Some notes for the list: 1. I hate whiners. Not making the list if you are whining and crying into a microphone. Big difference between singing with soul or crooning, and just plain whining. 2. The style of music I listen to is, for the most part devoid of good singers so this is a very tough list for me. 3. Opera, and a couple other genre are not my cup of tea eventhough there are some opera singers that are just amazing. But once again not my cup of tea.
1. Aretha Franklin - You want soul. You want emotion. No one is better. I Never Loved a Man (The Way that I Love You). Is a great respresentation of what she could do.
2. Mike Patton - (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, many others) Pick a range, any range. Pick a style any style. Mike Patton will sing it, and sing it better than most. He can hit any pitch, note, etc., etc. He innovates, and is revolutionary in his thinking. Why is he not known? He just can't conform. Extremely talented, IMO and his voice is great no matter how he uses it. His album he did with The Dillinger Escape Plan is my second favorite album of all time.
3. Otis Redding - Same thing. Soul singing. No whining here. He was that perfect balance of a man's voice, with emotion. Just an amazing, powerful voice.
4. Ella Fitzgerald - I'm going old school here. The amazing thing about her, is her voice transcends the old style recording equipment of when she was in her prime. Her voice is full, calming, and a joy to listen to.
5. Paul Simon - You either love him or hate him. I like him a lot. His voice is soothing and it compliments his music well.
6. M.J. Blidge - I don't particularly care for her music. I wouldn't listen to it on my own. But there is no denying her voice, and its power. I would love for to hear her try another genre. For a modern age filled with *********, B-rate models trying to pass themselves off as singers she is someone that actually has talent. I am hoping when she becomes old and fat she will change her style. Just cannot deny her voice.
7. Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) - The guy is very gifted and his voice is very strong, and he controls it very well. I listen to Weezer even though it is not my typical time of music that I enjoy. Why? Cause this guy's voice is pretty good.
8. Chino Moreno (Deftones) - Finally a metallish guy makes the list. Chino has a very special voice, and even though the newer deftones stuff gets a little too whiny for me, the first three deftones albums will be forever on my MP3 players, CD rack, etc., etc. A very powerful voice, that fits his band perfectly. Just a power live as on recordings....actually it is better live.
9. Bradley Nowell (Sublime) - Ugh. It seems some talents just need to be taken away from us. I throw this guy in the same category as Paul Simon. He has a natural soothing voice. It is perfect for his band, and perfect for what they did. Another guy who was much better live than on a recording.
10. Save this spot for an edit later.... I know I am forgetting someone
Honorable Mentions:
- Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down)
- Luke Muir (All Else Failed, Philly Hardcore's best kept secret)
- James Brown (Godfather of Soul, Hardest Working man is show business)
Male or female it doesn't matter.
