I think Kendrick Lamar’s popularity is totally well deserved.
Aside from that:
- Aurora
- Bonobo
- Billie Eilish
- Lorde
And more…
Just a random list of bands I like that are popular, talented, recent and/or currently active:
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
Bombino, Tinariwen and Imarhan
I mostly listen to older music, 60s-90s, not for any reason other than that’s the time frame where I find more music that I like. Still lots of good stuff today too though! And that’s by far not a comprehensive list, just the ones I thought of right now.
Sleep Token
Absolutely incredible band
Gojira have become fairly popular (I think). They’re incredible!
Tool.
Every member is at the top of their game, and it all comes together so exceptionally well.
Depends on what you mean by songwriting, but Fred Again is a really talented producer.
Kendrick is current.
Shout out to Ren whom I genuinely believe to be a generational talent - someone who has the potential to alter the course and content of popular music going forward.
I’m about to see Dead & Company in August, though I highly doubt that’s what you meant by current.
I have no clue what the kids are listening to these days. Now get off my lawn.
That said, Goose is excellent if jam bands are your jam.
Bob Dylan is still around and got a Nobel Prize for his songwriting, but I can’t tell if he meets your critereia.
