5 Artists Whose Music Aged Well & 5 Whose Sound Is Dated

Welcome to MsMojo, and today were counting down our picks for pop artists whose work stands the test of time, and the ones whose catalogs are hopelessly locked in the past.

#5: Dated: The Lumineers

There was a genre of music that did gangbusters in the late 2000s and early 2010s, when barn weddings were all the rage. Termed stomp-clap-hey music by its fans and detractors, the Lumineers were one the most popular bands of this ilk. Regardless of the genuine musicianship, after a while, all the songs began to blend together. Although its termed indie folk, the pop elements of the production are ultimately what make it so beholden to the period it was recorded and released. The reverb on the vocals, the clapping and stomping, and the already-dated hipster aesthetics aged like guacamole.

#5: Aged Well: Joni Mitchell

Her miraculous recovery from an aneurysm has led to a resurgence over the past few years, and its amazing to see Joni Mitchell still going strong into her 80s. But like her contemporaries Bob Dylan and the Beatles, her music keeps coming back in new forms. Whether its through her own performances, remakes of her own work, or through the countless covers of songs like Big Yellow Taxi and Both Sides Now, her music still packs a punch. If anything, some of the covers of her songs sound more dated than the original tracks. Theres a simplicity, craft, and depth of feeling to her work thats truly timeless.

#4: Dated: Moby

90s and early 2000s nostalgia and the fact that his music was a lot of mainstream cultures first exposure to rave, electronica, and the electronic subgenre of downtempo keep his name familiar to many. This distinctive, ambient sound, full of downbeats and vocalizing, resembled a slower, more atmospheric sister genre to the house music of the 90s. But it became so overexposed by use in media, it seems to have become a double-edged sword. His songs appeared on the soundtracks of Scream, the Bourne series and the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies. By defining mainstream culture of the millennium, his sound also became hopelessly locked in that time.

#4: Aged Well: Prince

Given how many of his hits are so clearly 80s classics, the fact that Princes talent and technical skill has survived is a testament to how great he was. What sets him apart is his eccentricity, his towering virtuosity, and his daring lyrics. He was upfront about sex in a way that had people up in arms from the start. This kind of boundary-pushing can read as cringeworthy once time has passed and social mores change. Thats not the case with Prince. He was so clever, charismatic, and cheeky that his stuff feels shocking even today. And even if it doesnt shock you, its impossible not to groove to.

#3: Dated: Katy Perry

Her 2024 single, Womans World, flopped bigtime, partially because the single, and the album it was meant to introduce, just isnt good. Furthermore, Katy Perrys collaboration with the notorious Dr. Luke just highlighted even more how out of touch she seemed. Katy Perrys music is largely seen as unevolved, having changed minimally since her early 2010s heyday. What sounded edgy, bubbly, and upbeat a decade ago doesnt ring true in a post-2020 pop landscape. These recent releases only make her first few albums seem less impressive and culturally long-lasting as a result.

#3: Aged Well: Bob Dylan

There are some artists whose work feels like it could be written today. Bob Dylans straightforward, raw vocals are an acquired taste, but his songs have been covered so many times that you might not even know youre listening to one of his compositions. From Adele to Miley Cyrus to Kesha, modern artists are still covering his songs like they were written yesterday. His work runs the gamut from protest songs to love songs to moody folk songs about feeling lost and confused at the state of the world. But themes of war, hunger, poverty, and peace have yet to go out of style, and a great love song can never get old when it gets at something true.

#2: Dated: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Before Will Smiths acting career took off, the Fresh Prince and frequent collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff made rap albums pitched to a teen audience. Their five albums together are distinctively upbeat and positive, begging to be played at parties. One of their most successful hits, Parents Just Dont Understand, is indicative of their whole style. Theres an afterschool special feel to it thats charming but because of the references, production, and the goofy dances, its peak early 90s. But this is one of those cases where being dated doesnt necessarily mean bad. Its retro, and the vibes are incredible. Unfortunately, Will Smiths return to music in 2025 wasnt as well received but its clear he hasnt lost his sense of humor.

#2: Aged Well: Dolly Parton

Considering how long the country giant has been in the game, the fact that some of the most famous pop icons of today still want to collaborate with her says a lot. Dolly Partons music was ahead of its time from the jump. She took the image of the dumb blonde, her words not ours, and turned it on its head. Working in a classic country sound but with forward-thinking themes and ideas, Partons brand of strong femininity and warmth made her an icon. It doesnt hurt that shes written and recorded some of the most unforgettable songs of all time.

#1: Dated: The Chainsmokers

Theres no artist whose work represents the mid-2010s quite like this indie-electro pop act. Their sound has been decried as inauthentic by EDM fans, their lyrics have been taken to task for epitomizing a tech bro persona, and their work is polarizing despite its success on the charts. Theres no denying the Chainsmokers captured a moment in the culture. But in the past several years, their attempts to return to the fore have been smacked down by critics and listeners alike. The duo seem to fully embrace their polarizing presence. They even announced their 2022 return album with an apology.

#1: Aged Well: Whitney Houston

It doesnt matter if its her early bubbly pop era, her gospel-infused R&B era, or her dance pop era, Whitney Houston dominated the charts, the industry, and the artform. The thing about having what may be the best voice of all time is that no matter whats going on around it, no one can deny that talent. Fortunately, Whitney Houstons discography fires on all cylinders. The production, writing, and performance are always on point. You could pluck out any of her singles and find a classic. Theres a song for every mood, every tempo, and every event.

Did you agree with our picks? Tell us why in the comments.