Music. A colossal passion of mine which plays an important role for so many people out there. Everyone (should) have their favourite band of all time and hopefully a handful of singers that just “do it” for them. When I say "do it", I mean when that singer releases a sound so piercing that it sends shivers down your spine and makes you feel alive. When their vocals sound better LIVE than on the album? When they truly complement your mood, escalate your levels of happiness or shifting your mood entirely? I hope people out there feel what I feel, because those that don’t are most definitely missing out!
These special people are out there in the world, born with an amazing gift to connect, and will always have a special place in my heart. The following are my personal list of singers who I can listen to any day of the week, anytime of the day, and they will always be appreciated. I have not a created specific order, but more of a general top 10 (except for the first 2 who are my favourite). I could not manage to officially leave out treasured artists, but I also could not write up on everyone, so everyone noteworthy in my books will get a mention.
1. Chris Cornell - Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, Solo
What a voice! His variety of styles just proves what a special artist he is. I can truly say that this man has, in times of need, brought me to tears. As per previous articles, his work with Soundgarden and Audioslave are unmatched with any of his solo work, but his voice grabs the relevant targets regardless of style. Soundgarden songs such as "Hands All Over", "Fresh Tendrils" & "Tighter & Tighter" never get a listen unless I am ready for the full experience. In addition, Soundgarden's recent revival and performance on the Conan O'Brien show proved that after all his years of rocking, he still has his voice in tact and has it in him to keep on going for years to come. An all time favourite and personal number one singer.
*written before King Animal was released
2. Brandon Boyd - Incubus
The prime example of how someone can sound better live in concert than on an album. Taking nothing away from the world-class performances on all of Incubus’s albums, but just listen to Look Alive on DVD and tell me that his vocals do not move you! His voice can be appreciated by a wide range of audience, as Incubus produce music for the public, with singles such as Drive and Wish You Were Here. However, undoubtedly his best work will be found by the true Incubus fans. He sings with grace and stature, always reaching his vocal boundaries with each and every performance. An extraordinary singer of an incredible band that started in his basement, which has taken them on an unimaginable venture around the world.
3. Rob Halford - Judas Priest, Halford, Fight, 2wo
This man is regarded as one of the pioneers of heavy metal and is responsible for one of the deepest and overwhelming voices in metal. You don’t earn the nickname "Metal God" for nothing. His ability is unmatched and he is regarded as the king of the deep high pitch scream and in his prime possessed a six-octave vocal range to leave you wondering whether what you heard was possible. Just have a listen to Painkiller and you will see what I mean. He possesses a truly epic voice that cannot be compared to even the most successful rock voices in history. Rob Halford, Metal God.
4. Myles Kennedy - Alter Bridge, The Mayfield Four
An incredible singer with ability as both a guitarist and a vocalist, Myles possesses a tenor type of a vocal range that always inspires his audience. I believe Myles' best work is with his current band, Alter Bridge, although he has also performed admirably with Slash on his recent albums. He does struggle to have the same impact live as on the albums (which are truly epic), but this takes nothing away from his ability to reach those extraordinarily high notes which most people think impossible. Myles is able to dig deep and bring out those inner feelings of sensitivity and emotion which run congruently with the majority of his lyrics.
5. Lane Staley - Alice in Chains, Mad Season
One of the major founding influences of the grunge scene, Layne was a troubled product of his environment and this came through in AIC's lyrics as well as in his voice. A deep, hollowing sound would always emerge whenever he performed which is best summed up by his performance in front of an intimate crowd for Alice in Chains' Unplugged, one of his final live acts. The raw passion and hurt was clear for everyone to see. His continued battle with substance abuse ultimately caused his downfall, but his legacy will never be forgotten.
*Alice in Chains has replaced Staley with singer William DuVall who sounds remarkably similar to Staley.
6. James Hetfield - Metallica
The lead vocalist of my greatest band of all time, Metallica, with an amazing voice that has changed as time has gone by. From the high pitched, far away shrill on their debut album Kill ‘Em All to a true master class vocal display of power on Black, to a much clearer sound on the Load - James has a voice with the ability to change but this never put his rocking ability in doubt. Metallica's slower songs such as Fade to Black and Nothing Else Matters show his amazing vocal range, while his live performances match those on the albums. Metallica are one of the pioneers of heavy metal and after having had the privilege of meeting Lars Ulrich and catching James’ armband at a concert, Metallica will be forever engrained as my best band of all time.
7. Zack De La Rocha - Rage Against The Machine, One Day As A Lion
A truly radical figure with some mad ideas about the way the world should be run. His lyrics display his displeasure with the American government and worldly issues. Rage have organised rallies and protests to voice their disapproval, with Zack and his left wing antics leading the charge. That said, his passion and belief can be clearly seen in their lyrics which can make even the neutral feel intimidated. He has the best rap-rock voice of all time and even though he doesn’t "sing" in the way the others do, his booming voice always keeps me intrigued. I am hoping for one last Rage album in the future, although I highly doubt it will happen.
8. Scott Weiland - Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver, Solo
Scott has always been a favourite of mine, his voice is just so unique to others that it is difficult to describe. It is not powerful or loud, but it is extremely engaging and suits his grunge/rock genre perfectly. His on-stage persona is described by some as flamboyant and chaotic, which could be due to his fluctuating self esteem and deeply disturbed mind. I found his work with Velvet Revolver particularly impressive, combining his the STP and GnR sound to perfection.
9. Bruce Dickinson - Iron Maiden, Solo
What a legend. He never seizes to fail when entertaining live, running around from side to side, making sure that everyone in his audience gets a taste and feels wanted. In an interview, he said: “I want to make the guy at the back of the get off like the guy in the front”. Just ask one of the 250 000 fans who paid to see Maiden live at Rock in Rio in 2001. A true Brit, his opera style voice is unlike any other in the rock world. Maiden’s sound complements his voice perfectly and I see more albums to come.
*Maiden have since released Final Frontier
10. Robert Plant - Led Zeppelin, Solo
An all time favourite not only for me but for thousands of others out there, Robert Plant is can be seen as one of the most important singers in the history of rock music. In 2006, heavy metal magazine “Hit Parader” named Plant the "Greatest Metal Vocalist of All-Time". I can agree with this as his undoubted influence on the industry paved the way for others and in turn created his own legacy. He also has a successful solo career and at the age of 64 still manages to rock, hard.
There are the first 10 singers who came to my mind, but I cannot finish my write up without some other noteworthy mentions. The following pioneers offer as much, if not more, than the ones I have written on. However, I had to stop myself after the first 10, otherwise I could get a little carried away (not that I haven’t already). I know there are even more out there, but this is just a small piece of the pie.
· Ozzy Osbourne – Black Sabbath, Solo (Ozzy)
Pioneer. Godfather of Heavy Metal. Prince of Darkness. Madman. Legend.
· Ronnie James Dio – Black Sabbath, Elf, Rainbow, Heaven and Hell, Solo (Dio)
Hailed as the most powerful singer in heavy metal. Creator of the “devil horns”. Gentleman of Metal.
· Jim Morrison – The Doors
Enigma. Poet. Psychedelic. Voice like a “Booming Echo of Hollowness”.
· Freddy Mercury – Queen
Supremely powerful vocals over a four-octave range. Flamboyant stage persona.
· Kurt Cobain – Nirvana
Troubled. Most unique voice. Spokesperson of Generation X
· Serj Tankian – System of a Down
Superlative singer. Politically Driven Fighter for the Cause.
Unrivaled Passion.
Frankie this is epic stuff
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