For a small nation-state of only 64.7 million people, the United Kingdom wields a lot of influence in the world of music. There are countless well-known and highly influential bands from the U.K., including U2, Black Sabbath, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and of course, The Beatles.

However, some spectacular bands have flown largely under the radar, influencing countless other bands, but never quite reaching the stratospheric mainstream popularity of these aforementioned groups.

XTC

XTC have one of the most fascinating career progressions in music. From their highly-energetic, eclectic, punkish new wave of their first album, to the pastoral, acoustic-driven songs found on "English Settlement," XTC seem to have something for everybody. Let us not forget XTC’s psychedelic pop masterpiece "Skylarking," the incredibly authentic-sounding ‘60’s psychedelic rock as The Dukes of Stratosphear, and the orchestral arrangements on "Apple Venus, Pt. 1." Andy Partridge's lyrics also warrant a shout out, truly intelligent, thought-provoking lyrics. This may seem like high praise, but the only band that XTC are second to in terms of melodic sensibility is The Beatles, which will certainly be an understandable position to reach after listening through their discography. How so many songs sound like they can be hits, but were not, is unfortunate, but XTC does maintain a sizable and highly passionate fan base, as indicated by numerous active online fan clubs, groups, and cover bands. XTC’s music contains a ton of variety, so to get the best picture of the band as a whole, all of their era’s should be sampled. I only wish I had listened to this band sooner.

Most Popular Songs: “Making Plans for Nigel,” “Dear God,” “Senses Working Overtime”

Essential Albums: "Skylarking" (1986), "English Settlement"(1982), "Chips from the Chocolate Fireball" (as The Dukes of Stratosphear) (1987), "Apple Venus, Pt. 1" (1999), "White Music" (1978)

Wire

When Wire put out their first album, "Pink Flag," they were the epitome of what punk rock was about: rebellion against the status quo and the music that came before it, both in aesthetics and sound. This is when punk rock was about taking chances and doing something different. Pink Flag is different from what came before it as well as from other punk of its day. It also manages to be incredibly catchy at times, and dark at others. The darkness becomes more profound on "Chairs Missing," and even more so on 154. Wire’s proclivity for some surprisingly poppy pieces, interspersed with some very dark music and some other sonic experimentation’s, make for a fascinating listen. There is no finer first three album releases in all of music. Each of their first three albums are perfect or near-perfect. They are still a band to this day and their new albums still receive critical acclaim.

Most Popular Songs: “Outside Miner,” “Ex Lion Tamer,” “Three Girl Rhumba”

Essential Albums: "Pink Flag" (1977), "Chairs Missing" (1978), "154" (1979)

Gang of Four

Gang of Four are considered innovators of the “dance-punk” genre, for adding dance elements and a bit of funk to their brand of punk, or post-punk as it’s sometimes called. Whatever designation best seen fit to try and box Gang of Four in to. Many current well-known musicians consider Gang of Four an influence, including Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers. Their first two albums are excellent all the way through.

Most Popular Songs: “Damaged Goods,” “Ether,” “Natural’s Not In It”

Essential Albums: "Entertainment!" (1979), "Solid Gold" (1981)

Bauhaus

Bauhaus were “Goth” before Goth was a thing. Meaning, it’s better than anything that actually calls itself “Goth.” In The Flat Field perfectly exemplifies the band’s sound - the darkness playing with the light (after all, how dark can something truly seem if there’s no reference point?), Peter Murphy’s expressive vocals; the sparse, minimalist instrumentation; and the artsy, dark imagery and lyrics. Bauhaus thrived at the intersection of darkness and originality.

Most Popular Songs: “Bela Lugosi’s Dead,” “Dark Entries,” “She’s in Parties”

Essential Albums: "In The Flat Field" (1980), "The Sky's Gone Out" (1982)

Dexys Midnight Runners

In most people’s eyes, Dexys Midnight Runners is a One Hit Wonder. It is true that nearly everyone has heard “Come On Eileen,” but not many people have heard the fantastic album in which that song is contained: "Too-Rye-Ay." The album is an uncommon mix of “blue-eyed soul” and Celtic folk, and the band themselves are often associated with “new wave,” a term that’s often about as undescriptive as post-punk, or even punk in the early days. It should also be noted that “Geno” was also a #1 hit in the U.K., which came out on their 1980 debut, "Searching for the Young Soul Rebels," but seems to be relatively unknown in the rest of the world. My personal favorite track is the song preceding “Come On Eileen” on "Too-Rye-Ay,"“Until I Believe in My Soul,” which best showcases the band’s variety.

Most Popular Songs: “Come On Eileen,” “Geno”

Essential Albums: "Too-Rye-Ay" (1982), "Searching for the Young Soul Rebels" (1980)