The Most Famous European Musicians
The Most Famous European Musicians
East London saw yet another burst of life this autumn in the form of file sharing, a distraction that was more than a faint echo of the same enthusiasm during the early sixties.
The vast audiences that had lapped up The Beatles and The Rolling Stones comfortably surrounded them with echoes of American popular music while, at the same time, strikingly European notes.
European Musicians
It has been the case since then that numerous European artists have drawn phenomenal marks in the USA:
Like legends such as David Bowie, The Police, U2, and Elton John, who became household names, artists like Adele and Coldplay continue to sell out stadiums today.
The Most Famous European Musicians
They are never matched against American superstars like Taylor Swift or Beyoncé when it comes to global dominance, but their influence is always felt.
That fact will be celebrated on Sunday, November 12 at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
To recognize the impact of European musicians, I put together a list of the most famous European artists based on album sales, online mentions, and overall influence.
Some are from England, further reinforcing the long-seated presence of that country in popular music.
While most are singers, a handful-such as DJ and producer Mark Ronson-are known for other roles. Other than England, most artists dominate the electronic and dance scene.
European Musicians
The two French artists who make the list, Daft Punk and David Guetta, are well known for their electronic music, along with Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, the most popular non-English artist on the list.
Interestingly, many of them collaborate with American artists in most instances, specifically with vocalists, who also show a particular penchant for English-language lyrics.
The Most Famous European Musicians
Most of these artists’ major hits in the last few years have been performed in English.
The exception is Enrique Iglesias’ ”Bailando”, which had received an English version in addition to its original Spanish version.
From rock to electronic dance music, European musicians continue to influence global music, proving that great music knows no borders.
Sounds of Europe: An Aural Musical Journey
Let us join hands to explore the different captivating sounds of European singers who transcended all boundaries in their contributions to music across generations and genres.
From eternal ballads to raucous dance anthems, such annuals have created an everlasting world sublime.
ABBA – “Dancing Queen” (Sweden) ABBA
was a pop sensation in Sweden and defined the disco era, composing unforgettable melodies and uplifting anthems.
Dancing Queen, released in 1976, became a never-popular party standard sourced the exciting freedom that comes from dancing.
Decades later, it is still one of the most recognizable songs in the pop universe.
Zaz – Je Veux (France)
In typical French style, Zaz fuses jazz, soul, and acoustic in her raw and raspy voice.
Je Veux (“I Want”) is an emphatic declaration of joy and authenticity, which turns away from material riches towards life’s simple pleasures.
An upbeat tempo and an empowering message have made the song now a modern classic in France.
Enya – “Orinoco Flow” (Ireland)
The tender voice of Enya brings together folk, classical, and everything in between into almost supernatural sounds.
Orinoco Flow (“Sail Away”)
is released in 1988 and is a dreamy invitation for musical travel. Its composed harmonies and placid-sounding melody, make it a timeless classic of relaxation and escapism.
Daft Punk – “One More Time” (France)
French electronica forerunners Daft Punk indeed revolutionized the entire dance music scene with futuristic beats and a robot-faced aesthetic.
One More Time, released in 2000, graced dance floors immediately, delivered through a heavily auto-tuned vocal hook, leaving infectious energy still filling dance floors across the world.
Popular Singers in Central-Eastern and South-Eastern Europe
Love Story, Yesterday.
Other eminent Greek singers:
George Dalaras, Haris Alexiou, Tania Tsanaklidou.
Most popular songs:
Poker, The Big Bang, Con te partirò.
Most popular songs:
N-am alte gânduri, Cîntele-It Concerns Me, Nor pe cer.
Other notable Romanian singers:
Angela Gheorghiu, Andrea Banica, Malina Olinescu.
Bulgaria – Kamelia
Kamelia is one of the refined Bulgarian pop-folk singing starlets with a graceful charisma that made her charm the whole world.
In later years, this persona has been honed by tensioning eroticism against corporate chic.
Most popular songs:
Jazigot, Girovata Liza, Gnizho V Zaliza.
Other notable Bulgarian singers:
Lili Ivanova, Desi Slava, Galena.
Ukraine – Vopli Vidopliassova
Vopli Vidopliassova has been changing Ukrainian music backstage since the late ’80s. Rock, folk, or urban style–Vopli’s concerts are always flamboyant and extravagant.
Their music is an honest mix of the newest folk songs from Ukraine, ranch songs from the Ukrainian foothills, and rock.
Most popular songs:
Dai, Bats’ku, Dai!, Kozak, I pray.
Other notable Ukrainian singers:
Sofia Rotaru, Ruslana, Vasyl Zinko.
Kosovo – Shkumbin Quku
Shkumbin Quku stands as one of the alternative musicians whose profound lyrics and magnetic music take an elite palette.
He has performed in several venues in Kosovo and Europe.
Most popular songs:
Yeeeeaaah!, Let Us Go, MBohem.
