[2025] Popular British Artists: Recommended Singer-Songwriters

cotton candyYungblud

YUNGBLUD – cotton candy (Official Video)

If asked to name the most talked-about young singer-songwriter in the UK rock scene of the 2020s, you’d have to say Yungblud.

Crossing effortlessly through categories like musical genre, fashion, and gender, Yungblud—Dominic Harrison—lays bare the inner lives of today’s youth.

Born in 1997 and hailing from Doncaster in northern England, he grew up in a musical family and attended a high school specializing in the performing arts.

From his debut onward, he has honed his individuality with a disregard for genre—expressed not only in his musical style but also in his appearance.

While frequently collaborating with artists from other countries, such as his close ally Machine Gun Kelly, he completed his second album, Weird!, released in 2020, as a work that pursues his own broad interpretation of “rock,” presenting a compelling image of the modern rock star.

With melodic sensibilities that nod to 2000s emo, the aesthetic of Britain’s tradition of decadent rock, and the realities of the street—all of which he embraces in his songs—he is poised to become an even bigger presence in the years to come.

The Way I Tend To BeFrank Turner

Frank Turner – The Way I Tend To Be (Official Video)

Frank Turner, who is active as a British folk singer, began his solo career in 2005 after serving as the vocalist for the post-hardcore band Million Dead.

His appeal lies in a musical style that spans diverse genres, including folk, folk punk, and alternative country.

Up through FTHC, released in February 2022, he has put out eight solo albums.

Beyond music, he has also been active in other areas, such as performing at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics and releasing his own beer, Believe.

His approach of reflecting personal experiences and political views in his songs shows the influence of Bruce Springsteen.

He is an artist with a unique worldview, recommended for those drawn to the fusion of folk and punk.

Coming UpPaul McCartney

Paul McCartney – Coming Up (Official Music Video)

Needless to say, the Beatles were the greatest musical group the 20th century produced, and their influence is beyond what words can express.

It’s wonderful that Paul McCartney, who shouldered half of the band’s songwriting, was still active as of 2021.

Paul, who created many historic masterpieces such as “Yesterday” and “Let It Be,” is such a remarkable composer that he is listed in the Guinness World Records as the “most successful composer in the history of popular music.” Without Paul, rock and pop would likely look very different from what they are today.

Paul began his career as a solo artist after leaving the Beatles in April 1970.

In the early days, the Beatles’ name inevitably followed him, and he even faced harsh criticism at times, but Wings—the band he formed with his then-wife Linda McCartney and others—achieved worldwide success.

Throughout his long career, even as he faced personal troubles and the sudden death of John Lennon, Paul’s unwavering commitment to his work as a musician is, in itself, truly impressive.

If you only know Paul as a Beatle, take this opportunity to explore the wonderful music he created in his solo career and with Wings!

ButterflyCleo Sol

Cleo Sol – Butterfly (Official Video)

Cleo Sol, a singer-songwriter from West London, has been drawing attention with her distinctive sound that skillfully blends soul, jazz, and R&B.

She made her debut in 2011 with the single “High,” and released her debut album, Rose in the Dark, in March 2020.

In 2023, she continued her prolific output by releasing two albums—Heaven and Gold—in the same month.

Raised in a musical family, her voice combines healing warmth and strength, captivating many listeners.

Her music, which fuses a retro vibe with a modern approach, excels at creating a soothing atmosphere.

A perfect pick for those looking to spend some calm, reflective time.

HumanRag’n’Bone Man

Rag’n’Bone Man – Human (Official Video)

Rag’n’Bone Man, a British singer-songwriter who came into the spotlight after his 2016 release Human became a global smash hit.

His voice is deeply soulful, with a low register that combines a warm, embracing quality with a stirring intensity.

While he seems to have soul and blues as his backbone, his roots lie in hip-hop, and after his breakthrough he has also released gritty, hard-hitting trap music.

RaincatchersBirdy

Birdy – Raincatchers (Official Music Video)

Birdy, from the United Kingdom, is a singer-songwriter born in 1996.

She won a talent contest at the age of 12 and made her debut in 2011 with a cover of a Bon Iver song.

Her self-titled album Birdy, released the same year, reached number one on the charts in Australia and the Netherlands.

She is known for her clear, ethereal vocals and emotionally rich lyrics, with a piano-centered acoustic sound as her hallmark.

She expanded her musical range with the albums Fire Within in 2013 and Beautiful Lies in 2016.

She has also contributed songs to various soundtracks, including those for the films Brave and The Fault in Our Stars.

She is a highly recommended artist for those with a delicate sensibility.

Two FingersJake Bugg

Jake Bugg – Two Fingers (MTV Iggy Live)

Jake Bugg, from Nottingham, England, signed with major label Mercury Records in 2011 at the young age of 17, and the following year drew attention as a sensational newcomer by serving as the opening act on tours for none other than Noel Gallagher and The Stone Roses.

His self-titled debut album, released in 2012, naturally hit No.

1 on the UK charts.

His voice and melodies—combining the impulsiveness of a teenager with a mature poise—felt innately gifted, to the point that some music fans were reminded of a young Bob Dylan.

Especially early on, Jake was markedly influenced by ’60s folk, blues, garage, and psychedelia, while his look and presence epitomized a quintessentially British lad.

Never one to stay confined to a single genre, he has showcased an increasingly refined and wide-ranging musicality with each release.

As of 2021, he has released four albums—and he’s still only 27.

He’s an artist whose future developments are all the more exciting to watch.