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 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.
140-Gavin Hayes
His band' Dredg's post-rock leanings were ahead of their time, as his honest croon brought a unique layer to the songs as they were melancholy but not over wrought or contrived.
139-James Graham
I saw his band Twilight Sad open for the Cure and was impressed by his moody vocals which still hold a great deal of power when he reaches into his upper register.
138-Richard Ashcroft
Despite the Smiths being my favorite band, I am pretty picky when it comes to Brit Pop. I dislike oasis, am indifferent to Blur, and dig Stone Roses, but their singer does not belong here as he always sounds like he has just woken up from a nap at a gay bar. The Verve has the benefit of Ashcroft on the mic who is capable putting some balls and emotion into his voice, which makes them stand out from the pack.
137-Lita Ford
The best singer in the Runaways sure as hell was not Cherie Curie, nor was it Joan Jett. Lita is able to belt it out with a sultry howl, that gave her more range than even many of her male counterparts in the 80s
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136-Devon Graves
When it comes to progressive metal neither Psychotic Waltz got the recognition they deserved. His high pitched wail has more identity and haunting depth than the cut and past Geoff Tate worship bands like Kamelot and Fates Warning employ, which is why he made the list and they did not.
135-Bono
I am sure many readers might wonder why he did not place higher. "Achtung Baby" was the last interesting album he made, before becoming a parody of himself. It became the thing where an artist's present sullied my memory of their past. It cannot be denied he was a groundbreaking singer when his band hit the scene, with a powerful voice and great falsetto.
134-Lydia Ainsworth
Sure, there is plenty of influence from the likes of sirens such as Kate Bush to her voice, but rather than wearing it on her flowing sleeves she has woven into her own thing. She is equal parts delicate and great depth in her tone.
133- Neil Fallon
There is an energy to the burly bellow of the Clutch front man that sets him apart from other blues influenced rock singers that belt from their chest register like he does. his use of inflection and phrasing keeps clutch songs from riding too uniform of a groove.
132-HR
The only way I can reggae is by way of Bad Brains. Bob Marley and Peter Tosh were always too high to throw their voice around or scream their brains out like HR is capable of. he has more grit to his voice, but is not limited by it, he took punk to places it did not know it wanted to go.
131-Joe Elliot
His voice has changed over the years , which has allowed Def Leppard to not get stuck in the pigeon hole of hair metal. In his prime, he could get up there with the best of them, now his voice has mellowed with age.
