![[2025] Popular British Artists: Recommended Singer-Songwriters](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/k2qgadSvNyU/sddefault.jpg)
[2025] Popular British Artists: Recommended Singer-Songwriters
There’s something about the music created by British musicians that just seems to fit Japanese ears and hearts, isn’t there?
From slightly damp, moody vocals and melodies to introspective lyrics and an aesthetic, decadent atmosphere—one could even say, without citing examples like Queen, who enjoyed greater popularity and recognition in Japan than at home early on, that UK rock and Japanese listeners are a perfect match.
This time, we’re spotlighting popular artists and singer-songwriters from the UK—an island nation with many similarities to Japan—offering a wide-ranging lineup that transcends eras, focusing on today’s rising talents while also including legendary veterans.
It might even help you discover the influences behind your favorite Japanese artists.
Enjoy!
[2025] Popular British artists, recommended singer-songwriters (1–10)
New RulesDua Lipa
It’s no exaggeration to say she was one of the most active female artists in 2020.
Born in 1995, Dua Lipa is a leading British pop star from the so-called millennial generation and an iconic figure who also draws intense attention from the fashion world.
Lipa, who had been posting cover videos on YouTube since her teens, signed with a major label in 2015.
Her self-titled debut album, released in 2017, was a hit, reaching No.
3 in the UK and gaining popularity in the United States and beyond.
In 2019, her smash hit Don’t Start Now—featuring a full-on retro disco-pop and 80s-inspired sound—broke big, and her 2020 sophomore album Future Nostalgia, which followed the same direction, truly heralded the dawn of a new generation of pop in the 2020s.
The album not only topped the UK charts but also debuted at No.
4 in the U.
S.
, propelling Lipa to the next stage of her career.
Her husky, sultry vocals also resonate with rock fans, so she’s an artist that longtime rock listeners—who might feel she’s not for them—should definitely check out!
Shape of YouEd Sheeran
Born in Yorkshire, England in 1991, Ed Sheeran is one of the most commercially successful solo artists since the 2010s.
He holds the world record for highest-grossing tour and earned three Guinness World Records with his iconic song “Shape of You.” It’s no exaggeration to say that his voice and songs defined the sound of the 2010s.
Ed’s achievements are sure to continue into the 2020s and beyond, and his musical style is actually quite simple: sprightly acoustic guitar backing, an exceptional ear for melody, hip-hop-influenced vocal phrasing, and down-to-earth, realistic lyrics that portray everyday people as they are.
Listening to the many classics born from these elements, you can’t help but realize that truly great songs transcend trends and spread across the world.
Ed is also a top-tier live performer; whether in a small club or at the Tokyo Dome, he uses just a guitar and a loop pedal to deliver an incredible show all by himself.
A musician through and through—that’s Ed Sheeran.
2002Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie, a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom, has gained popularity for her unique style that blends pop, R&B, and dance.
She debuted in 2015 with the EP “Karate,” and released the album “Speak Your Mind” in 2018.
Many tracks from the album became hits, and she was nominated for the BRIT Awards.
She has a unique background in martial arts from childhood, an experience that seems to fuel her confident performances.
Her emotive vocals and relatable lyrics are compelling, often focusing on themes of love and self-confidence.
With many catchy, karaoke-friendly tunes, she’s highly recommended for fans of UK pop.
PompeiiBastille
Bastille, the indie pop band that the UK is proud of.
Formed in London in 2010, they released their debut album Bad Blood in 2013, which reached No.
1 on the UK Albums Chart.
Their signature track Pompeii became an international hit, propelling the band to worldwide fame.
In 2014, they won the BRIT Award for British Breakthrough Act and were even nominated for a Grammy, earning high acclaim from many quarters.
Their lyrics, inspired by film and literature, and their cinematic sound are distinctive.
While rooted in indie pop and synth-pop, they blend a variety of genres to create a unique musical identity.
They’re a recommended artist for film buffs and literature lovers alike.
Rolling in the DeepAdele
From the mid to late 2000s in the UK, a wave of female artists evoking retro 1960s soul and girl-pop made their debuts, creating something of a boom.
While singer-songwriters like Amy Winehouse and Duffy achieved worldwide success, it was Adele who attained truly overwhelming commercial results.
Born in London, Adele topped the BBC’s “Sound of 2008,” which highlights promising newcomers, and her debut album 19—released, as the title suggests, when she was 19 in January 2009—was highly acclaimed.
Although initial reactions in the United States were relatively muted, she went on to win a Grammy the following year, in 2010.
Her 2011 release 21 recorded an astonishing 31 million copies sold, cementing her status as a global songstress born of Britain who continues to reign at the top of the scene.
With a nostalgic sound rooted in soul, pop, and jazz that appeals to a broad audience, her extraordinary vocal prowess and expressive power are undeniable, and her lyrics—laying bare personal pain and sorrow—resonate deeply with listeners.
Sadly, ever since the Japan tour scheduled around her debut was canceled, she has never visited Japan, making her one of the major artists yet to perform there.
As It WasHarry Styles
As a world-renowned star whom the UK proudly claims, Harry Styles has been leading the music scene of the 2020s.
He debuted as a member of One Direction and launched his solo career in 2017.
His self-titled debut album reached number one in both the UK and the US.
His third solo album, Harry’s House, released in May 2022, topped charts around the world.
That same year, he headlined Coachella, delivering performances worthy of a true top star.
With a diverse musical range spanning pop, rock, and soul, Harry captivates listeners across generations.
He also draws attention as a fashion icon, and his music—brimming with distinctive charm—is highly recommended for anyone seeking something fresh and exciting.
You’ve Got the LoveFlorence & The Machine
Let me introduce Florence and the Machine, an art-pop band from the UK.
Formed in London in 2007, they released their debut album, Lungs, in 2009.
With powerful vocals and commanding stage performances, they have captivated many fans.
Their rich musical style is rooted in indie rock while incorporating elements of soul and gospel.
In 2010, they won the Brit Award for MasterCard British Album of the Year.
They are known for emotionally charged, dramatic lyrics and a grand sound, with visually striking live performances as a highlight.
They’re a highly recommended artist for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a sweeping musical world.