I'm just trying to understand on what grounds these groups or people will be classics I mean if we're going to talk about this it would probably be best to do so on an intellectual basis. What do these groups offer that are anywhere close to classics of the past? I mean when you talk about classics like say Queen for instance or Elton John or David Bowie, that are pop and rock and other genres these people being listed don't really come close, they're making and selling quick music to a mass of people that couldn't care less what's beyond their radio. Some of these pop musicians I'd agree are actually worth the effort and could be on level with a Michael Jackson and so on, like as mentioned Bruno Mars.
However, when you put out people who are constantly contractually obligated to churn out records nearly every other year if not every year I just don't see how. Some of these names are more busy with their image or grabbing headlines to make something memorable for anything longer than the hour needed to sell it. I mean boy bands sold tons of records like some of these artist today, but I'd hardly call anything they did classic or something that will be on classic stations 50 years from now.
Also what about John Legend? Not my type of singer but actually has classic feel to him. Or a band that I actually like, Black Keys which probably have catchy yet classic music that will probably keep playing like other bands from decades ago.
Have to agree. Lots of the bands in the current era seem to be nothing but a few one hit wonders before replaced by the next big thing. Good, but not the best because it won't be remembered as anything else but said one hit wonder where the only people who remember it vividly are those who lived during its time. In short, us, while our 18-year old kids go, "Eww... what the hell is that?".
In other words, best music of the modern times are the songs that live on like your examples: Queen & Elton John, instantly recognizable by young & old. I think Bruno Mars could be one of those artists since he's already made it 8 years as a musician and still relevant with a number of hits. Pharrell Williams' Happy will no doubt make that cut, but then again, most people don't realize Pharrell has been around since around 2 decades, or that he's
41. I attribute that as to why Get Lucky will also likely be a classic; all 3 artists are well established. John Legend is someone we'll have to wait and see. He's been around for a decade & going, but he hasn't really had many hits to solidify himself besides All of Me. It actually took that song for me to remember Green Light & Ordinary People, or that both those songs are now 6 & 9 years old respectively. Has he really had any other hits besides those, curiously? 2 other mentions in this thread such as Muse & Coldplay are ones I hold in regard to Daft Punk & Pharrell Williams. They have technically been around a long time by music standards, but they didn't hit the ground running til' early 2000's & have really built steam going into this era.
There's a couple Queens of the Stone Age nominations, but I don't really follow them, so I don't know if they gained popularity in this era, or if they hit it off during the mid 90's. The Radiohead mention though, is the same as Slash's below; the band is 20 years old & hit success in the early-mid 90's. Unless they have drastically changed from what made them famous then & now, I don't see them as pioneers of the music in the modern era.
These other mentions however such as The Killers, Snow Patrol, Neon Trees might as well be equivalent of Blondie, Culture Club, Soft Cell, Tears For Fears, and so forth. They likely won't actually stand the test of time beyond a couple hits that become the sole reason we even mention them & our kids look them up out of curiosity as the same reason many of us probably looked up my 80's examples. Franz Ferdinand is a perfect candidate for this group; have they really contributed anything that could be seen as the best music of the modern era beyond Take Me Out?
Slash's Iron Maiden mention for Best music of the modern era isn't a candidate because it's not modern. It's a 70's rock band that continues to play the style they are known for, 80's metal that has adapted over time without losing its defining sound. This isn't a bad thing as I like Iron Maiden & I'm glad they avoided what split Metallica's fans apart. But they're nowhere as relevant as they used to be because of how they continue to write music & thus, are nowhere near music of the modern era. They are the same as Motley Crue, Buckcherry, & Red Hot Chili Peppers, they are playing the music of the eras that will induct them into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The ones who are already on the path to legendhood in my eyes:
Imagine Dragons
Lorde
Bastille
Ed Sheeran (As a songwriter, at the very least)
Muse (They're already there though, really)
I'm not sure how any of these artists are on the way to "legendhood" beyond Muse.
Imagine Dragons has only produced 1 studio album despite being 6 years old as a band, and they only have 2 major hits, 3 if you can remember It's Time being completely overshadowed by the other 2.
Lorde & Bastille are incredibly young by music standards. Lorde is a 17 year old who gained music fame just last year off 2 hits, Royals & Team. Bastille is the same, 1 album (2 if you want to count a re-release of the first) with 1 major hit from Pompeii, and 2 if Bad Blood catches on.
It's far, far too early to see if these 3 are on their way to becoming legendary. They could just as easily be a few one-hit wonders & fall off the charts in 2-3 years time.
Ed Sheeran is one I'll wait & see. He's somewhat like John Legend, been around a while, but really only known for a couple hits in that time. Even Don Johnson & Steve Perry managed that.
I think Perry could really push herself as a classic artist, though if she continues. She's gotten better over time, imo, and she's definitely experimenting with her music more & more. She cites Madonna as an influence & I can honestly see her as the next "Madonna" in a way since she is the leading female pop artist tmk. 
, and I really believe the National will achieve a similar sort of reputation, if they haven't already. LCD Soundsystem is a personal favourite, and I think now that they've disbanded, their fanbase will only get bigger, since they've pulled that trick of stopping right as things are at their best.
. I personally want QOTSA to be remembered forever because they are a great band but I don't know if they will be due to not having nearly a following as some of the others named here. Arctic Monkeys are another one I'd love to see be remembered but I have doubts they will be anywhere outside UK
