It's that time of year again! I'm updating my annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Prospects Project rankings. This is the Project’s year fifth year, and I am pleased to announce that there is a brand new artist ranked #1!
As you may have noticed, this article is on a different website than you're used to. Last year, I decided to transition from Squarespace to Substack. Nothing against Squarespace, but I prefer the sleekness and presentation of Substack. All articles and blogs will be posted here going forward.
Life, generally speaking, is going well. I recently accepted a new faculty (tenure track) position at a major university, so things have been a bit busy and chaotic. But everything is going in the right direction and I couldn’t be happier. My podcast, Rock in Retrospect, is going well and we will be celebrating our 100th episode later this year. It’s hard to believe it is almost 4 years old…
A recent episode, potentially of interest to readers to check out, is our 2025 Rock Hall Nominees Draft. I invited my show's regular guests to try and predict who will be nominated on the Performers ballot this year. This is the third time we've done this episode, and it's always a blast. Most, if not all, of the names mentioned in the Draft are included on my Top 100 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Prospects list.
Thank you to my listeners and readers for supporting my work over the years!
Now onto the Project…
This Project is a labor of love. I started this Project during the pandemic in 2020, and it quickly took on a life of its own. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this would be ongoing nearly five years later. When I began the Project, I had more free time and managed to somehow write nearly 100 pages of short essays about every single artist ranked in the original top 100. Life has been busy, and I haven't had as much time to devote to writing as I'd like, but I want to change that this year. I decided to write 'elevator pitches' for artists ranked in the top 20, as well as for those who are newly added to the Project this year. It might be hard to believe, but now anyone who recorded and released music in the 20th century is eligible for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Two artists who became eligible last year are added to this year’s rankings.
The list and its rankings might seem subjective and odd at first glance, but many factors are taken into consideration. Anyone who is considered an A-lister in their respected genre is typically the worthiest of prospective candidates. They are usually the artists who dominated the charts, the zeitgeist of popular culture in their prime, and blazed a trail for those who followed them. There's no scientific way to definitively justify or quantify the Project's rankings, but the most important parameters are impact, influence, and musical excellence. I constantly ask myself two critical questions: (1) “Did these artists contribute to and/or expand our understanding of rock and roll as an art form?” and (2) “Can you tell the history of rock and roll with (or without) this artist?” These questions grounded my understanding of rock and roll, and its ever-expanding definitions and characteristics. It also confronts our own biases and misconceptions. The beauty of the Project is that times change and, as a result, the list reflects what directions I believe the Rock Hall’s induction ceremonies are heading. Also, full disclosure: I try to remain as neutral and unbiased as possible when rankings these artists. Personal taste is rarely a factor I consider when crafting the list.
A word of warning about the new additions to the Project this year: I leaned very heavily towards populism. One of the biggest takeaways from the 2024 induction ceremony is that the Rock Hall’s voting body overwhelming still loves to honor Classic Rock artists. That well is drying up very quickly, but there’s still several candidates I added that I think still have a good shot to receive induction someday. There’s also an emphasis placed on artists who debuted and first became popular in the 1990s. The last few ceremonies have shown that the voting body is willing to embrace more contemporary artists (as well as those popular decades prior). There’s a good balance between the two, in addition to those who were ubiquitous in the 1980s.
With that said, here are the Top 100 Prospects Project rankings for 2025:
Coldplay: I know what you might be thinking: 'Why is Coldplay ranked #1?' They are still one of the most relevant and popular artists on the planet, even after 25 years of a legendary career. If any artist who first became popular in the 21st century deserves to be in the Rock Hall by now, it's Coldplay. I often equate them to being the 21st century equivalent of U2 (who were inducted ASAP in 2005): both experimented with various styles and genres, wrote thematic masterpieces (including “Viva La Vida” and “Clocks”), and feature well-known lead singers who took on activist roles. To top it all off, their most recent tour sold more tickets than any other in history. This stuff matters! They are exactly the type of artist who should have been inducted in their first year of eligibility, and they absolutely deserve this honor. If ever inducted, there is a 99.99% likelihood they close the show. Love it or hate it, a Coldplay induction is happening.
Mariah Carey: I ranked Mariah Carey #1 for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023), and she is undoubtedly the most significant 90s-era artist not yet inducted into the Rock Hall. She was nominated last year but, shockingly, did not receive enough votes. I have no idea what to make of that, but this does not diminish her worthiness. If anything, this is Radiohead-level weirdness happening with the voters. Remember her lawyer(!) got inducted BEFORE Queen Mariah…and she made headlines when she called the Rock Hall out for that.
Cyndi Lauper (Inducted in 2025): She is arguably the most significant early MTV era artist yet to be inducted. Lauper’s done all the things to keep her name in the conversation: released a documentary, embarked on a farewell tour, and (oh, yeah) made an appearance during the 2024 induction ceremony. With all that aside, her songs are timeless and she’s one of the most underrated talents in the industry. Give the woman her flowers.
Outkast (Inducted in 2025): These southern hip-hop pioneers have been eligible for induction for over half a decade and have yet to receive a nomination. It's baffling considering their massive success in the 1990s and 2000s. I don't understand it.
The B-52’s: Why haven’t these new wave icons received a nomination yet? A singular band with a unique sound, the B-52’s helped define new wave music in the post-punk era. As LGBTQ icons who created some of the most danceable and memorable songs of their era, it’s utterly shocking they have never been nominated.
Dr. Dre: He would be the first hip-hop artist to be inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and it's easy to forget how massively successful he was as a solo artist in the 1990s. The Chronic is one of those staple records in any collection and that album (along with other productions Dre worked on) forever changed music. He is an example of someone who doesn’t need a backdoor induction to get inducted a second time. He could get in the regular way. Also remember that he appeared at three(!) of the last four induction ceremonies…
Photos: Coldplay, Mariah Carey, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, The B-52s, Dr. Dre Iron Maiden: Their snub becomes more egregious each year, and they are the most worthy from the metal world. They don’t care about the Rock Hall but the latter should if they want to sell tickets. Iron Maiden is consistently the top vote-getter at the museum’s kiosks and they are Tom Morello’s next passion project on the nom com. It’s a matter of when, not if, at this point.
Soundgarden (Inducted in 2025): What is the holdup with Soundgarden getting into the Rock Hall? Chris Cornell is one of the most beloved frontmen of all time and they are the biggest grunge band not inducted. After two failed attempts, it seems like Soundgarden has one major hurdle to overcome, but their day will come sooner rather than later.
Diana Ross: She was, of course, inducted with the Supremes in 1988 but this is to honor Diana Ross’ solo career. Ross has won virtually every award imaginable and a second Rock Hall induction seems highly likely. Over the last couple years, the Rock Hall has embraced icons and legends that can’t miss with voters (e.g., Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Cher). These are names that can persuade any casual music fan to buy a ticket at the induction ceremony or watch it on television. Diana Ross turned 80 last year and she still performs and records. She is the worthiest two-timer available.
Snoop Dogg: Like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg is one of those names that screams Rock Hall inductee. A recent Songwriters Hall of Fame induction (the only hip-hop artist to receive this honor who is not already inducted into the Rock Hall) gives him a massive boost. He is someone known and loved by virtually everyone on the planet Fo' Shizzle, Snoop’s time is coming.
The White Stripes (Inducted in 2025): I ranked Jack and Meg White's band just outside the top ten, as their muted response to their 2023 nomination may have slightly diminished their chances of induction in the near future. Take nothing away from their worthiness - they are one of the 21st century’s truly great rock acts.
Sinéad O'Connor: Since her death in 2023, there has been an outpouring of respect and admiration for Sinead O’Connor that she rarely received in her lifetime. Her nomination last year makes her eventual induction seem inevitable.
Photos: Iron Maiden, Soundgarden, Diana Ross, Snoop Dogg, The White Stripes, Sinéad O'Connor Phil Collins: You simply cannot tell the history of 1980s popular music without Phil Collins. Amazingly, he balanced two hugely successful careers at the same time and made hit after hit. He’s not in the greatest health right now and he can no longer perform. He is worthy of a second induction and this is one that feels incredibly urgent.
Beck: He was nominated back in 2022 and I even had Beck in my top-ten at one point. He is the Gen-X version of David Bowie - a musical chameleon who defied genre expectations to make experimental and artful music. Also like Bowie, Beck is singular, creative, and brilliant.
Salt N Pepa (Inducted in 2025): After Missy Elliott’s first-ballot induction two years ago, it’s high time the Rock Hall honors more women from the world of hip-hop. Salt N Pepa were among the biggest and most popular names of their era and should definitely be considered. More of a singles act, but they have big ones that are still heard today. I would be most excited to see them perform at a ceremony.
Joy Division/New Order: Post-punk pioneers who changed the landscape of alternative rock and new wave in the late 1970s and 1980s. I predicted their BOGO-esque nomination 5 years ago and they were previously nominated in 2023. I wonder how well they resonated with voters and if that warrants a return to the ballot.
Smashing Pumpkins: Simply put, the Smashing Pumpkins were the biggest rock band of the late 1990s. Of the artists eligible from that decade, they are perhaps the most glaring of those who have yet to receive a nomination.
De La Soul: Now that their music is available on streaming services, the sky’s the limit for De La Soul’s Rock Hall chances. Adding to that, they appeared during the A Tribe Called Quest tribute showcase last year, and they seem like the next logical early hip-hop group to be nominated. And, oh yeah, Questlove is a big fan of theirs…
Warren Zevon (Inducted in 2025): One of the last “old guard” singer-songwriters to likely resonate with voters. I’m still kinda surprised he didn’t get inducted two years ago but apparently he did well enough to warrant a return to the ballot.
Queen Latifah: A groundbreaking pioneer for women in hip-hop, Queen Latifah is one of the genre’s first solo superstars. She inducted Missy Elliott in 2023 and performed in the A Tribe Called Quest tribute segment, so there’s momentum in her favor. Add a recent Kennedy Center Honor to the mix and that might seal her fate as a future Rock Hall inductee.
Billy Idol
INXS
Eric B. & Rakim
Sade
Oasis
Jane’s Addiction
The Pointer Sisters
No Doubt
Roberta Flack
Lenny Kravitz
Alanis Morissette
Bad Company (Inducted in 2025)
TLC
Devo
Luther Vandross
Pixies
The Smiths
Gloria Estefan/Miami Sound Machine
Boston: Following Foreigner's induction last year, it's likely that Boston (along with Bad Company and other similar artists) will be a strong contender for induction in the near future. Their 1976 debut is one of the best-selling albums of all time, features an iconic album cover, and literally every song is a classic rock staple. Add Tom Scholz’s genius to the mix and, yeah, it could definitely happen.
New York Dolls
Patti LaBelle
Motörhead
Sting
Wu-Tang Clan
Joe Cocker (Inducted in 2025)
Tori Amos
Ice-T
Melissa Etheridge
Tears for Fears
War
The Monkees
Tracy Chapman
Jethro Tull
Huey Lewis and the News: Laugh all you want at the musicality and cheesiness of Huey Lewis and the News, but there’s no denying the impact they made on 1980s popular music. They were everywhere in the 1980s and their biggest hits still hold up (“The Power of Love”). Also remember…Huey saved the day during the “We Are the World” session! And if you look at the poster for Netflix’s The Greatest Night in Pop - only two people are not inducted the Rock Hall: Cyndi Lauper and Huey Lewis.
Daft Punk
Barry White
Bryan Adams
Sonic Youth
Lauryn Hill
Fela Kuti
Kenny Loggins: This is it…you think I’ve gone crazy (or so you think). It’s easy to forget how many great songs Kenny Loggins has written over the years. “The King of Movie Soundtracks,” his songs are immortalized in movies now deemed classics and his songs still receive airplay. “Footlose” was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2017 and he has several Grammys on his mantle. This feels like a Lionel Richie-esque induction scenario, where voters are likely to consider his time with his group (Loggins and Messina). Loggins is extremely well-connected and beloved in the industry and exactly the type of artist who would excel with voters of a certain age.
The Replacements
Weezer
Thin Lizzy
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Mötley Crüe
Alice in Chains
10,000 Maniacs/Natalie Merchant: Besides Sinéad O'Connor, Natalie Merchant was the go-to female alternative rocker heading into the 1990s. Merchant’s band 10,00 Maniacs found success on college rock stations and drummed up a solid catalog of memorable songs (including “These Are Days” and their cover of the Patti Smith classic “Because the Night”). If you look closely at the Rock Hall’s museum, Merchant’s name is all over their exhibits and, oh yeah, former nom com chair Jon Landau worked with Merchant when she started her successful solo career.
Aaliyah
Styx: I’ve softened my stance on Styx over the years. When I started this Project years ago, I would have laughed off their chances But they were a big deal in their prime and they have songs that are still heard today. Given all the drama with Dennis DeYoung and the rest of the band, this would be a messy induction but they are one of those classic rock acts that could pop up on a ballot in any given year.
The Bangles
Don Henley: This is a two-time induction I can get behind. When the Eagles broke up in 1980, Henley emerged as a solo artist and found success relatively quickly. His smash hit “The Boys of Summer” is one of the best songs of the 1980s, and he is every bit as politically and socially conscious as Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp during that decade (look at The End of the Innocence). In terms of two-time inductions, I think the likes of Phil Collins and Sting will be considered first. However, I wouldn’t discount Henley’s chances.
Big Star
Black Flag
Usher: One of the biggest R&B and pop superstars of the last 30 years, Usher managed to stay relevant while developing an individualistic persona and a successful career. He just headlined a Super Bowl half-time show and feels more like a legacy artist at this point. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but he’s one of the big names from this era that will come up sooner or later. Yeah!
King Crimson
Britney Spears
Pet Shop Boys
Bjork
Culture Club: Boy George is one of the most important and transgressive figures of popular music in the 1980s. Along with Annie Lennox, he challenged ideas of conformity and sexuality in an era when such transgression was considered taboo. Culture Club is primarily a singles act, but they have quite a number of recognizable and iconic hits. If the Nom Com decides to further honor new wave acts, Culture Club seems inevitable.
The Cranberries: One of those 90s-era acts whose popularity has grown considerably over the years, especially in the wake of singer Dolores O'Riordan's death in 2018. If you go down a rabbit hole on any social media platform, you’ll see so many tributes and videos with the Cranberries’ music being used. Gen Z love them some Cranberries! Read Michael Stipe’s beautiful tribute to her and the band he wrote last September.
Herbie Hancock
Shakira: An international sensation who remains one of the biggest and most important Latin artists in history. Shakira is a living legend that has accomplished so many things you look for in a HOF resume: she sold over 100 million records, performed at the Super Bowl Half-Time show, has the ability to sell out virtually any venue, and served as an inspiration and cultural icon to millions of fans. Shakira is a force of nature.
Destiny’s Child
Lil Wayne: Widely considered one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop artists of the 21st century, Lil Wayne seems to have his fingerprints on all facets of the genre. From his pioneering work to incorporating autotune in hip-hop productions to his wildly creative freestyling approach to creating words and phrases that entered the lexicon, Lil Wayne is a cultural phenomenon. He has two albums ranked on Rolling Stone’s latest edition of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
Tool
Sarah McLachlan: An important yet highly underrated artist of the 1990s, Sarah McLachlan helped bridge the worlds of alternative rock and adult contemporary. She also founded the legendary Lilith Fair festival, a groundbreaking contribution that gave women of the rock world more visibility. She’s more connected and liked in the music industry than most realize.
Rick James
Fiona Apple
John Mayer: Maybe I’m ranking John Mayer too low, but it’s hard to get a pulse on the urgency to put his name on the ballot. In the early-to-mid 00s, Mayer was the go-to singer-songwriter who amassed hits and awards. He inducted several people in the Rock Hall in the past, toured with the Dead, and now has his own SiriusXM channel. Maybe not this year, but certainly within the next decade.
PJ Harvey
Stone Temple Pilots: Not likely to happen until their grunge contemporaries Soundgarden and Alice in Chains are inducted, but Stone Temple Pilots had an impressive string of hit singles and albums in the 1990s. Frontman Scott Weiland, who died in 2015, is one of rock’s most underrated and talented vocalists. In the landscape of 1990s alternative rock, STP have enough notoriety to warrant a nomination and eventual induction in the near future.
Blink-182
D’Angelo
Shania Twain
The Black Crowes
Carpenters
Nas
Phish
Living Colour
Artists added to the 2025 update (in alphabetical order): 10,000 Maniacs/Natalie Merchant, Boston, The Cranberries, Culture Club, Don Henley, Huey Lewis and the News, Lil Wayne, Kenny Loggins, John Mayer, Sarah McLachlan, Shakira, Stone Temple Pilots, Styx, Usher
Additional resources about the Project:
Introduction (written in 2020)
2020/2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Rankings
Check out this episode of Rock in Retrospect where I invited Joe Kwaczala to discuss this year’s revisions.
Questions? Thoughts? Leave a Comment. Just remember to be respectful.
Great list. The nominating committee would do themselves a favor by reviewing it before meeting. It's helpful not only to think about who's not yet in the RRHoF but who is most-deserving of induction. I just wanted to highlight two artists I would consider omissions.
1. Gram Parsons: An extraordinarily important figure who is often considered the creator of country rock. His work with the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and as a solo artist is really influential; ask none other than Keith Richards. Astonishingly, the Hall didn't induct Parsons with the Byrds when they had the chance. Instead of nominating him, maybe it makes more sense to honor him with a Musical Excellence Award.
2. Pink: According to Future Rock Legends, she's eligible this year. A lot of the commentary I've read so far about potential nominees has suggested there isn't an obvious first-year nominee. Those commentors haven't given enough consideration to Pink. Of all the pop acts that emerged at the turn of the millennium, she's had the longest, most durable career. She would be able to assemble a solid, filler-free greatest hits compilation. She gets great reviews as a live performer. Her music scans pop, but it also rocks, and she's got a rock and roll attitude. She has legions of loyal female fans who consider her music a tremendous source of strength and inspiration. People have grown out of Britney Spears and NSync, but they keep Pink in their playlists and aren't ashamed to to be fans. Pink hasn't reached elder status yet, but she deserves it for her ability, not unlike Dolly Parton, to reach across our cultural divides and win credibility in every corner of the country. She's way underrated, but she more than deserves the flowers.
Three Dog Night? 21 Consecutive Top 40’s, and no one
bigger between 1969–1974. Sold out arenas and stadiums, including the Cotton Bowl, and like Ronstadt, introduced the world to a who’s who of great artists like Nilsson, Laura Nyro, Randy Newman & more.