[2025] Popular British Artists: Recommended Singer-Songwriters

Ballad Of The Mighty INoel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Ballad Of The Mighty I (Official Video)

Noel Gallagher, the principal songwriter and guitarist of Oasis—the biggest British rock band born in the 1990s—and a solo artist who has continued to thrive since the band’s breakup.

A genius melodist who often sparks controversy with his outspoken remarks, Noel is beloved in Japan not only for his musical talent but also for his distinctive personality.

After leaving Oasis in 2009, he released his first solo album in 2011 under the name Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.

Although Noel had already taken lead vocals on classics like Don’t Look Back in Anger during the Oasis era, it’s striking how, while delving even deeper into the appeal of band ensembles than in Oasis, he confidently delivers his own songs as a solo singer.

Since then, he has consistently released high-quality albums, all of which have topped the UK charts.

As fans, it’s also a joy that he frequently comes to Japan.

Even if you only know Oasis’s greatest hits, we’d love for you to give Noel’s solo work a listen!

Another LoveTom Odell

Tom Odell – Another Love (Official Video)

Among the young singer-songwriters to emerge from the UK, Tom Odell stands out as a particularly brilliant talent with his piano-led ballads.

Born in 1990, Odell released his debut EP, “Songs from Another Love,” in 2012.

The following year, he swiftly captured attention, winning the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award and topping the UK charts with his debut album, “Long Way Down.” His songs, which explore themes of heartache and the pains of love, have been featured in numerous fashion shows, TV series, and films, resonating with a wide audience.

Spanning genres from pop rock to alternative, his musical versatility is sure to offer a fresh appeal to fans of Japanese music as well.

The ChangingmanPaul Weller

Paul Weller – The Changingman (Official Video)

When it comes to Paul Weller, he’s an iconic figure in British rock who began his career in the ’70s, defined an era with bands like The Jam and The Style Council, and has continued to be revered as an elder statesman of the scene even after going solo.

It’s not long ago that he reminded us of his enduring vitality when his 2020 album On Sunset topped the UK charts at No.

1.

You could say Weller’s journey is itself a chapter in the history of British rock, and he’s a rare artist respected not only by ’90s bands like Oasis and Ocean Colour Scene but also by bands that emerged in the 2000s and beyond.

His musical style—both in his band days and as a solo artist—has embraced a range of experiments; grounded in rock, it’s marked by a sincere love for Black music such as soul and jazz, continually delivering a sound that lets you savor the very essence of British rock.

If you’re exploring Weller’s solo work, you might start with albums that signaled his full-fledged comeback in the ’90s, such as 1995’s Stanley Road or 1997’s Heavy Soul.

Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved

What sort of life experience could give rise to such a profoundly rich and beautiful voice? Born in 1996 and hailing from Scotland, Lewis Capaldi is a young singer-songwriter who, among artists debuting in the late 2010s, boasts overwhelming sales and undeniable talent, making him a standout to watch.

Having been familiar with music from a young age through playing instruments, Capaldi drew attention when his 2017 debut EP, Bloom, racked up an astonishing 120 million streams worldwide.

His signature song, Someone You Loved, released in 2018, reached No.

1 on the charts in both the UK and the US.

His debut album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent, released the following year in 2019, naturally became a massive hit as well.

It’s a superb debut packed with moving tracks anchored by an unflashy yet deeply affecting sound that mirrors Capaldi’s unassuming presence, allowing listeners to fully savor his greatest asset—his voice.

If you ever find yourself wanting to have a good cry purely from the emotional power of music, be sure to immerse yourself in Lewis Capaldi’s songs.

Put Your Records OnCorinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae – Put Your Records On

Corinne Bailey Rae, a highly regarded singer-songwriter, has earned acclaim as a true talent.

Trained in classical music from a young age, obsessed with Led Zeppelin during her teenage years, and having spent a period making a living in jazz clubs, she brings a remarkably complex musicality shaped by these experiences.

Whether it’s R&B, jazz-inflected sounds, pop, or hard-driving rock, her appeal lies in offering a variety of genres within the work of a single artist.

Englishman In New YorkSting

Sting – Englishman In New York

When it comes to artists who represent the UK, many people probably think of Sting.

After spending about a decade as a member of the band The Police, Sting went solo and released numerous worldwide hit songs.

Englishman In New York is one of his signature works, encapsulating his stylish musicality and profound, message-driven artistry.

SacrificeElton John

Elton John – Sacrifice

Since his solo debut in 1969, Elton John—the genius singer-songwriter who has achieved success that will go down in music history as a global top artist—has released numerous smash hits such as Your Song and Candle in the Wind, securing his place as a monumental figure in popular music since the 20th century.

The musical biopic Rocketman, which portrays a large part of his life, is still fresh in our memories, and it likely introduced many younger music fans to Elton for the first time.

While his peak period is generally considered to be the 1970s, his talent as a melodist remains undiminished with age; for instance, his 2016 album Wonderful Crazy Night reached the top 10 in several countries including the UK and the US.

As those who have seen the film will know, it’s fascinating that Elton typically doesn’t write lyrics himself; his lifelong friend Bernie Taupin has mainly handled the lyric writing.

Why not start by checking out a best-of or other compilation album to experience the magical melodies and vocals that continue to be loved by music fans around the world?