Known for a sound that mixes rock, pop, funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and blues, Toto is definitely a very unique band. Formed in Los Angeles in 1977, the band was originally made up of Joseph Williams, Steve Porcaro, David Paich, and Steve Lukather, and touring members Shannon Forrest, Lenny Castro, Warren Ham, and Shem von Schroeck.
Toto gained huge commercial success in the 1970s and ’80s, starting with their debut album and then their widely popular 1982 album, ‘Toto IV.’ They’ve won several Grammys and sold over 40 million records worldwide. Band members came and went, but in 2010, Toto came back together and did a short tour in Europe to benefit former band member Mike Porcaro, who had a serious illness. In 2019, Toto announced they were going on an indefinite break.
Recommended Listening: “Africa,” “Rosanna,” and “Hold the Line” are must-hear for this band.
The Killers
American rock band, The Killers have seen worldwide fame since their formation in 2001. The band was founded by Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning in Las Vegas, and the line-up got bigger as bassist Mark Stoermer and drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. joined a year later.
The Killers have released five studio albums that topped charts in several countries, including 'Hot Fuss,' 'Sam's Town,' 'Day & Age,' 'Battle Born,' and 'Wonderful Wonderful.' They are considered one of the best rock bands of modern times, performing in more than 50 different countries and having live shows in historic venues like Wembley Stadium and Madison Square Garden. Fun fact: the name for the band came from a logo on a bass drum of a fake band that appears in New Order's "Crystal" song video.
Recommended Listening: "Mr. Brightside" and, "Somebody Told Me" are two of their most famous songs, and for good reason. If you want to keep listening, try their 'Hot Fuss' album. You won't be disappointed.
Paramore
American rock band Paramore was founded in 2004 in Tennessee. As of today, the band is made up of vocalist Hayley Williams, guitarist Taylor York, and drummer Zac Farro. Their first album, 'All We Know is Falling', topped charts both in the US and UK.
Their second album, 'Riot!', was a huge success and was certified platinum in the U.S., and their 2009 album 'Brand New Eyes' was an even bigger success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200. Then, in 2013, they released their self-titled album and went up to number one on the US and UK charts and in several other countries. Paramore won a Grammy for their song "Ain't It Fun" in 2013.
Recommended Listening: "Crushcrushcrush," "That's What You Get," "Misery Business," and "The Only Exception." Their album 'Paramore' should be listened to from front to back.
The Smashing Pumpkins
Formed in 1988 in Chicago, The Smashing Pumpkins are one of the best American alternative rock bands ever. Founded by frontman Billy Corgan, guitarist James Iha, bassist D'arcy Wretzky, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, the band rose to fame thanks to their unique, diverse, and layered sound.
Combining gothic, psychedelic, and progressive rock with heavy metal and dream pop, The Smashing Pumpkins definitely have a very particular sound and, thanks to Corgan, very deep and cathartic lyrics that have shaped the band.
Recommended Listening: Their 1995 album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" should be listened to from beginning to end.
System of a Down
This Armenian-American hard rock band was founded in 1994 in California. Vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist Daron Malakian, drummer Andy Khachaturian, and bassist Shavo Odadjian made up System of a Down. Although their heavy metal/hard rock sound may be a bit heavy for many people, they still managed to reach commercial success simply because they're geniuses.
Three of their albums reached number one on the US Billboard 200, and they've been nominated for four Grammys, winning one for their song "B.Y.O.B.." The System of Down boys took a break from 2006 to 2010 when they reunited and started performing live again.
Recommended Listening: "Chop Suey!", "Aerials," "Lost in Hollywood," "Sugar," and "B.Y.O.B." are all great songs to start with.