Hey Basket of Radishes-
I too call myself a musicphile and have had a very hard time enjoying Jewish music and avoiding pop music that i love so much. Its very frustrating!! Its just an undeniable fact that secular music IS better. ok fine, its an opinion, but i cant see anyone denying it. that doesnt mean its wrong, right? i mean, maybe pork is delicous, and maybe drugs feel great- but still it IS wrong. Kol HaKavod for you for recognizing this challenge that many of us face. really- its difficult but well worth the struggle because the effect of non jewish music is very strong. music is a powerful tool.
So, over the years i have sought out and have been mostly satisfied with my findings, so here goes:
(Disclaimer: ok, i know that many of these artists use parodies, or mimic pop music but if you find it offensive in my opinion thats an indicater that this is not meant for you and please be open minded that for some people this really is keeping us from other sources and we’d rather not be attracted to this tone of music but can’t help it!)
Aryeh Kunstler: nice acoustic guitar sound, many people really enjoy him
Gershon Veroba: beautiful voice with great lyrics, i never tire of him
Zacharia Salsberg: you’ll be amazed when you hear this, not only is his voice amazing, his country music is soulfull and beautful
Zevi Kaufman: his song, Nafalti, i love
I also enjoy instrumental music, i find that as a great outlet
Voices from the heights: YU accapella group
Matisyahu: k, i dont love him either, but i do appreciate some of his stuff like; time of your song, jerusalem, we will walk, his beat box is good
Yitzchak Simcha: did an album called pardes, with great harmony, my fav song is Hallelu
Teknoy: you probably might enjoy
Six13: i dont like them cuz of there “way too accurate” paradies that dont sound different at all, but maybe for that reason you’ll like it
Oif Simchas: Israeli, great dance music
Moshav Band: classic, the latest album Misplaced is great high quality music, i dont think any earlier stuff is worth it
Lev Tahor: come on, who doesnt love eli shweibel?
Gad Elbaz: israeli, he does all genres, dont get put off
Emanuel Neuman: i have a few songs of his like the puzzle, Kanfei Nisharim, and E’ Lecha he has a great voice and the musics good
Benny Freidman: No Lyrics- love it!!
I hope that this has helped you, as it has helped me immensly. Im curious as to what others have to say on this! i know some really great Kol Isha too if someones interested