1. Lana del Rey
Hipsters, rejoice! Lana del Rey has become the queen of cool, but in all seriousness she is the best female artist to debut within the last five years. Despite the "hipster" label many have placed on her music, Lana del Rey really can't be summed up so easily. I remember the first time I heard her music. The song - of course - was Video Games and the opening piano/harp melody was enough to strike intrigue. When del Rey's ethereal vocals began, however, I was immediately enraptured. Despite her singing about her lover playing video games the entire feel of the song was so vintage I felt as if I was being drawn back in time. Subsequent songs such as Summertime Sadness and Blue Jeans have similar enrapturing qualities. While the songs are powerful lyrically they do tend to seem a bit contrived but del Rey's haunting vocals and original instrumental composition more than make up for it. Lana del Rey is a true artist and one that has stayed true to herself unlike singers such as Gaga who taste fame and change their entire image. What makes her so great outside of her music? Lana del Rey has stated that she's said everything she wanted to say. She used music as an outlet for her feelings and memories and expressed herself so eloquently through her songs. She doesn't make music for the sake of doing so or to gain fame and fortune - she did it because she had something to say. Del rey's album Born to Die features some of the best tracks you'll ever come across. Other singles such as Young and Beautiful from The Great Gatsby soundtrack or her cover of Summer Wine are proof that she is more than just the album however. She can literally alter the tone of her voice which is something you don't often come across. Such a quality makes each track feel even more enveloped. It's quite sad del Rey has finished her musical career as everything about her is perfect for this art. I, for one, certainly hope she has more to say in the future. What do you think of these seven musicians? Are you peeved that Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj weren't on the list? Go ahead and let us know in the comment section below.