Cake may have been defined as an Alternative Rock band never always seemed quite accurate.  It wasn’t that they were mainstream as they were far from that, but their geeky brand of music drew from so many genres and created herky jerky combinations that made them a unique act.  Lyrically, they were in their own world and full of sarcastic references.  They developed a good core audience, but it might be difficult to see that combination earn honors in Cleveland, although stranger things have happened there.

Although there are many who despised Bush and called them a watered down version of Pearl Jam, or a prepackaged Alternative band for MTV, there were many in the States (though not in their home in England) who responded well to their sound and their Post Grunge radio friendly music.  Despite their success, the band is best known to quite a few people as the group that found Gwen Stefani her husband.  If that is what you are best known for, can it be safe to say that induction will be difficult?

When you think of great R&B/Pop artists Brandy does not always come to mind but there was a time when she was a teenage and was a major hitmaker.  She broke out into film and television and did reasonably well in those mediums and her musical success did stretch into her 20’s, however her career never took that critical turn that would have been necessary to see her enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  This of course does not take away from her being at one time one of the most successful artists and that should never be discounted.

Should induction be based on pure musical talent alone, Ben Harper would be considered by many as a shoe in for induction when eligible.  Harper seems comfortable performing music in any style and his concerts are journeys that reflect his abundant skills.  With songwriting ability on par with his musicianship, Harper became a beloved on college radio and the Jam band circuit, but not a whole lot of other places.  Since that never really happened, an induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame seems unlikely but his respect level from those aware of his music is very high.