Best. Voice. Ever.

[ladymadonna]

Ok. Unpopular opinion here, but Dave Matthews has an amazing range for a vocalist. He scats, he wails, he growls, he croons. Almost everyone I know thinks he is whiny at first, but once they really listen to him, they admit he has some incredible pipes.

I like Joss Stone's voice a lot, but something about her keeps me from loving her. I don't know what it is.

Aretha
Joni Mitchell
David Crosby (indeed, Stills, Nash, and Young as well)
Simon and Garfunkel
Christina Aguilera (shut up! the girl can SING!)
Tina Turner
Stevie Nicks

The whole topic is so suggestive, which is why it's fun to read. I guess my list of vocalists is based on who I really FEEL when they are singing. I'd rather hear Bob Dylan really being heartfelt while singing than a Backstreet Boy phoning it in.

[queequeg]

Oooh, no one's mentioned Dusty Springfield yet. Dusty in Memphis really is a classic album and I think it's all the more poignant because Dusty herself never realised how talented she really was.

[proper stranger]

I'd rather hear Bob Dylan really being heartfelt while singing than a Backstreet Boy phoning it in.

I agree. There's a difference between having a great voice (technically proficient) and being a great singer (being able to convey the lyric of a song). Me? I prefer a great singer.

Not yet mentioned: Judy Garland. She put so much aching emotion into her songs.

Did anyone mention Frank Sinatra? 'Cause I will. He actually became a better singer, IMO, once his voice was not as technically perfect as it was in his early "crooner" days.

Also seconding any votes for Freddie Mercury, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, George Michael, Aretha and Dusty Springfield.

[kateln]

ladymadonna said:

Ok. Unpopular opinion here, but Dave Matthews has an amazing range for a vocalist. He scats, he wails, he growls, he croons. Almost everyone I know thinks he is whiny at first, but once they really listen to him, they admit he has some incredible pipes.

I'll agree with you on this. Dave Matthews is very sexy when he's singing.

[lefty]

Sebastian Bach (ex. Skid Row front)
Ann Wilson (Heart)
Norah Jones
Sarah MacLachlan (sp?)
Dave Gahan (DP)
Freddie Mercury
Steve Perry

[Deleted]

What? No Stevie Wonder love?

ETA: And I forgot to add Ben Harper, too. Not technically perfect, but he can convey so much emotion, and doesn't need to stick as many notes into each syllable as he possibly can.

[fanatic]

For the Broadway geek in us all:
Idina Menzel
Kristin Chenoweth
Kelly Riabke

Although these may not be technically the best, I love love love the way they sound:

Robbie Williams
Rivers Cuomo
Tegan & Sara
Nancy Wilson
Jeff Buckley
Elton John
BEN FOLDS

[tinyshoes]

How could I forget Waylon Jennings? What's wrong with me. His voice was so deep and rich and just plain badass. He could sing a Backstreet Boys song and make it sound good.

[mares]

I am going to have to agree with Fanatic about Rivers Cuomo - while he may not have the most technically great voice, I still love listening to it. I can't get enough of Weezer's new CD. Another one who fits that category would be Billie Joe Armstrong - I know that he is not the greatest singer ever, but there is just something in his voice that a lot of other singers are lacking.

[Deleted]

Best. Voice. Ever? Nat King Cole. Obviously.