Artists should be willing to reinvent themselves to stay relevant in the ever-changing music industry. Just last week, The 1975 took a short hiatus from social media and returned with a brand new promotional image that veered away from their usual black and white aesthetic. Of course, they’re not the first musicians to do such a thing. Here’s a round-up of artists from the noughties who did just that:
1.) Avril Lavigne
Her sound then:
Her sound now:
This Canadian pop-rock sensation rose to fame with hit single “Complicated” in 2002. Teenagers began to wear neckties over their tees. Tie sales soared. (Not really.) The Best Damn Thing signaled a departure from her usual grunge-influenced musical style and into pop rock territory. Say goodbye to sk8er girl and hello to an overly annoying attempt at dubstep.
2.) Katy Perry
Her sound then:
Her sound now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9S-88WxPdE
Did you know Katy Perry used to be a gospel singer? Holy shiz! She released one Christian rock album under her real name, Katy Hudson. Katy officially became a pop icon with I Kissed a Girl, a cheeky song about experimenting with one’s sexuality. 2013’s Dark Horse saw her experimenting with elements of hip-hop and trap.
3.) Pink
Her sound then:
Her sound now:
Back in 2000, Pink actually had cotton candy pink hair and an independent woman anthem in R&B track Most Girls. In contrast to that is Just Give Me A Reason, a pop ballad about dealing with a relationship at its breaking point.
4.) Taylor Swift
Her sound then:
Her sound now:
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without Tay-tay. T-Swizzle started her career making country music, earning a hit single in the unrequited love song Teardrops on my Guitar. 1989 proved to be her successful debut into electro-pop territory. Taylor Swift nailed it when she went meta on us as the crazy girlfriend in her video for Blank Space.
How about you, dear POP! readers? Which artist do you think should also make the cut? Answer via our comment box below!