Well when I say overrated, I mean singers or bands that people actually thought were good, or even iconic. Britney Spears does not count, obviously. I guess my answer would be Madonna. She is known for being outrageous, but I don't think her voice is any good, and don't find much appealing about her or her career.
So what do you think? Who is the most overrated singer or band? And please remember, this is just a discussion. It's OK to disagree with another poster, just keep it at least somewhat pleasant. : )
[question posted by AmbiePam]
responses and comments:
Jennifer Lopez, she's a good singer but i don't think she's a good actress, dancer or wife. Isn't it amazing how all the hype about her has died downed? When she married Marc Anthony she kind of fell off charts. [kianli]
I know. The snake didn't look real at all. [AmbiePam]
I personally like Madonna...at least her older stuff from the 80's and 90's. My mom never cared for her until she heard Madonna sing in the movie Evita and then her opinion changed about Madonna...at least about her ability to sing anyway. :P Please be nice, but I personally would have to say Prince. I've recently heard some of his old music from the 80's and his voice makes me laugh, it is THAT bad! LOL I remember hearing one of his songs a few weeks ago and even though I sang along with it in the car I couldn't help but laugh when I'd take a break to hear him sing. Next time you hear some of his music, just listen to his voice and you'll know what I mean! :P LOL [sacmom]
"Next time you hear some of his music, just listen to his voice and you'll know what I mean!:P LOL" I can't keep the radio on that long to actually listen to his music. His voice drives me up the wall. [UnselfishShellfish]
It's kind of hard to go through all the singers, but I'm going to have to say, people are going to hate me for this, Elvis. It may be because I'm in a different time period, but I can't stand to listen to his music. It's like scratching a chalkboard. I guess I can understand why he was popular, but he doesn't deserve all the idolization he has. [KingSchallenberger]
Do you think maybe it was just because he was totally different from everyone else at that time? Kind of like a novelty? [AmbiePam]
Tila Tequila. I absolutely hate her. She's a men's magazine model/singer, but her music is seriously terrible. [megumiart]
She sucks at it all...hahaha...how true...she has the stds to prove that! [jaqueline74]
I have never been a fan of Madonna, but I have always enjoyed most of her music. I believe she has used way to many publicity stunts to get attention. Especially, the lastest adoption thing. I believe that went she saw all of the attention that Angelina Jolie was getting, she tried to jump on the band wagon. However, I could be wrong about all this. As far as her voice, I believe that it has mutured a great deal over the years. I remember her song, "Like A Virgin," then there was the song that I believe was titled, "Take A Bow." That song is so beautiful to me. It is smooth and clear and really sounds nice. There have been quite a few teeny bop bands that have had their 15 minutes of fame. I do not want to name anyone, so no one is offended. I know how people can get when it comes to their favorite celebrities. As I was saying, there have been quite a few bands that have been promoted to death. They have had the dolls, t-shirts, posters, and all this other stuff, but these people were not that good and had no staying power. They come out, go strong, and are gone before you know it. Then you see their merchandise at almost give away prices. [Rozie37]
God helps the poor every day. After all, man made poverty with their greedy hearts. God, did not. [AmbiePam]
Michael Jackson. No contest. I think everybody just forgot about him (easy to do, musically anyway) and that's why no one put him here yet. He's a physical and psychological wreck, and I could never understand what people saw in his music at all. What the hell was there to idolize??? [zigzagbuddha]
michael jackson is a very good talent... people hate to admit they like him because of all the news surrounding him... but he was well-loved when he was younger, and he's one of the greatest singers of all time... he's a very good performer in every aspect... [marielle1571]
I don't like Nelly Furtado now. Her earlier songs were way better than the current ones. Now she is no different than Fergie but the thing is I don't see anything different from Fergie's songs back then and now so at least Fergie is more consistent than her and voice-wise stronger than Nelly. I like some of Madonna's songs like This used to be my playground, You must love me and Take a bow. Her voice is nothing like Celine Dion, but still better than Nelly. [LittleMel]
Kanye west and p diddy,,,why because they sample others people music like crazy...and they take the credit. [LessEvenThanOdd]
Mariah Carrey by far. She thinks she is pretty, she is not.Personal opinion, she is like a cow that tries to wear hot panties.She is still a cow even with them :). Her voice isnt good either.It reminds me of how female cats sound when searching for a mate.Her songs...hmm...even for a pop fan they are just average.Much better pop songs out there, so what is left? Nothing.Just too overrated :) [makatas]
i hope the eternal band should be the beatles....ofcourse they are unbeatable all time in all respect...no comparison should be madewith them..they are ear shoothering and the variety of their songs was always innovaive ... [RAANARON]
Madonna was one that came to mind. Cher in her later years was another. The woman spent $11,000 on an outfit that consisted of fish Nets and black Electrical tape. Come on. I could have made that outfit for $10. No wonder her son turned out gay. Look at Cher! I'd be upset too if my 50 year old mother walked around stage wearing a fish net and black electrical tape. The video I'm talking about is "Turn Back Time." Also, pretty much anyone who has been on or won American Idol. Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson are about the only two who don't fit in that category, but both girls have their moments where they do fit. Carrie's song, "Before He Cheats" belongs in that category. I'm getting sick of hearing it. [UnselfishShellfish]
It was bad when country stations starting playing 'Before he Cheats' twice an hour, but then mainstream stations started to do the same thing. I could turn it to two stations in the same ten seconds, and that song would be on. [AmbiePam]
It's hard to pick just one, but the first thing I thought of was the Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger is about the ugliest thing I've ever seen. Their music is fine, but not worth all the hype. Just about every countdown I've seen on VH1, whether it's greatest band, best frontman, best rock n roll song, they are at or near the top. The Stones are good, but they're not the Best Thing Ever. Why don't people start recognizing what other bands have contributed? [Sillychick]
The problem I have with the Rolling Stones, is that I can't understand what Mick Jagger is saying all the time. Some songs are clear as a bell to me, but others I have no clue. And being able to understand the words has something to do with my enjoyment of the music. And hey, I'm in my twenties, I'm not lamenting about the old days when everyone could understand every word of every song. : ) [AmbiePam]
Garth Brooks. While some of his early stuff was really good, once he got to big for his britches and his music career stalled with the Chris Gaines thing, which I'm never sure what that was all about.. and then his leaving his marriage for Trishia Yearwood. I can truthfully say I can't see what they hype is about. Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
His best days were the early days. The Chris Gaines thing was a bomb, and it didn't set well with me when he had the thing with Trisha. It just was a bit seedy. Much to my shock, the new song he just released is not bad. But he can't go back to 'The Thunder Rolls' days. That was revolutionary at the time. He made magic when he performed I think. Other wise, he was unremarkable. And I don't mean that in a bad way. I just mean that as a musician, there is usually a spark they carry no matter what. [AmbiePam]
You have to be kidding... Madonna is the greatest singer and entertainer of the past 20 years. This business is not about voice. It is about having the "X Factor" as they said in American Idol. People keep ignoring this. Madonna is 49 years old and makes 40 million a year. Show me a 49 year old... male or female... who makes that kind of money. I'll make it easy on you... show me any singer of any age who make that kind of money. You don't make 40 million a year by being overrated. People vote with their wallet. We have seen singers winning on Australian Idol because they had a great voice... but they could not sell their first CD because they did not had the X Factor. They are plenty of singers who are overrated... but I could not commun on them... as I don't listen to them. It is also a personal choice of the style of music you like... and you are the prove of this by not liking Madonna. After watching Madonna "Confession Tour 2006"... all I can say is that Madonna shows the rest how it is done. She is a professional who re-invent herself every decade in order to stay at the top of her profession. That is how you become a legend in this business. Take Fleetwood Mac. Big name... They started in the sixties and were very ordinary. In 1975... they came up with a new sound and had five great albums between 1975 and 1980. And it was over. They went back to sing some ordinary stuff. So yes... they were great between 75 and 80. But if you look at their 30 years career... their name is way over rated. [Aussies2007]
Music is a business like any other. You can have the best voice in the world... but if you don't know how to sell yourself... nobody will buy your album. In the world we live in today... it is all about look and personality. People only buy the CD if they did like the video clip on television. American and Australian Idol are the prime examples. People get voted out for their looks... not for their singing. [Aussies2007]
I agree with you about Madonna, in fact I believe I heard she is one of those singers they had to "doctor" up her voice all the time. I would have to say Prince. I never really liked his voice and his movie Purple rain and the song what just silly. [missybal]
Yes, Madonna is one they say they 'perfect' the voice as the record is being cut. I believe they also do that for Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez. Prince, well, I just never got him. [AmbiePam]
Definitely Jet. I believe their music is washed up 70s rock and really not that fantastic compared to all the success they've had. Are You Gonna Be My Girl is clearly a rip off of Lust for Life by Iggy Pop. The sooner these trend followers fade away into obscurity the better! and I'm sick and tired of them being at every Australian musical festival there is too. [coffeeshot]
LOL, I've heard of them, but wouldn't recognize them if my life depended on it. [AmbiePam]
i my opinon there is one singer and his name is Banny A who is overrated in our india . even his voice is not too good. but still he finds the how to be popular. [simplyman2006]
Michael Jackson, Nickleback and Avril Lavigne. *LOL* Pretty sad that a Canadian mentioned 2 Canadian artists, huh? [breepeace]
Hey, at least you are honest! : ) [AmbiePam]
I think it could be Michael Jackson, who's famous enough for being a popular singer, I heard about him and his songs when I was quite young in age, no matter what has been happening to him, he's still a topic that people talk about, and I do like some of his songs, such as 'bad', 'you are not alone', 'beat it', etc. [lindazhao333]
Wow this is one that hadn't crossed my mind, but you are so right, and I guess in part its because I don't listen to him anymore or his music, and now that he is not in the news anymore I guess, for me at least, he is starting to slip from my memory. I am not quite sure why he hung onto his Neverland Ranch when he no longer lives there and the place is in such state of disrepair.... I hope he finds happiness no matter what happens. Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
Hi AmbiePam:) Wow i cannot remeber her name.She won American idol a couple years back,oh yes!!Kelly Clarkson.I dont know why but i cannot stand her for some reason,theres just something about her when i see her sing her heart out,always depressing songs and such, sorry:( Peanutjar:) [peanutjar]
There are so many overrated ones out there, but the one that I'm thinking of now is Barry Manilow, probably because there's a commercial running now where He's recorded a Christmas song cd that is being given away for some kind of promotion. [KarenO52]
AmbiePam, my 55 year old ears love all of his songs, and I love all three of the ones you mentioned. Mandy was the first song I'd ever heard from him, and it was love at first listen. It has a beautiful message to it about a guy not knowing what he had in a girlfriend until it was too late because Mandy has totally moved on--and might have even died. The song didn't say for sure, but the message there seems to be that you never miss the water 'til the well runs dry. Copacabana was a kind of modern-day Romeo & Juliet story (though not the same plot, but still with the idea of starcrossed lovers). In the case of Tony and Lola, Tony gets killed (or DOES he? After all, it says that there was blood and a single gunshot but just who shot who?) by his rival for Lola, Ricco (who sounded like some kind of gangster). Unlike Juliet, Lola doesn't commit suicide in the literal sense but does commit a kind of suicide to herself when she turns to drinking heavily, going from a talented showgirl to the town drunk. But she shows up at the Copa (which has now become a disco) whenever it's open and sits there in her showgirl costume drinking from open 'til close--kind of a pathetic Baby Jane Hudson type without the violent part. I Write The Songs is a beautiful tribute to music. "I am music, and I write the songs!" Its message is, basically, how important music is and that there seems to be a song for just about every emotion and situation. [AJ1952Chats]
I don't want to offend anyone here because this isn't a criticism but my choice would be Kenny Rogers. He was like a matinee idol some years back and although he did have some nice songs his voice really never was that terrific and as far as being some kind of a "sex-symbol" - well, I just didn't get that at all! I MUST defend Barry Manilow! I love his music and his voice, but then again I WAS around during his heyday. Also, Madonna doesn't have the best voice around but she is very talented and a very smart performer. She definitely had that "IT" factor in her time. Annie [anniepa]
Kenny Rogers had a different kind of voice, but I definitely wouldn't call it a bad voice. It was kinda soft and scratchy--and, as with Johnny Cash (another favorite of mine), had a sense of being conversational as if he were singing his songs for one person at a time. [AJ1952Chats]
I think Beyonce is overrated a lot. She´s at the Oscars, the Golden Globes, the Grammys..., everywhere. I don´t agree with AmbiePam about Madonna being overrated. On the contrary, Madonna is underrated in terms of songwriting. People and critics focus more on her singing and personal life than on her real talents. She´s by far better than Mariah Carey, for example, artistically speaking. [futureonline]
I don't think this band would qualify for THE...EVER, but I'm going with The Tragically Hip. They're called "Canada's Favorite Band" and are WAY overplayed on the radio. I don't get it. They certainly don't even come close to touching the quality of music that is released by The Tea Party/Jeff Martin or Moist. In my opinion, they're just not that good and I can't figure out for the life of me why people get so hung up on them. But, hey...that's just me... [TheMadMonkey]
I can think of only one group off the top of my head and that's the Dixie Chicks,.....and while they may have had some high points in their careers they themselves got blackballed in the music business and can't get anything done without subcontracting their work out. So needless to say if they had stuck to music and kept the fight off the stage and chose when and how they picked their battles I think they would not be in the predicament they are in now. They proved how talented they were with Home which was done on an independent label, Curb, while they were fighting it out with Sony, however that argument got them pretty much shunned in the music world, and radio stations in spite of their 5 grammy awards, are not get any air time on radio stations. Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
BRAVO!! I didn't even think of them but YES! I cannot stand them! In my opinion they would have faded into history if they hadn't become political spokespeople for the liberal extremists! Good choice! [hornswaggled]
hmm..well, since I cant say Britney Spears...this is hard for me. I totally agree with you on Madonna though! I'd probably say NSync or Backstreet Boys. They are ok, but for awhile there they were EVERYWHERE! [AmberNormandin]
Madonna is not overrated...she is an establishmeny by herself.....I think that the SpiceGirls are overrated. [rukki123]
Was there just one? My answer would be any band that just got up there and played loud, screechy, metallic racket. And I'm not totally anti-metal, as I love Steppenwolf--but they had a nice melody to their songs and their metal made sense (not just skree skree but was loaded with melody and danceable rhythm). One of the stupidest heavy metal songs (where I understand the lyrics) that was popular in my time was by Led Zepplin and called A Whole Lotta Love. One of them is out there screeching, "I'm gonna give you my love! I'm gonna give you my love! Yeeeeaaaaa! I've gotta whole lotta love! I've got a whole lotta love! Way down deep inside. (some words I can't remember which are followed by something on the order of "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! YEA-YEA-YEA-...which goes on to sound as if the person needs to be put in the nearest rubber room...)" I love several of James Brown's songs, and his band blows me away--but I wasn't that impressed during those times when he would simply screech like a lunatic while falling down on the floor and rolling around. When he did that, I thought that he was underachieving. Now, I only heard some clips of them while hearing news reports about them, but here--from what I saw and heard of them--is what has to be right there at the top when it comes to overrated recording artists. I've read about their lead singer (who, eventually committed suicide when she was 49), and it sounds as if, in real life, she was actually a goodhearted and caring person (and, out of costume, was really attractive--and pretty close to looking like the girl next door), but she looked ugly and ridiculous up on stage with her loud, crude lyrics. The group about whom I'm talking is Wendy O. Williams and the Plasmatics. I couldn't believe that people would even pay to go see that rubbish. I knew that I had better things to do with my time and money. Now, I've never heard Marilyn Manson, but I know about his persona, and he would have to win my prize for being the most overrated recording artist ever. Like Ralph Nader said about some car way back when (I believe it was the Corvette), Marilyn Manson's fare is unsafe at any speed! [AJ1952Chats]
What do I think .. Hmmm I think the most overrated band was NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK. Oh yeah I went there. LOL!!!But I would have to say a lot of the band I listen to aren't over rated because they are not well known. Like Within Temptation. DO you know who they are. go to my home page and look at my playlist. LOL!! I listen to gothic rock and alternative and so many other things. [bellaofchaos]
I'm gonna make everybody mad here when I say this but "The Beatles" and "The Beach Boys". If I never hear another one of their songs it will be too soon. I don't know what all the flap was about. If they looked like Donald Trump they wouldn't have gotten anywhere. And he wouldn't have gotten anywhere on his looks alone for that matter. [hornswaggled]
according to me beatles are a very good singers and had been rated very good too.i have seen em getting in on mtv awards many times too. [jhonymax2cool]
Definitely 50cent. He has no real talent as a rapper and relies solely on controversy. His producer/s and the beef he has with ja rule and others is what got him where he is now. If there is any real talent he has inside its hustling and risk taking. [thechaos0]