Now we are getting deeper into the second half of the list, harder choices are having to be made. I am having to be more honest with myself in what we are doing here which is focusing not only on technical vocal ability, in terms of range and power, as well as their dynamics, phrasing and the overall character of their voice. Can they emote from different places? How well does their voice hold up live? . 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. There are also not going to be any Bob Dylan like singers, who are better songwriters than vocalists.
Pop singers, are far and few between, with; 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 do their own thing, the few paying tribute to other artists made enough of an impact with their music. Having a unique vocal quality is going to be one of the most important factors often trumping technical ability. If they sound too much like Steve Perry from Journey after listening to their vocal coach rather than developing their own style, it 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.
50-Micheal Hutchence
The late great singer of Inxs was a powerhouse of energy and gut wrenching intensity in what became 80s anthems surpassing their more post-punk beginnings, thanks to what he was capable of.
49-Bryan Ferry
One of my favorite voices, but he is just that which is why he is not in the top ten. Putting the silky falsetto filled Ferry here feels pretty fair as he is not going to out gun some of these others guys and girls.
48- Sinead O'connor
If I was going to rate singers by how emotionally heavy they were able to get by pulling their guts out by way of their vocal cords then she would be at the top of the list. Her range and the scope of her work is stunning.
47-Chelsea Wolfe
She sings lullabies to the demons she wrestles with. That is what her voice is for. Sometimes she writes a rock song, but mostly she sings lullabies to her demons. No wonder she is one of my favorite singers. Darkness normally describes the sound of a band's music here it describes her voice, but she swears she is not goth... lol.
46-Trent Reznor
If you think he only wants to fuck you like an animal then you have it only half right. He can also croon out apocalyptic ballads of nihilism, and make you love his masochism.
45-Axl Rose
If 12 year old me made this list he would be in the top five. His disco falsetto meets heavy metal is the best. In his prime he went above and beyond what he needed to do in Kiss.
42- Ann Wilson
This bitch snag Barracuda...nuff said.
41-Justin Vernon
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