Top Ten Hits have defined generations, but many artists, who make equally as riveting music, are under-appreciated. Their music captures what we love about mainstream music while offering something different. These musicians haven't found their way onto every playlist as yet, but they still hold a place in the world of music.

This article celebrates these overlooked artists. Many of the musicians on this list have a similar style to some of the most popular artists today. There is an artist for everyone!

Below is a list of fifteen artists, across genres, with less than 500,000 monthly Spotify listeners:

15) Puma Blue - Alternative

Puma Blue, Jacob Allen, is an alternative singer and producer. He has released 4 full-length albums, and has 496,118 monthly listeners. Although he is more popular than some of the other artists that will be mentioned, readers should still tune in to some of his songs.

Puma Blue has garnered recognition in London, known for his soft voice, and melancholy sounds. His most-streamed song, "(She's) Just a Phase", is perfect for a rainy day, and is a good introduction to his other works. His songs are vaguely reminiscent of Mac DeMarco as well as Men I Trust, except he has a darker twist.

Image Credit: Paul Hudson from Wikimedia Commons

Take the Quiz: What Type of Music Should You Listen to While Studying?

Not sure what music would help you focus best while studying? Then this is the quiz for you!

14) Colby Wallace - Soft Rap

Colby Wallace is a genre-syncing musician with 361 monthly listeners. His discography bounces between rap and pop. His song "Don't want u 2 luv me" is perfect for the summer.

It includes relatable lyricism, and a fun pop hook by Keziadt. If you like artists like Dominic Fike, Bakar, or Tyler the Creator, Wallace should be your next listen.

13) The Swallows (Glenn Milchem) - Alternative

The Swallows is the pursuit of drummer, Glenn Milchem, and has 971 monthly listeners on Spotify. Between 1999 and 2011, he released four albums. Some of his tracks have some country-based undertones, inspired by his days playing for the band, Blue Rodeo.

By the release of Turning Blue, the first album, Milchem the Swallows had established themselves as a band. This album remains one of my favorites; the title track, "Turning Blue," was featured in the Jennifer Garner film, Catch and Release. The song is very soft and sad, while others on the album have a rocky edge. Fans of raw sounds and meaningful lyrics should give this band a listen.

12) Jonah Yano - R&B

Jonah Yano is a Japanese singer with 282,225 monthly listeners currently based in Canada. His music is based on jazz and soul, and provides a modern sound to the genre. His music is similar to fellow soul artist, Cleo Sol.

Yano's song "Delicate" is a good introduction for listeners not looking to jump directly into the genre. His song with Clairo, "Snowpath," is simple but beautiful. His entire discography is perfect to have in the background while studying. My favorite song of his is "Key to Love (Is Understanding)," which showcases vocals, and is incredibly calming.

11) Pool Kids - Indie/Math Rock

Pool Kids is a band with 50,349 listeners. People who enjoy Beach Bunny, or nostalgic punk-pop like Simple Plan, will love this band. They have released two studio albums, their most recent album titled, Pool Kids, highlights their similarities to Hayley Williams, lead singer of Paramore.

Every song delivers powerhouse vocals. "Conscious Uncoupling" starts quietly and gradually builds up to a full-on belt. "That's Physics, Baby" makes you feel like joining a Garage Band. The album follows a breakup, and each track channels the power of frustration.

10) Been Stellar - Modern Rock/Indie

Been Stellar is a New York-based modern rock/Indie band with 109,774 listeners. They are heavily inspired by The Strokes. Some of their songs have a softer, more reflective quality, for instance, "Pumpkin" and "Scream from New York, NY." Both are similar to Mayonaise by the Smashing Pumpkins.

Others are more upbeat, reminiscent of Fontaines D.C. These songs include: "Start Again" and "Manhattan Youth." Their music is like a time machine to the height of Radiohead. Any fans of that kind of alternative music will fall in love with this band.Image Credit : Paul Hudson from Wikimedia Commons

9) Jean Carter - Pop/rap

Jean Carter has 440,629 monthly listeners. He is a member of the hip-hop trio, "Your Grandparents." His most streamed song, "My 45," which features Cuco, begins slow, but eventually builds up to a fun song. Many of Carter's songs have soulful undertones, and are slightly nostalgic, without feeling ripped-off. "Mango Freestyle," is softer, and is a good listen on a summer day, while "Shipment" is much more lyrical and rap-focused.

8) Ivan Ave - rap

Ivan Ave is a Norwegian rapper with 150,390 listeners. He is known for his jazz-fusion rap, and is heavily inspired by the 90s. He is often compared to Lauryn Hill and Mac Miller.

His song, "Guest List Etiquette" featuring Joyce Wrice, has jazz/soul production, and a soothing hook by Wrice. It is similar to Mac Miller's album, Circles, with its R&B influence. His music more closely aligns with hip-hop influences than drill or trap. Your first listen should be "What a Day!!!"

7) Delivery - Alternative/modern punk

This Australian band has amassed 24,727 listeners monthly. Their choruses are perfect for shout-alongs! Many of their songs have fun guitar riffs and hooks like "The New Alphabet" and "Digging the Whole." Their song "Picture This," for example, is similar to "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand.

The introduction of both songs has similar guitar parts, which are the defining part of the two tracks. They could be the band that brings Punk back into mainstream music!

6) Elias Ronnenfelt - Rock

Elias Ronnenfelt has 374,457 listeners. He is best known as the lead singer of the band Iceage. His songs are often reminiscent of his previous life as a hardcore rockstar.

His solo music is much more vulnerable, and embraces his role as lyricist and poet in Iceage. Ronnenfelt's debut solo album, Heavy Glory, is heavily Americana/Western-inspired, while Lucre has more electric sounds, and talk-singing. Many of his songs are similar to breakout star, MKG, and due to his poetic lyrics, Boygenius.

5) From Journal - Psychedelic/Folk

From Journal is a band, whose music is based on their diary writing, with 60 monthly listeners. The idea is sweet, and makes their lyrics very raw. They take the Beatles track, "All You Need Is Love," as inspiration for their overall band vibe.

Their song, "Aster," has a cute flute melody, and is a pleading love song. The song is similar to Beabadoobe's music. All their songs include flute parts, and the vocalist has a soft voice, which makes all their songs sound dreamy.

4) Bobby Earth - R&B/Soul

Bobby Earth is a singer/producer with 4,450 listeners on Spotify. His song "Mood" is, well, moody, and is good for when you just want to listen. The production on the track is unique with a simple beat, and synths. "One Thing" is slightly more upbeat, but upon further reflection, is reminiscent of "Good News" by Mac Miller. His songs are mellow, a bit like "A Boy is a Gun" by Tyler the Creator and Steve Lacy's "C U Girl." Fans of Kevin Abstract or even Frank Ocean will find some similarities in Bobby Earth.

3) Quiet Houses - Indie/Pop

Quiet Houses is a Scottish duo with 42,186 listeners. The group's single "What My Heart Is For" is similar to Phoebe Bridgers tracks, complete with beautiful imagery, and interesting guitar riffs. "Since July" is more vulnerable than the aforementioned song, and makes listeners feel reflective. Whispery singing carries a lot of their songs, "Ocean Avenue" for instance, similar to Gracie Abrams. Any fan of soft, lyric-focused pop will love this duo.

2) K.I.D - Pop

This Canadian duo consisting of Kara Lane and Bobby Lo has 13,493 listeners. Their music is hyper-pop and dreamlike, similar to Charli XCX, Coco&Clair Clair, as well as Between Friends. The band produces fast-paced, electronic songs that force you out of bed and dancing. If you enjoy Melanie Martinez, Troye Sivan, or any of the previously mentioned artists, this band may be exactly what you are searching for.

1) Peyton - R&B

Peyton has 73,181 monthly listeners. She received a grammy nomination for her behind-the-scenes work. Her song "Verbs" featuring Steve Lacy, transports listeners to a summer day, so it is perfect for the changing weather.

Her music uses unique beats under her melodic vocals, as demonstrated in "Sweet Honey," a love song. Her sound is similar to that of SZA and Steve Lacy.

Whether you prefer punk or soul, there is a musician on this list for you. Listen to their albums, add them to your playlist, and share their name with friends and family. Not only can you help them grow, but also expand your music rotation.