Greg Graffin

Bad Religion frontman Greg Graffin single-handedly nullifies the perception that punk rock is an ignorant form of music for youngsters: He has a master's degree in geology and a Ph.D. in biology. His intelligence is also borne out in his music; while his band is aggressive and forceful, Graffin's lyrics offer thoughtful commentary on a variety of political and social issues, delivered with furious intensity. Apart from his work with Bad Religion, Graffin has also recorded solo material that shows off a different side of his personality, looking into personal rather than political themes and setting them to music that's quieter and less indebted to the ferocity of punk. 1997's American Lesion was informed by pop and jazz influences as it depicted the collapse of a marriage, while 2006's Cold as the Clay and 2017's Millport found him branching out into country and folk sounds.