The world of music sometimes seems like a revolving door. Artists come and go, and sometimes they get stuck on the other side. Some make conscious decisions to leave the business, while others seem to simply slip into obscurity. Lucky for us, the music lives on, and we can play our favorite old jams, sing along, dance around, and relive memories. Still, there are some artists we just wish had never left, and we want them back.
Here are 15 artists we’d like to see make a comeback, and soon:
Missy Elliott. Super Bowl 49’s gift to the people too young to know the greatness that is Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott was the halftime show. Remember how Missy introduced us to other great artists, paying it forward? The first song that comes to mind when we think of Missy is The Rain, appropriately named with its slick rhymes.
Nelly Furtado. This Candian singer-songwriter of Portuguese descent was Like a Bird, and then she flew away. That song was often played on Nickelodeon, exposing children and parents alike to the vocal talent. Nelly Furtado had skills. She had a pop voice with crossover appeal because she could spit rhymes like nobody’s business too. She proved this with her feature on Ms. Jade’s Ching Ching. From her own songs Promiscuous to Maneater, Nelly Furtado made us dance, sing along, and wish we could be there for just one performance.
Toni Braxton. There’s no one we’d rather have break our hearts with lyrics of pain from a love lost. Another Sad Love Song is deceptive in its title because it’s anything but what it claims to be, soaring above others of its kind. Album after album, Toni Braxton bared her soul to us. She proved that she wasn’t just an expert in recovering from breakups, but could bounce back from bankruptcy. Just Be a Man About It communicated a message so many of us wanted to send, and Spanish Guitar showed us another side of the Toni Braxton we couldn’t help but love. Toni, Please, bring that depth and effortless delivery back.
Alanis Morissette. Here’s an artist who was never afraid to deliver what no one else would. Her fearlessness was clear to everyone with the release of the music video for Thank You. She told us the story of our everyday lives with Hand In My Pocket, and made us think about the crazy ways life seems to be conspiring against us with Ironic. We want her guts and her honesty. We need more of the singer-songwriter vibe.
Shaggy. Born in Jamaica, this artist is known for his dancehall tunes. Oh, Carolina and Boombastic were his early hits that help to define the 90’s for many of us. It Wasn’t Me and Angel came later, reminding us of his ability to deliver both catchy lyrics and swoon-worthy love songs.
Oasis. An English rock band, Oasis really left us hanging when it split up in 2009. We’re just glad we can still play Wonderwall as much as we want, and sing it at every karaoke event.
Eve. Hailing from Philadelphia, this rapper quickly became an icon for tomboys and girly girls alike. She could be hard, and she could be soft. She spit lines of truth, and she sang sweetly. Gotta Man was a throwback to nursery rhymes and puppy love, but didn’t fail to deliver a rap everyone wanted to learn. Love is Blind proved that rap music could deliver a message, sensitizing people to real issues affecting people all around us. Like her 1999 debut album declared, “Let there be Eve.” She gave us Lip Lock in 2013, but we’re already ready for the third coming.
City High. This group dropped one album on us, then left us hanging. Maybe their purpose was fulfilled, making us answer the question “What Would You Do?” It would be nice if City High emerged, asking more questions of this know-it-all society with such immovable viewpoints on things we don’t truly understand. Their line of questioning may be just what we need right now.
Queen. One of our favorite British bands of all time, Queen delivered hit after hit. We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions are irreplaceable stadium jams and songs of victory. Bohemian Rhapsody and Crazy Little Thing Called Love always transport us to another place and time.
LL Cool J. Mama Said Knock You Out is the first thing to come to mind when we think of Mr. Cool J. He put a spin on Around the Way Girl, giving it new life. In more recent years, he got us to swing our heads around and around to the beat of Headsprung. It’s about time we get a new LL Cool J club banger.
Cher. If I Could Turn Back Time, Believe, and The Shoop Shoop Song are unforgettable hits, post-Sonny and Cher. She showed us she can do it, and she can do it solo. She clearly knows how to make a comeback, and we know she can do it again.
Will Smith. A true entertainer, he makes it clear that he does what he does for us. Sure, the fame and fortune don’t hurt, but he enjoys it. His recent visit to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon proves it. We’d like to see Will Smith Gettin’ Jiggy With It in the studio to deliver a new Summertime jam.
Ricky Martin. Where did our favorite Puerto Rican singer go? No one gets our hips moving like him. He’s a necessary component to Livin’ La Vida Loca. His music inspired us to learn a new language, and take a few dance classes. We don’t doubt his power to do it again.
Salt ‘n’ Peppa. This trio brought the flavor fro Queen’s, New York, delivering songs we still can’t stop singing. No topic was off limits, evidenced by their hit Let’s Talk About Sex. Push It never gets old, and Ellen DeGeneres recognizes the genius of Shoop which is one of her favorite songs.The Pussycat Dolls. Their songs are sex-positive, fun, and totally danceable. Singing their songs feels good for girls everywhere. From When I Grow Up to Buttons, TBD made music that recognized everyday womanhood. With feminism on the rise, we could use more of this kind of music. You agree with us, Don’t Cha?
Who would you like to see back on the Billboard 100?
