Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Freshman 2023

Now that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2022 has been inducted, I think it is a fair time to speculate about the class of 2023.  In this post, I will discuss artists who are eligible for the Hall for the first time and whether I think they have a shot of being nominated this year.  Artists are eligible if their first release was released 25 years prior; in this case, this would be 1997 or earlier (25 years before 2022, when the committee normally meets).  Typically, there are 15-18 artists nominated and 2 who are eligible for the first time, though this does not always happen (i.e., last year Eminem was the only newly eligible artist nominated).

In this post, I am only considering artists who either released their first album in 1997 or are included in the site Future Rock Legends’ list of artists eligible for 2023.  As such, there are some artists who I discussed in previous editions of this annual post or who haven’t yet released a debut album but had their first release, which might not make them eligible in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s eyes (they have been iffy about that in the past).

This year is different than any previous edition of this post because I don’t consider there to be any locks for nomination.  There is one that I believe is most likely to be nominated, two who I believe are likely if declared eligible, and four others who make sense if the two aren’t deemed eligible.  There are 8 categories these artists fall in this year:  most likely, most likely (if eligible), next logical selections, others possible, less likely, unlikely, no chance, and one-hit wonders.  All artists are sorted in alphabetical order in each category.

*Artists who had a non-album debut release in 1997 but released their debut album in a later year

**Artists who released their debut album in 1997 but were included in a previous edition of this series

Most likely (1)

Missy Elliott

• For:
• Nicknamed “Queen of Rap” by many publications
• One of the most popular female rappers of all time
• Several critically acclaimed releases to her name
• Several currently popular artists consider her a huge influence
• They’re trying to induct more female and black artists
• Against:
• Backlash remains from some regarding hip hop music in the Rock Hall
• She is not as big a name as other first-year nominated rappers
• Hasn’t released an album since 2005 (though had a 2019 EP)
• Verdict:  It makes sense for her to be the first female rapper to be nominated this year

Most likely (if eligible) (2)

Muse*

• For:
• One of the most popular rock bands in the world
• Beloved by several fans across rock genres
• Several early releases are highly regarded
• Feel like the type of band to be inducted into the Hall of Fame
• Against:
• Several recent releases have received more mixed reviews
• They have detractors for their later prog-influenced releases
• Not as influential as other first-year nominated artists
• Verdict:  If they’re eligible, they’ll get a nod.  I’m not optimistic they’ll be eligible yet

Queens of the Stone Age*

• For:
• Popular band that has a dedicated fanbase
• Several critically acclaimed albums in their catalog
• They are associated with Dave Grohl, who is on the nominating committee
• Against:
• Not the household level band needed to get a nomination in the first year of eligibility
• Josh Homme has several controversies in the last several years
• Heavier alternative bands haven’t always fared well in their first year
• Not as influential as other first-year nominated artists
• Verdict:  I think they’re more likely to be eligible than Muse, which could get them a nod

 

Next logical selections (4)

Daft Punk

• For:
• One of the greatest electronic acts of all time and are incredibly influential
• Such a household name that if an electronic act would get in, it would be them
• Several of their albums received acclaim and are highly regarded
• One of the most commercially successful electronic acts worldwide
• Against:
• The Hall has rarely nominated electronic artists and only inducted Depeche Mode
• While influential and important, they still had their detractors
• They only released 4 studio albums throughout their career
• One of their four albums was Human After All, which was not beloved to say the least
• Only one top-40 hit in the U.S. (“Get Lucky”)
• Verdict:  They could get one this year, but I expect they’ll get one at some point

NSYNC**

• For:
• They are one of the most popular and important boy bands
• They were one of the biggest bands in the late 90’s and early 00’s
• They have influenced several pop artists
• Important in influencing rap, R&B, and electronic sound in pop
• Both the group and Justin Timberlake have inducted artists into the Hall
• Against:
• Boy bands typically do not find much success in terms of nominations
• Several albums of theirs received mixed reviews
• There is some recent backlash towards Justin Timberlake’s past treatment of Britney Spears and Janet Jackson
• Verdict:  While I wouldn’t predict them get a nod, they are a serious possibility

Sean Combs (Or P. Diddy/Puff Daddy/Diddy)

• For:
• Found immense popularity as a musician
• Each of his solo studio albums hit top 2 and he had 3 top-10 hits
• Is a household name (several of his names are)
• Previously inducted Curtis Mayfield and The Notorious B.I.G. into the Hall
• Against:
• Backlash remains from some regarding hip hop music in the Rock Hall
• He only released 4 albums, and hasn’t released one since 2006
• Several releases of his have received mixed reviews
• Has faced some controversy in recent years due to some comments
• Might be more known for ventures others than performing
• Verdict:  I think Missy Elliot will get a nod this year and that non-performer is more likely later

Destiny’s Child*

• For:
• One of the most important and influential pop groups in the 90’s and 2000’s
• They found incredible commercial success during their careers
• Kelly Rowland inducted Donna Summer into the Hall
• Several pop artists who have rock influences have cited them as an influence
• Against:
• Girl groups do not typically receive nominations their first year
• There will be people who question if they are rock enough for the Hall
• Might not have received the critical acclaim needed for a first-year nomination
• It’s possible they want to induct Beyonce’s solo career first
• Verdict:  I don’t expect they’ll get a nomination yet, but maybe at some point in the future

 

Others possible (7)

Death Cab for Cutie*

• For:
• One of the most popular indie bands with a dedicated fanbase
• Never released a bad album
• Transatlanticism in particular is an acclaimed album
• They have several alternative hits
• Against:
• No indie band and not a lot of alternative bands have been inducted
• They might not be quite influential enough to get a nod yet
• They don’t necessarily have any songs that non-fans would know
• Verdict:  I think they’ll get a nomination eventually, but it’ll be after The Smiths get in

Erykah Badu**

• For:
• An early pioneer of neo-soul, she is often nicknamed “The Queen of Neo Soul”
• Released several important and influential albums, including Baduizm
• Made a massive impact on several musicians to follow
• Was influential in black culture in the 90’s and still is today
• Found a good amount of commercial success
• Against:
• No neo-soul artists have ever been nominated and few 90’s R&B/soul artists have
• She has made several controversies in several years that could create backlash
• Her most recent album was released in 2010
• Verdict:  While a serious possibility, the recent controversies might keep her away from a nod

Imogen Heap*

• For:
• Incredibly influential in electropop, often called an innovator
• Found commercial success in the U.S. with her albums
• Each of her albums received positive reviews
• Several popular artists have cited her as an influence
• Against:
• Probably not a well-known enough name to get a nomination yet
• She didn’t have much success with her singles
• She’s only released 4 albums
• None of her albums are unanimously acclaimed
• Verdict:  I think she can get a nomination in at least 10-15 years, but not yet

Sigur Ros

• For:
• They have received acclaim for much of their music
• They have found worldwide commercial success
• They’ve been influential on many indie communities
• They’ve found a dedicated global fanbase
• Against:
• In general, you can count post-rock out for receiving a nomination
• Their music might be viewed as too eclectic for the Hall to consider
• They don’t have any hit songs in the U.S.
• Artists with music not in English don’t appear get consideration
• Verdict:  They won’t get a nod anytime soon, but they’ll be the one if the Hall looks for post-rock

The Avalanches*

• For:
• Each of their albums have received widespread acclaim
• Their live sets have received significant praise
• They have a sizeable fanbase
• Notable band in modern electronic and sampledelia
• Against:
• Electronic bands don’t typically fair well with nominations
• There will likely be some backlash regarding sampling
• They didn’t have any big hits in the U.S.
• They only released 3 albums
• Verdict:  I don’t see it happening, but they are widely acclaimed; I’m not ruling it out yet

Third Eye Blind

• For:
• One of the more popular alternative bands of the late 90’s-early 2000’s
• Their self-titled debut album is well regarded by critics and fans alike
• They have had several big hit songs
• Are generally liked and don’t have a ton of detractors considering the genre and era
• Against:
• Weren’t a particularly influential band
• Several of their releases received mixed reviews
• Didn’t have a top-100 hit after 2000
• Verdict:  They won’t get a nomination yet, but I could see them getting one in 20-25 years

Wyclef Jean

• For:
• Several positively reviewed releases, including The Carnival
• He’s an incredibly well-known individual
• He inducted Jimmy Cliff
• He’s highly respected in the music community
• Against:
• More known for his work with the Fugees, who haven’t been inducted
• Didn’t have the commercial success of a first-year nominee
• Probably wasn’t influential enough to be nominated this year
• Verdict:  Maybe he’ll be considered after the Fugees, though they’ll be after Lauryn Hill

 

Less Likely (23)

Air**

• For:
• Never released a bad album
• Their debut album, Moon Safari was critically acclaimed and important in downtempo music
• Found worldwide commercial success
• Against:
• None of their albums after their debut had the same influence or acclaim
• They did not find as much success with their singles as other electronic artists
• I don’t believe their later albums had the same impact as their debut
• The only electronic group who has been inducted is Depeche Mode
• Verdict:  They won’t get a nomination this year, but it’s possible that they do eventually; we’ll see how electronic fairs in the next 10-15 years

Atmosphere

• For:
• They’re a staple in indie and underground hip hop
• They have a massive cult following
• They have found commercial success and never released a bad album
• Several other rappers respect their work, including popular rappers
• Against:
• They don’t have one release that is necessarily known as a classic
• They are not a household name and are probably not recognizable enough
• Their commercial prime was limited in popularity and length
• Underground and alternative rap has not fared well with nominations
• Verdict:  While I see some pushing for them, I’d be shocked if they got a nomination

Black Eyed Peas*

• For:
• One of the most popular groups of the 2000’s
• Multiple members are household names with notable solo work
• Their early and late stuff has generally received positive reviews from critics
• Against:
• They have a lot of detractors
• They didn’t receive positive critical reviews during their commercial prime
• Their most critically acclaimed work is the releases that weren’t popular
• They weren’t that influential and often appeared to chase popular trends
• Verdict:  I don’t want to rule them out, but I don’t see it happening at any point

Bright Eyes*

• For:
• Beloved band within the indie community in particular
• Several albums have received praise and acclaim
• Have found commercial success from their albums and touring
• Against:
• Indie artists have not been successful for nominations or inductions
• They didn’t really find wider commercial success until 2005
• Haven’t had many hit singles throughout their career
• There are several critics who just didn’t get into them
• Verdict:  They’re not the most popular indie band on this list, so give it a decade or two

Creed

• For:
• One of the most popular rock bands of the 2000’s
• They still have a decent fanbase as post-grunge isn’t quite as hated
• Guitarist Mark Tremonti has been praised as a songwriter and musician
• Against:
• They tend to top the list of hated bands of the era
• Their music never received positive reviews from critics
• Difficult to say that they were particularly influential
• They only released 4 albums
• They are often grouped in with post-grunge, which is a generally hated genre
• Verdict:  While popular enough to not totally rule out, I’d be shocked if ever nominated

Deerhoof**

• For:
• Have a devoted following among fans and musicians
• Several indie/noise musicians have deemed them influential
• Hall of Famers like David Bowie, Foo Fighters, Phil Lesh, and Radiohead were fans
• Large catalog of positively reviewed releases
• Against:
• Stylistically are super weird
• Several critics were not fans, especially of their early work
• Likely aren’t popular enough outside of their genre
• Verdict:  Considering I’m slightly shocked Frank Zappa is in, I don’t expect them to get in soon

Derek Trucks

• For:
• Acclaimed guitarist who received praise starting at a young age
• Praised for his live performances
• Was a member of Hall inducted Allman Brothers Band (though not inducted himself)
• His albums have generally received praise
• Against:
• Not known for his studio work
• Most solo guitarists do not get nominated their first year of eligibility
• Hasn’t released a solo studio album since 2009
• Can you name a song by him?  I doubt the Hall can either
• Verdict:  I can see him getting a nomination at some point, but that’ll be many years from now

Ivy Queen

• For:
• A pioneer of reggaeton, often nicknamed the “Queen of Reggaeton”
• Several artists have cited her as an influence, including American artists
• Her music has generally been positively reviewed
• She found some commercial success in the U.S.
• Against:
• Very few Latin artists have been nominated or inducted
• Considering rap has its detractors in the Hall, I expect reggaeton will too
• She did not find the same amount of success that later reggaeton artists did
• Verdict:  She won’t get a nomination this year; her future nods depend on that of reggaeton

Julieta Venegas

• For:
• Influential as a female Latin artist who bridged Latin pop and alternative
• Several artists have cited her as an influence
• She never released a bad album and found a good amount of commercial success
• Generally well respected in the music industry
• Against:
• Very few Latin artists have been nominated or inducted
• She might not have been commercially successful enough
• I’m not sure she had the critical acclaim first year nominees usually have
• Her career might have been a bit too under the radar
• Verdict:  I think it makes sense to induct her, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon

Limp Bizkit

• For:
• They were immensely popular in the late 90’s-early 2000’s
• They recently had a wildly successful arena tour
• Nu metal doesn’t seem to be viewed as negatively as it once was
• Their newest album received praise, as did some of their early releases
• Against:
• They are among the most criticized, polarizing, and hated groups of my lifetime
• They are the face of nu metal, a genre that has received much criticism
• They have multiple releases that have been panned (including Results May Vary)
• Many within the music industry have hated them, especially rock artists
• Verdict:  I don’t see it happening anytime soon

Mase

• For:
• Influential on several rappers, including Kanye and Pusha T
• Well respected by his peers and current rappers
• Was immensely popular prior to his retirement in 2004
• Against:
• There’s a backlash by some against rap music in the Hall
• He wasn’t as popular as many other rappers that are already inducted
• Only released 3 albums
• His comeback attempts weren’t incredibly successful for his success
• Verdict:  While I think there’s a case, I doubt he’ll get nominated at any point soon

Mos Def*

• For:
• Acclaimed for his rapping and lyricism
• Many artists cited as an influence, including Kendrick Lamar and Adele
• Found some commercial success
• His debut, Black on Both Sides, has received acclaim
• Against:
• Rap music in the Hall faces backlash from some (stop me if you’ve heard that)
• Very few alternative rap artists have been nominated
• Probably not enough commercial success to be in consideration
• Has only released 5 solo albums, with 2 being duds
• Might be more regarded for his work with Black Star
• Verdict:   I think it’ll be several years before Mos Def’s name gets mentioned

Mudvayne*

• For:
• Was popular in the 2000’s
• Notable for their experimentation with time signatures
• Has found much success in their current reunion tour
• Against:
• None of their albums received positive reviews from critics
• Several genres they’re associated with rarely get nominated (nu metal, prog)
• They weren’t among the most popular bands of their era
• Many have found them odd or off putting stylistically
• Verdict:  I don’t think they have the popularity or acclaim to ever receive a nomination

Neko Case

• For:
• Has received acclaim for her music and style
• Is well regarded in the indie music community
• Has found some commercial success
• Has released several acclaimed albums
• Against:
• Indie artists don’t typically get nominated
• Didn’t have a top-200 album until 2006
• Probably isn’t enough of a household name to get inducted
• Hasn’t had any hit songs or songs that she’s known for
• Verdict:  While I don’t think she’ll get one this year, I could see her getting one in many years

New Found Glory*

• For:
• One of the most influential pop punk bands
• Have released several acclaimed albums
• Have found sizeable commercial success
• Well respected by many musicians in the genre
• Against:
• Punk artists don’t get nominated in their first year of eligibility
• There were other more popular pop punk bands in their era
• Didn’t have many hit singles
• Verdict:  It’ll be a while before they’re considered (I think they should be though)

Nightwish

• For:
• Possibly the most popular symphonic metal group in the world
• They have been influential among symphonic and gothic metal groups
• Generally praised by critics, with several albums receiving widespread acclaim
• Their live concerts have generally been praised
• Against:
• Metal rarely gets nominated and no symphonic metal groups have
• They’re not as popular in the U.S. and U.K. as in other countries
• They haven’t had many singles that were commercially successful in the U.S.
• Verdict:  While I don’t see a nod happening soon, they’d be the symphonic metal act to get one

Robbie Williams**

• For:
• Massively commercially successful in the U.K.
• Legendary celebrity and icon in the U.K., as well as praised as a vocalist
• Several albums that received decent reviews from critics
• Against:
• Didn’t have enough success outside in the U.S. to be justifiable
• Boy bands and former members of boy bands have not fared well
• Several releases of his received mixed reviews
• Not unanimously praised
• Verdict:  He won’t get nominated because his U.S. success couldn’t match his U.K. success

Sia

• For:
• Has had commercial success with her own singles and featured singles
• Has received praise for her songwriting ability
• Most of her music has been generally well received, most notably “Chandelier”
• Against:
• Didn’t have major success until the late 2000’s
• Hasn’t been particularly influential
• Has received criticism regarding her directorial debut and its soundtrack
• Verdict:  It will take many years before she has the chance to end up in the discussion

The Dillinger Escape Plan*

• For:
• An essential and influential metalcore band
• All of their releases received critical acclaim
• Received praise for their experimentation with mathcore
• Have had several notable live performances
• Against:
• No metalcore and few metal acts have been nominated
• Not a household name and likely didn’t have the commercial success needed
• Might be a bit too experimental for the Hall’s tastes
• Underground artists tend not to get much love from the Hall
• Verdict:  While incredibly influential, I don’t expect they will get a nomination anytime soon

The Get Up Kids**

• For:
• Incredibly influential in Midwest emo music, which shaped a lot of 2000’s rock music
• 2^nd album Something to Write Home About is a legendary emo album
• Never released a bad album
• Have a devoted cult following fanbase
• Against:
• No emo band has been nominated (unless you count Green Day’s 2 2000’s albums)
• Likely not commercially successful enough
• 5 of their 6 albums didn’t receive critical acclaim
• Other more influential emo bands haven’t been nominated
• Probably not a big enough name
• Verdict:  They won’t get a nomination yet.  Maybe if other emo bands do first?

The Hives**

• For
• Never released a bad album and multiple albums received acclaim
• Their second album, Veni Vidi Vicious, is regarded as a classic album of the decade
• Have energetic live shows and a devoted following
• They had multiple hits in Europe
• Feel like a band that the Hall would love
• Against:
• They are not at all a household name
• They weren’t particularly popular in the U.S.
• Not as well-known as other garage rock revitalization bands
• Verdict:  They won’t get a nod this year, but expect them to get one within the next 15-20 years

 

Unlikely (38)

98 Degrees

Sure, they had several hits in the late 90’s-early 2000’s, but they weren’t particularly influential and are a boy band (those tend not to get nominated).

Aesop Rock

While a major force in underground and alternative hip hop, he is nowhere near as well-known as hip hop acts that receive nominations.

Alkaline Trio*

Despite the fact that Alkaline Trio has been one of the more popular punk bands of this century, punk music doesn’t fair well with receiving nominations unless commercially huge (with few exceptions)

Aqua**

They were a wildly successful dance-pop group during the late-90’s throughout Europe, but the only thing they’re remembered for outside Europe is “Barbie Girl”; that doesn’t help their cause.

Blackmore’s Night

While most signs point to them having no shot of getting a nomination, it should be noted that Ritchie Blackmore has been inducted with Deep Purple, and the Hall seems to like inducting individuals twice.

Buena Vista Social Club

Will they be viewed as rock?  Probably not, but they are influential and featured acclaimed guitarist Ry Cooder (though he isn’t a Hall of Famer)

Calexico**

They certainly found critical success, but no alt-country or Tex-Mex artists have ever been inducted, and very few have been nominated.  I don’t think they are known enough to receive a nod.

Children of Bodom

While an important and popular band in melodic death metal and power metal, metal bands of their stature do not fare well with nominations.

Coal Chamber

It’s indisputable that they found commercial success and were incredibly influential in their genre, but the issue is that the genre they’re most influential in is nu metal.

Death in Vegas**

While the electronic group has found success in the U.K. and received some praise, they aren’t the big name needed to break the electronic stigma in the Rock Hall.

Embrace*

While Embrace (the English alternative band) has been immensely popular in the U.K., the lack of U.S. success doesn’t bode well for now (maybe in the future?).

Feeder

They didn’t find a ton of success in the U.S., but their U.K. long-term success and massive following suggests they shouldn’t be ruled out in the future.

Flogging Molly*

They’re popular and an important band in Celtic punk, but the Celtic punk might be part of the reason they don’t get nominated.

Glassjaw*

They are such an essential band in post-hardcore, but they did not find enough popularity or success to be nominated at this point in time.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor

They are acclaimed and influential, which helps their cause, but their odd style and limited commercial success makes them unlikely to get a nomination.

HIM**

While the gothic rock group has been one of the more commercially successful gothic rock groups and found success, the only gothic rock group to get in is The Cure, and they had more crossover success.

Idlewild*

Another U.K. indie/alternative band that was big in their home country, their lack of commercial success elsewhere (particularly in the U.S.) limits their odds for the short term.

Jagged Edge

They were one of the under the radar R&B groups of their era, but they did have a decade worth of commercial success.

Joan of Arc**

While an important and influential band in Midwest emo, their polarizing albums, lack of commercial success, and not being a household name limits their chances.

Lee Ann Womack

She might have had some hits in the 90’s and 2000’s (most notably “I Hope You Dance”), but ultimately is a country artist who is not typically associated with rock.

Les Savy Fav**

Their eclectic style, critical acclaim, and cult following should warrant some consideration.  Ultimately, the best case for them might be Tim Harrington’s stage presence, which will limit their chances.

Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz

Sure, he’s immensely popular and is one of the faces of crunk, but I don’t think anybody on the nominating committee will remotely take him seriously.

Mogwai

They are one of the more popular post-rock bands worldwide, but a largely instrumental post-rock band does not sound like the artist to get a nomination.

Rakim

While an essential rapper and an all-time great, he won’t get a nomination yet considering Eric B. & Rakim hasn’t gotten in and has only received a nomination once.

Rhapsody of Fire

They’re a staple in symphonic power metal, but this isn’t a genre that has ever had an artist nominated for the Hall.

Roni Size & Reprazent

They have found much success in the world of electronic (especially in the U.K.), but they’re not a notable enough electronic artist to get a nomination.

Sara Evans

She might have been an immensely popular artist, but it’s been tough historically to make the case that country artists should be nominated (though Dolly Parton was just inducted).

Sash!*

They were a massive name in electronic music and had several hits in the late 90’s-early 2000’s, but they’re not enough of a household name to garner a nomination.

Savage Garden**

The pop group had several hits in a short run in the late 90’s-early 00’s.  The reason I think they have less of a shot than other pop groups is that they aren’t remembered in the U.S. the same way others are.

Sevendust

While they have found much commercial success, they were not as successful or influential as other alternative metal and hard rock acts of the era.

Stereophonics

They’re another band that was among the most popular in the U.K. since their formation, but the lack of positive reviews will make it difficult to ever get a nomination.

Switchfoot

While they have a big fanbase,  they weren’t influential enough.  On top of that, Christian acts typically don’t receive much consideration.

The Beta Band*

The receive praise and acclaim while gaining some attention in the U.K., but they’re not the type of band that would receive a nomination in their first year (I could see it many years in the future though).

The String Cheese Incident

They are one of the more popular jam and progressive bluegrass bands, but those bands typically aren’t nominated without commercial success, which they’re lacking.

The Supernaturals

They briefly found significant success in the U.K. during the late 90’s-early 2000’s, but it wasn’t long enough or global enough to earn a nomination.

Travis**

They might be one of the most notable post-Britpop acts and released a legendary album in The Man Who, but that album doesn’t make up for the lack of U.S. success and positive reception otherwise.

Trick Daddy

He found some popularity in the 2000’s and had a few hits, but he is not as popular or influential as other rappers nominated in their first year of eligibility.

Will Smith

Okay, his solo music career likely didn’t warrant enough attention, but could you imagine if the Hall nominated him this year?  It probably won’t happen, but I can root for chaos.

Within Temptation

It should be noted that they are one of the most popular symphonic metal bands in the world, but no artist in the genre has been nominated.

Yellowcard

They absolutely are one of the more popular Warped Tour style pop punk bands, though few bands have been nominated in the style; Yellowcard wasn’t influential or popular enough to buck the trend.

 

No chance (66)

911

The British boy band found success in the U.K., but it didn’t translate to the U.S., which will result in no nomination.

Alabama 3

They found some success, but enough for the electronic group to receive a nomination at any point.

All Saints

While huge in the U.K., the British girl group only had 2 hits in the U.S., disqualifying them from the one-hit wonder category but not helping their case for getting a nomination.

Allure

The R&B girl group only had 2 hits, which won’t be enough to get a nod.

Arkana

Despite a positive live reputation and some minor hits overseas, they didn’t do enough to get consideration.

Autoclave

They might have an underground following, but their lack of a catalog and odd style isn’t going to do them any favors with the Hall.

Badly Drawn Boy

He might be notable in the indie community (not just for his either amazing or odd concerts), but he isn’t the type of artist who would get a nomination.

Bentley Rhythm Ace

The electronic duo found success in the U.K. but was unable to replicate it anywhere else in the world.

Blindside

The Christian metal band found some success in rock music but isn’t going to be the first of the genre nominated.

Capone-N-Noreaga

While the rap duo had some success in the late-90’s, other rappers in the era had much more.

Chicane

While he had several electronic hits in the U.K. and worldwide, his U.S. success was much more limited and ended around the turn of the century.

Cursive**

Their album The Ugly Organ might have found critical acclaim, but it wasn’t popular enough outside of indie and emo scenes for them to warrant serious consideration.

Days of the New

Despite some commercial and radio airplay success, a grunge/post-grunge artist needs to have more success than them to get nominated.

Deadsy

While the industrial band broke out of the mainstream, the only industrial band to get a nomination is Nine Inch Nails, who found much more commercial success.

Devin Townsend

He’s an acclaimed guitarist, but very few solo guitarists get nominated, and the odds gets worse for progressive metal guitarists.

Edguy

Despite worldwide success, power metal bands don’t get nominated, especially ones that haven’t been successful commercially in the U.S.

Five for Fighting

Despite some soft rock hits, he has often not been held in a high regard among critics and likely doesn’t have the popularity or legacy to warrant consideration.

Flickerstick

Their limited success is not enough to get the alternative band a nomination.

Guano Apes

While a popular band in Europe, the German alternative band has a difficult climb with limited U.S. success and an association with nu metal.

HammerFall

While they are one of the most popular power metal bands in the world, the genre has had no nominations.

Handsome

Their debut is influential in post-hardcore, but they never received enough attention outside the genre to get noticed.

Hanson

Okay, they’re technically not a one-hit wonder (“I Will Come to You” and “This Time Around” also hit top-20), but if I hadn’t named those would you be able to name a song by them other than “MMMBop”?

Hed PE

Their eclectic style, conspiracy theories, and general lack of major commercial success make it nearly impossible for them to get a nomination.

Hovercraft

This group is so experimental that even a cult following, respect, and association with Eddie Vedder won’t be enough to garner consideration.

Jamie Lidell*

While he has found some success with his albums, he likely is a bit too unknown to garner a nod.

Jason Bonham

While tough to deny his talent and the fact that he has found success, probably the thing the Hall will look at most is his last name, which will tough to distinguish his accolades from those of his late father.

K-Ci & JoJo

They had some hits in the late 90’s, but the R&B duo fizzled quickly after K-Ci exposed himself during a concert.

Kenickie

While influential in leading a wave of female rock groups, I don’t think they’re a notable enough name to get a nomination.

Mansun

While the English alternative band found early success in the U.K., it was nowhere near as much as other groups of the era.

Martha Wainwright

She only found limited success, making her most likely quality be her last name (though none of her musical relatives have ever been nominated).

Matmos

While the electronic group has found praise, they’re too eclectic and unknown to ever receive a nomination.

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes

A punk supergroup that is a cover band?  They’re not getting nominated, simple as that.

Mew

Despite worldwide success, the Danish group likely didn’t find enough success in the U.S. to receive consideration.

Midnight Syndicate

While they have been influential and received acclaim for their style of dark ambient music, they are not well known enough to garner consideration.

Morning Musume*

While among the more popular Japanese girl groups, their lack of U.S. success makes it tough for them to be the first J-pop artist nominated.

Mr. Serv-On

He found limited success in the late 90’s but did not match the success of many contemporaries.

Murs

While praised for his rapping ability, he isn’t popular enough to receive a nomination.

Next

The R&B group had a few hits (most notably the chart-topping “Too Close”), but they weren’t included in the upper echelon of R&B artists of the era.

O.A.R.

While they have found a dedicated fanbase and success in both touring and album charts, will the nominating committee know their music outside of “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)”?  Doubtful.

Of Montreal

They might be an indie darling, but they are likely too weird and not popular enough to get any serious consideration.

Pink Martini

It is true that they have a sizeable following and have found much success, but the truth is that they are not a rock band and will not get a nomination.

Plumb

She has found immense success in the world of Contemporary Christian Music, but the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame doesn’t appear to be considering the genre.

Rainer Maria**

While they were an early emo group, they didn’t have the commercial or critical success other groups who haven’t been nominated found.  In other words, they can be ruled out.

Ray J

He might have had some hits, but at this point Ray J is probably more known for his sex tape with Kim Kardashian, which likely won’t aid his campaign (though it wouldn’t hurt it either).

Rome

The R&B singer only had 2 hits, which isn’t enough compared to the other notable artists of the era in the genre.

Save Ferris

No ska punk band has ever received a nomination, a trend that certainly will not end with a band with limited commercial success and influence.

Shadows Fall

Despite commercial success, the metalcore group isn’t popular or influential enough to receive the first metalcore nomination.

Shai Hulud

While they’re an influential metalcore/hardcore band, the Hall of Fame hasn’t nominated a metalcore band.

Smash Mouth

Sure, they had some hits, but Hall of Fame?  Especially not given recent controversies corresponding to vocalist Steve Harwell’s retirement (sorry, he retired for health reasons, not a controversial concert).

Snot

Their debut was a staple in establishing nu metal, but their potential for more of an impact was cut short after vocalist Lynn Strait died the year after the album was released.

SOiL*

Their limited success is not enough to break the dry spell of alternative metal artists being nominated for the Hall.

The Bacon Brothers

For some reason I can’t imagine that Kevin Bacon will be immortalized in the Hall considering I imagine few people know he’s a musician.  I only included them here since I find it hilarious that they’re eligible.

The Bug

He is a skilled musician, but The Bug is not a big enough name in electronic to warrant consideration for the Hall.

The Donnas

Despite a cult following, I don’t believe the rock group is popular or influential to receive a nomination.

The Firm

Their lone album was a critical flop and none of the members have been nominated themselves; even if Nas gets inducted, I’d be shocked if they ever got in.

The Lady of Rage

She found commercial success with her debut album, but only released one album, wasn’t particularly influential, and doesn’t have the legacy other rappers from her era do.

The Microphones*

It doesn’t matter how acclaimed the group is when a group is as experimental and underground as The Microphones were/are; I’d be shocked if they ever received a nomination.

The Music Tapes

Despite a live following, the indie group is too unknown and eclectic to receive consideration, especially since no other Julian Koster groups got a nod (including Neutral Milk Hotel).

The Seahorses

Even if John Squire was inducted via The Stone Roses, his short-lived follow-up didn’t do enough to receive attention from the Hall.

The Vehicle Birth

While they have an indie following, they only released one album and didn’t find enough attention to justify their induction.

Thousand Foot Krutch

Note:  They released an album under the name Oddball in 1995, but their debut by this name was released in 1997

The Christian metal band has found success in rock communities, but they weren’t popular enough to dispel the lack of artists in the genre receiving nominations.

Timbaland & Magoo

Despite a few hits, Timbaland is more likely to receive consideration as a non-performer for his career as a producer, where he has received acclaim.

Twiztid

They have a fanbase for sure, but don’t have a stellar reputation or enough commercial success to ever warrant a serious discussion.

Way Out West

Despite success in the U.K., the electronic group didn’t find enough attention in the U.S. to receive a nomination.

Will Haven**

The noise-metal/post-hardcore have toured with some notable artists (such as Deftones), but didn’t have the popularity needed for a group with an eclectic musical style.

Yvette Michele

She had some minor hits, but 1 album and 5 singles isn’t going to be enough to garner a nomination.

 

One-Hit Wonders (34)

For some reason, there are a large number of one-hit who are newly eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year.  As such, I opted to create a separate category for these artists.  In the past, I have defined one-hit wonders as an act who released one single that charted in the top-40.  In this post, I am defining them as artists who are most known for one song on the U.S. Billboard charts without much other impact.  As such, there are unique situations where an artist might have other songs that are minor hits who are included (i.e., Aaron Carter).  Any act that is known for one song but has either a greater impact or is popular for other means is included in a previous section (i.e., O.A.R.).

• Aaron Carter – “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)”
• Alana Davis – “32 Flavors”
• Andreas Johnson – “Glorious”
• Billie Myers – “Kiss the Rain”
• Bran Van 3000 – “Astounded”
• Cru – “Just Another Case”
• Eagle-Eye Cherry – “Save Tonight”
• Finley Quaye – “Sunday Shining”
• Forest for the Trees – “Dream”
• Gina G – “Ooh Aah… Just a Little Bit”
• Harvey Danger – “Flagpole Sitta”
• Imani Coppola – “Legend of a Cowgirl”
• Kardinal Offishal – “Dangerous”
• Lil Rob – “Summer Nights”
• Lit** – “My Own Worst Enemy”
• LSG – “My Body”
• Lutricia McNeal – “Ain’t That Just the Way”
• Marcy Playground – “Sex and Candy”
• Marvelous 3 – “Freak of the Week”
• Meredith Brooks – “B*tch”
• Monaco – “What Do You Want from Me?”
• Mono – “Life in Mono”
• Natalie Imbruglia – “Torn”
• Peach – “On My Own”
• Queen Pen – “All My Love”
• Raybon Brothers – “Butterfly Kisses”
• She Moves – “Breaking All the Rules”
• Summercamp – “Drawer”
• Tasha Holiday – “Just the Way You Like It”
• The Ataris – “The Boys of Summer”
• The Comrads – “Homeboyz”
• The Hot Boys – “I Need a Hot Girl”
• The X-Ecutioners – “It’s Goin’ Down”
• Tracy Lee – “The Theme (It’s Party Time)”

 

 

My Predictions

As implied earlier, I find this year interesting because there are no locks to get nominated and two artists who I’m not sure if they’ll be declared eligible.  I expect Missy Elliott will be nominated, though I doubt she’ll be inducted.  If either Muse or Queens of the Stone Age are declared eligible, I think one of them will be nominated.  I think Queens of the Stone Age is likely to be declared eligible and would get the second spot, but if Muse is eligible (I don’t think they will though) then they’d get it.  If neither are eligible, I think there will be only one nominee, but Daft Punk is the next most likely to get a nomination otherwise.

 

Who do you think will be nominated out of these artists?  Let me know in the comments!