Top 10 All Time Most Influential Artists Of My Generation (IMHO)

Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007, 12:01 pm | In General, Ponder This

These wold have been in a particular order, but I'm an indecisive little boy. And to be clear, this is not a list of my favorite bands or a list of people that were influential to me, but rather a list of artists that once popular, inspired other people to become musicians.

Without further ado,

  1. The Ramones
  2. The Cure
  3. NOFX
  4. N.W.A.
  5. Eminem
  6. Bad Religion
  7. The Ataris
  8. Green Day
  9. Blink 182
  10. Bon Jovi






This Post Has 43 Comments:

  1. I think you are missing a few key bands…. metallica for instance….

    Comment by drchaotica — August 22nd, 2007 at 5:55 am #

  2. Are you fucking serious? What are you, 12? That has got to be the lamest list of “influnetial bands of my generation”. You must be pretty fucking lame, kid.

    Comment by Ams — October 20th, 2007 at 1:50 pm #

  3. very interesting.
    i’m adding in RSS Reader

    Comment by music — January 9th, 2008 at 1:37 am #

  4. What do you mean ?

    Comment by music — January 31st, 2008 at 9:50 pm #

  5. How can you leave out The Clash?

    Comment by Mike Cohen — April 4th, 2008 at 10:03 pm #

  6. I’m certainly not going to be as rude as some of the other folks, but Bon Jovi?

    Comment by Ross — April 4th, 2008 at 10:39 pm #

  7. and you totally missed the pixies. the pixies were known for rolling through a town and leaving a handful of new bands behind when they left.

    and i’m pretty sure nirvana inspired more bands than nofx, blink 182, and bad religion combined.

    green day i might give you… however, guns n roses inspired more people than bon jovi. and metallica inspired even more.

    Comment by Austin — April 4th, 2008 at 11:09 pm #

  8. Can agree only with Bon Jovi on the list myself. A lot of my favorites like Dire Straits, The Eagles, Pink Floyd are missing, but then again music is a personal choice. Shall try to catch up on the artists mentioned on this list.

    moserw
    http://www.nela.in

    Comment by moserw — April 4th, 2008 at 11:32 pm #

  9. I would’ve swapped NWA for Metallica but other than that I pretty much agree.

    As for The Clash, I have no idea how old Jake is but looking at his list he’s probably about the same age as I am (24) and he said his generation. The Clash was the previous generation. Same goes for Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, etc.

    Comment by Guillaume Theoret — April 4th, 2008 at 11:53 pm #

  10. BAD RELIGION!

    Comment by BRCrossman — April 5th, 2008 at 4:56 am #

  11. All of those artists aren’t even in the same generation…so how can they be the most influential of your generation?

    Comment by Steve — April 5th, 2008 at 7:15 am #

  12. and what about Kurt’s band – Nirvana – the Foo’s are also missing

    Comment by @ndry — April 5th, 2008 at 7:15 am #

  13. You may not like her, but you left out Madonna, who I’m pretty sure has way more influence than just about anyone else on this list. She inspired an entire generation of early millennium popsters. I am not naming them, however. Actually, this list is missing female artists altogether, though I’m not familiar with the Ataris.

    For the record, the Cure is my fave!

    You could also add U2, Beastie Boys, Run DMC, Prince, MICHAEL JACKSON (hello!). Take out Bon Jovi (they’re lame) and Blink 182 (still too new).

    I don’t agree with your list but it’s definitely interesting.

    Comment by Melissa Donovan — April 5th, 2008 at 5:13 pm #

  14. This is all subject so so much opinion, but frankly Radiohead, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, REM, The Pixies, Pavement, U2, Neil Young, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan have individually done more to influence music than your entire list combined. I guess if you’re saying what music has influenced you, you’ve got something. These are the artists (and I’m sure several others I’m leaving out) are the raw talent that so many artists have drawn upon to make make their unique style of music.

    Comment by drfindley — April 6th, 2008 at 11:06 pm #

  15. Three little letters.. So important.. R.E.M.

    Also, you totally forgot the VU. Seriously.

    Comment by 4fthawaiian — April 7th, 2008 at 5:43 am #

  16. I don’t disagree that these are influential artists, but they don’t sound like a generation to me. From the Ramones to Eminem and Green Day? That’s quite a span. I’m pushing 50: the Ramones predate me, and I’d lost all interest in the top 40 long before Eminem and Green Day.

    I’ve heard it said that in pop music, a generation is four years. Makes sense to me.

    Comment by Prentiss Riddle — April 7th, 2008 at 8:28 am #

  17. dude. we belong to different generations!

    Comment by davienne — April 7th, 2008 at 11:27 am #

  18. I have to say/agree that The Pixies, Janes Addiction, Nirvana, The Smiths, and U2 are missing on this list.

    Comment by Jason — April 7th, 2008 at 3:44 pm #

  19. Are you immortal, or what?

    I’d have to toss in Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Rage Against The Machine, Pearl Jam, Motorhead, Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, amongst others…

    I don’t know if I could really justify “just” ten.

    Comment by keif — April 7th, 2008 at 10:56 pm #

  20. Dude you’re younger than me and that list is terrible. The Ramones and The Cure did their “best” (both completely overrated) work before our generation.

    You must have been a baby when NWA were around the individuals from NWA yes have been very influential but them to you no way and come on if you were 7 do you think you had any idea of what they were on about! I think not

    Blink 182 what the hell have they influenced? Bad taste in dress and some pathetic bands.

    Bon Jovi you kinding right!

    The only one you got right was Eminem!

    Comment by Marv — April 8th, 2008 at 9:06 am #

  21. I’m old (37) and I am completely befuddled when you say The Ramones. They were washed up by the time I was a kid.

    While attending Musician’s Institute, I witnessed that whole Seattle thing blow up. 1991, was the tail end (thank God) of the Hair Band era and Southern California was just lost. We were confused and didn’t know what to play and it took a while before bands were actually good again. Soundgarden, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nirvana, Social Distortion, Bad Religion, Suicidal Tendancies, dare I say “Ministry” were all the bands that are influencing the bands that are out today.

    I was playing in clubs the same time Korn and those bands were coming up……they all took off from the grunge/raprock/industrial sound…..oh…you left out Trent Reznor and his freakish style…..I think your list might be a little off……by the way, these are not my favorite bands, just the bands that I saw influence a loto of what you’re hearing on KROQ even today.

    Comment by West — April 8th, 2008 at 11:12 am #

  22. Just reading this post and comments makes me giggle at the huge difference between generations. One could argue that The Ramones influenced Green Day, Bad Religion and Blink 182. If anything they weren’t original… Dead Milkmen, Black Flagg, Minutemen, Minor Threat (later Fugazi), and countless other late 80’s hardcore bands crafted sounds similar to Green Day, Bad Religion and Blink 182 long before they hit the scene.

    I’d credit Ice Cube, Beastie Boys or Public Enemy over Eminem. Or at least Dr. Dre.

    Ataris and NOFX, while newer, I agree with. They created new sounds, and while I’m sure influenced by previous generations, helped create a new genre of music.

    I’d definitely lose Bon Jovi on this list. All he did was make 80’s hair metal accessible to the masses.

    Missing: Interpol. If I hear another “up and coming” band with an ethereal slide guitar or Carlos D. bass line I’m gonna lose it.

    Uncut magazine recently had a great issue where they asked other artists what their favorite Smiths songs were, and why. Cool to see how many different generations and genres were influenced by them.

    I also agree with Jason regarding Nirvana, although ironically he also lists Pixies, who both Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl have confessed to ripping off in their early songs. ;)

    Comment by krystyn — April 8th, 2008 at 11:30 am #

  23. I realize I’m an old fart, but c’mon! No ‘Mats???????

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Replacements

    Comment by Chuck — April 8th, 2008 at 12:27 pm #

  24. I have no idea who you are, but I think I love you.

    Comment by Mr Lady — April 8th, 2008 at 4:44 pm #

  25. Jane’s Addiction – that is all

    Comment by ReTodd — April 9th, 2008 at 9:46 am #

  26. The Ramones, so cool, is my fav, god music :)

    Comment by Bucio — April 11th, 2008 at 3:43 pm #

  27. If you were born in the 80’s this list isn’t too bad, although I’d add Radiohead and some of the Grunge bands (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, etc…)

    Comment by Xytrex — April 12th, 2008 at 4:51 pm #

  28. which generation is yours?

    Comment by gerard — April 13th, 2008 at 4:12 am #

  29. You need English lessons. You should have titled it “Top 10 All Time Artitsts Most Influential of My Generation”

    But this proves a valid point. as a Millenial, as they call you, you have the tendency of stealing culture from other generations and calling it your own and acting as if it is

    I’m 32, and when I take my family out to the mall or such for a fun day, I see kids like you. You’re wearing clothes that we retired 20 years ago for not being cool. It always starts with the black skinny jeans. And perhaps the vans checkerboards. Then there’s a t-shirt of a band who broke up or died when you were 2 years old.

    Comment by James — April 13th, 2008 at 7:05 am #

  30. I agree with the entire list–in terms of influencing others.
    Of course, my list has one major person: Regina Spektor. Not sure if you know her, but she inspires the hell out of me. I’ll add The Ramones to my list, too. I LOVE The Ramones.

    Comment by Melle — April 14th, 2008 at 12:11 am #

  31. Yeah man you need to add Metallica to that list

    Comment by Alex — April 15th, 2008 at 6:19 am #

  32. Pixies, Janes Addiction, check and mate.

    Comment by adrock — April 16th, 2008 at 5:03 pm #

  33. The Skatalites and Bob Marley. nuff said!

    Comment by Kokong — April 29th, 2008 at 10:34 am #

  34. you have two bands on there I LOVE!
    green day
    the ramones

    if only you listed the sex pistols or the clash

    i like blink 182 but not as much as the others

    Comment by QuinnTheAspie — April 29th, 2008 at 3:53 pm #

  35. I know you were expecting a lot of criticism, so here’s mine:

    Where is RHCP??? I hope to God more people were influenced to become musicians throughout the years than The Ataris…

    Comment by emerywebster — April 29th, 2008 at 6:09 pm #

  36. Judging by the list you need to rethink what your generation is. Regardless of your generation I thinks it’s quite clear that Blink-182 and Bon Jovi need to be axed. And yes, Pixies need to be added to that list. Time for some reflection.

    Comment by AHO — May 10th, 2008 at 8:22 pm #

  37. AC/DC, no band has had a bigger reach, more than just us techies. Are they WT, yeah, but far more influential than almost any other band.

    Comment by Malcolm Kass — May 12th, 2008 at 9:02 am #

  38. Obviously, you have never studied music appreciation, if
    you did, you would have included classical influences,
    R&B influences (which include a great deal of African
    Americans). Hispanic influences even Asian and West
    Indian influences. Where have you been? What planet are
    you from? It’s almost condescending for you to highlight
    that ridiculous list, and pass it off as some credo of
    musical insight. I would seriously suggest that you put the
    knob back on your radio and surf “all” frequencies, before you surface again with another list.

    Comment by Flashpoint77 — June 9th, 2008 at 12:14 pm #

  39. Dang, some mean folks here. That’s the guys list so deal with it. My list is different but I am 43 and a metal head. No need to insult an entire generation and throw stones at Jake. And what example is Mr. 31 yr old setting for his generation? Geez!

    Comment by Mike Kavis — July 3rd, 2008 at 9:46 pm #

  40. I only agree with the Ramones. Bon Jovi?

    Comment by Justin Viger — July 4th, 2008 at 8:29 am #

  41. Eminem was most influential how?

    Comment by Rich — July 20th, 2008 at 7:36 am #

  42. Your list is stupid and where’s Michael Jackson? he infuenced more than half of the damn world.

    Comment by Katerina — August 30th, 2008 at 12:08 pm #

  43. mate… pretty sure Daft Punk should be in the No #1 spot. Did the ramones invent rock? no. Did Eminem invent rap? No. Did NWA invent hip hop? no. Did Daft Punk basically create the entire mass french electro scene of today? No artist/band has accomplished what Daft Punk has of this age. change that list now…as for putting Green Day, Eminem and Blink 182 in the list you deserved to be shot.

    Comment by luke — September 21st, 2008 at 7:41 am #

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