[2025] Popular British Artists: Recommended Singer-Songwriters

Talkbeabadoobee

beabadoobee – Talk (Official Video)

Beabadoobee is a singer-songwriter born in the Philippines and raised in the UK.

She debuted in 2017 at the age of 16, attracting attention with a distinctive sound that fuses indie rock and bedroom pop.

Her debut track “Coffee” became a viral hit on TikTok, and she went on to release several EPs and albums.

In 2020, she unveiled her long-awaited debut album, Fake It Flowers, and won the NME Radar Award.

While her music reflects influences from ’90s alternative and grunge, it also carries a contemporary pop sensibility, offering a compelling blend of nostalgia and freshness.

In 2023, she supported Taylor Swift on tour, with even greater success anticipated ahead.

Black MascaraRAYE

RAYE – Black Mascara. (Official Music Video)

RAYE, a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom, is a new-generation artist active in the neo-soul and R&B scenes.

She began writing songs as early as age 14, showcasing her talent.

She gained attention by penning tracks for high-profile artists like Beyoncé and collaborating with acts such as Jax Jones.

However, she also faced a difficult period due to contractual issues with a major label.

In February 2023, she finally came into her own, releasing her long-awaited debut album, “My 21st Century Blues,” independently.

With powerful vocals and delicate lyrics that candidly reflect her personal experiences, her songs resonate with many listeners.

She’s highly recommended for those who value the essence of music.

HISTORYJoel Corry & Becky Hill

Joel Corry & Becky Hill – HISTORY [Official Video]

Let us introduce the powerhouse British duo Joel Corry and Becky Hill.

They command a formidable presence in the world of dance music.

Joel broke through in 2019 with “Sorry,” while Becky hit the top in 2014 with “Gecko (Overdrive).” Becky’s talent is indisputable, having won Best Dance Act at the BRIT Awards in both 2022 and 2023.

Their fusion of catchy beats and powerful vocals is guaranteed to set any dance floor alight.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to lose themselves in energetic music.

Champion SoundFatboy Slim

Champion Sound by Fatboy Slim [High Res/Official Video]

Fatboy Slim, the pioneering figure of the UK’s proud big beat scene.

He debuted in 1996 and earned critical acclaim with Better Living Through Chemistry.

His 1998 album You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby delivered a string of dancefloor-shaking hits.

With innovative music and videos, he swept awards including the Grammys and the MTV Awards.

His energetic, danceable sound is a unique fusion of house, breakbeats, and rock.

In January 2024, he released a new track, Role Model, which drew significant attention.

Highly recommended for fans of dance music and those looking to try something new.

MercyDuffy

Duffy – Mercy

Hailing from Wales, Duffy is a songstress who represents the new generation of retro soul that emerged in the late 2000s.

Her debut album, Rockferry, released in 2008, topped the UK Albums Chart and became the best-selling album of the year.

She has also received international acclaim, including winning the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.

Known as a blue-eyed pop-soul singer, she is frequently compared to the legendary Dusty Springfield.

Her appeal lies in a retro vibe reminiscent of the Motown sound of the 1960s and a powerful yet delicate voice, making her highly recommended even for fans of classic music.

I’ll Be ThereJess Glynne

Jess Glynne – I’ll Be There [Official Video]

Jess Glynne, originally from the UK, is a singer-songwriter who has gained attention for her powerful vocals and distinctive soulful tone.

She debuted in 2014 and shot to stardom with “Rather Be.” Her subsequent album, I Cry When I Laugh, topped the UK charts and she also won a Grammy Award.

Her music features a fresh, energetic sound that blends pop, R&B, and soul.

Drawing on her experience singing in local pubs, she’s also renowned for her live performances.

Her bright, uplifting lyrics and strong vocals make her highly recommended for anyone looking for a boost of energy.

Back To BlackAmy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

Amy Winehouse possessed a wonderfully soulful, husky voice and a sound that modernized retro soul, jazz, and R&B, complemented by her strikingly 1960s beehive hair—an overwhelming presence that made her a beloved diva.

Yet she passed away at 27, an age fraught with dark lore in the music industry.

Back then, Amy’s scandalous private life drew so much attention that it became widely known even in Japanese living rooms.

Now, nearly a decade after her death in July 2011, I hope we can refocus on the musical achievements she left behind.

In the British scene of the mid-2000s and onward, when singers like Adele and Duffy—who were influenced by ’60s-style soul—made their debuts, Amy Winehouse, who had already debuted in 2003, can be seen as a pioneering figure.

She released only two original albums in her lifetime, but both are universally praised for their exceptional quality and remain timeless.

I recommend listening to her debut album Frank and her second album Back to Black first, and then moving on to the posthumous collection Lioness: Hidden Treasures.