10 Underrated Alternative Pop Music Singers Of The 2010s

3. Melanie Martinez

Known for her hauntingly charming aesthetic, Melanie Martinez effortlessly stands out as an artist unparalleled in her individuality.

From her appearance on singing competition The Voice in 2012, to the unveiling of her debut song in 2014, Melanie showcased her unique force as an artist. As the 2010s drew to a close, listeners were treated to her discography of two visually stunning concept albums. By infusing dark messages into her tracks where her titles centred around childhood nostalgia, Melanie's albums CryBaby and K-12 set her apart from anyone within the industry.

Despite having an active and devoted fanbase, Melanie's quest for widespread recognition is an ongoing journey that calls for further exploration. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to acknowledge that her aesthetic as an artist may be considered a bit too unconventional for mainstream audiences. Especially considering her music videos feature imagery such as skin peeling, family violence, and graphic surgery.

However, Melanie's course has recently taken an unusual turn as the release of her latest album, PORTALS, shows her venturing into the world of pop-rock. The album made a powerful entrance at number two on the Billboard charts, signalling the potential for Melanie's artistic prowess to become widely recognised. Hopefully, her status will be a household name by the end of the 2020s.

Contributor

James joined WhatCulture in early 2022. He is an expert on Doctor Who (well, the modern era) and Harry Potter. Currently, James is studying media, film, and communications at the University of Otago in New Zealand.