song “It’s Time” gained them their spot in the limelight. While they do have a cool sound, it’s getting old and over-done. When they first came into the spotlight, their music seemed different and millions of fans were born. Now, their singles rule the charts and are being overly-played on nearly every radio station. What could have been a cool, new, uprising band from the ashes has turned into instant fame leaving the unique sound behind for pop-influenced music.

2) Maroon 5

Adam Levine. Those two words, that one name is enough to send every teenage to middle aged girl over the edge. Yes, this man is attractive, no doubt about it, but that doesn’t mean that he is gifted with talent that everyone seems to give him. Being the front man for the band Maroon 5, it seems like there are no other members that even contribute to the group. That’s the first problem, a band can’t be considered a band when everyone only recognizes one member. They started out with a well-known album called Songs About Jane which ultimately gave the band attention. The album was well put together and had a different rock feel to it. But much like many bands in the world of music and business, as time went on their music became more pop-y and sounded like any other chart-topping hit. Their supposed talent faded the minute they released Misery.

3) Paramore

Who doesn’t love a girl that can rock out? Well, think again. Paramore’s infamous lead singer, Hayley Williams is not as “different” as many people may have thought. While she may be punk-ish with her surprising vocals and edgy style, she is just another Avril Lavigne or even going further back, Courtney Love. Pertaining to the band in general, the songs lack deeper meaning, making them relate to the usual “heart break” or “revenge” songs that Taylor Swift is known for. Paramore had their fifteen minutes of fame, but now their songs are tired and repeated.