Dom I can agree with most of your post but Dave Matthews sometimes sounds like Adam Sandler? That's funny but really?
Most of the bands in the post that's been quoted multiple times (Hinder, Seether, Godsmack, Nickelback, ...) all sound alike to me. If there's nothing else on the radio it's ok but I doubt I'd ever pay anything to hear them. Same with a bunch of the alternative/pop boy bands (Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco, ....)
Twenty-five years ago I couln't get into rap. Still can't.
Someone mentioned Brittney Spears. Does anyone actually consider her an ''artist"? Does she write any of her songs? (hell if I know but I'd be surprised) Does she play any instrument? (Never seen it) Can she sing well? (without "help") She seems more like an entertainer/brand name/production. ("Oh no Brittney shaved her head again?? Ok we can fix this. We have to. She's our meal ticket")
But if I have to pick one thing it would be all the "rock/heavy metal" bands that have come out in the last 10 years that when they sing it just doesn't sound like singing. I mean when it sounds like they're just yelling, literally yelling, and you can't make out a single word.
Ok, make it two things. I'd add all the 70's very soft rock sound alike bands. (If you know who Bread is I feel sorry for you)
Hey GAC, I think Badfinger was gonna be the next Beatles too. Oh well. Everyone wants the next big thing yet they can't let go of the past.