The Top 200 Greatest Rock Singers -180 to 171

We are rolling along deeper into this list of the top 200 greatest rock singers. Rolling Stone's list was a travesty to here's to writing that wrong.  As stated previously I not only judged these singers according to their technical vocal ability when it comes to things like range and power, but also other dynamics brought to the table regarding phrasing and the character of their voice. Other important factors include their ability to emote from different places and how well their voice holds up on stage. If you are just making magic in the studio alone, then you might not fare so well on this list. 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.

 With that said do not expect to see a great deal of technically proficient power and progressive metal singers on here, so it cannot be said I am giving metal more of a priority, though there are some singers who might be otherwise ignored by mainstream media.  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.

 180-Frank Black

The Pixies front man has a sweetly unhinged voice that is very dynamic going from screams to sardonic sneers, back into more relaxed croons. He explored more vocals colors in his solo career.  

     

  

179-Eric Pulido 

He did not start off as Midlake's lead singer, but when Tim Smith left the band Eric stepped up and took over the mic with a hushed urgency that gives the songs a undercurrent of anxious tension while being true to their lazy 60s folk feel.   

 

  178 -Ryan Adams

The former Whiskeytown singer has had a prolific solo career. He has gone from making country albums to covering Taylor Swift, Bob Mould, Dio, and Danzig. His nuanced approach to singing makes this possible.  

 

 176-Carl McCoy 

Of all the classic goth bands it's Fields of the Nephilim front man whose voice carries the most grit. He is almost a metal singer as he can go from a croon into a growl. 

 

 175-Amy Winehouse

Stylistically she brought nothing new to the table having taken a page from Phil Spector's book of pop. Her drug use had wrecked her voice before her short career came to an end, but she did have a charisma to her voice that earned her place here. 

 

 174-Danny Kiranos 

Better known as Amigo the Devil this murder folk singer works in country street smarts and rock-a-billy croon that he can belt out with impressive power. His songs are dynamic enough to showcase this well. 

 

 173-Jim Reid 

The singer of the Jesus and Mary Chain used his cool baritone to make an impact on post-punk in the 80s. His warm yet depressive voice is detached just enough to make it all work.    

172- Carly Simon

While it would have been tempting to add Karen Carpenter to this list, somebody does it better than that somebody is Carly here. She out guns Karen and the rest of the 70s stoned housewives club in terms of vocal dynamics. 

   

171- Sturgill Simpson

This country singer is just as likely to do release a blue grass album as he is a rock album. His voice is more resonate than a your average Nashville twang. He also sings passionately about aliens and DMT.