1. Linkin ParkThey get a HEAP of hate for how much their musical style has changed in the two decades, comparing their early stuff to their late stuff is like two different bands. But I really respect them for keeping it interesting, and I love almost every song, often for very different reasons. They don't make my favourite songs, but they make my favourite albums.
2. MuseThese guys do incredible things with music, they can compose Dubstep rock operas and acoustic jazz pieces, put them on the same album and somehow it just
works. The lead singer Matt Bellamy is unbelievably talented, has to be up there with the best male vocalists on the planet right now in my opinion
3. John ButlerJohn has done some amazing work with his band John Butler Trio that I absolutely love (most famously,
Zebra, the one that is like "Da, da, da da da. Da da da da. Da, da, da da da. Da da da da da da - That's not humming, that's the lyrics
) But the piece above is just something else entirely - Probably the sole reason I ever wanted to pick up a guitar in the first place. If you've got 12 minutes and want to see exactly what you can do with an acoustic guitar, look no further.
4. HozierHozier wrote that song "Take me to Church" that was so overplayed after it went viral a few years ago, but the album it is on is just so full of passion. Such beautiful lyrics and music. Very big fan - Still waiting on a follow up album
5. Green DayThese guys are one of my childhood favourites, and they became the first songs I learned on guitar. For this reason, they hold a special place in my heart (well, the section for music anyway...
)