Spotifymay reign supreme, but did you know there are still some major players missing from the streaming giant’s catalog? While you’re jamming out to Spotify’s robust library, some big-name artists have been staunchly shunning the streaming service. Some have signed major deals with other services, while others have just given the cold shoulder across the board. From a beloved country star to Queen Bey, here are the most notable artists you won’t find on Spotify.
Garth Brooks
When you’ve gotFriends in Low Places, don’t go searching on Spotify. The two-time Grammy winner Garth Brooks refused to put his music on any streaming services for years — that is, untilAmazon was able to convince the country starto release his albums exclusively onAmazon Music Unlimitedin 2016. Brooks was reluctant at first to make all of his albums available, but has since released his entire collection.
Aaliyah released music in her 22 years of life that is still played on the radio today. Sadly, these songs —Try AgainandAre You That Somebody, among them — cannot currently be found on Spotify or any other streaming service. Apparently, her albums are locked away with her uncle and manager Barry Hankerson. There’s been no recent news on when or if her albums will be released, so for now, you’re able to only listen to her first album,Age Ain’t Nothing but A Number,on Spotify.
With Maynard James Keenan at the forefront, Tool rocked the metal scene throughout the ’90s. Despite a string of successful albums and a rabid fanbase, however, Tool’s catalog has never been available on Spotify or any other streaming service. It’s hard to say if a band that hasn’t released music in 12 years will ever be on Spotify, though, they are rumored to be releasing new material within the next year or so. Still, our guess is that you’ll have to access it the old-fashion way: By buying it.
Beyoncé —Lemonade(and Jay-Z)
We know you are eitherCrazy in LoveorDrunk in Lovewith thisIrreplaceableartist — sorry, we’re done — but it seems like this artist is never taking what many consider her magnum opus to Spotify.Lemonadewas one of the most lauded albums of 2016, but it’s exclusively streaming on Tidal, her husband Jay Z’s streaming service. And since Jay Z owns Tidal, none of his albums are on Spotify, either. I guess we can officially add that to our list of99 Problems.
Joanna Newsom
Joanna Newsom, a renowned singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist,oncecalled Spotify, “a villainous cabal” and “a garbage system.” The Drag City artist has stuck by those words, and the only thing you will find on Spotify under her name isThe Muppet Show Theme, which is, arguably, not her best work. Other Drag City artists — Smog, Ty Segall, etc. — have made their way to Spotify, but Newsom’s catalog remains absent, despite her music having made its way to Apple Music in 2017.
King Crimson
King Crimson have been pioneers longer than most prog-rock bands have been around. Unfortunately, however, you won’t findIn the Court of the Crimson King,Red, or any of their other material on Spotify. Legendary guitarist Robert Fripp briefly made a couple of their songs available, but removed them soon after, noting how little streaming services paid artists at the time. Luckily, there is a bright side: Three live albums from King Crimson are currently streaming on Spotify.
Bikini Kill
In the early ’90s, Bikini Kill helped pave the way for feminist musicians in a male-driven punk scene. Their lyrics screamed of feminist power and provoked women to create similar anthems. Though you can findRebel Girlon Spotify, the rest of their hits — which are strewn across two albums and an EP — are nowhere to be found. Bikini Kill has acknowledged that Spotify is a way for people to discover new music, but they believe the streaming platform doesn’t financially support bands the way it should.
Dr. Dre’s resume is impressive, whether talking about his rapping exploits or his work as a hip-hop producer. Sadly, fans looking for his music on Spotify will find next to nothing. His ties with Apple run deep, especially givenApple acquired Beats by Dr. Drein mid-2014. These days, iconic albums such as theChronicandComptoncan only be found on Apple Music. But if you really need to listen toThe Next Episode, you’re in luck, as Dre’s second studio album2001is available on Spotify.
