Best American music of the last 25 years?


What songs and artists best represent American music over the past 25 years?

I am making a mega playlist for my friend immigrating to the States next month. She loves English music but it's heavily censored where she is from. What are the best songs to help her catch up to date on popular genres and show her the best songs of the last 25 years?

Bonus points for songs that cover the plight of generations or relevant sociopolitical situations at the time.

leon471

There are only a few artists that I've bought more than 1 of their albums/CD's over the last 25 years that have not been previously mentioned:

Johnny A

Ryan Adams

Neko Case

Rosanne Cash

Lloyd Cole

The Delays

Mark Eitzel

I Am Kloot

Ivy / Fountains of Wayne

Jenny Lewis

Shelby Lynne

Aimee Mann

Nada Surf

Kim Richey

 

Alabama Shakes,  Anderson.Paak, Bruno Mars, The B-52's,  Benise, Beth Hart, Billie Eilish, BJ The Chicago Kid, Black Eyed Peas, Boney James, Bria Skonberg, David Byne, Casey Abrams, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Christian McBride, Marcus Miller, D'Angelo, Dave Koz, Ed Sheeran, Eva Cassidy, Garth Brooks, Gregory Porter, Halie Loren, Hugh Laurie, Jacintha, Sade, Jill Scott, John Mayer, Joshua Redman, Joss Stone, Justin Timberlake, Kandace Spring, Keb' Mo', Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Kendrick Lamar, Kygo, Lady Gaga, Leela James, Lianne La Havas, etc., etc., etc.  First haft of the alphabet.

There are so many good artists and so much music that has emerged in the last 25 years that it's almost impossible to catalog. I guess favorite songs is as good a place to start as anywhere else. Take your pick.  

Ray Davies Our Country Americana act 1 and 2 with the Jayhawks. A journey across America and it's inspiration.

Bands and performers that have been popular this century:

LCD Soundsystem. Great electronic

Dead and company sounds like Greatful Dead(misspelling intended)

Chris Stapleton excellent country

Black Keys Grungy but great

Muse Alternative rock

Arcade Fire Alternative

Blood Orange great r and b

Brian Culbertson jazz

Dua Lipa, Maroon 5 pop music

Several jam bands are quite talented. Been my thing lately. Phish, Lettuce, government mule, goose,

I just realized a couple not american bands. Oh well.