5 Rock Solo Artists That Should’ve Become Bigger

Going solo can be both a creative rebirth and a risky leap. For some artists, it’s the chance to write their own story, free from the expectations of a band. For others, it becomes a harsh reminder that success in a group doesn’t always follow you into the solo world. Even members of world-famous bands—think the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, or Genesis—aren’t guaranteed to shine on their own.

Sometimes, solo albums sound too much like the original band and don’t offer anything fresh. Other times, they stray too far, leaving longtime fans behind. And even if the music is solid, an artist’s solo momentum can easily be slowed by label issues, shifting trends, or the simple reality of juggling solo work with group commitments.

Each artist on this list returned to their main band at some point, often with mixed results. Some eventually gave up solo efforts altogether. While they had the talent and the platform to become the next Phil Collins or Stevie Nicks, it didn’t quite happen that way. Here are five solo careers in rock that should’ve gone much further. They had the fame, the talent, and the songs—just not the solo success they deserved.

5. Daryl Hall
Daryl Hall’s first solo album, Sacred Songs, was bold and experimental. Too bold, apparently—the label shelved it for three years. By the time it was released, it only reached No. 58. Afterward, Hall’s solo material started sounding like Hall & Oates without the “Oates.” His 1986 album Three Hearts in the Happy Ending Machine hit No. 29, but he never matched the duo’s massive success.

4. Lou Gramm
Gramm broke away from Foreigner frustrated with bandmate Mick Jones’ growing love of ballads. His solo debut, Ready or Not, reached the Top 30, and the single “Midnight Blue” climbed to No. 5 in 1987. He scored another hit with 1989’s “Just Between You and Me,” but as rock radio tastes changed, Gramm faded from the charts. He briefly rejoined Foreigner, but it was short-lived and unhappy. Only one more solo album followed.

3. Dennis DeYoung
Dennis DeYoung, the theatrical voice behind Styx’s biggest ballads, seemed primed for solo stardom. His first effort, Desert Moon, cracked the Top 25 in 1984 and featured a No. 10 hit with the title track. But follow-ups failed to keep the momentum. He attempted a Styx reunion, but it didn’t go far—1990’s Edge of the Century only made it to No. 63. DeYoung then took a surprising turn, diving into Broadway music instead of pop-rock.

2. Pete Townshend
When Pete Townshend put real effort into solo work, the results were great. His 1980 album Empty Glass went platinum and featured the hit “Let My Love Open the Door.” But Townshend didn’t fully commit. He only released three solo albums after 1982’s All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes and kept touring to a minimum. Shockingly, he once admitted to having 200 unreleased songs and 1,500 more unfinished. A bigger solo career was there—he just never chased it.

1. Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger had every reason to succeed solo. But instead of carving out a new musical identity, his solo albums often felt like he was chasing trends. 1985’s She’s the Boss relied on forgettable tech sounds, while 1987’s Primitive Cool was derailed by the cringeworthy video for “Let’s Work.” His only real shot at authenticity came with 1993’s Wandering Spirit, produced by Rick Rubin. But by then, most fans had moved on. After 2001’s Goddess in the Doorway flopped, Jagger went back to the Stones—humbled but wiser.