Canada might be known for its vast landscapes, maple syrup, and hockey, but don’t sleep on its musical talent. From the windswept prairies to bustling urban centers, the country has produced an incredible array of artists who have made their mark on the global stage. This list explores the 10 greatest Canadian music artists who have shaped the sound of music for generations.
From poetic lyricists like Leonard Cohen to the raw emotion of Alanis Morissette in the ’90s, from the godfather of grunge, aka Neil Young, to one of the most innovative indie rock projects of the 21st century by Destroyer, Canada is a cauldron of great musical talents. This compilation celebrates the best that Canada has to offer.
10 Best Canadian Music Artists of All Time (Ranked):
10. Destroyer (1995-Present) – Indie Rock, Glam Rock, Baroque Pop
Led by the enigmatic Dan Bejar, Destroyer’s eclectic blend of indie rock, glam, and baroque pop has earned them a cult following. Bejar’s cryptic lyrics and theatrical delivery, combined with the band’s lush arrangements, create a unique and captivating sound that continues to evolve with each album.
Great albums to start with: “Kaputt,” “Streethawk: A Seduction,” and “Destroyer’s Rubies.”
From: Vancouver, British Columbia.
9. Alanis Morissette (1991-Present) – Alternative Rock, Pop Rock
With over 85 million albums sold worldwide, Alanis Morissette’s raw and emotional lyrics, powerful vocals, and genre-bending sound have made her a global icon. Her confessional songwriting resonated with millions, and her influence on alternative rock and pop music cannot be overstated.
Great albums to start with: “Jagged Little Pill,” “Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie,” and “Under Rug Swept.”
From: Ottawa, Ontario.
8. The Tragically Hip (1984-2017) – Rock, Blues, Alternative Rock
A blend of rock, blues, and country, combined with Gord Downie’s enigmatic lyrics and charismatic stage presence, earned them a devoted following across Canada. Their songs often explored Canadian themes and identity, making them a cultural touchstone for many. Following Gord Downie’s tragic death from brain cancer in 2017, their legacy as one of Canada’s most beloved bands was cemented.
Great albums to start with: “Fully Completely,” “Up to Here,” and “Road Apples.”
From: Kingston, Ontario.
7. The Guess Who (1962-present) – Garage Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Pop Rock
Emerging from Winnipeg in the 1960s, The Guess Who’s blend of garage rock, psychedelia, and pop sensibilities produced hits like “American Woman” and “No Time.” Their success paved the way for other Canadian bands to break into the international market, and they remain a beloved part of Canadian music history.
Notably, “American Woman” was the first song by a Canadian band to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Great albums to start with: “American Woman,” “Wheatfield Soul,” and “Share the Land.”
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba.
6. Arcade Fire (2001-Present) – Indie Rock, Art Rock, Baroque Pop
The indie rock collective Arcade Fire burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with their critically acclaimed debut album “Funeral.” Their anthemic songs, theatrical live shows, and socially conscious lyrics resonated with a generation, establishing them as one of the most important bands of the 21st century.
Notably, their album “The Suburbs” won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2011, a surprise victory that solidified their place in music history.
Great albums to start with: “Funeral,” “Neon Bible,” and “The Suburbs.”
From: Montreal, Quebec.
5. Leonard Cohen (1956-2016) – Folk, Singer-Songwriter
A poet, novelist, and singer-songwriter, Leonard Cohen’s baritone voice and introspective lyrics explored love, loss, religion, and spirituality themes. Countless artists have covered his songs like “Hallelujah” and “Suzanne” and have become ingrained in popular culture, cementing his status as a legendary figure.
Cohen didn’t begin his music career until he was 33, after establishing himself as a poet and novelist. He didn’t achieve mainstream success until later in his career, with his album “I’m Your Man” becoming a breakthrough hit in the late 1980s.
Great albums to start with: “Songs of Leonard Cohen,” “I’m Your Man,” and “Various Positions.”
From: Montreal, Quebec.
4. Joni Mitchell (1964-Present) – Folk, Pop, Jazz
A true innovator, Joni Mitchell’s confessional lyrics, unique guitar tunings, and jazz-inflected melodies revolutionized folk music. Her albums, such as “Blue” and “Court and Spark,” are considered masterpieces, and her influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, from Prince to Taylor Swift. Notably, Mitchell overcame childhood polio and taught herself to play guitar, demonstrating an independent spirit that would later shine through in her music and career.
Great albums to start with: “Blue,” “Court and Spark,” and “Ladies of the Canyon.”
From: Fort Macleod, Alberta.
3. The Band (1967-1976; 1983-1999) – Roots Rock, Americana, Folk Rock
The Band’s blend of Americana, folk, rock, and country created a nostalgic and timeless sound. With classics like “The Weight” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” they captured the essence of North American roots music and became a major influence on countless artists, from The Grateful Dead to Elton John.
Initially backing Bob Dylan on his electric tours, The Band forged their path with critically acclaimed albums in the late 60s and early 70s.
Great albums to start with: “Music from Big Pink,” “The Band,” and “Stage Fright.”
From: Various parts of Canada and the US.
2. Rush (1968-2018) – Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
With Geddy Lee’s iconic high-pitched vocals, Alex Lifeson’s virtuosic guitar work, and Neil Peart’s powerful drumming and philosophical lyrics, this power trio redefined progressive rock. Their albums like “2112” and “Moving Pictures” are considered masterpieces, inspiring countless musicians and earning them a devoted fanbase. Rush was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying their place among rock’s elite.
Great albums to start with: “2112,” “Moving Pictures,” “A Farewell to Kings”
From: Toronto, Ontario.
1. Neil Young (1963-Present) – Folk Rock, Country Rock, Hard Rock, Grunge
With a sixty-year career, Neil Young’s restless creativity and eclectic musical style have produced a vast and diverse catalog. From his early folk-rock with Buffalo Springfield to his grunge-infused work with Crazy Horse, Young’s raw and honest songwriting has earned him among the most influential musicians of all time, often cited as the “Godfather of Grunge.” His environmental activism and outspoken nature have made him a cultural icon beyond music.
Great albums to start with: “Harvest,” “After the Gold Rush,” and “Rust Never Sleeps.”
From: Toronto, Ontario.
