Surprising Genre Shifts: Unexpected Hits from Familiar Artists

In the world of music, it’s not uncommon to hear an artist release a song that's completely unexpected, especially considering the type of music they usually produce. This article explores a few such surprising hits, highlighting the genres, artists, and songs that took the music community by surprise.

The Osmond Brothers: 'Crazy Horses'

One of the most notable examples is the Osmond Brothers. The group, known for their harmonious pop and country sounds, surprised everyone when they released 'Crazy Horses' in the mid-1970s. Originally, the song came as a heavy metal surprise, given their usual style. It was a high-energy track that showcases a different side of the band's musical capabilities.

Paramore: Transitioning from Pop-Punk to Pop

Another artist that caught everyone off guard was Paramore. A band primarily associated with pop-punk and alternative rock, Paramore released a ballad, 'Bravery' in 2007, which was a stark departure from their earlier work. They then took their surprise to another level in 2013 with the song 'The Only Exception', which resonated with a broader audience and showcased their range as a pop-punk band.

Taylor Swift: From Country to Pop

Taylor Swift's transition from country to pop is another striking example. With her 2014 album '1989', Swift masterfully shifted her genre, starting with the hit song 'Shake It Off'. This change did not disappoint, as the album went on to be one of her most successful commercially. Taylor Swift's versatility and her ability to surprise her fans with unexpected genre shifts were once again proven.

The Rolling Stones: 'Her Majesty's Satanic Request'

While not a hit in the traditional sense, the album 'Her Majesty's Satanic Request' by The Rolling Stones is a great example of an unexpected release. This album was a stark contrast to their previous work and paid homage to the Beatles' album 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'. Despite being a less typical work for The Rolling Stones, it received critical acclaim and showcased the band's willingness to experiment.

Sugar Ray: 'That's What Friends Are For'

Sugar Ray is another example of a band that became a one-hit wonder with a song that was completely different from their usual style. Known primarily for their hit 'Fly', Sugar Ray released 'That's What Friends Are For' from their album 'Sugar Ray's Last Record... in 1998. The song was a softer ballad that was a stark contrast to their typical hard rock sound.

Cheap Trick: 'The Flame'

Seasoned Pop-Punk band Cheap Trick also demonstrated a surprise turnout with the song 'The Flame' from their album 'Lap of Luxury' in 1988. This song was more of a soft rock rocker, quite different from their usual hard driving and energetic tracks.

The George Baker Selection: 'Little Green Bag'

A Dutch band, 'The George Baker Selection', debuted with the song 'Little Green Bag' in 1972. This track was a collection of various styles before culminating in a Spanish polka pop song, 'La Paloma Blanca', released 5 years later. The song's style switch and its unexpected popularity remain a mystery, making it a unique addition to the band's discography.

Conclusion

The music industry is filled with surprises and twists, and these examples highlight how artists can embrace and deliver unexpected songs that become hits. Whether it's a ballad from a hard rock band or a polka ditty from a pop-punk sensation, these songs remind us that artists are always capable of surprising us with their versatile talents.