Best. Voice. Ever.

[iwantquail]

Sarah Brightman and Etta James.

[soul]

I would like to include a relatively newbie to the industry, althouth he's done bit parts on other artists albums for quite some time.

He is Anthony Hamilton. A great interpretor of music and an excellent song writer.

I think my favorite singers wrote their own music. I guess they tailored the song to fit their voice, and it worked. I think my all-time favorite female singers were the exception to the rules, becaue they didn't write their songs. It's funny, the more modern female singers are writing, but the truly great ones (Aretha) didn't write a lick or very little of a lyric.

Sam Cooke, was one of the finest vocalist and writer to ever come into the music scene, and it looks as though Anthony Hamilton will do the same. That's if he keeps on writing for himself.

[underjoyed]

Feeling the Skye Edwards love.

I'd have to nominate Johnette Napolitano, lead singer of Concrete Blonde. Best known on "mainstream" radio for songs like "Joey" and "Caroline", and who I think has one of the best and most underrated female voices in rock. Her voice on the album "Mexican Moon", particularly on songs like "Jenny I Read" and "Jesus Forgive Me (For the Things I'm About Say)" is powerful, evocative and tough as nails. Never fails to give me the shivers.

ETA: Oh, and Patti Smith. Can't believe I forgot to include her. She's by no means got a conventionally beautiful voice, but I love its rawness. Her version of "Because the Night" drop-kicks the one by Natalie Merchant (10,000 Maniacs).

[Deleted]

JC Chasez doesn't get enough credit. He can really sing. I really love his voice.

[Deleted]

Firstly, let me third (I think) Neko Case. Oh my god do I love to hear her sing. She is just as good, if not better on stage than on record. Why must we put up with the Asslee Simpsons of the world when there are women like Neko out there??

Secondly, Billie Holiday. She's another one I can just listen to for hours. Her voice takes me away, makes me feel langorous.

[Deleted]

Michael Hutchence - His voice is erotic and seductive. "Need You Tonight" & "Elegantly Wasted" are my favorites for solely for his singing.

I have to second Ann Wilson and nominate her sister Nancy. Powerful and passionate vocals.

Belinda Carlisle - Her voice cracks at times and can be rough (depending on the song). However, it's what makes her distinctive.

Christina Aguilera - Her Stripped in the UK concert is worth the rental for her performance of "Walk Away."

[comfortablynumb]

foxyepicurean said:

I've gotta agree with the Duke's comment several weeks back and go with Nat King Cole. Damn, that man could make even the stupidest songs sound romantic/sexy. Too many singers sound similar--Nat's got the most unique voice I can think of.

Amen. My dad turned me on to him many moons ago, and I've loved him ever since. Also, I think Barbra Streisand has THE most beautiful voice. Sadly, IMO, if I sang like her, I'd probably be a horrible diva too. I would have my own thread, and you folks would be dissing me all the time, and I wouldn't care.

PS. I'm really not like that at all, but I'm pretty sure that in that circumstance I would be.

[Deleted]

I realized I'd come up with my pick for best male voice ever but neglected the wimmins. For me it's Patsy Cline. Don't particularly like her music but her voice stops me in my tracks every time, especially on "Crazy."

[dwanollah]

Patsy and Billie Holliday have a lot in common, vocal-style wise. They slide in and out of the notes. I dig that.

[Deleted]

Me too, Dwan. Smoothe as buttah.