[2025] Popular British Artists: Recommended Singer-Songwriters

360Charli XCX

Charli xcx – 360 (official video)

Charli XCX, who is celebrated as a pop icon the UK is proud of, has achieved worldwide success.

She released her debut album, True Romance, in 2013, which reached number 85 on the UK Albums Chart.

In addition to her own work, she has also written songs for other artists, contributing to numerous hits for performers such as Iggy Azalea and Selena Gomez.

Blending experimental approaches with mainstream elements, Charli creates an innovative sound that transcends genre boundaries.

She is highly recommended for anyone seeking new possibilities in pop music.

DojaCentral Cee

Central Cee – Doja (Official Music Video)

In recent years, when it comes to the biggest young top star in the globally watched UK rap scene, it has to be Central Cee from London.

Born in 1998, he spent his teenage years living a tough street lifestyle while delivering melodic rap that made extensive use of Auto-Tune.

In 2020, however, he pivoted to UK drill with his early signature track “Day In The Life,” which instantly propelled him into the spotlight.

What sets him apart from other artists is how he evolved the often dangerous-sounding image of UK drill into a more accessible style, skillfully weaving in references to jazz and pop.

With his good looks and massive influence as a fashion icon, his debut mixtape “Wild West” reached No.

2 on the UK charts in 2021, followed by “23” hitting No.

1 in 2022.

He’s turned numerous bangers into viral hits and has now grown into arguably the most famous UK-born rapper in the world.

With rumors of a debut album dropping in 2024, he’s a quintessential example of uniquely British hip-hop you won’t want to miss.

Stay With MeSam Smith

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

Among British singer-songwriters born in the 1990s, Sam Smith stands out for both popularity and talent, achieving major commercial success.

The first time his name truly captured public attention was likely when he appeared as a guest vocalist on Disclosure’s 2012 hit Latch.

His long-awaited debut album, In the Lonely Hour, released in 2014, topped the charts not only in the UK but in multiple countries, and became a massive hit in the United States as well, peaking at No.

2.

Influenced by female singers such as Amy Winehouse and Adele, Smith’s soulful voice is filled with tenderness and compassion, enveloping listeners’ hearts and moving them to tears.

With the 2020 release of his third album, Love Goes, he explored new ground with a vibrant dance-pop sound.

At the same time, he proved that no matter the style, the allure of his voice and melodies remains undiminished.

GorillaLittle Simz

Little Simz – Gorilla (Official Video)

The talented UK rapper Little Simz released her debut album, A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons, in 2015, bringing a fresh breeze to the British hip-hop scene.

Releasing her work through her own label, Age 101 Music, Little Simz has stayed true to her artistic vision.

In 2019, her third album, Grey Area, was nominated for the Mercury Prize, earning her widespread recognition.

In December 2021, she released her fifth studio album, No Thank You, marking another step in her evolution.

In 2024, she took the stage just before Coldplay, the headliner at Glastonbury, delivering a historic performance.

Showcasing her talents in both rap and singer-songwriting, Little Simz’s music is a must-listen not only for hip-hop fans but for anyone seeking compelling music.

Don’t Call Me UpMabel

Mabel – Don’t Call Me Up (Official Video)

Let me introduce Mabel, a young singer-songwriter from the UK.

With her unique sound that blends pop and R&B, she has steadily grown her fan base since her debut in 2015.

Her 2019 release “Don’t Call Me Up” was a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the UK Singles Chart.

That same year, she won “British Female Solo Artist” at the BRIT Awards, earning high praise for her talent.

Born into a musical family, her vocals are strongly influenced by her mother, Neneh Cherry.

Many of her songs center on themes of female strength and independence, winning overwhelming support from people her age.

You, too, are sure to be captivated by Mabel’s powerful yet delicate voice.

Nice to meet you (feat. Central Cee)PinkPantheress

PinkPantheress – Nice to meet you (feat. Central Cee) [Official Video]

Born in 2001 and based in Bath, UK, singer-songwriter and producer PinkPantheress gained recognition in Japan after topping the BBC’s annually watched “Sound of 2022” list of promising new artists.

She began releasing music on SoundCloud in 2020 and drew attention with bedroom pop infused with drum’n’bass and UK garage.

Her TikTok-viral track “Just For Me” is a captivating song that blends the sensibilities of a new generation with a nostalgic 1990s–2000s vibe.

Her debut album, Heaven Knows, released in November 2023, showcases her further-evolved musicality.

With lyrics that deftly capture Gen Z emotions and irresistibly catchy melodies, she’s bringing a fresh breeze to today’s music scene.

Black MagicLittle Mix

Little Mix – Black Magic (Official Video)

Little Mix brought a fresh breeze to the UK music scene.

Formed in 2011 on the talent show The X Factor, they became the first group ever to win the program.

Known for pop- and R&B-based tracks and powerful harmonies, they shot to No.

1 on the UK charts with their debut single.

They followed with a string of hits, including Black Magic and Shout Out to My Ex, achieving international success.

In 2021, they became the first female group to win Best British Group at the BRIT Awards.

With songs themed around female empowerment, they are artists who inspire confidence and courage.