Legitimacy was brought to the genre was when other artists began recording these compositions. You would be hard pressed to convince me that Elvis Costello or Billy Joel or Mary Chapin Carpenter or Peter Gabriel were not, or rather are not, updated versions of the genre. While the soft rock sound is not the same, the fact that they are popular and that others have recorded their material cannot be denied. With that in mind, possibly the concept of singer-songwriter may, today, again need a redefinition. Sheryl Crow, David Gray, Dido, Erykah Badu, Shelby Lynne, Sarah McLachlan, even say, Moby, all could be classified as such.
Musical trends gain popularity through radio or video support.
Sometimes they achieve it in spite of media support. The recent success of Sheryl or David or Moby indicates a willingness on the part of listeners to explore the new wave of singer-songwriters. We've selected eighteen artists you need to know about. Check 'em out below. You might even find a new favorite.