The Most Overrated Bands Of All Time (according to Jim!)

[@chetthebee1322]

The first band that came to my mind was Kiss. I can't see how anyone over 15 can take that band seriously. I have to admit that Simmons and Stanley are top notch businessmen though.

[@TheReaperMan275]

Especially Simmons. He's great at marketing them.

[@John-k6f9k]

Kiss are NOT overrated, because hardly anyone praises them for the musical skill. If people called Kiss the greatest band of all time then they could be called overrated. I listened to some 70s Kiss albums recently. My expectations were low, probably a case of being brainwashed into thinking they're be terrible, but musically I don't see what the strong feelings are about either way. I didn't love them or hate them. I'd say I like it, to a degree. The hate they get seems like overly forced pompous snobbery, just pissing on something crass and popular for the sake of signaling your "superior" taste. Snobs ironically equate mass popularity with worthlessness. Ace Frehley I will say is very underrated as a guitarist, especially live. His playing is very fluid and sometimes blistering, and he was doing tapping before EVH. They're a POPULAR band because they write catchy songs and have an entertaining stage show. I play guitar and looking at some Kiss tabs they're harder to play than some might realize. A lot of Beatles and Led Zeppelin riffs are simpler than an average Kiss song. Okay that's the good points, the bad points are that none of them can sing well and the lyrics are typical cock rock cliches. After 1977 they're mostly meh. And Gene Simmons is a douche, but that shouldn't make you judge the music.

[@gabrielegagliardi3956]

I think Kiss are like Wrestling (WWE), it's pretty hard understanding how an adult can find that kind of stuff entertaining. And a lot of intelligent and respectable musicians like them too. It's a mistery.

[@GaryIrving-x5o]

@@chetthebee1322 I can't see anyone over the age of 12 liking "Rush". What an awful band 👎🙄

[@arschka]

I Was Made For Lovin' You is huge for me. I loved it from my youth and it is evergreen for me. Of course, 2/3 of its creators are from outside the band. Besides that song, I've never listened to Kiss.

[@bobbarker3306]

I couldn't agree more with your picks, Jim.

[@oldarpanet]

Regarding the Beach Boys, John Lennon and Paul M. seemed to have a really high opinion of Pet Sounds, particularly. If I recall correctly it was what pushed The Beatles to to produce Sgt. Pepper.

[@maxxkarma]

Funny, I have a fairly large collection and none of these artists are in there. Good picks Jim.

[@arschka]

Reciprocity?🙂 "With Pet Sounds, Wilson desired to make "a complete statement", similar to what he believed the Beatles had done with their newest album Rubber Soul, released in December 1965". (Wikipedia)

[@ericanderson8886]

Kudos for doing a video that's only gonna get you in trouble lol. Agree with some of your picks and strong disagree with others, but it's all good. Should make for some fun comments lol.

[@Kmg_24]

This was a very well articulated video, Jim! I agree with most of it. I love Dylan myself, but fully understand your own grievances 😂. The Beach Boys are the only ones I'll really stick up for, if only due to their sheer musical output. They released 19 studio albums in 11 years! Plenty of good stuff in there. Nowhere near as cohesive as The Beatles, but who were in those days?

[@JimNewstead]

Quantity doesn't necessarily relate to quality though.... if that's the only criteria then Cliff Richard should be on a pedestal!

[@mrkitewine7700]

Fantastic stuff Jim. I would agree with all of those pics. I think U2’s finest is Achtung Baby, followed by War.

[@whistlingfish]

The reason The Beach Boys are considered influential is all about Brian Wilson and Pet Sounds, and that because it was probably the first time a rock/pop musician of his generation envisioned the studio itself as an instrument. He was also the first member of a pop band to incorporate elements outside traditional instrumentation in a purely rock/pop fashion. Certainly The Beatles had noodled around with it, but only through the lens of George Martin, who was a classically trained musician. If you look at the things that were popular when Pet Sounds was released, there was a sameness about it that Pet Sounds exploded, so much that when members of The Beatles heard cuts from the demo, they were completely astonished by it. The album sounds old hat today because others have taken Brian Wilson's vision and run with it, but it was completely revolutionary in its day. An incredibly influential album. As for Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, the key to your critique seems to be "I don't like them" and "I can't listen to them". Fair enough. But that doesn't diminish their importance in popular music. Springsteen gets his reputation through his amazing live shows; I don't think he "hugely influential" at all. He's just a great musician who gives 1000 percent on stage. But to say Dylan is overrated is cringy. His fingerprints are all over popular culture of the past 70 years, like it or not. His show at the Newport Folk Festival literally electrified folk music (for better or worse) and modern folk and country can be traced directly back to that moment. The whole singer-songwriter movement owes its origin to Dylan. Show me another pop or rock Nobel laureate. Too easy a target, because you anger all the Dylan fans (and generate traffic), while giving the part of your audience that dislikes his nasal voice (I'm not too crazy about it) and doesn't understand his sometimes cryptic lyrics a reason to subscribe. Fair play to you. If I were embarking on a KZbin career, I'd do the exact same. Otherwise, great choices. I don't get the Ed Sheeran thing either.

[@alanwaine4186]

Think I agree with all your selections. Saw Ed S support The Darkness last year at The Roundhouse and whilst you can admire his confidence, not 1 song stuck in my head. Amazing that he is so popular. The word Bland comes to mind.

[@seasonsoftheabyss918]

I wholeheartedly agree with this whole list aside from Nirvana. Those songs are simple enough to be hummable earworms and the lyrics are often quite poetic. "Meat-eating orchids forgive no one just yet, I cut myself on angel hair and baby's breath." Not too shabby. Lastly their tunes are at times surprisingly complicated with the way the chords and vocal melodies come together. Rick Beato touched on this with In Bloom just a day or two ago and that guy knows his theory. That said I'm not here to convert rather theorize why people might like them and to say that there exists a hidden complexity beneath the simplicity. Cheers!

[@joncokejones9318]

Kurt Cobain himself on a few different occasions said he gave zero shits about his lyrics and that he wrote multiple songs in like 10 mins. So he kinda counter argues himself when it comes to his lyrical ability

[@marklockey4434]

I definitely agree with your comments on Joy Division, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. Though, my late wife used to rave about Springsteen's " The River " album. I also don't " get " Ed Sheeran ( though, he is a lovely bloke ) or Taylor Swift's popularity.

[@badmotorbreath5206]

Nice work, Jim… not as controversial as I expected actually! In terms of the Seattle / Grunge scene, Soundgarden was >> Nirvana for me in terms of musical quality and range. No disrespect to Dave Grohl, and I like the band but Foo Fighters is also incredibly overrated. Massive following (they became very same, same and radio friendly after the first two albums).

[@stpnwlf9]

I'm there with you. Never really felt that impressed by Nirvana. I thought both Soundgarden and Alice In Chains wrote better songs than Cobain.

[@thomasmoroney1079]

Nirvana is my number 1 overrated band. Couple of catchy poorly played songs. That’s it! Mind boggling ✌️

[@JimNewstead]

Yup, I love Foo Fighters, seen them live 3 times, and probably the best time was the Hyde Park concert that was released on DVD. That was a brilliant day, hot as hell and great support bands, like a mini festival. But overrated, yup, I think so too!

[@badmotorbreath5206]

@@stpnwlf9 yes, definitely add AiC to the list of truly great bands

[@monke7177]

For me with U2, I love the early stuff up to Rattle and Hum, after that they had a few good songs and now the albums have mostly fell off. October and Joshua Tree are great albums, but anything after that I can't get my head around at all Jim! I also can't understand why Taylor Swift is put on a pedestal, I'll probably get slated for that but oh well, I agree with all your points Jim!

[@KnightlyTruth]

you know I agree with you on U2, they had they’re moments but for the most part I personally have not been able to get into them.

[@jarnovilen5259]

Almost all RnB stars are way overrated, everything that teens adore are. There is much less talent people think. But Taylor Swift is probably one of the best picks for most overrated artists.

[@JimNewstead]

I have never heard a Taylor Swift song so can't comment on whether she is overrated or not.

[@KnightlyTruth]

@@JimNewstead Taylor has a wonderful voice, the only thing is the lyrics are sorta basic. But some artists can make bad lyrics sound great and she is one of them. I won't lie bad blood is still stuck in my damn head haha

[@jarnovilen5259]

@@JimNewstead Neither have I (a full song). But I have been unfortunate enough to have been exposed accidentally to some excerpts and that is enough to know where she stands at.

[@alexgram1276]

Nice list Jim! I have another controversial one... Rolling Stones

[@jpirard]

Dylan's music has been interpreted better by others then doing his own stuff himself. He has had some incredible tunes that were redone, and he did inspire Tom Petty and the Beatles and others to explore the singer-songwriter. He also had a lot of topical impact in his day.

[@ericmadeoftin8206]

Exactly. He was the first superstar who played only a guitar, out on stage, all by himself, (occasional harmonica) and who sang songs with political and cultural deep meaning; story telling laced in beautiful poetry. These things not only changed music but even helped stop the Vietnam War.

[@slamduncan4794]

I love you for making this video, Jim. Agree with pretty much everything, too. I completely understand where you're coming from with Bob Dylan, and it's not just his voice, he's really not a good singer. He does have his moments, though (the live recording of Hurricane is incredible). I especially don't like bands that seem so smug about their success, like Oasis, though I try not to get too angry about such nonsense these days. Have a good one, Jim!

[@ChrisPage68]

The Strolling Bones...Bleurgh...Nick Cave...Leonard Cohen...Radiohead...Beyonce...

[@ikhanic48]

Thank you man. I thought it was just me! You Nailed it! Peace!

[@sidecardog5244]

Hi Jim, greetings from Texas. I agree with most of your list. Yes, Springsteen and Dylan are overrated for their full body of work, however, each have at least one or two albums that I would put in my top 50 favorite albums: Dylan's Blood on the Tracks I think is a masterpiece, and The Wild, the Innocent, and the E street Shuffle/Greetings from Asbury Park (Springsteen's first and second albums) are sublime works of art.

[@delorangeade]

I would largely agree with you about Springsteen's first two albums, and add Born to Run. I think it tails off pretty quickly after that.

[@JimNewstead]

Perhaps I need to listen to more (if I can bring myself to do it!)

[@ericmadeoftin8206]

Good points.

[@Truth-io5lz]

Jim, Beach Boys are a USA and maybe more specific a California band. I know others like it but it’s themed around the ocean, beach, and suffering culture.

[@jackdennison6171]

Phew I feel like doing the Bill Hicks' "Cops" line - "I'm not alone ? I thought I was alone" - U2 in particular as so many people have tried to convince me they were special. As for Springsteen, the problem for me is that the songs/lyrics are just marinated in Americana (I know, what would you expect him to write about given his background ?) but not being American means I just struggle to connect with the feel of the songs - I think Paddy Macaloon pretty much nailed this feeling with "Cars and Girls". And then of course, there's Oasis - probably THE biggest example of making the smallest amount of talent fool the biggest number of people. I'd take issue with the inclusion of The Beach Boys - I'm not a massive fan but Brian Wilson's songwriting/compositional feel is just so many levels above Oasis et al. I would have left out The Beach Boys and slipped Queen in ;-) I think "The Most Underrated Bands Of All Time" would be an interesting list to compile (hint hint)

[@6lillium]

You nailed it about Bruce Springsteen.... My overseas friends seem to enjoy John Mellencamp more....he comes across as more relatable and genuine.

[@JimNewstead]

I think an underrated video is on the cards too!

[@jackdennison6171]

@@JimNewstead Will look forward to it - XTC would probably top my list (and how that Jack Dennison bloke isn't more critically acclaimed I just don't know 🤪)

[@pierodavies9508]

95% with you. I would probably rate The Beach Boys a little less harshly, although you were, to be fair, quite guarded with your comments.. Really, really good melodies and glorious rich harmonies that are absolutely rivetted in my memory. I found Pet Sounds wishy washy. Holland, for me was their best album, although it was very heavily compressed. I loath remastered albums, but the remaster of Holland, is an improvement. That's my 5% deviation from your train of thought. All the best :)

[@ericmadeoftin8206]

The Beach Boys greatest hits double album called Endless Summer shows there magnificence. Good vibrations is one of the greatest songs of all time. Overrated does not apply to them.

[@alastaircurrie5029]

Absolutely spot on, Jim! The only one I may slightly disagree with is the Beach Boys. Brian Wilson was probably the first artist to use the studio as an instrument in its own right. His arrangement skills were also superb. Otherwise, I agreed with them all. Especially Dylan! Ugh! Horrible voice.

[@Britilocano]

I was 16 growing up in Warrington when definitely maybe came out. Hit me and my friends like a piledriver and inspired lots of us to start bands. It was about being there and young at that moment. After that they got too big and too big headed and it fizzled out. As for the others I love Bruce soringsteen who has always been about the live performances rather than studio. And beach boys, such unique melodies and arrangements of beauty but definitely not for everyone.

[@HelgeKS]

I don't have a problem with any of your choices. I could add a few more, which by and large would fall into the "Rolling Stone and NME love them" category...

[@nightHawk66]

Oh, you REALLY naild it! Spot on! 👏🤝

[@JimNewstead]

Thank you kindly!

[@GregPiper-tz6oi]

I agree with your list, with the exception of the musical/lyrical genius, Dylan. I would reconsider on that one. Maybe relisten to his music AFTER the sixties. About U2, they have many great songs in spite of being overrated, as you mentioned. Springsteen was interesting in the early days and got worse with time.

[@rickrinaudo9436]

OMG!!! Jim, Thank You SO Much. The more controversial, your choices were, the more I agreed with you. Those are the ones that I get abused for whenever I express my lack of adoration. One thing though...I never understood the allure of Bruce S. UNTIL I saw them live. That is where they shine. It's 3 hours of a band laying it all out there for the audience. One honorable mention that I would have added would have been Prince quite saw the genius that so many other seem to have found in him. Thank you for doing this video.

[@rickrinaudo9436]

And, by the way, one reason that you are not impressed with some of these artists...is that you have become a Marillion fan. 🙂 These others just catch match up.

[@webbc99]

Love the list, Jim, agree with everything, especially Ed Sheeran, that was my first thought of overrated artists. It's so strange isn't it how some artists get catapulted into huge success and others fade away or struggle to make it. I remember when Jon Gomm was featured on some breakfast program in the UK doing Passionflower, much more talented than the likes of Sheeran imo, but where is he now. Also HARD AGREE on Bob Dylan. Unlistenable.

[@jpirard]

Brian Wilson's music is on it's own level. Also context of the times is his vision as a producer. He heard (hears) combinations of sounds in his imagination, and paints musical imagery like a soundtrack. Also infectious melodies and harmonies. NO ONE was doing this. It was a new thing, there was also the legendary lost album, "Smile", that finally came to light in the mid 2000s the was a true concept album. Again with tear-jerking melodies.

[@JimNewstead]

Ok, thank you. So that's the reason.

[@markphillips3186]

Agree, Brian Wilson recreation of the Smile sessions is breathtaking. Any album that contains Heroes and Villains, Surf’s Up and Good Vibrations is a masterpiece in my mind. I love the production, melodies and soundscapes through the album.

[@markphillips3186]

Cannot really be critical of your list. I would agree that most of them are overrated. Pity you don’t get The Beach Boys or Bob Dylan. My ex who was a jazz singer also couldn’t get past the voice. I think he is a lyrical genius.

[@tonygrinney7115]

Hi Jim! Found myself nodding my head at every one of your suggestions. This might sound strange in that I included Bob Dylan in my "Wind" theme songs. Sorry Jim! I like what he did but for me he was an iconic symbol of the 60s protest movement but I can't understand why he is still in acclaim now. His voice has gone and he hasn't IMHO ever done anything significant since his golden age. My favourite Dylan album is "Live at Boudokan". I like some U2 and Oasis songs but I do think they are rated much higher than they deserve, Beach boys I could never get, I detested Slipknot and disliked Kiss, Bruce Springsteen I like some of his songs but agree with you JIm he is elevated higher than his importance, I think because he did "Born in the USA" he's considered an American patriot which has raised his profile. Ed Sheeran 100% agree, there is a film I love called "Yesterday" about a guy who recreated Beatles songs because nobody knew who the Beatles were. Unfortunately, Ed Sheeran also appears in parts of the film, which grates me somewhat, especially when he insists that Jack Malik change the song title of "Hey Jude" to "Hey Dude"! There is one solo artist I would add to the list Amy Winehouse. Could never understand the popularity, again another artist that sadly died, however, I cannot get what people see in her voice saying she is an amazing voice. To me it's very ordinary, nothing special.

[@JimNewstead]

Perfectly put! Thanks Tony

[@gwenseal332]

Agree with you 100%, Jim. I would also add Elvis to the list and a more controversial one: Joni Mitchell.

[@JimNewstead]

Haha, yes. Elvis. Hmmm, never really got him, but put it down to another era!

[@ShiivaWilding]

I think with Slipknot, there are a handful of songs you might enjoy, such as Circle, Vermillion (both parts) and Snuff, which go against their traditional sound. But if you don't like their traditional sound, you're gonna be left cold by almost all of their catalogue. For me, their second album 'Iowa' came out just at the right time for me, and likely prevented my self-harm in secondary school from becoming a real problem.

[@JimNewstead]

Music is very personal and important at the individual level, and I'm so glad they were there for you at a time that you needed them. Certainly in your case, they are not overrated!

[@ShiivaWilding]

@@JimNewstead It really is, and so many of my favourite records often turn up in list videos for worst of a particular year or genre. And it's a shame Slipknot are so popular, makes you wonder what kind of sound they'd have if they focussed more on the avant garde elements of their canon, rather than trying to make singles.

[@daffyrwt]

I agree mostly with every artist, with exception to Nirvana and The Beach Boys (their sound is like a sonic time capsule it just evokes a specific time and place in history). But though you're 100% right about Bob Dylan I think the thing with him is that he's a great lyricist/poet that people appreciate.... even if it sounds like it's coming out of a strangled cat.

[@tonep3168]

Jim, you are so spot on with your choices. We must have similar tastes.

[@BayouMaccabee]

Great video, Jim. I also always thought Kiss were vastly overrated, and I've never owned any of their albums. Several of my friends had their albums & loved them, and I played a number of their tunes at my own live gigs (as drummer & vocalist), but I never "got" why they were so popular...their songs are nothing special and clearly made for the sake of commercialization (certainly worked very well for them). U2 were really good up to Joshua Tree, but after that album..."frankly dear, I don't give a damn". My favorite U2 album will always be "War". Joy Division provide nothing for me at all. I never cared much for The Beach Boys. Bob Dylan writes great songs for other people to play (i.e., Jim Hendrix absolutely OWNS "All Along the Watchtower", "Like a Rolling Stone", and "Drifter's Escape"). Nirvana is kinda so-so for me. I like maybe about half of their songs (at most), but I can kind of see why people liked them so much at the time they came out, just as the hair/glam metal bands started dying out. We cannot deny they were one of the bands which shifted the music culture into the next phase, but to me, there were a bunch of bands from that scene I thought were much better (e g., Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Melvins, Mudhoney, Gruntruck, Screaming Trees, Green River, Skin Yard, etc.). Nirvana certainly impacted culture at the time, but they're definitely overrated. I put Pearl Jam alongside Nirvana too. I never liked Bruce Springsteen either, just plain boring to me...enough said. Ed Sheeren? I just don't get it either...smh 😂 No more comments.

[@JimNewstead]

Perfect!

[@manfred747]

Does anyone overrate Kiss? I thought shite was the universal verdict.

[@MartindeLusenet]

Jim, you did me a great favor. I now know I'm not alone. Had some (useless) discussions with friends about a number of artists on your list (Dylan, U2, Beach Boys) and not seldom I thought I was the stupid one. One that's also on my list: Queen.

[@chrisseed4643]

Good video pal. Have to disagree with some choices but that's the beauty of music and be boring if we all like the same thing. Some big names on their that's for sure. I actually love Dylan. The song Rolling Stone and Hurricane are absolutely amazing but I doubt you'll give them a listen.lol. First video of yours I've watched so don't know if you have done artists own back catalogue. I'm an avid Bowie fan and have to have everything he's done on vinyl cd and even 8 track as I'm a big collector but even the genius of some one like Bowie has had a couple of turkeys and would love your opinion on him.

[@delorangeade]

I think what comes across clearly from this video is that you are someone who puts musical exploration and instrumental excellence ahead of lyrics and songwriting, and that's fair enough, it's probably true of a lot of people who are into rock. prog and metal. I tend to have more of a balance between the two. I think there is a certain amount of snobbery attending the apparently widespread dislike of Oasis. They are somehow viewed as being unworthy. I think the only thing they are guilty of is enjoying the unlikely success that came their way, and not suffering enough for their art. They didn't save guitar music, but they did maintain guitar music in the mainstream spotlight, arguably beyond its sell-by date, instead of it being consigned to the niche where it now resides. They did help save the UK from being overwhelmed by Grunge. Brit-pop was a lot more fun. And I don't think there was any pretence about Oasis. Noel Gallagher was perfectly candid about where the songs came from, and never claimed to be a great musician. I think what sticks in some people's throats about Oasis is that they were a guitar/rock band that was embraced by people who weren't fundamentally fans of guitar based rock music, who didn't know or care about the difference between a guitar virtuoso and someone who strummed a few chords, but that's just the eternal whine of the nerds in the corner complaining their favourite band is being ignored. The same people who would turn on that band if it ever achieved mainstream success. I say all this as someone who isn't a particular fan of Oasis, but enjoyed the ride at the time. And if someone is still singing Wonderwall on a street corner in forty years time, they will have had the last laugh.

[@JimNewstead]

I hope that I'm not snobby about music, that's certainly not the case. I actually quite enjoy a good sing-along to Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova along with the best of them. But you know, it's just opinion!

[@delorangeade]

@@JimNewstead Sorry, I wasn't meaning to point the finger at you specifically. It's just that when this topic has been addressed across various channels the name of Oasis has come up so often it was beginning to seem like a bit of a pile on. I think success alone does not make for being overrated, it has to come packaged with inflated claims of social and cultural significance, or of being the best band of all time, and thirty years after the height of Britpop I don't think that is the case with Oasis.

[@manfred747]

I never liked Oasis at the time but the more modern pap I hear, the more I yearn for an obnoxious, loud guitar band.

[@rasix86]

I agree with most of these. But sometimes legacy is not about the sheer amount of quality. Joy Division was a kickstarter for the post punk movement the same way Nirvana was for the "Grunge" movement. While I also agree with Slipknot... they are surely not just Noise. They have some proper hits with great melodies.

[@jackkaraquazian]

Surprisingly interesting one and I agree with vast majority of picks, apart from perhaps three, maybe four. First Joy Division, they've been pretty damned influential on post rock, and bands like Nine Inch Nails and Swans, but they've never been huge. They're not one of my favourite bands, for a start their catalogue is too small, but I easily prefer them to New Order and they do have some great songs. It's easy to be put off something by over enthusiastic music critics. I'm not a huge Nirvana fan but they dropped a bomb which had ripples all through the industry. If you look at the history of music you can't not see the dent where they landed. It's the reason they're as hated in some circles as they're lauded in others. I don't see them as just another punk band, Green Day would better fit that moniker, they're more following on from The Pixies and Husker Du. And they still managed to sound like no one else, while just being a three piece. You don't hear a Nirvana song and mistake them for someone else. I tend to like bands because they're doing something different to other bands, and they definitely fit there. I'd swap them out for Pearl Jam, who for me, are another U2 ;-) I think the death thing is slightly overrated, both of them had made their impact by the time they died (I may be slightly too young to be sure with Curtis), but had they lived it may have diminished their later presence. For the Beach Boys and Bob Dylan I just think we're out of the time when we could really understand their impact. I probably prefer the stuff Dylan did with The Travelling Wilbury's than his own stuff, but while we can see him as overrated that may just be because we missed that window. I did love the Beach Boys when I was a kid, and you can hear their influence sometimes. Gene Simmon's collaborated with Doro on a decent album, but she did all the singing, and Unholy is passable, but everything else I have ever heard from them is forgettable. I much prefer Alice Cooper and Ghost! That said, I literally cannot get the appeal of anything else on your list, even though I recognise some have done good songs even if they're not for me.

[@JimNewstead]

Good point about being from the wrong era (Beach Boys, Bob Dylan) and I'm not saying the bands are bad as such, just I don't really get why they're soooo big!

[@jackkaraquazian]

​@@JimNewstead Well if you take Nirvana for instance, it's because their music deeply spoke to people. It was a blast of authenticity when hair metal had gone in a direction that didn't really represent the lives of the fans, they weren't partying with hot chicks in fast cars, they were living normal lives in dead end jobs, and the music was become something of a parody. I can remember as a metal fan at the time, that it was becoming very difficult to enjoy what those mainstream bands were putting out. Grunge and the bands around it, were a badly needed kick in the balls. I preferred Alice in Chains (that was when I discovered Dirt and it utterly blew me away) but Nirvana helped it all explode. I know they helped get my wife through some very difficult stuff back then, it was music for young people that actually meshed with their lives. Nine Inch Nails did a brilliant cover of Joy Division's Dead Souls (on the Crow soundtrack), Therapy? a great cover of Isolation, Swans a great cover of Love Will Tear Us Apart (both by Jira and Jarboe). Those bands are what drew me to Joy Division. Their name may not have aged as well as their music.

[@allex_p]

I agree 100% and I would add some more. Fun stuff!

[@emcarnahan]

Agree mainly on all these. Particularly B Dylan… 😆 Thank you for uttering it.

[@donbernardo9039]

Amazing. Started watching wondering if my feelings gonna get hurt. Agree with you on every single band/artist.

[@nathanaelcole8466]

ACDC, Dave Mathews Band are ones for me. I agree with a lot of your list. Bob Dylan is a hard one, yes his voice is terrible but he is the most prolific poet/song writer of all time. The amount of material that is directly created by him and performed by others is unreal and the amount of material he influenced cannot be measured. So is he overrated? Yes and no. As a performer, yes, but as an influence and importance to music as a whole he is absolutely not overrated imo. He is an artists' artist, a lot of your list are fans' artist. I put him in a similar box as Johnny Cash. Johnny does not have the greatest voice (I do love it, but objectively he has no range and doesn't vary at all), but his importance is huge and his writing prowess is massive.

[@kevinhennessey3189]

For me covers of many of Dylan's songs are better than the originals. Dylan is a great songwriter.

[@Fluktuation]

I think, I can agree with most of it. There are a couple of Nirvana Songs, that are written interesstingly, but as you said, does it really deserve the reputation it has? When it comes to U2, I guess it's the live performances, that I enjoy. Saw two concerts, but don't listen to them on a regular basis.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

KISS are a show for kids. Super heroes with secret identities who play guitar. They're master marketers. That's your answer. Nirvana were a fresh sound.Cobain had an amazing voice and his compositional style was thoroughly unique. You have to at least accept that, even if you don't like the result. To think they're popular just because he died would be way, way off. U2? If you took all their best material you'd get one decent album. The Beach Boys are a cheesy pop act based on the Four Freshman who made one inspired album -- Pet Sounds --which in itself is a bit overrated though it has some great stuff. I agree about Springsteen. The irony is, he has a reputation for being so honest and I find him to be a total phony. Dylan? Yep. He was over promoted s a spokesman of a generation and that generation bought it.

[@stephenhaunch3468]

I agree. There are so many more, so called, amazing bands out there, that I just can't find any connection with. I would include Tool, Foo fighters and most Pop artists.

[@JimNewstead]

I think I need at least one more of these videos!!

[@Ifyoudonttakeitucantfakeit]

It’s all about whether you were there and if it reminds you of something.

[@andrewlockett4569]

Always. The music itself is often just a portal, an association to the events and subsequent memories of that time that someone deems profound and meaningful.

[@clansome]

Jim I have to say you are 100% correct of all of those. I would have left off "The Boss" possibly and the only song sung by Dylan that I really like is Subterranean Homesick Blues and it WAS so innovative, that said he has written some great songs.

[@manfred747]

SHB was a Chuck Berry ripoff

[@tedmallar4049]

good job here, jim. i totally agree with your picks, especially your thoughts on dylan. i loathe his voice too ~ 😂

[@jah9253]

Agreed. Dylan might have decent lyrics, but the musicality and singing is just not good.

[@tedmallar4049]

@@jah9253 yes, and yet he shaped two of the greatest rock groups in the 20th century: the Band, and the Travelling Wilburys. he gets much respect from me for that alone, eh? ~ 👍

[@davidgillespie2452]

Well done. I think this is a solid ensemble of choices. These bands and artists are huge but in my opinion, don't warrant the massive love. Nirvana were giants specifically for Nevermind. Ed Sheerin, Kings of Leon and The Killers. I just don't get it but the masses love them. You'll probably upset the Brucie, Oasis and U2 contingent though. 😂

[@johnjackson3735]

I agree with everyone on your list except Bob Dylan, but I respect everyone's right to have and express their opinion. He is my favorite solo singer / songwriter especially his 60s and a number of his 70s albums when he often had a backing band. My favorites are Blonde on Blonde, Highway 61 Revisited, Bringing It All Back Home, but I am also fond of Freewheelin, Another Side, Basement Tapes, John Wesley Harding, Blood on the Tracks and Desire. His voice is rough after that but I also think Oh Mercy and Love and Theft were really good.

[@carterlink]

Okay, I was all ready for lambasting you over your terrible choices Jim, but quite honestly, I agreed with every one of them. I even get where you’re coming from with regards to Springsteen. I’ve got most of his albums, but rarely feel compelled to sit down and listen to him for any length of time. He grates and overstays his welcome. And yet, I can listen to an individual track like Jungleland and it’s the best thing ever.

[@JimNewstead]

Exactly... individually the tracks are incredible, many tracks played back to back, not so much!

[@jer2dabear]

I would at least listen to Blood on the Tracks by Bob Dylan. If this one tickles your fantasy, then go for the trifecta, bringing it all back home, highway 61 revisited, blonde on blonde. Those four albums are a great place to start. Bob Dylan is up there for me. Would love for you to give him a proper go.

[@JimNewstead]

I will try again!

[@stevedotwood]

Almost 100% my list, except for Dylan 60s - halfway 70s. Try "It's all right Ma - I'm only bleeding"

[@allengator1914]

You left out the most overrated band of all-time The Grateful Dead.

[@johnmorris1009]

The thing is; I'm not sure I could name a single song by them. I'd describe myself as a mainstream / slightly off mainstream rock and indie fan, and their music is not familar to me. So i think the majority of rock fans won't be overrating them.

[@lananiella]

Now how about a "Most UNDERrated" list now? I would suggest Devin Townsend and Nightwish for starters.

[@JimNewstead]

I’m sure it’ll come!

[@marklockey4434]

Being a Proghead, I used to think Pink Floyd and, more specifically, " Dark Side of the Moon " was overrated. Don't get me wrong - a fabulous live act - saw them in 1988. I now stand corrected as recently viewed 2 brilliant Documentaries on Floyd. " Wish You Were Here" is a beautiful, magnificent album. " Animals " is also great, and some of the stuff with Syd Barrett still sounds superb. Not everyone has heard of prog. but, EVERYONE has heard of Pink Floyd.

[@michaelcapewell4811]

The Wall is appalling though 😖

[@marklockey4434]

@@michaelcapewell4811 Agree. Only 2 good tracks on it: Comfortably Numb and Run Like Hell.

[@maciejkrasuski]

Would add The Rolling Stones to this list... Quite a good choices Jim.

[@mikepiccione886]

I was fully prepared to disagree on this list but to my surprise I actually 100% agree with everything you say❤

[@JimNewstead]

Nice!

[@6lillium]

100% agree. Also a death or suicide never seems to hurt a bands street cred.... I've never been a fan of Nirvana myself ( some touchstone songs for sure though) I feel every generation is searching for their icons. A band like U2 for example had a heavy influence on the next decade. Same with The Stones, Beatles, Zeppelin, Aerosmith ( in the states....hello GnR!). Another point, new artists bring old/classic sounds to new/younger audiences.....it's new and brilliant to THEM.

[@JimNewstead]

New and brilliant to THEM.... is probably what I'm missing with Nirvana, Oasis etc...

[@dav147]

Wow, very brave Jim, in agreement apart from U2 and Springstein..

[@keskidi5327]

Same here, appart from the amazing songs they both recorded, U2 and Springsteen are two of the best live acts to have ever tour this planet. The net is full of proofs, here are two : kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJjLop14rL-Hn6c kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6aqd5eQarqIq6s Anyway, that's just a matter of taste... Keep on rockin' in the free world !

[@MaraxisArcanist]

I'm about 90% in agreement with you. I never liked Kiss and never understood their appeal. I've no opinion on Joy Division; not even sure I know their music. I'd only differ from you in part on Slipknot. I'll agree most their mainstream music isn't that special. I do think I could name a few tracks you'd really like, though. It's when they shed the bombastic veneer and turn introspective that they can shine.

[@JimNewstead]

Guide me to the Slipknot sweet spot!

[@jpeyos]

I couldn't agree more. Very good job!

[@Jesusspop]

Mostly agree, except for Beach Boys and Dylan, and Joy Division to an extent (to me both Brian Wilson and Dylan are geniuses, and it can’t be denied that Joy Division is a highly influential band…) I would add Foo Fighters (Dave Grohl seems like a great guy and is an excellent drummer, but can’t see the appeal in his band) and Green Day, can’t get my head around how they became so big.

[@JimNewstead]

Foo Fighters is getting a lot of attention in the comments!

[@XBludclahtX]

Foo Fighters are definitely overrated.

[@philipchambers4165]

Agree with 8 of your choices. Beach Boys deserve their elevated position in the music universe because of the sheer amount of excellent music they have produced; the unique vocals and harmonies they had (which others have since copied) and I would bet that, just like The Beatles, absolutely everybody in the developed world will know at least one Beach Boys song. I do admit that 'Pet Sounds' is overrated and I find it difficult to listen to the whole album but it does contain at least 2 pop masterpieces. Also I would not agree with you on Bob Dylan. Although musically he was very basic and not very challenging it's all about the lyrics with him. He also made folk music acceptable in a pop drenched age - no mean achievement. However, just like the Beach Boys I'd struggle to listen to a whole album straight through! My choice would include Yes, Rush and Tool - none of which you would agree with I'm sure!

[@JimNewstead]

I certainly wouldn't put Rush, Yes or Tool in the mix!!

[@kenhewitt7357]

Oasis in my view are by far the most overrated.

[@andrewlockett4569]

Yep. Finally the floodgates have opened.👌

[@kenhewitt7357]

Oh yes as side note. they did a couple of moderately decent songs as Oasis but they are ven worse as Beady eye and high flying turds, it's complete elevator Muzak.

[@Truth-io5lz]

I seen a commercial for a documentary about liam selling out the huge concert relatively recently and I literally was rendered speechless. I thought these two brothers were has beans and Noel more liked for some reason. I do love their oldschool antics for some laughs that I don’t take too serious. Liam not showing up for that show and then going in late and heckling from the audience is epic though. But musically they are barely OK

[@joncokejones9318]

Honestly I feel like they are overheated tbh most people say they suck now and 90% of Brit pop people glaze Blur cause Damon was hot. Were they an amazing band on the level of the Beatles def not but they aren’t bad

[@michaelstewart9188]

Its always a lottery lol and there is a certain 'you must like this to be serious about music' but I often annoy friends/others when openly dishing often considered canonical acts - I don't have to listen to or like them and others will say the same for my chosen top ten : ) What is good is to be able to openly debate/debunk and freely choose as AIM/Jim is doing Vive la trance .....oops I mean difference!!

[@JimNewstead]

Everyone has, of course, got differing opinions and thought about what is and isn't iconic, important and pedestal worthy. And much comes down to taste, preference and personal interventions from the music in their lives!

[@horrorbusiness78]

Something that has occured to me from memory since all the hype about the Oasis reunion is that in our younger years I had mates that liked Oasis but would have said certain stuff I liked at the time - Nirvana , Therapy? smashing pumpkins and even the Manic Street Preachers was shite and too noisy 😂 maybe that gives some insight on the mass appeal Oasis had

[@luton_gmanrock]

Jim, I agree with the following; KISS - pop in makeup BEACH BOYS - nice sound but not crazy about them E-STREET BAND - zzzzzzzzzz (Bruce lps are cool) ED SHEERAN - pop dross BOB DYLAN - whining nasal snore-fest My own; TOM WAITS LEONARD COHEN IRON MAIDEN JUDAS PRIEST MOTLEY CRUE

[@JimNewstead]

I take issue with Maiden!

[@groovedohg]

​@@JimNewsteadJudas Priest more

[@luton_gmanrock]

When you say bands like Nirvana, Oasis, U2 or Joy Division are overrated, you are being sucked into the wheels of capitalism, commercialism and marketing. Nirvana clothing is all over Primark, Tescos and everywhere - not the bands fault! Oasis are a talked about commercial brand also, the music is ok, you see my point - you have fallen for the media-trap. The "bands are not overrated", the "commercialism is over the top!"

[@1183newman]

Give Dylan a listen, i think it's worth a try.

[@MudFlanagan]

At last, a proper list. Spot on old bean. 100% agreement. There are some channels actually suggesting Queen is over rated. ...........Sacrilegious pseudo prog knobheads.........Well done Jim

[@katierootham]

Hi Jim, I have to agree, with most of them. I managed to see Oasis at Maine Road, back in 1996, only because my sister was an obsessive Oasis fan at the time. The concert was great, I liked the support acts better, but I agree, they were overrated. U2, I've seen a few times, I prefer their earlier music, nowadays, they seem a bit pretentious, and I forgot about the Ipod incident, I thought, that was just bloody cheeky of them. I never got Ed Shearon, I find his music bit meh! Good top 10 though!

[@JimNewstead]

To be honest, I'm not saying these are bad particularly, but just in many cases I don't get them, and I others I feel they are over elevated in their importance!

[@theheepster]

Agree 100%, but for me belongs Dream Theater, Grateful Dead and Metallica in this List. All not bad, but for me to much hype.

[@j.jennings1722]

I agree with you, Jim, on all but two on your list: U2 and Bob Dylan. I think Dylan is great; however, I can't listen to him sing multiple tracks. A little goes a long way, with Bob, IMO. U2 is another story. The band has a ton of hits for many years and even won the Grammy for Song of the Year for two consecutive years, with both songs coming from the same album. From "New Years Day" to "Beautiful Day," from "Bloody Sunday" to "One," U2 has had a more consistent, long-term career than you realize. But, to each their own. ❤✌

[@123agidee_2]

Only disagree with the beach boys and especially with dylan. Everything else is spot on

[@Kakunkeittaja]

Its pretty funny that listening to Joy Division feels like dying to me and listening to something like Death gives me energy

[@saltyabcdef3202]

Agree with your picks.

[@astrogoodvibes6164]

Though I understand why some folks like certain bands, a few overrated groups and artists in my view are: Genesis, Rush, Kiss, Nirvana, Oasis, Van Morrison, ELP, U2, Springsteen, Black Sabbath, the Who, Uriah Heap, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Guns and Roses, Def Leppard, Bob Dylan, whole chunks of Frank Zappa, Procol Harem, Pearl Jam, Tool and King Krimson. Bowie was hit and miss and the Rolling Stones really only nailed a couple of handfuls of songs. The Beatles to me are dated and mostly unlistenable. Some bands who peaked in my opinion are: Led Zep, who only had (portions of) 2, (all of) 3, 4, HOTH and Physical Graffiti; Aerosmith - '75 to '79; DP - In Rock, Fireball, Machine Head, Burn and some of Stormbringer; Pink Floyd - Meddle, DSOTM & WYWH

[@richy_B]

Now I REALLY want a Jim listens to Iowa by Slipknot!! Haha. I will forever love that album from my angsty teenage years, I think the songs do hold up although lyrically it's very immature lol. And also I agree on Bob Dylan and James Hetfield ruins Metallica for me too, just can't stand the vocals, don't know why, but I can't help it!!

[@manfred747]

Half Man Half Biscuit do a good pisstake of Slipknot

[@CarlosRodriguez-pv7rq]

...from Kiss, i only LOVE "the Elder" that album is an island on their music....if you can... check it out, just for fun

[@MrKeefdave]

I can't disagree with any of your choices Jim

[@thebestoffools]

It took me about 35 years to understand Neil Young until I decided to give him a chance when I bought one of his compilations around 2005. I don't know what happened then but for some reason it hit me and I totally got him. Sometimes some bands or artists come in our lives at a specific moment and if we are "ready", we get them. Like when I first heard KISS I was 9 or 10 years old and I was hooked on the first song. A girl who lived in my building on whom I had a big crush played them for me, so that probably had a big role to do with why I loved KISS so much! All this to say music and emotions are very closely related. You probably just haven't connected emotionally to any of the bands you mentioned, and that's okay too. Some bands I loved I fell out of love with, like U2.

[@piperathegates2112]

Most of these I agree with, and I would add Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin to the list for me. Taylor Swift is the obvious choice as well.

[@randymiller8832]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. You get it or you don’ when it comes to listening to music. . When I listen to music I don’t care what anyone else thinks about this band, song, or album I’m listening to I care about how it makes me feel when I listen to it. I agree with a lot of what you said, but I disagree strongly with a lot of what you said. To each his own. Like to best list of all time favorite songs, bands, and albums.

[@murdockreviews]

Interesting, honest list. - Joy Division are deservedly considered hugely influential. One of the most important post-punk bands of all time. Does that make me listen to them frequently? No. - Oasis. Being derivative was their concept. I like Oasis, but I never saw them as saviours of anything. - U2 did a lot in terms of sound, which you either like or you don't. I am not a huge fan, but I'd say their discography was important up to maybe the early 00s. After that they almost damaged their own legacy. - Beach Boys: sorry, I'm a fanboy, although they have the most inconsistent discography ever. - Ed Sheeran: i don't get him. The saviour of bland, maybe? - which Dylan albums are there in your collection?

[@JimNewstead]

I think there's probably everything Dylan recorded up to 1980.

[@murdockreviews]

@@JimNewstead okay, Bob's voice is a take it or leave it factor, but it changed a bit from album to album. If you'd like to hear Dylan with a bit more than just acoustic guitar and harmonica try 'Highway 61 Revisited', 'New Morning' or 'Desire'. Then there's also his "country" album 'Nashville Skyline' on which he actually sings with a very different more tuneful voice.

[@robertforman3494]

When I think of The Beach Boys I always think about their connection with Charles Manson. If you are unfamiliar with the story you should look it up. Chilling.

[@THETYMEKK12]

There you go Jim! Finally some "controversial KZbin content"! hahah

[@JimNewstead]

It had to be done!

[@LockeTheCole]

Kiss. Agree. Oasis had one excellent album, a few good songs on the others, and some awful albums. I like them, but yeah, overrated. Nirvana, I USED to agree. I HATED Nirvana when they were big before and after Kurt died, but years later I listened and really actually appreciated them. The only thing I'd agree is that grunge would have happened with or without them. U2 Agree. Hilariously I like the albums most people hate and don't care for the ones they do. But yeah, very overrated. Beach Boys get it because it's a paralel to the Beatles, cute pop band, did really interesting stuff later, problem is beatles did it so much better. I agree. Same thoughts on Springsteen, especially anything past the 80s. I think I somehow have a worse opinion of Sheeran than you. LOL And agreed with Dylan. I like a few of his songs, but usually like covers better.

[@martinhallback5815]

I cant argue with that list. Good job.

[@TheKneezee]

With exception of Nirvana and Slipknot is more about impact on musical scene and location when they surged which is when music really mattered. Funny video.

[@kevinpage3529]

I have about 5000 albums in my collection mostly rock, metal and pop. I don't have any music by Kiss, Nirvana, Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran or Bob Dylan simply because I've never liked them. Agree that Dylan is unlistenable! I do own some Joy Division, Oasis and U2 albums but rarely if ever listen to them. Occasionally listen to Slipknot if I'm in the mood for noise without any musicality.

[@jarnovilen5259]

You have not chosen wisely my friend. 5000 and still missing many important ones.

[@PAC-fp9hy]

A lot depends on your mood. I like early Oasis and agree they are completely derivative, but give me a choice between What's The Story Morning Glory and the over clever Brave by Marillion (despite being a Marillion fan) I would always choose Oasis, despite me hating their media confected rivalry and wanting to be Beatles wannabees. Come to mention, I have never got the Beatles either.

[@jonathanmarkham1998]

With respect, how can you not get the Beatles? They did so much.

[@kevingreen3429]

Agree with all jim, most have good tracks or albums . Pet sounds, beach boys is album have and like very much, but can do without anything else I have listened to, oasis odd tracks are OK, bruce Springsteen as some cracking album tracks jungle land is one of many but I can do without his commercial stuff, I would have a Eleventh number to that list, that would be Iron Maiden, for me one of the most over rated bands ever.

[@JimNewstead]

Sorry Kevin, not Maiden, my favourite band ever!

[@jamesderekeikeland9048]

Agree with most of these if not all today, i liked some of U2's early records but it got really boring, Slipnot have i never used energy listening to so can't judge them

[@GalegHelross]

I think a lot of people tend to not only mix up their own opinions on music on how the rate or bands, but also their own nostalgia, and no two people will ever see eye to eye on how a band made someone feel at a certain point in their life. Could not agree more on Slipknot. Ever since they first became popular it always sounded like the most generic stuff to me. Ditto on not being able to listen to Springsteen. I don't think any of your list was too controversial. My own list would be so much more controversial, but I know it includes many bands who are important historically and were innovators, but dear god I can't stand some of those bands.

[@mrcjanssen1]

Funny video Jim, lots of people will have feelings I'm sure. You know, if Billy Sherwood did one of those tribute albums with other people singing all the songs of a Bob Dillon record, you'd probably like it. His voice was marginal when he was young and its only gone downhill since. The only thing I agree with you about U2 is that they just got too big. My opinion, I think they are terrific, albums, lyrics, live, musicianship etc. but for a while there they, as good as they were, went way over the top and were just way over exposed.

[@JimNewstead]

U2 were great up to a point.... then just became too big, too ubiquitous.

[@izzykhach]

Dylan wrote a lot of songs that became popularized by people who had better voices and were more commercially accessible. His influence is ridiculously huge. Three albums of Beatles folk rock were inspired by him.

[@MisterWondrous]

You had me in near-total agreement, but I truly cannot say that Bob, Dillard, or whatever it was, is underrated either. I mean, he's no Joan Baez but his poetry did make ripples and waves. And look at those abs! Those pecs! Those microtones! Lotta overrated bands. The Queens. Deep Sabbath. Led Steppenwolf. Deaf and Dumb Leopard...

[@kingofallmediums2123]

Grateful Dead should be at the top of everyone’s list! 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆