NFT: Best rock vocalist

The question was best vocalist not frontman.

Van is way up there. Original. Different styles from blues to jazz to Celtic to scat to r&b. Blend of all of those. And did it over many albums and years.

I am surprised no one thought of this one: Early Rod Stewart. Listen to his live stuff with Faces. He went silly in the late 80s but he had a very good run as a vocalist.

Ditto....Sly Stone. Ditto Bob Marley/Jimmy Cliff.

I'd probably have to choose Robert Plant. But that would be closely followed by a plethora of great singers already mentioned. Like McCartney, Lennon, Mercury, Ozzy, Van Morrison, Greg Lake, John Wetton, Jon Anderson, Janis Joplin, etc...

But the one I haven't seen mentioned yet, that I would include in that group is Steve Walsh from Kansas. An amazing voice from an American band that doesn't get the respect they deserve, in my opinion. Their first five albums are still among my very favorites from anyone.

although I'm not a massive classic rock fan ( I like a bunch of it but despise a bunch as well) however Queen is on another level for me from other bands simply because of Mercury being so ridiculously good.

But if you are talking about now, there are two guys who stand out and no one is even close to me:

Maynard James Keenan (the best. Can sing anything and everything, however it needs to be sung and does.) He has a unique voice yet is easy to pick out no matter the style of the song.

Trent Reznor. Completely underrated even though he gets a lot of attention. He should get more. Stupidly talented.


Grohl ain't bad either. And historically, his bandmate stands out a bit.

All of this depends on how you want to judge.

Dave Grohl during his 1991-2001 eras is one of my favorite rock musicians all around in general, but best rock vocalist?

[for the record, here's my dave grohl roadmap: early 90s (monkey dave grohl), mid 90s (long hair new frontman grohl), mid-late 90s (color and the shape era plaid dave grohl), and 99 grohl (nothing left to lose hilarious grohl)... then one by one came, and his slow downfall precipitated, till he became anti electronic music dad rock grohl :( :( :(.....]

IMO, I think you have to go Chris Cornell and Freddie Mercury out of well known vocalists based on talent alone (and okay, a little bit of my personal taste as well)...

for an under the radar choice though, there was this dude in this very 'out there' 90s alt band called 'self' who I always thought had a fantastic voice. His name was Matt Mahaffey, and there band was from Mulfesboro, TN (def spelled that wrong).

And I always thought his vocals at about 0:22 into this song stood up to any other rock vocalist (i guess it's more the harmonies, but at least hte harmonies show serious range)


self - grow up - ( New Window )

In comment 12968831 Sonic Youth said:

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Dave Grohl during his 1991-2001 eras is one of my favorite rock musicians all around in general, but best rock vocalist? [for the record, here's my dave grohl roadmap: early 90s (monkey dave grohl), mid 90s (long hair new frontman grohl), mid-late 90s (color and the shape era plaid dave grohl), and 99 grohl (nothing left to lose hilarious grohl)... then one by one came, and his slow downfall precipitated, till he became anti electronic music dad rock grohl :( :( :(.....] IMO, I think you have to go Chris Cornell and Freddie Mercury out of well known vocalists based on talent alone (and okay, a little bit of my personal taste as well)... for an under the radar choice though, there was this dude in this very 'out there' 90s alt band called 'self' who I always thought had a fantastic voice. His name was Matt Mahaffey, and there band was from Mulfesboro, TN (def spelled that wrong). And I always thought his vocals at about 0:22 into this song stood up to any other rock vocalist (i guess it's more the harmonies, but at least hte harmonies show serious range) self - grow up - ( New Window )

hence the subjective nature of this....I find Chris Cornell's voice grating and at times painful, especially after like 2 songs. I think Grohl is a better singer not just for how he sings but he's also a trillion times better a lead singer than Cornell. Live especially. Either way, both of these guys are no where close to the 2 guys I named.

that even though he deserves his own category, Weird Al stands out well above and beyond all these people but it would be tough to call him a rock vocalist.

In comment 12968837 SethFromAstoria said:

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In comment 12968831 Sonic Youth said: Quote: Dave Grohl during his 1991-2001 eras is one of my favorite rock musicians all around in general, but best rock vocalist? [for the record, here's my dave grohl roadmap: early 90s (monkey dave grohl), mid 90s (long hair new frontman grohl), mid-late 90s (color and the shape era plaid dave grohl), and 99 grohl (nothing left to lose hilarious grohl)... then one by one came, and his slow downfall precipitated, till he became anti electronic music dad rock grohl :( :( :(.....] IMO, I think you have to go Chris Cornell and Freddie Mercury out of well known vocalists based on talent alone (and okay, a little bit of my personal taste as well)... for an under the radar choice though, there was this dude in this very 'out there' 90s alt band called 'self' who I always thought had a fantastic voice. His name was Matt Mahaffey, and there band was from Mulfesboro, TN (def spelled that wrong). And I always thought his vocals at about 0:22 into this song stood up to any other rock vocalist (i guess it's more the harmonies, but at least hte harmonies show serious range) self - grow up - ( New Window ) hence the subjective nature of this....I find Chris Cornell's voice grating and at times painful, especially after like 2 songs. I think Grohl is a better singer not just for how he sings but he's also a trillion times better a lead singer than Cornell. Live especially. Either way, both of these guys are no where close to the 2 guys I named.

I hear you, I mean those guys aren't my favorites...they'd just who I'd put in the upper echelon of talent level amongst the very well known vocalist.

My favorite singer is a guy named Marc Paffi for a little know post hardcore band called Bear vs Shark. Dude sounds like a gruff lumberjack spastically shouting while still being gentle enough to catch bluejays in his hands, or something.

Ok - so we ARE talking about rock singer quality - to me, the best was Ronstadt, though she really only produced one true rock album (Mad Love, 79'). Beautiful voice, gorgeous timbre, all the power and range you could possibly ask for, could sing circles around most listed here.

With Ann Wilson - everyone RAVED about Hearts Stairway performance a few years back, Ann's voice was higher, even prettier when she was younger.

Really - should just say 'best male vocalist' cause the ladies have an unfair advantage.

.

In comment 12968782 Bill2 said:

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The question was best vocalist not frontman. Van is way up there. Original. Different styles from blues to jazz to Celtic to scat to r&b. Blend of all of those. And did it over many albums and years. I am surprised no one thought of this one: Early Rod Stewart. Listen to his live stuff with Faces. He went silly in the late 80s but he had a very good run as a vocalist. Ditto....Sly Stone. Ditto Bob Marley/Jimmy Cliff.

Rod was amazing in The Faces, which is impressive considering he replaced the best front man ever !!!

already listed: Bowie and Neil Young.

One who ranks up there with them is Sinead O'Connor.

And Iggy Pop (in his glory days. he's put out a lot of meh over the last couple of decades).

In the modern age, I like the sound of the singer in Deathcab for Cutie.

The perfect combo of cigarette, booze and beauty. Ballads, bashers, punk, country, Metal, or pop, he can sing them all.

Jeff Lynne
Matt Bellamy

feelflows (it's a good thread), but I have always strongly disliked the use of "best" when talking about music. 99.9999% of time, people mean "favorite" when they say "best." There are thousands and thousands of great vocalists (many not famous and slugging it out in local venues). There is no single best (not to mention the fact that actual high-level vocalists are going to be able hear nuances in technique and pitch that are beyond the average layperson).

Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices.

Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie.

In comment 12968968 Rick5 said:

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feelflows (it's a good thread), but I have always strongly disliked the use of "best" when talking about music. 99.9999% of time, people mean "favorite" when they say "best." There are thousands and thousands of great vocalists (many not famous and slugging it out in local venues). There is no single best (not to mention the fact that actual high-level vocalists are going to be able hear nuances in technique and pitch that are beyond the average layperson).

None taken.

I like these threads to envoke discussion about different music, and sometimes turning people onto new music.

I don't think any reputable publication will take this thread and do a ranking!

That being said, if they did....Richard Manuel would win. Ha

In comment 12969019 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said:

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Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices. Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie.

Not Chris Robinson?!?!

In comment 12969034 feelflows said:

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In comment 12969019 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said: Quote: Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices. Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie. Not Chris Robinson?!?!

Love Chris too (and will be seeing CRB at Mtn. Jam in less than 2 weeks at Hunter Mountain). Black Crowes one of my all-time fave bands.

I'll be at MTN JAM as well. My 6th year going.

Also put up a vote for Warren Haynes.

In comment 12969065 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said:

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In comment 12969034 feelflows said: Quote: In comment 12969019 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said: Quote: Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices. Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie. Not Chris Robinson?!?! Love Chris too (and will be seeing CRB at Mtn. Jam in less than 2 weeks at Hunter Mountain). Black Crowes one of my all-time fave bands.

As you know I'm a big Crowes fan, too. That being said, CRB isn't my thing. Rich's new song is great.

Big Warren fan, but dude sounds like he's taking a mondo Duke when he's singing lol

...

Gooolden slumbers fill your eyes
Smiiiles await you when you rise
Sleep pretty darlin' do not cry
And I will sing a lullabyyyyy...

was better a few years back. Especially when Woody was playing with him.

both charismatic as hell, both of which might qualify:

David Bowie
Janis Joplin

with these threads. As an example, RUSH is one of my favorite bands. I didn't list Geddy Lee because he didn't fit the criteria to me.

Guys like Plant, Mercury or as I mentioned Staley and Weiland--and Bowie, whether or not I listen to them often, they do fit the criteria. Staley might be the most arguable there.

then get Jagger the eff off the list. John Lennon, too, much as I love him. He had at least 2 Beatles with better pipes -- Paul and George.

Freddy Mercury is the king. Just forget it. Unusual, beautiful, varied qualities, and flat out kick-your-ass, blow-you-away, power.

David Bowie is 2nd in the male category. Unusual quality -- Not another voice like this out there, ever. Goes from Suffragette City to The Little Drummer Boy with Bing Crosby. A voice that commands respect.

Women -- I'm giving Ann Wilson 2nd place because I don't want first place to go to someone because she sounded like someone else (Robert Plant) on steroids. I have seen her live. 2nd place is a huge compliment because she is amazing.

Bonnie Raitte -- Best female rock vocalist. Unique, honey-sweet and gritty when she wants to be. Power, beauty, range, and sends chills in softer registers, as well as when she blows the doors off concert halls.

Annie Lennox is up there, but I don't like her stylistic range. Saw her recently in a PBS concert, and frankly, she bored me.

In comment 12969266 schnitzie said:

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then get Jagger the eff off the list. John Lennon, too, much as I love him. He had at least 2 Beatles with better pipes -- Paul and George. Freddy Mercury is the king. Just forget it. Unusual, beautiful, varied qualities, and flat out kick-your-ass, blow-you-away, power. David Bowie is 2nd in the male category. Unusual quality -- Not another voice like this out there, ever. Goes from Suffragette City to The Little Drummer Boy with Bing Crosby. A voice that commands respect. Women -- I'm giving Ann Wilson 2nd place because I don't want first place to go to someone because she sounded like someone else (Robert Plant) on steroids. I have seen her live. 2nd place is a huge compliment because she is amazing. Bonnie Raitte -- Best female rock vocalist. Unique, honey-sweet and gritty when she wants to be. Power, beauty, range, and sends chills in softer registers, as well as when she blows the doors off concert halls. Annie Lennox is up there, but I don't like her stylistic range. Saw her recently in a PBS concert, and frankly, she bored me.

Robert Plant on steroids?

I don't get that. Is it because they cover a couple of Zep tunes? Ann's voice, mid-70's was in a league of it's own. Nobody else sounded like her, and yes, she was really the only female in that decade who could pull off the arena thing better than most of the men.

Dig out a copy of Dreamboat Annie and run through that album - Wilson could do it all. She was amazing.

Freddie Mercury...Robert Plant #2.

I used to hate his voice, especially when he would screech like his balls were being squeezed in a vice. As a kid I was always a much bigger fan of The Who than Zep, partly because of Daltrey vs. Plant. I've grown to like Zep, but it's still more despite Plant than because of him.

in their prime:
Daltrey
Brian Ferry
Levon Helm
Richard Manual
Bob Marley
Greg Lake

Thanks to some reminders from above.

If I had to pick only one and strictly considering voice and nothing else, I might have to pick Greg Lake. From the Beginning is a beautiful rock song.

In comment 12969634 deeee said:

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I used to hate his voice, especially when he would screech like his balls were being squeezed in a vice. As a kid I was always a much bigger fan of The Who than Zep, partly because of Daltrey vs. Plant. I've grown to like Zep, but it's still more despite Plant than because of him.

Plant does possess a bit of an unpleasant whine - a love/hate sort of thing and yeah - that's why I don't list him as a candidate for 'best' vocalist. Daltrey had a more pleasant timbre, but always lacked range.

Most of the others listed on this post are simply people listing their favorites, not really identifying traits that make a particular singer among the best.

Freddie Mercury is repeated throughout with very good reason. The dude was the bomb.

By the way, Axl Rose is about as pleasant as a dentist drill. "You're in the Jungle Baby! You're gonna diiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeee!" Shoot me now.

In comment 12969634 deeee said:

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I used to hate his voice, especially when he would screech like his balls were being squeezed in a vice. As a kid I was always a much bigger fan of The Who than Zep, partly because of Daltrey vs. Plant. I've grown to like Zep, but it's still more despite Plant than because of him.

You can "like" Daltry and be a Who fan, but if you think he has a better voice than Plant then you are biased.

In comment 12969649 x meadowlander said:

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In comment 12969634 deeee said: Quote: I used to hate his voice, especially when he would screech like his balls were being squeezed in a vice. As a kid I was always a much bigger fan of The Who than Zep, partly because of Daltrey vs. Plant. I've grown to like Zep, but it's still more despite Plant than because of him. Plant does possess a bit of an unpleasant whine - a love/hate sort of thing and yeah - that's why I don't list him as a candidate for 'best' vocalist. Daltrey had a more pleasant timbre, but always lacked range. Most of the others listed on this post are simply people listing their favorites, not really identifying traits that make a particular singer among the best. Freddie Mercury is repeated throughout with very good reason. The dude was the bomb. By the way, Axl Rose is about as pleasant as a dentist drill. "You're in the Jungle Baby! You're gonna diiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeee!" Shoot me now.

there is always one douche bag who goes on an opinion thread and finds it necessary to shit on other people's opinions. I explained why I thought Axl Rose was among the best vocalists, you don't agree, good for you, maybe someone will in fact shoot you now and put us all and society out of our misery having to listen to you condescending shit.

Axl was super talented and had a ton of range. His voice didn't appeal to everyone because of its unique, raspy quality. I'd put him in the talented but not best, category where I should then probably include Staley.

In comment 12969647 deeee said:

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in their prime: Daltrey Brian Ferry Levon Helm Richard Manual Bob Marley Greg Lake Thanks to some reminders from above. If I had to pick only one and strictly considering voice and nothing else, I might have to pick Greg Lake. From the Beginning is a beautiful rock song.

No love for Ricky Danko? Good gotta complete your triad

In comment 12969662 Randy in CT said:

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In comment 12969634 deeee said: Quote: I used to hate his voice, especially when he would screech like his balls were being squeezed in a vice. As a kid I was always a much bigger fan of The Who than Zep, partly because of Daltrey vs. Plant. I've grown to like Zep, but it's still more despite Plant than because of him. You can "like" Daltry and be a Who fan, but if you think he has a better voice than Plant then you are biased.

I prefer Daltrys screams over Plants squeals.

That being said, when Plant is singing there are few better. Since I've Been Loving You prime example. His voice seems to have changed around IV

...than singing.

Sorry, I just can't help it. I know it's mean, but I reallyreallyreally HATE Axl.

And fwiw, I did see them live at MSG Use Your Illusion tour they wee great, the Soungsrden opener even better. (I wouldn't have gone had I known about the women beating thing beforehand)

Now, If you want to talk about the monster iconic guitarist that Slash is, I'm right with you. But fuck Axl.

In comment 12969808 x meadowlander said:

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...than singing. Sorry, I just can't help it. I know it's mean, but I reallyreallyreally HATE Axl. And fwiw, I did see them live at MSG Use Your Illusion tour they wee great, the Soungsrden opener even better. (I wouldn't have gone had I known about the women beating thing beforehand) Now, If you want to talk about the monster iconic guitarist that Slash is, I'm right with you. But fuck Axl.

He was molested as a child, it's not a pass to beat women or do anything else, but I'm sure it has influenced his behavior as an adult. I have a soft spot in my heart for people that are or have been abused as children. It's a horrific crime to prey on the innocent, especially those who cannot defend themselves.

Doesn't excuse his behavior, and he should be held accountable for his actions, but I also try not to judge others.

Dokken- Don Dokken
Scorpions- Klaus Meine

I was thinking about Danko later in the day. I think the trio of singers in The Band was great. Loved them all. Too bad they're all gone.

In comment 12969019 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said:

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Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices. Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie.

I'm listening to Free right now.. fucking Paul Rodgers. He's awesome. Still is.

sounds like a hyena being raped. Most heavy metal singers sound horrible, even the ones with good voices.

.

In comment 12968782 Bill2 said:

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The question was best vocalist not frontman. Van is way up there. Original. Different styles from blues to jazz to Celtic to scat to r&b. Blend of all of those. And did it over many albums and years. I am surprised no one thought of this one: Early Rod Stewart. Listen to his live stuff with Faces. He went silly in the late 80s but he had a very good run as a vocalist. Ditto....Sly Stone. Ditto Bob Marley/Jimmy Cliff.

We are very much on the same page Bill. Van is incredible, from Astral Weeks, which when you consider how it was recorded, rehearsal-free and largely in one take, may be the greatest album of all time, to Veedon Fleece with Streets of Arklow and You Don't Push the River to classics like Caravan. He covered so much ground.

And I unabashedly love Rod Stewart. From the Faces through his early solo albums, he as right up their with the big Brits of that era.

In comment 12969019 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said:

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Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices. Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie.

Jim James voice is something to behold. It can be utterly average and unremarkable on some tracks and a bar burner on others. Dondante and his backing vocals on Oberst's contributions to Monsters of Folk, especially Temezcal, are incredible. And to think, on early Jacket albums he soaked his voice in reverb because he didn't like the way it sounded...

Joe Perry - Journey
Freddie Mercury - Queen
Linda Ronstadt - Stone Ponys, or solo

A lot of people mentioned here are great and I like their music, but as for best voice I don't think they rank.

Best Male Vocalist: Freddie Mercury

Best Female Vocalist: Karen Carpenter

My favorite vocalist: Jon Anderson

In comment 12970739 PatersonPlank said:

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Joe Perry - Journey Freddie Mercury - Queen Linda Ronstadt - Stone Ponys, or solo A lot of people mentioned here are great and I like their music, but as for best voice I don't think they rank.

I think you mean Steve Perry. Joe Perry is a guitarist for Aerosmith.

is a great singer, but the genre isn't mainstream. Not my favorite metal band, but Rob Halford is top notch.

Mike F'n Patton