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 also not keen on singers who are derivative of other singers. The bulk of these have to be doing their own thing, though a couple are basically tribute acts to other artists but still make 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.
170-Elvis Costello
He went from a quirky new wave icon to crooning alongside Burt Bacharach. His voice matured a great deal in this journey though still retained it punchy emotive edge.
169-John Baizley
As his band Baroness has progressed from a mathy sludge outfit to a classic prog sound , his voice has gotten stronger to meet the changes of the sound he now croons over, while maintaining the power of his metal bellow.
168-Jonas Renkse
Katatonia's shift from deathly doom to the depressive progressive is thanks to the bleak melodies of this man, whose phrasing and restraint are untouched in the metal landscape when it comes to conjuring emotion.
167 -Rod Stewart
The former Faces front-man has a voice that can not be mistaken for any other singer as it oozes with that it factor that makes him one of a kind when it comes to his natural rasp and timbre.
166-Perry Ferrell
Jane's Addiction could never replace him. His strongest work was in their earlier years, but the way his wail works sonically like an instrument broke boundaries at the time .
165-Micheal Stipe
He did his own thing from the beginning and never conformed , with each album his voice sounds better. His lower register induces goosebumps.
164-Micheal Gira
The Swans master mind has the most depressive baritone, each not more bleak than the one before it, while he is also capable of howling like a maniac.
163-Ben Folds
He not only has a great deal of control over his vocals chords , but he sings in a way that has soul baring honesty.
162-Louise Post
Unlike their more radio dominant peers, Post has more power, range and nuance to her voice than the Courtney Loves and Liz Phairs of the world.
161-Ben Harper
There is a vulnerability to his voice that sets him aside from the other neo-blues singers who cross over into rock.
No comments:
Post a Comment