Pop Rock
70 bands play Pop Rock beats
Founded in: 1994
Maroon 5, the Grammy-winning pop rock band from Los Angeles, has dominated charts worldwide with their catchy melodies and Adam Levine's distinctive vocals since their debut in 2002.
Founded in: 1996
Matchbox Twenty: A Rock Band Legacy
Hailing from Orlando, Florida, Matchbox Twenty (also known as Matchbox 20 and MB20) emerged onto the music scene in 1995. This American rock band, fronted by the charismatic Rob Thomas (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), has become a household name thanks to their infectious melodies and relatable lyrics. They are completed by the tight rhythm section of Brian Yale (bass guitar) and Paul Doucette (drums, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), alongside the skilled lead guitarist and vocalist, Kyle Cook.
Matchbox Twenty's debut album, "Yourself or Someone Like You" (1996), propelled them to global stardom. The album achieved a phenomenal 12x Platinum (diamond) certification in the United States, and multi-platinum status in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. This success was fueled by hits like "Push," "3 AM," and "Long Day."
Their second album, "Mad Season" (2000), further cemented their position as a major force in rock music. The album hit the top three on the Billboard 200 chart and garnered 4x Platinum certification in the United States. Tracks like "Bent" and "If You're Gone" became instant fan favorites.
"More Than You Think You Are" (2002), their third album, continued their impressive run, achieving 2x Platinum status in the United States.
In 2004, the band went on hiatus following the departure of rhythm guitarist Adam Gaynor. Paul Doucette stepped up to fill the void upon their reunion in 2007. They released a compilation album, "Exile on Mainstream," which went Gold in the United States, followed by a tour to support it.
Following another hiatus in 2010, as Rob Thomas pursued his solo career, the band reunited yet again.
Matchbox Twenty's influence on the rock scene is undeniable. Their consistent success throughout the years, coupled with their enduring appeal, has secured them a place in the annals of music history.
Founded in: 1997
Mayday: The Rock Legends of the Chinese-Speaking World
Mayday, also known as 五月天 (Wǔ Yuè Tiān) in Mandarin, is a Taiwanese rock band that has stormed the music scene since their formation in 1997. The quintet, comprised of Monster (lead guitar and leader), Ashin (vocals), Stone (rhythm guitar), Masa (bass) and Ming (drums), ignited their musical journey with their debut album in 1999.
Initially known as So Band, their name evolved in 1997, stemming from Masa's online alias. Their impact has been so profound that they've earned the moniker "the Beatles of the Chinese-speaking world." Their accomplishments are a testament to their immense talent and influence, with a multitude of awards including the prestigious Golden Melody Award for Best Band, bestowed by the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture, an impressive four times - in 2001, 2004, 2009, and 2012.
The Birth of Mayday: A Rock & Roll Journey
Mayday's roots lie in So Band, a band formed by Ashin, Monster, and their first drummer, Chien You-ta, in 1995 while attending The Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University. Their ranks expanded with the arrival of Masa and Stone, fellow students at the same school. Even after graduation and venturing into separate universities, their passion for music remained undiminished, leading them to perform in pubs and eateries, actively contributing to the burgeoning rock music scene in Taiwan. In 1997, they registered for the Formoz Festival under the name Mayday, marking a significant turning point in their journey.
Inspired by The Beatles, Mayday embraced the transformative power of rock music, weaving into their songs messages of love and peace, aiming to inspire change and uplift hearts across the world.
Founded in: 2012
MIXER (English: Mixer) is a Taiwanese band consisting of five members: vocalist Wu Shenghao, acoustic guitarist Lin Zhean (formerly known as Lin Zian), electric guitarist Xiao B Yu Boxi, bassist Zhang Yinuo, and drummer Lu Yifan. MIXER's exhilarating music style, paired with poetic and psychedelic lyrics, combined with the vocalist's unique voice and powerful stage presence, has quickly gained attention. The band first received a nomination for Best Band at the 25th Golden Melody Awards for their album "Circus Movement," and ultimately won the award.
Several members of MIXER started playing music together in school. They formed different bands and participated in school music competitions across Taiwan, winning numerous awards. Zhean and Shenghao were then scouted by a record company and released their first EP as a duo, "Zian Shenghao" in 2011. To enrich their performance styles, they later recruited Yinuo and Xiao B to join their live performances. Finally, they added drummer Yifan in October 2012 and officially formed the band, adopting the name "MIXER." In June 2013, they released their debut album "Circus Movement." In 2016, their album "Nameless Humans" was nominated for Best Band at the 27th Golden Melody Awards. In October of the same year, they released their third album "Wild." In 2016, they were named the fourth-best independent band in Taiwan by the website "Network Thermometer." On December 29, 2018, they held their first large-scale ticketed concert at the National Taiwan University Gymnasium. On October 8, 2020, they released their fourth album "Animal of Love," and held a nationwide tour at the end of the year.
On October 17, 2023 (their debut anniversary), MIXER released their fifth digital album "It's All Romance's Fault" and followed with a physical release in November. They also embarked on a multi-city tour. The album was nominated for Best Band at the 35th Golden Melody Awards.
Founded in: 1994
Muse: From Teignmouth to Global Domination
Muse, hailing from the seaside town of Teignmouth, Devon, burst onto the scene in 1994. This trio, featuring the soaring vocals and guitar prowess of Matt Bellamy, the thunderous basslines of Chris Wolstenholme, and the driving rhythms of Dominic Howard, has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock.
Their debut album, Showbiz, introduced the world to Bellamy's remarkable falsetto and their melancholic, alternative rock sound. But it was their second album, Origin of Symmetry, that truly cemented their reputation. This masterpiece, brimming with rich orchestration and romantic classical influences, showcased their electrifying live performances.
Absolution, their third album, took the band to new heights. With its soaring strings on tracks like "Butterflies and Hurricanes," it became the first of seven consecutive UK number-one albums, further solidifying their dominance.
Black Holes and Revelations, their fourth album, embraced a blend of electronic and pop elements, as heard in the anthemic "Supermassive Black Hole," catapulting them to international superstardom.
The Resistance and The 2nd Law, their fifth and sixth albums, delved into themes of government oppression and civil unrest, transforming Muse into a stadium-filling phenomenon.
Their seventh album, Drones, reached the summit of the US Billboard 200. This hard-hitting concept album explored the devastating impact of drone warfare. Simulation Theory, their eighth release, embraced the world of synthesizers and drew inspiration from science fiction and the simulation hypothesis.
Their ninth album, Will of the People, released in August 2022, seamlessly weaves together genres and themes from their previous work, offering a captivating culmination of their musical journey.
Muse's journey, from their humble beginnings to their current status as a global rock titan, is a testament to their unique blend of musicality, energy, and progressive vision. They continue to push boundaries and captivate audiences with their sonic explorations and powerful performances, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting and influential rock bands of their generation.
Founded in: 1995
Nickelback: From Hanna to Headlining Stadiums
Hailing from the small Canadian town of Hanna, Alberta, Nickelback emerged in 1995, forging a powerful sound that would soon conquer the world. Fronted by the charismatic Chad Kroeger, wielding his signature vocal rasp and searing guitar riffs, the band solidified their lineup with Ryan Peake on rhythm guitar and keys, Mike Kroeger on bass, and drummer Daniel Adair (who joined after a series of drummers graced their stage).
Their breakthrough came in 1999 when they signed with Roadrunner Records, setting the stage for their explosive rise to fame. In 2002, their anthem "How You Remind Me" took the world by storm, topping the charts in both the United States and Canada. This smash hit, off their platinum-selling album "Silver Side Up", cemented Nickelback's place as a force to be reckoned with.
They continued their winning streak with "The Long Road" in 2003, delivering anthemic tracks like "Someday," which climbed to the top of the Canadian charts and peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Their 2005 release, "All the Right Reasons," became their best-selling album to date, showering them with an avalanche of hits. "Photograph," "Far Away," and the iconic "Rockstar" dominated the Billboard charts, with the latter reaching peak popularity across the pond in the UK.
2008 saw the release of "Dark Horse," delivering another chart-topping single with "Gotta Be Somebody." Their seventh album, "Here and Now" (2011), topped the Canadian charts, showcasing their continued dominance in their homeland.
From humble beginnings in a small Canadian town, Nickelback has ascended to rock royalty, conquering stadiums and selling millions of albums worldwide. Their powerful, hard-hitting sound and relatable lyrics have resonated with millions of fans globally, solidifying their status as one of the most successful rock bands of the 21st century.
Founded in: 1986
No Doubt: A Ska-Punk Revolution
No Doubt, a band that exploded out of Anaheim, California in 1986, quickly became a force in the alternative rock scene. Fronted by the iconic Gwen Stefani, the band's core lineup included guitarist Tom Dumont, bassist Tony Kanal, and drummer Adrian Young. Early on, Gwen's brother Eric Stefani was also a keyboardist for the band. Their early sound, fueled by ska-punk influences, carved a unique path in the music world.
While their self-titled debut album in 1992 didn't make much noise, their 1995 sophomore effort, "The Beacon Street Collection," sold over 100,000 copies, showcasing their growing popularity. But it was their third album, "Tragic Kingdom," that cemented their place in music history. Released in 1995, the album, certified diamond for selling over 10 million copies, rode the wave of the third-wave ska revival in the '90s. The album's third single, "Don't Speak," broke records, holding the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart for a staggering 16 weeks. Another standout track, "Just a Girl," co-written by Stefani, was hailed as the album's most popular song.
Their next album, "Return of Saturn" (2000), aimed for a different sound, though it didn't quite reach the heights of "Tragic Kingdom," despite the Top 40 hit "Simple Kind of Life." Critical acclaim, however, followed the album, leading to a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album. In 2001, No Doubt returned with "Rock Steady," blending reggae and dancehall influences into their sound, further solidifying their musical evolution.
No Doubt's journey from Anaheim's local scene to international stardom is a testament to their innovative sound and undeniable talent. They brought a unique blend of ska, punk, and pop, making them one of the most influential bands of the '90s, leaving an enduring legacy in the music world.
Founded in: 1991
Oasis: The Britpop Giants
Oasis, hailing from the musical heartland of Manchester, burst onto the scene in 1991. Their original lineup was a potent mix of swagger and raw talent: Liam Gallagher (the charismatic frontman), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (the rhythm guitarist), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (the bassist), and Tony McCarroll (the drummer). But it was the arrival of Liam's older brother, Noel Gallagher, that truly cemented their destiny. Noel, with his sharp songwriting and blistering lead guitar, joined the band just a few months later and soon became the creative driving force, crafting the anthems that would define their sound.
Oasis quickly became synonymous with the Britpop movement, rising to international fame with a sound that was both nostalgic and fresh, drawing inspiration from classic British rock while injecting it with a youthful energy and attitude.
They signed with Creation Records in 1993, unleashing their debut album, "Definitely Maybe," the following year. It was a monumental success, smashing records to become the fastest-selling debut album in British history. The album's iconic tracks, like "Live Forever" and "Champagne Supernova," became anthems for a generation.
The band’s follow-up, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory" (released in 1995 with new drummer Alan White), cemented their status as Britpop royalty. It spent an astonishing ten weeks at the top of the UK charts, becoming one of the biggest selling albums of all time – a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate today.
However, the Gallagher brothers' tumultuous relationship was well documented, their fiery personalities and public spats splashed across the tabloids throughout the 1990s. Despite the drama, their music continued to captivate, creating a legacy that will forever be etched in the history of rock and roll.
Founded in: 2004
OneRepublic: From Colorado Springs to Global Success
OneRepublic, the American pop-rock band hailing from Colorado Springs, Colorado, exploded onto the music scene in 2002. The group, known for their soaring melodies and Ryan Tedder's powerful vocals, comprises a talented lineup: Ryan Tedder (lead vocals, piano), Zach Filkins (lead guitar, viola), Drew Brown (rhythm guitar), Brent Kutzle (bass, cello), Eddie Fisher (drums), and Brian Willett (keyboards, percussion, violin).
OneRepublic first gained traction as an unsigned act on Myspace, showcasing their raw talent to a growing fanbase. Their infectious sound caught the attention of several record labels after they played shows throughout Los Angeles, ultimately leading to a signing with Velvet Hammer, an imprint of Columbia Records.
In the summer and fall of 2005, OneRepublic recorded their debut album under the guidance of producer Greg Wells at his Rocket Carousel studio in Culver City, California. Their album was initially slated for release in June 2006, but unfortunately, Columbia Records dropped the band just two months prior.
However, fate had other plans. "Apologize," the lead single from the unreleased album, found its way onto Myspace in April 2006, igniting a wildfire of interest. It topped the Myspace charts, proving the band's undeniable talent.
In 2007, OneRepublic finally released their debut album, "Dreaming Out Loud," reintroducing "Apologize" to the world. This time, the song received a remix treatment from the legendary Timbaland, propelling it to the top of the charts in sixteen countries and garnering a Grammy nomination. "Stop and Stare," the album's second single, followed in its predecessor's footsteps, achieving similar success.
From their humble beginnings in Colorado to achieving international acclaim, OneRepublic's journey is a testament to their raw talent, unwavering passion, and the power of music to connect with audiences across the globe.
Founded in: 2004
Panic! At The Disco: A Vegas Story From Emo Anthems to Solo Success
Born in the desert heat of Las Vegas, Panic! at the Disco emerged in 2004 from the friendship of Ryan Ross, Spencer Smith, Brent Wilson, and Brendon Urie. These high school buddies began crafting demos that quickly caught the attention of the music world. Their debut album, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (2005), became a pop-punk phenomenon, driven by the iconic single "I Write Sins Not Tragedies." The album went triple platinum in the US, solidifying Panic! as a force to be reckoned with.
However, the band's journey wasn't without its twists. Founding bassist Brent Wilson departed during the band's grueling world tour in 2006, replaced by Jon Walker. The group's next album, Pretty. Odd. (2008), signaled a shift in sound with the lead single "Nine in the Afternoon" marking a departure from their earlier emo-pop style.
Over time, the band went through several lineup changes, ultimately evolving into a solo project fronted by the charismatic Brendon Urie from 2015 onwards. After a successful run, Panic! at the Disco officially called it quits in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of iconic songs and a unique evolution within the pop rock landscape.