Most musical artists change somewhat throughout their careers. (Unless, of course, you’re AC/DC.) Names like Madonna and David Bowie usually come to mind when thinking of the music industry’s chameleons, but there are many others who’ve made significant changes, both in look and sound. Read on for a list of 10 current artists who’ve completely transformed themselves for both the better…and the worse.

			Gwen Stefani: Once upon a time, Stefani was a quirky ska skater grrl — though you’d never know it since her morph into a glamorous pop star, complete with her own clothing line and fragrance. Now you too can smell like a Hollaback Girl.
Then	Now
			Green Day: With the release of 2004’s American Idiot, Green Day received much critical acclaim for their “punk rock opera” that would make them one of the biggest bands in the world. But I remember back when they used to sing 3-chord songs about poop.
Then	Now
			Nelly Furtado: When she was first noticed in 2000, Furtado made pop songs with a significant world influence and told us how she was “like a bird.” Today, she makes pop songs with a significant hip-hop influence and tells us how she’s “promiscuous.”
Then	Now
			Ministry: Singer Al Jourgensen would have you believe Ministry history begins with the industrial metal era and ends with the current really really metal era. However, I remember a little album called With Sympathy, which I adore in all its 80s synthpop glory — despite Jourgensen’s desire to forget it.
Then	Now
			Liz Phair: In the mid-90s, every pissed off indie chick wanted to be Liz Phair. But apparently, she wanted to be in Stuff Magazine, and in 2003, glammed it up, toned down the cussing and set her sights on a more mainstream sound.
Then	Now
			Nine Inch Nails: Throughout his nearly 20 year career, Trent Reznor has shifted genres many times, moving from early synth, to heavier industrial, to his newer, more ambient sound. Somewhere in the six years between The Fragile and With Teeth, he also got a Gold’s Gym membership.
Then	Now
			Jewel: Back in 1995, Jewel was that folky acoustic rock girl who used to live in a van. But in 2004, she ditched the Birkenstocks for stilettos and attempted a pop career with 0304. Oh, and now she makes country music.
Then	Now
			Damon Albarn: As the frontman for Blur, Albarn had huge UK success with classic Britpop albums and later developed a following in the US with the more alternative sounding “Song 2.” But the biggest change would come when he took up vocal duties for hip-hop/dub project Gorillaz…as a cartoon called 2-D.
Then	Now
			The Killers: On their second effort, Brandon Flowers swapped the eyeliner and indie dance for Springsteen-esque rock and a perv-stache. And also traded impressive record sales for, well, not so much.
Then	Now
			Black Eyed Peas: Went from fairly obscure socially conscious hip-hop group to multi-platinum stars singin about “my lovely lady lumps.” Oh what a difference a Fergie makes.
Then	Now

Of course, those 10 are far from the only musicians who have changed significantly. Leave a comment with some of your most memorable band transformations.

Tags: bands, black eyed peas, green day, gwen stefani, ministry, Music, the killers, trent reznor

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