THIS IS THE ONLY ANSWER..despite all the drama that transpired with his life which is messed up, if you stick to his talent, he was a once in a lifetime artist and is still the top with just a handful of others
It really is. And if folks feel like going off on a bit of a tangent, his soundtrack for The Last Temptation of Christ is fantastic stuff.
I think I'd still have to give the nod to his Genesis stuff tho. It's just that good.
I don't think Dave would have stayed much longer if Nirvana had stayed together/Cobain had lived. There were some indications that he didn't get along that much with Kurt and that he began recording Foo stuff in anticipation of leaving to start his own band, regardless.
It took me forever to understand why Dave never thought of himself as a great drummer. And I have watched this video 10 times to try to figure it out. Everyone likes when he drums.
https://youtu.be/dZCrdSC2-1I?si=wvexlFwRpYHIKFSp
It's easy to be your own biggest critic, especially when you will always notice the flaws more than other people. I used to be in a band that recorded albums, and I *HATED* listening to playback because I could always hear exactly where I messed up, or exactly where I sang just a little off. I'm obviously nowhere near as talented as Dave, but I can completely understand why he'd maybe not see himself in the same light as everybody else
Oh wow. What’s amazing is you can also hear it in [Song For The Dead](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=cd1cd8ba04cfc6b9&hl=en-us&q=song+for+the+dead&tbm=vid&source=lnms&prmd=vinbmtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjFiOX05u-FAxXHHjQIHcupAvMQ0pQJegQIDhAB&biw=393&bih=650&dpr=3#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:db01fc40,vid:dOsmG-sufNc,st:0). Honestly, this album was some of his best drum work.
Yep. his distaste of fame and the apparent increasing tensions with other bandmates it would have been inevitable. From what I read about unplugged he basically dictated the whole thing so it was like a de facto solo album.
I could see him retiring from the spotlight and focusing on albums with the occasional tour in low key venues/theaters in second tier cities or college towns
And even in his raw bedroom recordings you can kinda hear him aiming for that sound. Not to mention Leadbelly being his favourite guitarist, and Where Did You Sleep Last Night being arguably Kurt's best live performance of anything.
His grunge stuff was a product of a young mind but he would've matured in a very interesting direction.
Yea I just re listened to unplugged for the first time in years and now that I am older I didn’t realize just how….southern it sounded, same with the bedroom recordings. I am raised in Texas but my roots are in Alabama and a lot of that stuff sounds like something you would hear the old dudes play in the rural areas just hanging out and drinking beer. Very unfiltered, longing, soulful music
Definitely. This was more his style I think as a poet which is what he saw himself as. Not some teenage god of the angst ridden masses. That life may be fun for a little bit but he was really commited to putting out quality work, lyrics, poetry, art. Maybe one of the reasons he did pass is because he realized you can’t put out the standards he set for himself at the level of addiction he was at. We will never know. But I do know that was really important to him.
I feel like a lot of these answers are just “artists that performed solo without their original band” and less “artists that truly became great after going solo.”
tbh i felt like they were all held back. harry and zayn like you said, but also niall’s solo music is way better than most things 1d released. even louis like you said in the other comment
i don’t really know anything about liam’s career but the others all seem like they were held back in my opinion
Oh all of them were, I definitely agree.
And liam, he's kinda ruined his career. He talked shit on the band which made a lot of the original fans upset. Also he lives in the bands past. Anytime I see him, it's because he covered one of their songs or he's talking about a reunion. It's a shame. His first single did well after the band. He had potential as well, his ego just got the best of him.
I will say though- I was SHOCKED with Louis's career. Truly didn't think he'd be at the level he's at with his singing career. It's not Harry/Zayn level, but damn, what an underdog move he pulled for his own career lol
For sure. I had to give over a lot of pre judgement and music snobbery (and the nauseatingly obsessed fan base) to realise he is a fucking excellent artist. 'Sign of the Times' is a belter of a tune and he has immense stage presence.
80's Phil Collins. I like where he experiments with New Wave stuff, a machine drummer relied on drum machine. He's the one who convinced me that 909 is an epic drum machine, than just an obvious analog drum machine.
Justin Timberlake... I have never listened to nsyc before. But i have listened to some Timberlake songs even though I'm not a fan of pop music.
Holy Grail with Jay Z
Sexyback with timberland.
Give it to me with timberland.
Ozzy Osbourne. As great as he was in Black Sabbath, he really shined when he went solo. Granted, he owes a lot of that to Sharon cause she kept pushing him in as straight a path as you can with an addict, but he has become an icon in the metal and music industry.
An argument could be made for McCartney as well, but in terms of growth from what he did with the Beatles, Harrison really blossomed. McCartneys career was a continuation of what he did with the Beatles. Harrison really came into his own.
Oh yeah George Harrison as well. All things must pass was a masterpiece. And I think he had the best solo career as well as though traveling wilburys and the Beatles reunion too in 95. His guitar was definitely missed on now and then
He was an unofficial 5 elements member with Proof which got canibalized into D12. Then Em was in a Jersey rap group with Rah Digga called the Outsidaz who were only really known in Detroit and New Jersey. which except for Rah he fell out with when Dre scooped him. The Outsidaz must’ve been the hold back because everybody that broke camp blew up
With that logic I wouldn't listen to a lot of music and I wouldn't watch any more movies or TV programs. Anyway I don't have to like him to appreciate his music.
In addition to Phil, Peter Gabriel became one of the most influential artists of the 80s and 90s, and Mike Rutherford became a Grammy-winning star as Mike + the Mechanics. And while not achieving "greatness" *per se*, Steve Hackett has released dozens of albums and remains a huge live act.
They all had to get away from Tony to realize their true potential.
I don't know about "truly great" but I like Mark Knopfler's, Colin Hay's and Skin's solo work more than their work with Dire Straits, Men at Work and Skunk Anansie, respectively.
Bob Mould. I know I’m supposed to be punk and say Husker Du is his best stuff, but his playing was way better with Sugar. He’s also one of the most underrated songwriters.
George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass is by far the best work of any of the Beatles post-beatle work. It’s so clear why he felt undervalued by Paul and John. It’s a shame Phil Spector got his hands on it, but it’s just banger after banger
Serj tankian from System of a down.
Also while not technically solo, daron malakian starting scars on broadway.
I loved system but damn did we get a lot of good music out of them breaking up.
Butch Walker, easily! There rarely a professional mainstream musician today who hasn't worked with, been produced by, been inspired by, or at the very least heard of him. Plus some amazing solo albums :)
Michael Jackson
Man his voice got on my nerves when he was in the jackson five. Solo though he was the shit
I saw The Jackson Brothers with Sister Sledge in concert. 77 or 78
you telling me you don't like Jermaine Jackson?
This made me laugh so loud. 😂 sorry Jermaine.
THIS IS THE ONLY ANSWER..despite all the drama that transpired with his life which is messed up, if you stick to his talent, he was a once in a lifetime artist and is still the top with just a handful of others
This is who I thought immediately. It’s good to know he’s still loved.
Brian Eno.
Good one. I do love me some Roxy Music tho.
Came here to say this.
Peter Gabriel.
I’ll also say Phil Collins!!
Yeah, but Phil's greatest solo success was while he was still in Genesis.
My vote too. What an amazing body of work he has.
It really is. And if folks feel like going off on a bit of a tangent, his soundtrack for The Last Temptation of Christ is fantastic stuff. I think I'd still have to give the nod to his Genesis stuff tho. It's just that good.
I remember finding a casette of *So* in my parents closet as a kid. Such an amazing album, I still have the tape and play it every so often
Came here to say that. In the 90s every studio musician wanted to work with sting and Peter Gabriel.
My number one also…Gabriel is timeless
On that note the guy who took over from him as lead singer for Genisis didn’t do too badly either when he went solo!
Peter Gabriel for sure
Tina Turner and Lionel Richie.
Aimee Mann
I feel so stupid right now. I never put two and two together and realized that Aimee Mann was in 'Til Tuesday.
You're not alone. I found out just a few months ago watching a YouTube video.
George Michael
Damn right. Listen without prejudice is an amazing album.
Especially if you adhere to its title.
What band was he in?
Arrested Development
“Say what you want about America, 13 bucks still gets you a hell of a lot of mice.”
They went downhill after the release of their single, Teamosil.
BJÖRK
I loved the Sugarcubes as well; they had a huge influence on my taste in music.
pun intended?
I really liked her work in Kukl & Tappi Tíkarrass as well.
what?? what band was she in
The Sugarcubes
I still have all the Sugarcubes in my heavy rotation. No Bjork though. I prefer her with the band personally.
The Bjorkles
The Sugarcubes
Imagine if Cobain hadn't offed himself and Dave Grohl had just stayed the drummer of Nirvana.
Imagine if the solo side project that became the Foo Fighters was integrated into Nirvana’s next album instead.
I don't think Dave would have stayed much longer if Nirvana had stayed together/Cobain had lived. There were some indications that he didn't get along that much with Kurt and that he began recording Foo stuff in anticipation of leaving to start his own band, regardless.
It took me forever to understand why Dave never thought of himself as a great drummer. And I have watched this video 10 times to try to figure it out. Everyone likes when he drums. https://youtu.be/dZCrdSC2-1I?si=wvexlFwRpYHIKFSp
It's easy to be your own biggest critic, especially when you will always notice the flaws more than other people. I used to be in a band that recorded albums, and I *HATED* listening to playback because I could always hear exactly where I messed up, or exactly where I sang just a little off. I'm obviously nowhere near as talented as Dave, but I can completely understand why he'd maybe not see himself in the same light as everybody else
Oh wow. What’s amazing is you can also hear it in [Song For The Dead](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=cd1cd8ba04cfc6b9&hl=en-us&q=song+for+the+dead&tbm=vid&source=lnms&prmd=vinbmtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjFiOX05u-FAxXHHjQIHcupAvMQ0pQJegQIDhAB&biw=393&bih=650&dpr=3#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:db01fc40,vid:dOsmG-sufNc,st:0). Honestly, this album was some of his best drum work.
My favorite is 2005 Nine inch nails. -- "With Teeth" https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mGkadELnpMJ2xfsO0ZC__Lt4A7Z_NbirE&si=e-Ec1cCofLV_wX2n
I think Cobain would have eventually gone solo and done more intimate low key, folk/americana/alt country work a la unplugged
That's what I think too. He could've been doing soundtracks like Eddie Vedder with Into the Wild, that kind of thing.
Yep. his distaste of fame and the apparent increasing tensions with other bandmates it would have been inevitable. From what I read about unplugged he basically dictated the whole thing so it was like a de facto solo album. I could see him retiring from the spotlight and focusing on albums with the occasional tour in low key venues/theaters in second tier cities or college towns
And even in his raw bedroom recordings you can kinda hear him aiming for that sound. Not to mention Leadbelly being his favourite guitarist, and Where Did You Sleep Last Night being arguably Kurt's best live performance of anything. His grunge stuff was a product of a young mind but he would've matured in a very interesting direction.
Yea I just re listened to unplugged for the first time in years and now that I am older I didn’t realize just how….southern it sounded, same with the bedroom recordings. I am raised in Texas but my roots are in Alabama and a lot of that stuff sounds like something you would hear the old dudes play in the rural areas just hanging out and drinking beer. Very unfiltered, longing, soulful music
Definitely. This was more his style I think as a poet which is what he saw himself as. Not some teenage god of the angst ridden masses. That life may be fun for a little bit but he was really commited to putting out quality work, lyrics, poetry, art. Maybe one of the reasons he did pass is because he realized you can’t put out the standards he set for himself at the level of addiction he was at. We will never know. But I do know that was really important to him.
I thought Nirvana were just getting interesting. 🤷🏻♂️
They were probably going to break up. Michael Stipe and cobain were planning a collab album
I’m honestly heartbroken this didn’t happen it would’ve been a masterpiece
True. They had way more potential. In utero was just the start of what could’ve been one of the best bands of all time
Lionel Richie (though the Commodores were very good as well)
Danny Elfman
Underrated comment
Oingo boingo is still good but Danny elfman on his own is a genius
Peter Frampton after Humble Pie Rod Stewart after Faces
Elliott Smith
Definitely true but heatmiser did have a few good songs. Probably ones he wrote
Linda Ronstandt
John Frusciante
I feel like a lot of these answers are just “artists that performed solo without their original band” and less “artists that truly became great after going solo.”
Harry Styles lol
All he did was prove how bad that band held him back. Same with Zayn Malik.
tbh i felt like they were all held back. harry and zayn like you said, but also niall’s solo music is way better than most things 1d released. even louis like you said in the other comment i don’t really know anything about liam’s career but the others all seem like they were held back in my opinion
Oh all of them were, I definitely agree. And liam, he's kinda ruined his career. He talked shit on the band which made a lot of the original fans upset. Also he lives in the bands past. Anytime I see him, it's because he covered one of their songs or he's talking about a reunion. It's a shame. His first single did well after the band. He had potential as well, his ego just got the best of him.
Agreed 💯
I will say though- I was SHOCKED with Louis's career. Truly didn't think he'd be at the level he's at with his singing career. It's not Harry/Zayn level, but damn, what an underdog move he pulled for his own career lol
For sure. I had to give over a lot of pre judgement and music snobbery (and the nauseatingly obsessed fan base) to realise he is a fucking excellent artist. 'Sign of the Times' is a belter of a tune and he has immense stage presence.
i say this as someone who was a *huge* 1d fan when they were around-i always knew harry was the star and he would explode when he went solo
Even when 1D first started, I knew Harry was the Justin Timberlake of the group. He was front and center on all the 1D merchandise
Phil Collins after Genesis
Peter Gabriel too
80's Phil Collins. I like where he experiments with New Wave stuff, a machine drummer relied on drum machine. He's the one who convinced me that 909 is an epic drum machine, than just an obvious analog drum machine.
Hard disagree for both Peter and Phil. Genesis is peak music, it just means you haven’t listened to it properly yet.
Natalie Merchant
Yessssss!!! ♥️
Peter Gabriel
Neil Young
Todd Rundgren, Prince
Diana Ross. Sting Harry Stiles
Peter Gabriel
Justin Timberlake... I have never listened to nsyc before. But i have listened to some Timberlake songs even though I'm not a fan of pop music. Holy Grail with Jay Z Sexyback with timberland. Give it to me with timberland.
Ozzy Osbourne. As great as he was in Black Sabbath, he really shined when he went solo. Granted, he owes a lot of that to Sharon cause she kept pushing him in as straight a path as you can with an addict, but he has become an icon in the metal and music industry.
This is the correct answer.
George Harrison's post Beatles career really outshines both his career in the band, and the solo careers of his bandmates. ATMP is a perfect album.
I know it’s not him solo, but The Traveling Wilburys are amazing!
Right you are. Post Beatles Harrison's solo projects far exceed his ex-band mates solo work.
An argument could be made for McCartney as well, but in terms of growth from what he did with the Beatles, Harrison really blossomed. McCartneys career was a continuation of what he did with the Beatles. Harrison really came into his own.
George Harrison’ even more so
I’m not a Beatles fan at all, but All Things Must Pass is one of my all-time top 10 albums.
George Michael was my favorite Beatle
Oh yeah George Harrison as well. All things must pass was a masterpiece. And I think he had the best solo career as well as though traveling wilburys and the Beatles reunion too in 95. His guitar was definitely missed on now and then
Dave Grohl. There I said it. He was a really good drummer in Nirvana. He became a legend after going solo and starting the Foos.
Also never went solo
The first foo fight album was just him
Probot was basically a solo album.
He's had some solo tracks, and he also did Play by himself
Sting, Gangstalicious , ice cube, Eminem.
There was a time when Eminem wasn’t solo?
D12
Wasn't that after he already made a huge splash as solo Eminem?
He was an unofficial 5 elements member with Proof which got canibalized into D12. Then Em was in a Jersey rap group with Rah Digga called the Outsidaz who were only really known in Detroit and New Jersey. which except for Rah he fell out with when Dre scooped him. The Outsidaz must’ve been the hold back because everybody that broke camp blew up
Heavy on Eminem. D12 music was good too tho
I prefer Thugnificent.
He’s with the Interjection Crew tho!
Did you make a Boondocks reference
I prefer the Police to solo Sting. But Eric Clapton after creem is still making good music.
Bad person, incredible music.
Clapton is an assh@le though. Look him up.
With that logic I wouldn't listen to a lot of music and I wouldn't watch any more movies or TV programs. Anyway I don't have to like him to appreciate his music.
Trent Reznor after leaving Slam Bamboo.
Annie Lennox. Good with Dave Stewart I. Eurythmics but AWESOME as a solo artist where her vocals shine
Neil Young
George Michael
Van Morrison after he left Them
Janis Joplin from Big Brother & The Holding Company
These are not truly great, but they were pretty successful John Fogarty Paul McCartney John Lennon
> John Fogarty and CCR It’s the same picture.
Don Henley too
Neil Young post CSNY
Phil Collins, but he was great before that as well
In addition to Phil, Peter Gabriel became one of the most influential artists of the 80s and 90s, and Mike Rutherford became a Grammy-winning star as Mike + the Mechanics. And while not achieving "greatness" *per se*, Steve Hackett has released dozens of albums and remains a huge live act. They all had to get away from Tony to realize their true potential.
Jimi Hendrix
George Harrison. He was always great, but was able to spread his wings once he went solo.
Harry Styles
Camila Cabello
Tupac > Digital Underground. With that said Digital Underground is highly underrated
To be fair he was mostly just a dancer for them and had a few features. I wouldn’t say that counts and 2Pac was essentially always solo with his music
I think they even said that. Once they brought him in it was obvious he needed to be solo.
Curtis Mayfield
I loved Caroline Polachek when she was in Chairlift, but her solo projects are phenomenal
Eminem, Damon Albarn, Caroline Polachek, Beyonce
Paul Weller
Beyoncé after Destiny’s Child. Great in a group but for me she truly shines as an individual performer.
Rob Zombie
Oh fuck yeah
Both are excellent but white zombie was better than rob zombie
Gotta disagree with this one. White Zombie were fantastic.
Paul Simon > simon & Garfunkel
I don't know about "truly great" but I like Mark Knopfler's, Colin Hay's and Skin's solo work more than their work with Dire Straits, Men at Work and Skunk Anansie, respectively.
Sting
Frank Zappa
Enya after Clannad.
Controversial…but Morrissey
Eddie Vedder just kidding.
George Michael
Robin Trower
George Harrison
Bob Mould. I know I’m supposed to be punk and say Husker Du is his best stuff, but his playing was way better with Sugar. He’s also one of the most underrated songwriters.
Peter Gabriel went from being in the greatest band ever to being the greatest singer songwriter ever.
Stevie Nicks even though she had great success in Fleetwood Mac, she had a great string of solo stuff.
Ozzy !!!
Peter Gabriel
John Fogerty
Robbie Williams
Sammy Hagar. He did some great stuff with Montrose, but I really prefer his solo work
Peter Gabriel
George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass is by far the best work of any of the Beatles post-beatle work. It’s so clear why he felt undervalued by Paul and John. It’s a shame Phil Spector got his hands on it, but it’s just banger after banger
Ozzy, Steven Wilson, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Danny elfman
Beyonce. though she was pretty great in destiny's child
Father John Misty
Janis Joplin. I love Big Brother & the Holding Company, but her solo work is incredible
Don Henley
beyonce
My answer. Destiny's Child was big but Beyonce is universal
Gary Moore
Peter Gabriel
Stephan Stills after CSN, Stevie Winwood after Traffic
PETER GABRIEL
Neil Young (Buffalo Springfield)
Neil Young
Elliot smith
Serj tankian from System of a down. Also while not technically solo, daron malakian starting scars on broadway. I loved system but damn did we get a lot of good music out of them breaking up.
Ozzy Osbourne Justin Timberlake Harry Styles Slash (with Myles Kennedy) Dave Grohl (the first Foo Fighters album is really a solo album)
Ozzy, Dio, David Lee Roth, David Byrne, Brian Ferry, Richard Thompson, Iggy Pop
Phil Collins
George Harrison
Steve Winwwod after Traffic, Blind Faith, Spencer Davis Group and Ginger Bakers Air Force.
OZZY OSBOURNE!!!!
Jeff Beck after the Yardbirds
Iggy pop
Justin Timberlake hasnt been mentioned yet. Beyonce also deserves mention.
Van Morrison.
Steve Vai.
Eric Clapton.
George Michael
Sting,Bjork,Pink,Cher
Butch Walker, easily! There rarely a professional mainstream musician today who hasn't worked with, been produced by, been inspired by, or at the very least heard of him. Plus some amazing solo albums :)
Rob Thomas
Phil Collins(although while in Genesis), Peter Gabriel, Rod Stewart, Sting, Peter Cetera