Switching genres can be risky for musicians, but for these 10 artists,they have been able to pull it off, especially the person at number one. Truly, what these musicians have accomplished is very special.Some artists in the rock genre have managed to do this seamlessly, but it’s a gamble anytime people change the sound that makes them popular.
However, for many of these artists,switching genres has led them to major success. This includes having songs reachover one billion streams on platforms such as Spotify. Additionally, it has helped some become bigger than ever, including allowing them to compete with a number ofthe biggest touring artists of this century.
While some have just recently made these shocking moves, such as Paramore, there are a few others who did it a long time ago. These include the likes of Paul Simon and Billy Joel. Each has helped continue paving the way for other musicians, showing thatcreating music is about being in the momentand not necessarily about the past.
10Post Malone: Hip-hop - Country
With his debut studio album,Stoney, in 2016, Post Malone quickly proved to be a key player in the hip-hop genre. Songs such as “White Iverson” and “Congratulations” made him a household name. While they showcased his creativity,there were many talents that Post Malone hadn’t revealed yetbut would show in time.
Over the years, he dabbled in genres such as rock, but with his 2024 record,F-1 Trillion, he made a full switch. This was his attempt at country music, andit has become a sensation. He teamed up with some of the biggest country stars and even went on a successful tour with Jelly Roll, firmly cementing his crossover.
9Alanis Morissette: Dance-pop - Alternative Rock
As Alanis Morissette emerged in the early 1990s, she did so with a pop sound that would have fit perfectly in the 1980s. Her song “Too Hot” was a bop, butit wasn’t the sound she kept for very long. Morissette released one more record that incorporated the pop sound before she decided to record music that matched the decade.
Morissette started diving into the alternative rock genre. Her music became dark with hits such as “You Oughta Know,” butit made her a bigger star than ever before. The first record where she attempted this,Jagged Little Pill, is now 17x platinum. As her career has developed, she has managed to incorporate a mix of everything at times.
8Gwen Stefani: Ska - Pop
As Gwen Stefani rose to fame, she did so as the vocalist for the band No Doubt. The group was influential inhelping the ska genre thrive. Of course, ska is not easy to execute, as there are many instruments incorporated into it. Making the vocals follow alongside can be an even tougher task, but Stefani did it with ease.
In the 2000s, she broke out as a solo artist and showed that she had a firm grasp on the pop genre. Songs such as “Hollaback Girl” helped her solo career reach new heights. As time has gone on, she has attempted other genres as well, proving that whether it’s ska, pop, or even country,she can make everything work.
7André 3000: Hip-hop - Jazz
As a member of OutKast, André 3000 had a legendary run that culminated in the duo being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as members of the 2025 class. André 3000 and Big Boi becameone of the most influential hip-hop acts ever. With songs such as “Player’s Ball” and “Ms. Jackson,” the group’s legacy is cemented.
Throughout their discography, the duo experimented with many genres. Recently, André 3000 has taken this to new levels during his solo career,incorporating numerous elements of jazz. This work has earned him many accolades, such as multiple Grammy Award nominations, which include recognition for Best Alternative Jazz Album.
6Bee Gees: Folk - Disco
In their early days, the Bee Gees focused on a folk sound. They would mix in some other genres as well, but there was a clear direction for the band. In the mid-1970s, everything changed as they began attempting to incorporate disco. This move paid off for themwith their inclusion on the soundtrack forSaturday Night Fever.
On that soundtrack,the band released their biggest song ever, “Stayin' Alive.“It was impressive how the band was able to seamlessly transition into the unique sound, and also have the look to match. This change didn’t last for the rest of their career, but it is one of the best changes in sound for a band.
5Darius Rucker: Rock - Country
Throughout the 1990s, Darius Rucker found significant success as a member of Hootie & the Blowfish. The alternative rock band became fan favorites with hits such as “Let Her Cry.” In fact, that song won them a Grammy Award. Additionally, they also won a Grammy for Best New Artist, whichcemented their place as a memorable act of the genre.
In the 2000s, the band released a couple more albums, but Rucker also began a solo career. He found major success as a country artist. Songs like “Wagon Wheel” helped him ascend in the genre, like a seasoned veteran.Rucker has never been out of place in country music, and has successfully blended past and present.
4MGK: Hip-hop - Pop-Punk
When MGK released his debut studio album,Lace Up, in 2012,he became one of the biggest names in hip-hop. Throughout the 2010s, he would release a few more albums, solidifying himself as one of the most popular in the genre. Then, in 2020, he took a different direction when he released the pop-punk album,Tickets to My Downfall.
Although some were skeptical,this was the music that felt right for MGK. The hit songs followed, and the record went to number one on theBillboard200. The next question was how he’d follow up, which he did with another number one record,Mainstream Sellout. In 2025,Lost Americanawill be MGK’s next project, going in the direction he wants.
3Skrillex: Emo - Dubstep
One of the most surprising artists in today’s music is Skrillex. Before becoming the DJ that everyone knows, he was Sonny Moore,the lead singer for the band From First to Last. With the band, he contributed two albums, including their successful debut,Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Bodycount, which featured songs such as “Note to Self.”
Once he went on his own and became Skrillex, his career went to the next level. Not only has he created his own albums, but he has also worked with some of the biggest artists. These names include Justin Bieber and Kid Cudi. Now, Skrillex has nine Grammy Awards andhas one of the most recognizable names in music.
2Beyoncé: R&B - Country
Not many artists have found as much success as Beyoncé. In her early days, she was a key member of the girl group Destiny’s Child. Then, she shifted to a solo career where she performed some of the biggest hits ever. Throughout this time, she helped R&Breach some of the greatest heights the genre has seen.
Never afraid of a challenge, Beyoncé attempted to reinvent herself again with her 2024 record,Cowboy Carter. This saw her tackling the country genre, and it was met with a great deal of praise. With hits such as “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Beyoncé has become a force in the genre and has nowadded another memorable chapter to her historic career.
1Taylor Swift: County - Pop
Taylor Swift began as a country artist,quickly becoming a superstar in the genre. For many years, Swift incorporated the country genre into her music, but her focus also turned to pop music. This transition brought her even more success, and it was clear she had a grasp on what she needed to do in order to keep ascending.
Taylor continues following her instincts, which has led her to being the biggest musician in the world. Not only has her net worth surpassed one billion dollars, but she has also had the highest-grossing tour ever. Her numbers don’t lie, with her songs receiving billions of streams. It feels as if, no matter the genre,her fans will remain loyal.
