Let's continue on into our list of the top 200 greatest rock singers, inspired by the travesty that was Rolling Stone's supposed list. Where they got it wrong, this list hopes to be more effective, but not only focusing on rock singers and those adjacent to the genre but place the spotlight on judging these singers by their technical vocal ability, in terms of range and power, along with dynamics, phrasing and the character of their voice. Can they emote from different places ? How well does their voice hold up live? All factors being considered here.
Things like lyrical content and the instruments they play do not factor in as these ranking are based on vocal merit alone. How they control a crowd or their entertainment value as performers is also not a factor; there are some great front men who are also sub-par singers. The same can be said of song writers which is why most Bob Dylan songs sound better covered by someone else. Needless to say, ole Robert Zimmerman is not making the cut.
Most pop singers won't appear here, but there are a few country or jazz singers who crossover just enough to qualify for this list, while having a significant influence on rock music. Don't expect rappers on this list or metal vocalists who just scream or growl, but never actually sing. I am keen on singers who are derivative of other singers. The bulk of these are doing their own thing, the few paying tribute acts to other artists have still made enough of an impact with their music. Having a unique vocal quality is going to be one of the most important factors sometimes trumping technical ability. If they sound too much like Steve Perry from Journey or that they have listened to their vocal coach too much rather than developing their own style, then that is something that is also not going to fly. Some of these might have been ignored by mainstream music media, but by the time we get to the top 10, I am sure it will all make sense, so here are the Top 200 greatest rock singers.
160 John Doe
Most well known for his ground breaking punk band X where he shared vocals duties, he was always a country singer at heart who fell into punk.
159-Vince Neil
Up until their 4th album his greatest asset was his youth enthusiasm an attitude. When compared to other metal yoodlers his falsetto screams are a joke, but even if he was judged on the merit of the first four albums they would out weight the bloated mess he has become.
158-Jack Black
Is he acting or singing? Sure he is doing a Dio impersonation half the time, but his heart is really in it which gives him the edge over the of say Jared Leto who's acting in order to jump from bandwagon to bandwagon.
157 -Lizzy Borden
If I made this list at 15 this dark glam rocker might be in the top 10, things change. when he is not busy giving his mother 40 whacks he is able to flex an impressive set of pipes.
156-John Joseph
The former Cro-mags front man does not just yell , but can throw his voice around and actually sing when he feels like it.
155-Cedric Toufouti
What separates France's Hangman's Chair from other doom bands is the distinctive voice of their lead singer. He brings their lyrics to chilling life with his mournful tenor.
154-Emma Ruth Rundle
Former Marriages front woman's solo career has blossomed thanks to the urgency of her voice that rivals the alt rock sirens of the 90s. She carries a controlled tension that pars well when she collaborates with metal bands like Thou
153-Dave Matthews His brand of jammy folk jazz would not have worked with any other voice over it. The way he throws his voice around can be an aquirred taste, but there is no denying the staying power it has had. 152-Jason McMaster Known for his work with Dangerous Toys, the grit of his voice makes his attitude more convincing than the rest of the sleazed oyut hair metal bands of the day.
151 Jón Þór "Jónsi" Birgisson He uses his voice more like an otherwordly instrument to soar over the sureal landscapes created by his band Sigur Rios.You are not going to find him sitting in with other bands, but what he does is perfact for his own project.
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