Stereophonics Essentials

While they're more of a cult band in the U.S., Welsh rockers Stereophonics have been hit machines in the U.K. since the late '90s, when they kicked off a string of five No. 1 albums in a row. They swaggered onto the post-Britpop scene with a sound influenced by iconic British bands like The Kinks and The Jam, but their grungier, bluesier leanings also displayed a fondness for American alternative rock. Although they've polished their sound over time, occasionally earning comparisons to Travis and Coldplay, frontman Kelly Jones' sandpapered vocals serve as a reminder that they're classic rockers at heart.